Emoh
by Lou Barlow
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jan 25, 2005
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19

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  1. brianm
    Mar 10, 2005
    9
    Lou's most consistant solo work to date. Emoh bears more relation to his Folk Implosion and Sentridoh work than to his work with Sebadoh. The production is mid-to-hi fi but musically is grounded in his best acoustic strumming. This is a great starting place for people who missed Sebadoh or the Folk Implosion and a good reminder of just how good Lou is at music for those who have forgotten.
  2. JasonF
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    This one really grew on me. I was going back and forth listeing to "Emoh" and the new Bright Eyes CD, but found I always went back to Emoh to figure out what chorus it was that I woke up to in my head while drinking my morning coffee. The songs seem to haunt me at all hours of day and night -- and I am immediately lured back into listening to it. Sebadoh, it's not -- but c'mon This one really grew on me. I was going back and forth listeing to "Emoh" and the new Bright Eyes CD, but found I always went back to Emoh to figure out what chorus it was that I woke up to in my head while drinking my morning coffee. The songs seem to haunt me at all hours of day and night -- and I am immediately lured back into listening to it. Sebadoh, it's not -- but c'mon people, let's admit it. We've all grown up.… Expand
  3. RussellW
    Jan 26, 2005
    10
    Great record, lovely songs -- sincere, confident, no-frills. A must for Lou Barlow/Sebadoh fans.
  4. allenm
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    Not as instant as some Folk Implosion stuff, but after a while it really grows. A couple of Lou's best songs on here, and his voice just gets better. Some of the songs are better live, but he has tried to add a bit of variation to the album, which will hopefully give it wider appeal. Keep Rockin' Lou. Now go buy it, before everyone jumps on the Dinosaur Jnr bandwagon.
  5. [Anonymous]
    Mar 31, 2005
    7
    Lou's still a solid songwriter, though this is a bit too smooth and mellow for my tastes... I mean, my parents would probably enjoy this. That said, it's consistent (if overlong) and easy on the ears; a nice little album.
  6. ErichS
    Mar 16, 2005
    9
    The last couple of Sebadoh albums left me cold with their unwillingness to depart from formula. "Emoh" doesn't really go out on any musical limbs but it's refreshing to hear Barlow's mellow voice supported by some really catchy songs. This is definitely a throwback and that's a good thing.
  7. jasonc
    Apr 24, 2005
    9
    easy to dismiss at first listen i've grown to love this set of songs.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Drowned In Sound
    80
    ‘Emoh’ is revealing at all times, but utterly dignified throughout, and it’s a wonderful solo record.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    83
    On these subtly lovelorn songs, his voice quavers with a grounded, lived-in authority. [Feb 2005, p.92]
  3. PopMatters
    40
    Beyond its opening hat trick, Emoh dissolves into a retread of the same psychic wound, recycling the same themes with less inspired, more pedestrian results.
    Read full review
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