Wakin on a Pretty Daze
by Kurt Vile
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Apr 9, 2013
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Apr 15, 2013
    60
    Kurt Vile's sweetly slack fifth LP kicks in with a nine-and-a-half-minute song about taking a walk, hits peak stoner wonder in a song called "Air Bud" and fills in the spaces with trank-darted Dinosaur Jr. licks.
  2. The Quietus
    Apr 11, 2013
    60
    The lack of immediacy isn't Vile's biggest problem here: it might seem trivial, but Wakin On A Pretty Daze is his first release that doesn't improve upon his last.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 25, 2013
    50
    The songs of his that have stood out most are the ones that at least try to meet the listener halfway, the ones that betray the deep-seeded enthusiasm underlying Vile’s laid-back, stoner(-esque — he’s a family guy, now) cool. While such material can still be found on Wakin on a Pretty Daze, locating it is becoming more and more of a chore.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 8, 2013
    40
    Sadly, WOAPD is devoid of the sly wit of Vile's early material, and consists of mid-paced alt rock, reminiscent of the Dandy Warhols in a coma.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 60
  3. Negative: 1 out of 60
  1. helloitsandrew
    Jul 3, 2013
    10
    As well as Kurt Vile's infectious songwriting and vocal delivery that charms you with bucketloads of personality, what is most beautiful aboutAs well as Kurt Vile's infectious songwriting and vocal delivery that charms you with bucketloads of personality, what is most beautiful about this record is the production and the instrumentation. The instrumental section in Goldtone, for example, is heavenly the warm vibraphone and hazy percussion give the track such a nice, summery feel. Over all, this record is a masterpiece of production, and succeeds similarly due to Vile himself, who presents himself as a wonderfully engaging singer-songwriter.… Full Review »
  2. CityOfDaughters
    Apr 30, 2013
    10
    I joined this website just to write a review for this record. Top notch songwriting from beginning to end, first rate production, and endlessI joined this website just to write a review for this record. Top notch songwriting from beginning to end, first rate production, and endless creativity and attention to detail. It seems effortless and bland at first, but Wakin' On A Pretty Daze rewards you further with every listen. I haven't heard a better record since Destroyer's Kaputt. This record WILL BE a classic some day. So get ahead of the times and some day you can tell your children you knew of Kurt Vile before Rolling Stone actually gave him a good review. I'm in love with every second of this beast. It's good to be alive.… Full Review »
  3. Recomedia
    Apr 16, 2013
    9
    Wakin on a Pretty Daze is Kurt Vile’s follow up to the critically acclaimed 2011 release, Smoke Ring for My Halo. I remember reading a KurtWakin on a Pretty Daze is Kurt Vile’s follow up to the critically acclaimed 2011 release, Smoke Ring for My Halo. I remember reading a Kurt Vile review on Pitchfork by Jayson Greene that summed up his music perfectly. When you go to listen to a Kurt vile record, it is like reaching for a glass of water. It isn’t going to blow you away with anything overly sweet, but it is going to be satisfying. That is exactly the analogy I would use for the new album as well. There is something about the way it effortlessly flows through the speakers that sounds so natural and just plain cool. This is a man who is confidently making the music that he wants to make and you get the sense that even if no one was listening, he would still be doing it...

    Read more http://www.recomedia.net/music/kurt-vile-wakin-on-a-pretty-daze/    … Full Review »
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