The Good Feeling Music of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
by Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Mojo
    80
    This may sound wilfully eclectic but actually hangs together, bound by May's showman-like vocals. [Mar 2009, p.109]
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  2. Paste Magazine
    76
    What The Good Feeling lacks in variation it makes up for with clever turns of phrase and simple, contagious melodies.
  3. AllMusic
    70
    Definitely track down 'Meet Me in the Garden' as it stands head and shoulders above the rest of the album, but give the rest a chance too.
  5. Under The Radar
    70
    Dent May announces his entry into the high school talent contest that is the world of literate, quirky pop. And, with its mix of equal parts Jens Lekman, Jonathan Richman, and Clem Snide and with hints of everyone from The Beach Boys to Joe Jackson, Feel Good Music is a worthy submission. [Winter 2009]
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  6. Drowned In Sound
    70
    With that image and, indeed, package, May will no doubt divide opinion and make certain people sick of him just by his very look and reflective genre, but to anyone with time to spend and ears to analyse he will be a speccy hero; a champion of triumphant performance irrespective of that well-practised image.
  7. musicOMH.com
    60
    As its title rightly suggests, this is a feel good slice of fun best served with a cocktail in hand.
  8. Prefix Magazine
    60
    The Good Feeling Music Of...is good for a few plays and might raise a few smiles along the way.
  9. Uncut
    60
    There's some good stuff here. [Mar 2009, p.92]
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  10. Q Magazine
    60
    12 songs of charming inconsequence that briefly make the world a slightly better place. [Mar 2009, p.105]
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  11. No Ripcord
    60
    Most significant is how amazingly catchy the album is. Sure, it might be a bit vacuous lyrically, but Dent May sure can write hooks.
  12. cokemachineglow
    59
    Dent May has a firm grasp on his ukulele, debuting his skill through an adept, kitschy, brief, and rarely but sometimes resplendent album, but he’s still forevermore a novelty.
  13. Pitchfork
    55
    If you can look past these cringe-inducing moments, The Good Feeling Music occasionally lives up to its title.
  14. Austin Chronicle
    50
    May's album is laced with talent, but ultimately the whimsy undermines rather than accentuates his best moments.
  15. The A.V. Club
    42
    May claims to be a devotee of Lee Hazlewood, and admittedly, that genre lends itself to cheese, but there’s a big difference between Velveeta and a good, fatty brie.
  16. Tiny Mix Tapes
    40
    But as difficult as it may be to overlook the flaws on this record, May somewhat redeems himself with, heaven forbid, mere quaintness.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. samg
    Feb 12, 2009
    9
    This record grows over time. "Meet Me in the Garden" might be the best track, but the others you have to spent time with.
  2. AndrewK
    Feb 7, 2009
    5
    After hearing the single "Meet Me In The Garden" early in the year I sought this out and gave it a few listens. While most tracks are decent After hearing the single "Meet Me In The Garden" early in the year I sought this out and gave it a few listens. While most tracks are decent enough on the first listen they don't make a lasting impression. Download "Meet Me In The Garden" and then leave the rest.… Full Review »
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