The Difference Between Me And You Is That I'm Not On Fire
by McLusky
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The A.V. Club
    90
    Dark and delightful.
  2. Spin
    83
    Cryptic and cutting. [Aug 2004, p.108]
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    It’s darker in tone than its predecessor and it sounds meaner and more sarcastic in spirit. And while Steve Albini is back at the dials on production, ‘Fire’ sounds so raw it leaves you with the impression that he tackled every track individually with a power-sander.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    An invigorating and glorious mess of undistilled Rock fury.
  6. Playlouder
    80
    It’s good fun, it’s a scream, and it stands up well to the likes of '...Do Dallas'.
  7. Alternative Press
    80
    There are a number of joyous moments of six-string clang and rhythmic dynamism... that are positively invigorating. [Aug 2004, p.104]
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  8. No Ripcord
    80
    Occasionally sounding like an air-raid in progress, as in 1956 And All That, Mclusky fortunately prove to be more than a one trick pony by the time grinding, pulsing closer Support Systems draws to an end.
  9. ShakingThrough.net
    74
    Granted, there are still "classic" two-minute exercises in self-immolation (the bleak "Icarus Smicarus" and pulverizing "Lucky Jim" stand out), but nothing that exceeds -- or approaches -- Dallas' chaotic brew.
  10. Pitchfork
    72
    Unfortunately, "She Will Only Bring You Happiness" isn't a single, and there a dozen other tracks to account for, none of which live up to that song's pop splendor, and few of which even come close.
  11. Q Magazine
    70
    Mclusky are unique and getting better. [Jul 2004, p.118]
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  12. Drawer B
    70
    If the fact that Albini seems to bury Falkous’ yelps behind too much dissonance bothers you, there’s plenty of joyous wreckage to revel in.
  13. PopMatters
    70
    A varied and engaging record, The Difference... still lacks the immediacy of Dallas, though the group continues to exude the same appealingly unhinged qualities that made their previous album so damnedably riveting.
  14. Magnet
    70
    It sounds industrial on paper but comes off more like a hybrid of post-punk and noise pop. [#64, p.100]
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  15. Stylus Magazine
    60
    It’s not mush, it’s just not quite as gleefully obvious as Mclusky Do Dallas was. But, by the same token, they’re not just treading the same ground.
  16. Blender
    60
    This set bogs down when the band flaunts its slow-chug technique at the expense of hooks and jokes. [#27, p.139]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. SeamusF
    Jun 14, 2004
    9
    Sounding more like a follow-up to Queens of the Stone Age's excellent "Songs for the Deaf" than their own breakthough "Mclusky Do Sounding more like a follow-up to Queens of the Stone Age's excellent "Songs for the Deaf" than their own breakthough "Mclusky Do Dallas," this band seems ready to challenge for the punk-metal crown. While "Dallas" was more about talking credible, gangsta-esqe trash to other bands, "Difference" brings forward recent and historical influences -- listen for notes of The Fall, Nirvana, and the Sex Pistols, without really ripping off any of those. Trust me, this is a good thing. This is a band that's coming into its own, and one I'm looking forward to enjoying in the years ahead.… Full Review »
  2. CraigL
    May 21, 2004
    10
    Album of the year. Nobody can match the rockingness, catchiness, or mega hilariousness of McLusky. The greatest band alive.
  3. markf
    May 20, 2004
    8
    Thank you, Metacritic for finally including Mclusky (that's the correct spelling.) I think that you undeinterpreted DIY's rating, Thank you, Metacritic for finally including Mclusky (that's the correct spelling.) I think that you undeinterpreted DIY's rating, but no biggie. I probably give this one about an 8.5, but I think "Mclusky Do Dallas" is stronger even though that album told everyone to "F**K This Band.' This new album basically has Mclusky telling EVERYBODY to F**k themselves, we don't give a shit. All Mclusky seems to want to do is fry their bassline into your brain and hope that you will repeat their mantra that "our ex-singer is a sex criminal." Of course, the fact that they can make such complete horse-pucky so convincing is part of their charm, and I do mean charm. Female punks will have to converge at Mclusky concerts. I'd better stop before I either sound too sexist or some kinda enterpreneur.… Full Review »
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