Fast Man Raider Man
by Frank Black
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. AllMusic
    70
    If it weren't for the album's studio polish, it'd feel like an extremely well-recorded concert -- it has the ebb and flow of a good live set, and its expansive warmth ends up making its length work in its favor.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    That rare double album with enough life in it to deserve that much real estate. [Aug 2006, p.208]
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  3. Billboard
    70
    [A] compendium of mostly refined Americana, albeit filtered through Black's uniquely cockeyed worldview.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Black's voice is less interesting when he's not going postal with the Pixies; here he delivers dark visions wanly, with a nod to Nick Cave and a saving touch of camp.
  6. Filter
    78
    It's impossible to decide whether Black is tourist or guide in the land of dusty genres he evokes. [#21, p.102]
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  7. Mojo
    70
    While it might've been more digestible as a single CD, Black strives for a wide scope that makes the album's elegant songcraft, musical telepathy and poetic unpredictability all the more satisfying. [Aug 2006, p.104]
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  8. musicOMH.com
    60
    Fast Man Raider Man is simply too long, and, as such, a dilution.
  9. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Where Black's muse was once shrieked and otherworldly, it's now distinctly earth-bound. [17 Jun 2006, p.37]
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  10. Observer Music Monthly
    40
    Fast Man/Raider Man is sluggish country rock.
  11. Pitchfork
    64
    There is a very good album here-- you just have to work for it.
  12. Playlouder
    40
    While there are some moments of greatness (the menacing, psychedelic 'Dog Sleep', the mournful, pretty 'Don't Cry That Way'), the majority of this double album is dull, turgid and instantly forgettable.
  13. PopMatters
    50
    There is certainly enough solid material here for an album, but Black has committed one of the cardinal sins of modern music: this is too damn long.
  14. Prefix Magazine
    50
    Fast Man Raider Man isn't your father's Frank Black; it's Frank Black for your father.
  15. Q Magazine
    40
    At its worst, only the quality of the backing band distinguishes it from pub rock. [Jul 2006, p.112]
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  16. Spin
    60
    The playing is impeccable, Black's subtly warped songs uneven. [Jul 2006, p.82]
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  17. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    It’s Frank Black on his first real roll as a solo artist.
  18. The Guardian
    60
    The work of a middle-aged man with little to prove: amiable, assured, seldom surprising.
  19. Uncut
    30
    Much of it is endurance-defyingly dull. [Jul 2006, p.84]
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  20. Under The Radar
    50
    Oddly, the songs here are actually quite good and are played , well but Black’s nasal voice is at odds with some of the genres he’s exploring. [#14]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. pallll
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    One of the best album of Frank Black. Nevertheless, many songs would have deserved to be better produced.
  2. AlexF
    Sep 20, 2006
    7
    A bitter pill to swallow for most Pixies fans and even those of Frank Black's early solo work. That being said, I think this record is A bitter pill to swallow for most Pixies fans and even those of Frank Black's early solo work. That being said, I think this record is pleasant, but overlong. There's some really good songs in there, but you have to find them amongst some boring filler. (Yes, Frank Black can be boring!) Which isn't to say it is bad. Just not something that makes your ears perk up and listen intently.… Full Review »
  3. RatCore
    Sep 19, 2006
    6
    It's a good cd overall, lots of good tracks. But too many tracks overall. Should have been made into one cd with the best ones. It's a good cd overall, lots of good tracks. But too many tracks overall. Should have been made into one cd with the best ones. Standouts: Wanderlust, If your posing gets you, it's down to you, raiderman, its just not your moment.… Full Review »
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