Six Demon Bag
by Man Man
  • Record Label: Ace Fu
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2006
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    90
    Live it’s easy to ignore the subtleties of the songs, which makes Six Demon Bag a different, but equally great experience.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    90
    Man Man's music will irritate you, make you laugh, put you off and then bring you back for more.
  3. Spin
    83
    Here they fe-fi-fo-fum with the exacting crankiness of carny punks who've seen it all. [Mar 2006, p.95]
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  5. Pitchfork
    83
    This time out, Man Man's less sloppy but just as ramshackle, as if the snaps and crackles are the band's diversion from actually writing the record.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    83
    A subtle improvement on the band’s debut.
  7. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    A demented, twisted, and exuberant journey through a hip musical funhouse.
  8. Under The Radar
    80
    Sharpen[s] the band's lurching marching band rhythms and broaden[s] their carnival show clatter while retaining most of the band's unkempt self-possession. [#13, p.97]
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  9. Magnet
    80
    Sounds like the soundtrack for a post-apocalyptic street carnival. [#71, p.105]
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  10. Uncut
    80
    A great album but, compared to their live shows, this is like listening to a circus. [Aug 2006, p.100]
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  11. Billboard
    80
    Man Man exhibits a varied flair for macabre theatrics that includes a veritable world's fair of chaos and creation.
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  12. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    They’ve gotten good at re-creating in the studio the sound of a dingy rock venue in full throb.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    70
    The solution to enjoying this album, then, is to not ask it to provide heavy drama, high art, or fiery revolt – it's just pop music with a slight twist, and it's first and foremost about having a good time inhabiting glamorous guises and histrionic voices.
  14. Dusted Magazine
    70
    Each moment of each song is completely unpredictable, to the point where even after multiple listens some of these transitions still seem to come out of nowhere.
  15. cokemachineglow
    69
    Six Demon Bag’s a romp, short but sprawling, careful but passionate.
  16. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    [They cram] boozy Brecht-flavored shout-alongs into shaggy waltz and oompah rhythms, with plenty of jazzy, engaging instrumental colors and occasionally annoying vocal tics. [24 Feb 2006, p.65]
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  17. Alternative Press
    60
    More power to those who can do it, but from this perspective, it's nearly impossible to enjoy Man Man's Six Demon Bag while sober. [Apr 2006, p.222]
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  18. AllMusic
    60
    Most of this stuff is just too damn weird for all but the most experimental music listener.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Vampire25
    Nov 24, 2012
    8
    Six Demon Bag is one of those records that continually manages to surprise me with each listen. At first, there carnivalesque sound and anticsSix Demon Bag is one of those records that continually manages to surprise me with each listen. At first, there carnivalesque sound and antics could completely dismiss the listener, but let it grow on you and you can easily pick out the beauty of this record. Each track consists of different instruments and experimenting with different sounds, yet it still sounds like Man Man. "Van Helsing Boombox" is the standout track on this LP. All In All, it's a tough listen at first. I almost gave up, but their is beauty to behold in this wacky record. B+… Full Review »
  2. Brian
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Wow!!
  3. KevinM
    Dec 1, 2006
    10
    This is an exciting album that will constantly surprise you, screaming, shouting, chanting, and mourning, some great vocals go on in this This is an exciting album that will constantly surprise you, screaming, shouting, chanting, and mourning, some great vocals go on in this album. I love every single track from start to finish. Everytime Van Helsing Boombox comes on I have to whistle along, it's not even a choice anymore.… Full Review »
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