My Name Is Buddy
by Ry Cooder
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Mar 6, 2007
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    It adds up to a light-hearted, sometimes poignant elegy for the American working man and his music.
  2. PopMatters
    90
    As great as Chavez Ravine was, My Name Is Buddy is more thoroughly successful, possessing a stronger musical identity and top-notch songwriting throughout.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Although serious themes are threaded throughout, it's light compared with Cooder's last work, the "Chavez Ravine" account of cultural displacement, politics and baseball. Maybe for that very reason, this is a better listen.
  5. The Guardian
    80
    The concept may be laboured, but the music is entertaining.
  6. Boston Globe
    80
    The music can be enjoyed apart from the story, but either way, this is a must-have for true Cooder fans.
  7. Uncut
    80
    It's frequently wistful, sad and nostalgic. Yet Cooder's eccentric storytelling style and his prankish, Sufjan Stevens-ish take on Americana also sounds oddly contemporary. [Apr 2007, p.99]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Mojo
    80
    Full of curios and cameos, My Name Is Buddy falls short of masterpiece but is dense with wonderful music. [Apr 2007, p.100]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Billboard
    70
    Cooder has fine musical companions on his journey. [10 Mar 2007]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Q Magazine
    70
    Another of Cooder's worthy experiments. [Apr 2007, p.117]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Hot Press
    70
    It’s a little long at 17 tracks, and hard to take in one sitting, but these songs present Americana in such an oddly compelling way that it’s almost impossible to ignore.
  12. Paste Magazine
    70
    This is not a record meant for parsing, though there are certainly some standout tracks... Instead it's meant to be consumed like you would a favorite book. [May 2007, p.64]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    Musically, Cooder employs the pitch-perfect instrumentation that he's famous for.
  14. Hartford Courant
    60
    Although the folk songs fit the theme of the album, they don't showcase Cooder's skills as a composer.
  15. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    Cooder's guitar work is lyrical as always, but the songs... are oppressively cutesy and faux naive. [9 Mar 2007, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. The New York Times
    50
    The first half of “My Name Is Buddy” may not be for those who get their news from sources other than old social-realist novels, aren’t serious cat-fanciers or are older than 12. [5 Mar 2007]
  17. NOW Magazine
    40
    Whether anyone outside of the NPR listening audience actually gives a shit about what clever socio-political points Cooder is trying to make metaphorically is difficult to say.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. MickT
    Mar 28, 2007
    8
    This is a great album because it is a vision brought to life, and done so with great skill and care for the nuances in music..tone and space This is a great album because it is a vision brought to life, and done so with great skill and care for the nuances in music..tone and space and melody. This album captures the essence of Ry Cooder, but is not like other Ry albums. This is more like a story-scape. It's refreshing to hear an artist make a statement they want to and not pander to what they have done, or what people expect them to do. This is querky, skillfull and soulful...Ry Cooder. Yes, selfishly I would like to see more songs like Sundown Town and 3 Chords and the truth, but he gives me something else..he lets us into his imagination and view of contemporary music.… Full Review »
  2. JasonK
    Mar 26, 2007
    9
    Wonderful imagery, but requires multiple listens. This album has really grown on me unlike anything recently. Just the first cut is worth Wonderful imagery, but requires multiple listens. This album has really grown on me unlike anything recently. Just the first cut is worth owning the album for, but after 10 listens I prefer to hear the whole darn thing. The artwork is stunning as well...hope they put out a vinyl version with larger prints. Unique, charming, full of humor, topical and great for driving. I really love this album. Thanks Ry!… Full Review »
  3. RainerS
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    It's nice to see Ry Cooder return to the Purple Valley, albeit with a little less pizzazz. People denouncing Buddy as cutesy should take It's nice to see Ry Cooder return to the Purple Valley, albeit with a little less pizzazz. People denouncing Buddy as cutesy should take a refresher course in humor and remember that it never hurts to put your tongue in your cheek once in a while (mind you, not all the time). And if you still think it's that bad, you can always tune out the lyrics. The music can hold its own any day.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »