Poignant and powerful. [Aug 2017, p.110]

They churn and drone their way through five epic tracks culminating in the 16-minute And I Will, a pop-psycho-trip of wailing voices and flutes. At this late stage in the game, it's excellent behaviour. [Mar 2018, p.104]

Darnielle's striking way with a phrase makes songs about Milky Ways for breakfast and smelly flats into things of quiet wonder. [Mar 2004, p.107]

Over time, a soulful, joyous record reveals itself. [Sep 2014, p.103]

Veteran art-punks reinvent themselves 35 years on. [Feb. 2011, p. 125]

There's nothing so prosaic as choruses, but there's warmth to spare. [Nov 2007, p.137]

Civilians is the most approachable and coherent of his recent offerings. [Oct 2007, p.98]

[A] wonderful album of covers showcasing his mastery of pianistic romance, witticism and flourish. [#361, p.116]

A mind-expanding trip for sonic explorers. [Mar 2017, p.107]

This time around Petty's Heartbreakers have brought out the very best in the man himself. [Sep 2014, p.102]

If an album's ever demanded the description "plangent" or "mellifluous", it's here. [Dec. 2011 p. 128]

Despite a late lapse into mediocrity, the good here far outshines the bland. [Feb 2003, p.96]

One Part Lullaby's chugging, folk/soul interface and tagged-on beats has a more natural flow than before ... He's still proffering those cryptic, jittery asides ("one part lullaby, two parts fear" in the title track), but at least Lou Barlow's music sounds relaxed these days.

It's a stride towards true excellence. Although likely to remain a cult item, The Beta Band are now easier to embrace than ever, less pastoral and more direc, courtesy of a clear, sharp, intensely rhythmic new sound... [#180, p.97]

They've still managed to convert their technological shortcomings into some fuzzed-out, genuinely energised rocking. [Jul 2003, p.113]

Like all jokes, it's not as funny second time around. [Jul 2003, p.110]

The new "proper band" architecture well suits these touching, often funny songs. [Apr 2002, p.119]

Inevitably, it sounds dated. [Feb 2005, p.102]

There's nothing desperately new here, but it's all sharply enough executed. [Jun 2006, p.114]

There's... a core of tunefulness and celebration to their experimentation. [Apr 2007, p.118]

It might not add up to vintage Joni, but her artistic integrity and sheer class are never in doubt. [Nov 2007, p.140]

As ever, North Star Deserter doesn't pull many punches, with the bare-boned 'Warm' making the starkest of openers. [Oct 2007, p.94]

Rootsy San Diego five-piece Delta Spirit's debut is a thought provoking surprise. [Apr 2009, p.102]

Nutty Boys no more, Madness may be big men but, judging by this, not entirely out of shape. [Jun 2009, p.131]

Sparky debut from trio in thrall to US post-hardcore. [July 2010, p. 135]

Conjures up a haunting, almost mythical American landscape of lost highways and endless skies. [Dec 2011, p.137]

Hawley wields his guitar with fresh zeal, unfurling long, turbulent solos while his chocolatey baritone is less Roy Orbison, more Mark Lanegan. But the songwriting lags behind the sound. [Jun 2012, p.104]

Emotions are high, though their impact could be heightened if the band's post-hardcore sounds was less generic. [Nov 2012, p.103]