Utterly mesmerizing, psychedelic document of the random music made by machines and nature. [Jan. 2012 p. 127]

He never strays outside his comfort zone, but the strongest moments ... have a familiar charm. [April 2012, p.102]

The quiet, melodic Curse Your Branches - think American Music Club with superior melodies - is an open-veined, self-lacerating look at his break-up with God ("You expect me to believe that all this misbehaving grew from one enchanted tree?" he asks on the brutal Hard To Be), his subsequent alcohol issues ("All this lethal drinking is to forget about you") and his estrangement from his young daughter. [Dec 2009, p. 111]

Her second album's pithy songs of turmoil, imperfect love and drinking bring the weight of personal life experience. [Dec 2017, p.110]

By far their most effective release.

Strangely engaging.

Not everyone will want to follow Banhart's cosmic meanderings, but those who take the plunge will find much to feed their head. [Oct 2004, p.133]

[Danger Mouse's] stunning flourishes... help place Demon Days notches above any vaguely electronic release in recent memory. [Jun 2005, p.104]

As the exclaimation mark in their name suggests, their every sentiment is exaggerated, but they do do careening anxiety rather well. [Nov 2008, p.110]

For all of its denseness, America feels as panoramic and wonder-filled as the cross-country travels that inspired it. [Sep 2012, p.99]

Keeping close to Chasny's vision, Burning The Threshold offers a beautiful way into his far-out world. [Apr 2017, p.119]

Angular and unpredictable, their intricate interplay makes for enthralling listening. [Aug 2009, p.107]

There's a real and sinewy loveliness to these compositions. [Jan 2018, p.106]

Gut-wrenching, heart-rendering and brilliant. [May 2018, p.114]

It's not just the songs that have improved, but also their delivery. [May 2007, p.115]

For all the deft production touches, it's Lanza's lost-on-the-dancefloor persona, at once sensuous and mysterious, which supplies the magic touch. [Jul 2016, p.109]

Smart and occasionally even danceable, if not quite as cool as they think. [May 2005, p.111]

Most of the record is a vivid splurge of new wave, glam-rock and showtunes, armed with lyrics as punchy and memorable as their melodies. [Oct 2012, p.108]

More than the sum of their parts, if there's a collaborative sweet spot, this record hits it. [Oct 2016, p.111]

They are gorgeous recordings, never over-polished but bringing out the bright force of Staples's guitar and the grainy sweetness of his voice. [Apr 2015, p.111]

There's a substance and sense of space in these meditative moments that makes for a satisfying, deep listening experience. [Jul 2013, p.113]

This is cosmic R&B. [May 2013, p.95]

The pleasure was all ours. [May 2014, p.108]

On guard, but never defensive, The Lookout is a wonder--open-hearted, free-thinking and grown-up in all the best ways. [Jun 2018, p.116]

Chaotic, visionary and righteously pissed off, Wide Awake! feels like the perfect rock record for the times. [Jul 2018, p.113]

Staples's fire is undiminished. [Jul 2019, p.114]

It may be oversimplifying to invoke the spirit of Radiohead, but this could be Phoenix's "Ok Computer" and "Kid A" rolled into one. [Jun 2009, p.130]

Unexpectedly vibrant, like riot grrrl with tunes. [Oct 2002, p.100]