New Roman Times
by Camper Van Beethoven
  • Record Label: Vanguard
  • Release Date: Oct 12, 2004
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. Spin
    83
    A sweetly embittered geopolitical epic. [Dec 2004, p.124]
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  2. Uncut
    80
    The band's trademark cracked songcraft... is here in spades. [Nov 2004, p.99]
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  3. Junkmedia
    80
    In a way CVB's New Roman Times is on par career-wise with Rush's 2112 - well, minus the klezmer anyway.
  5. Stylus Magazine
    80
    Camper's new work is not only as strong as ever, but also more relevant than ever before.
  6. Pitchfork
    70
    Unfortunately, these high points are surrounded by plenty of semi-coherent nonsense about the wanderings of their fictional protagonist soldier boy.
  7. Neumu.net
    70
    While the dizzying mix of musical styles and absurdist lyrics is still there, Camper are a much more skilled, mature band.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    Despite some failures on the story-telling side, New Roman Times is a fantastic disc if you already happen to be a Camper Van Beethoven fan.
  9. The A.V. Club
    70
    As drama, it poses no threat to King Lear or even Quadrophrenia, but it makes for an unpredictable record that unmistakably operates in the proud tradition of CVB's past work.
  10. Blender
    70
    Moves seamlessly from ironic cock-rock and steel guitar-kissed hymns to crisply melodic pop and full-on hippie freakouts. [Oct 2004, p.116]
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  11. AllMusic
    70
    Camper Van Beethoven have pulled off the difficult trick of not only reuniting, but picking up exactly where they had left off.
  12. Billboard
    70
    An entertaining mishmash of off-kilter, raw and psychedelia-tinged rockers, jazz fusion-like instrumentals, gypsy-styled dance tracks and country hoedowns and pedal-steel twang.
  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    The songs are hit-and-miss.
  14. Q Magazine
    40
    There's too much instrumental cleverness to get to grips with the theme. [Nov 2004, p.118]
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  15. Mojo
    30
    Fails on multiple fronts. [Dec 2004, p.116]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. debh
    Feb 18, 2005
    10
    I had no doubts when I first heard that Camper came out with a new recording. Thinking what of how they sounded, and played, when I last saw I had no doubts when I first heard that Camper came out with a new recording. Thinking what of how they sounded, and played, when I last saw them ...... oh so many years ago . I was impressed then, and I am impressed now. Thank you gentlemen for this recording. I am one happy Hippy Chick… Full Review »
  2. kattlb
    Dec 2, 2004
    9
    a really smart spin on what the world has become
  3. jamesw
    Nov 16, 2004
    7
    I won't waste your time commenting on how some reviewers think CVB are the next savior or something and picking apart every little spec I won't waste your time commenting on how some reviewers think CVB are the next savior or something and picking apart every little spec of inference or meaning from all things Camper(Cracker, Monks, etc). I like Camper and I like this record. It is a few steps away from a classic, but pretty good. I saw them play live, with loaned equipment and was impressed. I had seen them before(5 times) and this show ranks right up there. I look forward to more aggressive, provoking records.… Full Review »
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