Lotta Sea Lice
by Courtney Barnett
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Oct 13, 2017
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 42
  3. Negative: 3 out of 42
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  1. BlueShadow
    Oct 14, 2017
    8
    As a huge Courtney fan I pre-ordered the album as soon as I heard about it. Glad to see the album is getting great reviews. Over Everything stands out as a mesmerising mix of catchy and calm. Peepin Tom is perfect. At first I found the rest of the album flat/bland but it's gown on me after listening a couple of times.
  2. DavidWasHere
    Oct 14, 2017
    8
    As a collab album, it makes sense that two of indie rock's biggest slacker rock stars would collab together. And they do a good job together. Kurt and Courtney (oh snap here comes the conspiracy theories!) have good chemistry together and bounce off each other well on this album, even if it feels more like Kurt's typical alt-country meets indie rock style he is known for. The guitar workAs a collab album, it makes sense that two of indie rock's biggest slacker rock stars would collab together. And they do a good job together. Kurt and Courtney (oh snap here comes the conspiracy theories!) have good chemistry together and bounce off each other well on this album, even if it feels more like Kurt's typical alt-country meets indie rock style he is known for. The guitar work is fantastic, each interweaving in and out with effortless ease. While there are parts where the songs do feel like they drag out at times, there isn't anything as tight as the lead off single Over Everything, and I wish more of Courtney's 90s indie rock style is utilized more, it's a solid collab album that makes for nice relaxation music. Or smoke some hash to it. But don't do drugs kids.… Expand
  3. kidkipster
    Oct 16, 2017
    8
    When it's original, this album truly shines. The only songs that don't quite hold a candle to the original material (Over Everything, Blue Cheese, Continental Breakfast, etc.) are the covers that Kurt and Courtney do of each other's songs (Out of the Woodwork). The covers are not bad by any means, but they all sound exactly like the original version, but with a new singer and don't reallyWhen it's original, this album truly shines. The only songs that don't quite hold a candle to the original material (Over Everything, Blue Cheese, Continental Breakfast, etc.) are the covers that Kurt and Courtney do of each other's songs (Out of the Woodwork). The covers are not bad by any means, but they all sound exactly like the original version, but with a new singer and don't really present the uniqueness of the other songs off of the album. Other than that this collaboration feels like a natural meeting of two brilliant rock artists and I can only wish for another collab album in the future from Kurt and Courtney.… Expand
  4. Music_Observer
    Nov 2, 2017
    7
    Since this album had neither an incredibly powerful story nor incredibly unique personal style, building the music on the foundation of just being genuine hindered any songs from clicking or delivering anything substantial, but the duo’s overall musicality highlighted by unique arpeggiations and strong harmonic loops made this an enjoyable listen over something that could have been moreSince this album had neither an incredibly powerful story nor incredibly unique personal style, building the music on the foundation of just being genuine hindered any songs from clicking or delivering anything substantial, but the duo’s overall musicality highlighted by unique arpeggiations and strong harmonic loops made this an enjoyable listen over something that could have been more forgettable. My Score: 126/180 (Good) = 7/10… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. No Ripcord
    Nov 8, 2017
    70
    With any other protagonists this project could become sickeningly twee, but Vile and Barnett deliver every lyric, no matter how ridiculous, with absolute sincerity. As they close with a stunning cover of Belly’s Untogether, it’s difficult to be cynical about something this utterly charming.
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  2. Dusted Magazine
    Oct 31, 2017
    80
    Lotta Sea Lice avoids the potential flippancy of a side-project, using well considered song selection and quality lyricism to drive a singular but, we hope, not a single collaboration.
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  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 24, 2017
    60
    This is an almanac for the chronically inert, best when bottling the sparks that fly as misery meets fine company. [Dec 2017, p.111]
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