Get Away From Me
by Nellie McKay
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Feb 10, 2004
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Sophisticated stuff even for a music vet; truly stunning considering McKay is only 19.
  2. The Guardian
    100
    Dizzying in its scope and ambition.
  3. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Not counting Stephin Merritt, no other under-40 approaches McKay's gift for cabaret.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Filled with just the kind of unpredictable twists and turns that you'd expect from someone who lists Doris Day as one of her idols and hopes someday to be compared to Bob Dylan. [29 Feb 2004]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Rolling Stone
    80
    McKay mixes pathos and goofiness with egghead glee.
  7. Mojo
    80
    This has wit in spades, an irrepressible love of language and genuine originality. [Oct 2004, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Blender
    80
    Her coy delivery suggests a seething everywoman concealing her rage under an ominously bright surface.
  9. The A.V. Club
    80
    Often, Get Away From Me sounds like the work of someone with decades of experience getting one shot to try every idea she's ever had. [17 Mar 2004]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Stylus Magazine
    80
    So ignore the Doris-Day-meets-Eminem descriptions you’re seeing; this is more like Kate Bush meets Phil Ochs.
  11. Spin
    75
    The record could use more songs like "David," where her bratty valedictorian wit is balanced with a sense of real emotional stakes. [Apr 2004, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. AllMusic
    70
    Get Away From Me is an exciting debut that could become a cult favorite among pissed-off girl-women of McKay's age; if she can focus her creative energy without sacrificing any of the bite of her debut, she'll become an even more impressive talent.
  13. PopMatters
    70
    McKay runs the risk of stalling out at "adorably wacky" instead of actually meaning anything at all, or rewarding multiple listens with something more.
  14. Uncut
    70
    Think Randy Newman crooned in a voice like Peggy Lee and delivered with the panache of Rufus Wainwright. [Sep 2004, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Q Magazine
    70
    A screw is definitely loose somwhere, but so what? [Oct 2004, p.128]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. ShakingThrough.net
    68
    There's no mistaking McKay's talent as a songwriter, even if, as on "The Dog Song," she still falls too easily prey to cloying preciousness.
  17. Pitchfork
    63
    With better lyrics and a longer attention span, McKay would be a jaw-dropping songwriter, but it's difficult to get sucked into a song if you don't connect with the singer.
  18. Austin Chronicle
    40
    It's sometimes hard to tell who's running the show, the major label or the major talent.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 6 out of 25
  1. DanF
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Totally unpredictable and funny and smart. What else could you ask for?
  2. ChrisH
    Jan 12, 2007
    9
    If the Bloodhound Gang went to Berekley, this would be the kind of music they would make. Hillariously brilliant album!
  3. d
    Oct 29, 2006
    10
    one of the greatest albums of the 00's
See all user reviews »