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The  Secret History, Vol. 1 Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • Summary: The vinyl-only release of some of the B-sides, Peel Sessions, and live tracks from California indie rock band's 2002 Luxe & Reduxe double-disc deluxe reissue of Slanted & Enchanted.
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  • Record Label: Matador
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Lo-Fi, Noise Pop
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Top Track

Here
i was dressed for success but success it never comes and i'm the only one who laughs at your jokes when they are so bad and your jokes are always... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Aug 12, 2015
    90
    In 2015, it sounds like Eden. But it doesn't sound dated--mainly because so many bands are still feasting on Pavement's ideas.
  2. Aug 11, 2015
    85
    Secret History gives Pavement some credit by pulling these tracks out on their own, instead of a collection of afterthoughts stuffed in the back of a remastered box set. This isn't just bonus material, this is pure Pavement gold.
  3. 80
    It's pretty intimate and will be deeply appreciated (especially the outtakes) if you're a fan.
  4. Uncut
    Aug 11, 2015
    70
    This is essentially the same clutch of B-sides, outtakes and live tracks you'll already own if you shelled out for 2002's Slanted And Enchanted (Luxe and Reduxe) edition, sans the mother album itself. [Sep 2015, p.94]
  5. Aug 20, 2015
    70
    This is material and history that has already been covered and celebrated by fans and journalists alike many times over. As a vinyl-only reissue, Matador is focused a on a very specific and very curious quadrant of consumers, but those that need what is the first in many likely volumes are assuredly still going to get their money’s worth.
  6. Aug 12, 2015
    60
    As an alternative introduction to one of our greatest bands, or a gateway towards getting to know them a little better, it is excellent. If you’re a superfan already, then the novelty of having this particular collection of songs you already own in a nice gatefold package is about as far as it will go.
  7. Aug 17, 2015
    40
    It’s hard not to be cynical about such repackaging, even if the music within is so special.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of
  2. Mixed: 0 out of
  3. Negative: 0 out of