The Slow Wonder
by A.C. Newman
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2004
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Alternative Press
    60
    Without the usual suspects, The Slow Wonder just seems like a well-produced demo of songs he's readying for Electric Version's follow-up. [Aug 2004, p.116]
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  2. Village Voice
    50
    Though there's little of the powerpuff zoom associated with the New P's here, uptempo grins like "On the Table" make denying the pleasantness of it all impossible.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. David
    Jul 10, 2005
    9
    This is a joyful, puzzling album in all the right ways. There is some New Pornography here, but especially because of the elliptical lyrics This is a joyful, puzzling album in all the right ways. There is some New Pornography here, but especially because of the elliptical lyrics (my favourite kind!) we wonder what all the jubilant force, surprising/catchy riffs, sullen mystery, and emotion-about-event is all about. Listen to mainstream FM or AM radio after this, and one realizes how much octane A.C. Newman has here and "how nothing" mainstream pop usually is. My jaded head is turned . . .… Full Review »
  2. JavinH
    Sep 20, 2004
    7
    I found some rewarding moments on this album, one of the more memorable ones being " Most of Us Prizefighters." "Miracle Drug" was what I found some rewarding moments on this album, one of the more memorable ones being " Most of Us Prizefighters." "Miracle Drug" was what prompted the purchase though. Great tunes for the most part, but a few snooze tracks. " The Town Halo" kind of sounds like a late INXS rip off - but with the addition of the rocking cello surpasses any reference. I think that the originality of the material is what carries this release by AC, not the musicianship or the sound itself. AC's is not a sound that dictates any one emotion, only an ever changing mixture. The only important thing here is where YOU take the music. With The Slow Wonder, you will get there wherever it may be.… Full Review »
  3. MarisaG
    Sep 2, 2004
    8
    I get distracted listening to the 60's and 70's influences on this album...but then I relax and realize they all come together into I get distracted listening to the 60's and 70's influences on this album...but then I relax and realize they all come together into something original and incredibly enjoyable. Good stuff.… Full Review »
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