Colin Meloy Sings Live!
by Colin Meloy
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    Live! is essential listening for Decemberists obsessives--and an excellent primer for those who aren't fans just yet. [May 2008, p.135]
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  2. Spin
    80
    A primer on British folk-revival icon Shirley Collins is the disc's most sparkling moment. [May 2008, p.103]
  3. Village Voice
    80
    But in clearing away the ear-candy clutter that's increasingly come to define his band's records (for better or for worse), Meloy enables even observers less convinced than those caught on tape to admire the tidy architecture of his material.
  5. The A.V. Club
    75
    Without a full band around him, Meloy projects his voice and lets his guitar sparkle and chime, doing greater justice to his ear for folk-y essentials.
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    70
    The whole collection is bound together with such charming confidence and good humour that you’ll easily forget any of the limitations--real or potential--of the unaccompanied unplugged concept that could have been Colin Meloy’s undoing.
  7. Under The Radar
    70
    Fortunately, Colin Meloy Sings Live! proves that The Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy's songs are as solidly built as the seagoing vessels he so readily references. [Spring 2008, p.78]
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  8. Boston Globe
    70
    Albums like this are tailor-made for devoted fans, but in this case, Colin Meloy Sings Live! gives you a glimpse of what makes the Decemberists frontman tick.
  9. Pitchfork
    65
    It's as if a bunch of people have gotten together to try and create a communal experience they don't quite believe in. It's a little depressing here, but elsewhere, the sense of irony serves the album well.
  10. cokemachineglow
    62
    Sings Live! is clearly an offering from Colin Meloy to his devoted fans who have either especially enjoyed his shows or have never had the opportunity to attend them. In that respect, this live collection achieves its (hardly lofty) goals, and for that Meloy should be applauded, perhaps not as raucously as at his shows, but, y’know, a golf clap would be appropriate.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. VerenceD.
    Apr 16, 2008
    10
    For any fan of solo acoustic folk rock this is a must buy. For those who are already fans of Colin Meloy this goes double.
  2. MattA.
    Apr 13, 2008
    10
    Made by Colin Meloy Fans...for Colin Meloy Fans. Not recommended to start out with. I suggest that you buy The Decemberist's other Made by Colin Meloy Fans...for Colin Meloy Fans. Not recommended to start out with. I suggest that you buy The Decemberist's other albums first before buying. Still, it's a personal experience in disc form.… Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    Apr 12, 2008
    8
    As a big fan of the Decemberists, it's great to hear solo versions of their songs and the new ones are nice too, but Colin is definitely As a big fan of the Decemberists, it's great to hear solo versions of their songs and the new ones are nice too, but Colin is definitely better with the whole band behind him.… Full Review »
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