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Hot Shots II
by
Hot Shots II Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length (not including a collection of EPs) from Britain's heralded Beta Band is just as eclectic as the band's first outing, combining pop and indie rock with touches of hip hop and electronica. The ten new tracks are highlighted by the singles "Squares" and "Broke." (And ifThe second full-length (not including a collection of EPs) from Britain's heralded Beta Band is just as eclectic as the band's first outing, combining pop and indie rock with touches of hip hop and electronica. The ten new tracks are highlighted by the singles "Squares" and "Broke." (And if the immodest album title reminds you of the Stone Roses' 'Second Coming,' don't worry--the comparisons end there.)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. 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.
  2. Spin Cycle
    88
    The quartet has cooled its eclectic babbling, and "Hot Shots II" whirrs and purrs like a gleeming silver sports car.
  3. Almost Cool
    80
    The group shows that their goofy sides can peacefully coexist with their harmonious, pop-song writing ones.
  4. 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.
  5. Billboard
    70
    Its most fully realized set to date.
  6. Sonicnet
    70
    This maturing band is getting closer to a fully realized vision.
  7. 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.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  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.… Expand
  2. FerranV.
    Aug 26, 2002
    10
    rich
  4. JonahH.
    Oct 23, 2001
    10
    An album that flows from beginning to end, with exception of bonus track "Won". Perfect for driving at 3am. Celestial head bops.
  5. DannyH
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    Hella awesome
  6. brody
    Dec 18, 2002
    9
    this album gets a 9 for one reason only. the bonus track, won, while it's a pretty decent song/rap experiment in its own right, totally this album gets a 9 for one reason only. the bonus track, won, while it's a pretty decent song/rap experiment in its own right, totally ruins what would have been the perfect closing of the record, "eclipse". other than the bonus track, simply amazing from start to finish.… Expand
  7. 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.… Expand
  8. Mark
    Feb 17, 2004
    5
    Not a patch on their earlier stuff. This record is dull, not mature, when compared to The Three EP's and the self-titled debut. Not a patch on their earlier stuff. This record is dull, not mature, when compared to The Three EP's and the self-titled debut. Here's hoping that their new album will be more exciting.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

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

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