Hot Shots II
by Beta Band
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Almost Cool
    80
    The group shows that their goofy sides can peacefully coexist with their harmonious, pop-song writing ones.
  2. Alternative Press
    70
    Hot Shots II recalls the repetitive excellence of 1998's The Three E.P.'s, with still more chant-like repetition and scarcely a change... [Aug 2001, p.76]
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  3. Billboard
    70
    Its most fully realized set to date.
  5. CDNow
    70
    The Beta Band evokes the lushness of '60s AM popsters the Association in its soft vocal ensembles while demonstrating an instrumental prowess ("Eclipse") that recollects the lo-fi sonic buzz of Flying Saucer Attack.
  6. Dot Music
    80
    The result is largely the mature second album that we were hoping for with Steve Mason's magical way with a tune still proving capable of injecting an awe-inspiring and yet indefinable emotional resonance to everything he touches.
  7. E! Online
    75
    The overall psychedelic mood works wonders for any self-respecting fan of the Beach Boys and David Bowie.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    On Hot Shots II, they finally veer back on track, albeit in their own charmingly wobbly way. [20 Jul 2001, p.66]
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  9. HOB.com
    70
    There are times when a few rough edges might make these songs more compelling.
  10. Ink Blot Magazine
    90
    It's not quite as immediate as, say, the Champion Versions EP, but 10 plays bear out the truth: this is the best Beta Band record yet, which means you should waste no time getting your hands on it.
  11. Launch.com
    90
    Celebrating nonsense and good sense, Beta Band make music from junk and found sounds, their quirky combo of serendipity and sample skills paying off in spades.
  12. Magnet
    80
    Unlike its predecessor's quirky pop stance, Hot Shots is defiantly, mindbendingly progadelic -- suitable for controlled-substance consumption galore. [#51, p.85]
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  13. Mojo
    70
    The key problem lies in the album's occasional sense of underachieving drift. [Aug 2001, p.104]
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  14. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    'Hot Shots II' is a dizzy, magical voyage of self-discovery - concise where its predecessor was unfocused, immediate where the pop urge was once lacking.
  15. Playlouder
    70
    One of the most distinctive and satisfying records you'll hear all summer.
  16. Q Magazine
    80
    It's a stride towards true excellence. Although likely to remain a cult item, The Beta Band are now easier to embrace than ever, less pastoral and more direc, courtesy of a clear, sharp, intensely rhythmic new sound... [#180, p.97]
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  17. Rolling Stone
    60
    Hot Shots II does its best to return to the epic soundscapes of The Three E.P.'s; the long grooves and easy melodies are back, and the band's tendency toward the diffuse has been reined in.
  18. Sonicnet
    70
    This maturing band is getting closer to a fully realized vision.
  19. Spin
    70
    It's hard to find a heart beneath the haze.... [Aug 2001, p.129]
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  20. Spin Cycle
    88
    The quartet has cooled its eclectic babbling, and "Hot Shots II" whirrs and purrs like a gleeming silver sports car.
  21. Splendid
    60
    It's good stuff, to be sure -- but if Hot Shots II excites you at all, it's probably time to lay off the pot.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Best Album of 2001
92
#92 Most Discussed Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. NickR
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    Their best album. Not a dull moment and full of ideas. Like all the best music, it sounds unique and not something you hear everyday. This Their best album. Not a dull moment and full of ideas. Like all the best music, it sounds unique and not something you hear everyday. This has to be in my all time top 5. Truly magnificent.… Full Review »
  2. AceKabob
    Jan 30, 2005
    9
    I bought this disc after hearing "Squares", "Human Being", and "Quiet" on Accuradio.com's High Fidelity channel. Outstanding disc - even I bought this disc after hearing "Squares", "Human Being", and "Quiet" on Accuradio.com's High Fidelity channel. Outstanding disc - even better than I expected.… Full Review »
  3. DannyH
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    Hella awesome
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