User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23

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  1. RodrigoM
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    Songs: Ohia's better produced album is a real masterpiece. An introspective country-folk rock album in the line of Neil Young's influences that could be considered as one of the best albums of the first halkf of the decade. It has it all: variety, cohesion, great instrumentations, powerfull vocals mixed with polished arrangements, but still with a raw rock sound. A unique album.
  2. davidb
    Apr 15, 2003
    9
    Gran giro musical de Jason Molina y su banda. Disco enorme, como casi todos sus anteriores. Scout Niblett está increible.
  3. MattJ
    Jan 14, 2007
    10
    One of the finest albums in this genre.
  4. PernilleR
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    Simply amazing
  5. RossH
    Feb 15, 2004
    8
    Absolutely fascinating. riveting and deeply affecting. This CD put me off for the first two playings, then I became completely addicted. The depth, complexity, clarity of feeling and sheer oddness of this vision make Magnolia Electric Company a singular achievement.
  6. DavidN
    Jan 26, 2005
    10
    This was the album I was waiting for since the earliest Songs: Ohia EP's - it makes good on all of those acoustic songs that we full of unreleased power. Here it is; powerful surging music to match the astonishing vocal and lyrical feats of Molina. And Niblett is a genius addition... the best work of her career is Peoria Lunch Box Blues.
  7. leeman
    Jun 26, 2005
    10
    ive only heard 2 songs, dark dont hide it is the best song ive heard for years. Cant wait to get a copy of the Album
  8. Nov 6, 2020
    9
    A bonafide folk rock/americana classic that takes the essence of blues and despair and distills them into an hour or so of recorded magnificence. Starting off with some gentle lap steel guitar, opening track "Farewell Transmission" builds to a rock epic frenzy over the course of its 7 minutes. "I've Been Riding With A Ghost" is a haunting and bitter lament to Molina's attempts to make aA bonafide folk rock/americana classic that takes the essence of blues and despair and distills them into an hour or so of recorded magnificence. Starting off with some gentle lap steel guitar, opening track "Farewell Transmission" builds to a rock epic frenzy over the course of its 7 minutes. "I've Been Riding With A Ghost" is a haunting and bitter lament to Molina's attempts to make a change to the road of self destruction that he found himself on. "Just Be Simple" and "Almost Was Good Enough" continue the high quality levels, mixing catchy melodies with startling lyrics full of desperation. When you read the lyrics while listening to this album the depth of gloom and the starkness of Molina's world is vivid. The rhythm of the album is slightly interrupted with the guest vocals that come in the middle of it. In some ways they keep the record fresh and it's almost like there is an appreciation that there is only so much misery the listener can safely consume."The Old Black Hen", while lyrically dark, is a traditional country folk track that sounds weirdly out of place after the masterful opening set. "Peoria Lunchbox Blues", featuring another guest vocal, this time from Scout Niblet, is more keeping with the general feel of the album. "John Henry Split My Heart" ramps things up before the beautifully mellow closer of "Hold On Magnolia". A true gem and Jason Molina's greatest work. Expand
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. It takes a colossal effort to back Molina's candor, and given what a departure this record is for the band, it's not surprising that some of the songs get bogged down here and there. It's also not much of a problem.
  2. The Magnolia Electric Co. succeeds where other albums of a similar nature fail because it has the courage to point towards what is wrong with itself and the medium through which it is presented.
  3. Uncut
    90
    The sound of a major talent gone major league. [Apr 2003, p.105]