The Mountain
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out of 10
User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings
- Summary: The third album for the Ohio rock band was produced by Mike McCarthy.
- Record Label: Fat Possum
- Genre(s): Indie, Rock
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 15 out of 17
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Mixed: 2 out of 17
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Negative: 0 out of 17
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The Mountain represents not only a point of no return and a cornerstone for the Heartless Bastards; the album's a personal triumph of desolate determination.
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The third album from this inaccurately named Austin trio opens with its title track, an epic slab of country-grunge that beautifully showcases the soulful, weathered vocals of frontwoman Erika Wennerstrom.
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The result, which is gentler and more eclectic than the Bastards' earlier releases, is also Wennerstrom's most glorious, a collection of salty, rousing rock'n'roll that'll leave you aching for a roadhouse, a sticky bar stool, and a chipped glass of bourbon.
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Angry blues stomps such as ‘Early In The Morning’ are the aural equivalent of Wild Turkey for breakfast, while ‘Out At Sea’ combines the grit and growl of the Bastards’ beginnings with a layering of sounds that’s wider, more expansive and ultimately more interesting.
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Alternative PressThe Mountain brings a new rhythm section to town--a rejuvenating transfusion for the band--and Appalachian banjo and high-art violin swirls. [May 2009, p.121]
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FilterThe Mountain may not be the repositioning kick-in-the-pants that the Heartless Bastards' peddle it as, but Wennerstorm's Midwestern maelstrom's been assuaged by new members and country/folk memes. [Holiday 2008, p.100]
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UncutIntriguingly odd in small does, Wannerstrom's cheerless, unschooled voice and rudimentary guitar chordings can get mighty oppressive over the course of 50 minutes. [Feb 2009, p.82]
Score distribution:
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Positive: 6 out of 6
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Mixed: 0 out of 6
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Negative: 0 out of 6
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BobOFeb 12, 2009
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JamPFeb 13, 2009It rules. A big improvement over the previous album.
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timmFeb 25, 2009Rocks like few others. Wennerstrom's voice is perfect for this music. Early nominee for record of the year (with AC Newman a close 2nd).
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[Anonymous]Mar 17, 2009
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RickyTheManMar 9, 2009Music (low and behold from the States) that makes you put down your Sonos controller and go out and see a show.
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MarkSFeb 18, 2009Respectable rock 'n' roll recorded poorly (at least about half of the MP3's).
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