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Alternative PressA batch of lazy mid-afternoon pop songs that only sound better when his friends from Wilco show up to sing along. [Apr 2004, p.86]
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There’s something here that most - if not all - will find thoroughly refreshing and enchanting.
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It's a pleasant listen, with twice the beauty of its predecessor 'All This Sounds Gas', but while the songs are easy to appreciate, they are difficult to love.
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Monsoon is a quietly rewarding disc, if one is willing to accept it on its terms -- as an amiable, sunny (the rainstorm on the album's cover notwithstanding) California indie rock album.
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Q MagazineThe album heats up nicely, with songs like Line It Up far easier to warm to than former Pavement buddy Steven Malkmus' solo work. [Feb 2004, p.105]
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UncutIt's a calmer, less ambitious album than 2001's All This Sounds Gas, but no less beguiling. [Mar 2004, p.92]
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Ultimately Monsoon proves an easy, agreeable listen; soft rock for graying indie-rockers everywhere.
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Overall, the album lacks the cohesion that would make it a keeper.
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The glimmers of vitality lurking around the edges of the album tend to make it all the more frustrating -- just a few more distinctive songs would've gone a long way towards making this a really solid album instead of just an intermittently entertaining one.
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There's far too much nondescript strumming and far too few meaningful hooks.
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Ultimately it makes you feel the loss of Pavement all the more.
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Mellow, shambling rock.
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It’s not as focused as it could’ve been, considering the freshness of the songs.
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It's not that Kannberg has somehow "sold out" with Preston School of Industry, but for the time being, he's clearly lost the urge to take good risks.
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MojoFor all its country rockin' appeal, Monsoon lacks the emotional charge of its predecessor. [Feb 2004, p.98]
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There are two great tracks here, three solid ones, and five complete duds.
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This album sounds like it was recorded and released as a favor from someone at the label. Truth is, the lighter that ignited All This Sounds Gas is long out of butane.
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It's not really very interesting, bold or exciting, but neither is it ever objectionable.
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During some of the more composed moments, the album manages to shine out in semi desolate wonder; but most of the time, Monsoon sounds too much like the Jonathan Richman two-piece band from There's Something About Mary to outrun the malaise of mediocrity that blankets it.
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Even Monsoon’s best moments are marred by barely audible vocals and dull lyrical abstractions.
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There are half-considered melodies, vague nods to alt-country and a general cheerlessness that often makes listening a chore.
User score distribution:
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Positive: 0 out of 1
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Mixed: 1 out of 1
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Negative: 0 out of 1
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BrianJMar 17, 2004