User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Negative: 2 out of 9

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  1. ChristineR.
    Sep 17, 2003
    6
    The band went into a big fancy studio and made everything sound so polished and precise that I think they've lost much of their indie charm. I prefer the lo-fi almost-unrehearsed sound of their previous releases. This cd just sounds like any other alt-rock album... it doesn't sound like the Dressy Bessy I know and love. If I'd never heard "Pink Hearts Yellow Moons", maybe The band went into a big fancy studio and made everything sound so polished and precise that I think they've lost much of their indie charm. I prefer the lo-fi almost-unrehearsed sound of their previous releases. This cd just sounds like any other alt-rock album... it doesn't sound like the Dressy Bessy I know and love. If I'd never heard "Pink Hearts Yellow Moons", maybe I'd like this one more. But the songs just aren't as sing-along-catchy on the new cd. Dressy Bessy released a demo for the song "Tidy" and I like it MUCH better than the final version. So I don't think they've lost the ability to write catchy tunes. I just think the lets-perfect-it-in-the-studio approach sucked all the fun and spontaneous energy out of these songs. I guess every band dreams of recording in a real studio, but I wish Dressy Bessy would realize what made them unique and great, instead of trying to change their sound. Expand

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. The album's stripped-down sound and approach may leave the listener wishing the band had found a little space for some flashy chords or glitzy orchestration to break things up a bit. Still, it is hard to argue with an album as pure and true as this.
  2. Dressy Bessy's darkest record yet is also its strongest, if only because there's a little more grit and tears mixed into the familiar, rapidly-approaching-stale sunshine-and-happiness mix.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Ealom is one cool customer, and her bandmates know their best music arises from showcasing her in all her multitracked glory. [22/29 Aug 2003, p.133]