Showtunes
by Stephin Merritt
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Mar 14, 2006
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Slant Magazine
    60
    There can be too much of a good thing, and making your way through all 26 tracks of Showtunes will definitely leave you with a tummy ache.
  2. Mojo
    60
    Like Weimar cabaret Gilbert & Sullivan. [Apr 2006, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Under The Radar
    60
    As a concept, this is an excellent work, filled with flashes of greatness. But as an album, Showtunes is often dragging and uneven. [#13, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The Guardian
    40
    Merritt is a witty writer but, particularly after the frequently magnificent 69 Love Songs, that wit is becoming over-familiar.
  6. Q Magazine
    40
    Highly theatrical, camp and not a little shrill. [Apr 2006, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. jeffb
    Apr 1, 2006
    9
    These songs are MUCH better when integrated within their whole mini operas. iTunes has all three of them. Strange but beautiful stuff. Lots These songs are MUCH better when integrated within their whole mini operas. iTunes has all three of them. Strange but beautiful stuff. Lots for the Merritt/Fields fan to grab to.… Full Review »
  2. joshn
    Mar 23, 2006
    3
    It's gets a three for "Shall We Sing a Duet" and it's reprise, otherwise I will never listen to any other song on this album. It's gets a three for "Shall We Sing a Duet" and it's reprise, otherwise I will never listen to any other song on this album. Reviews make it sound like listenable showtunes when actually it just pradles on to the point of irritation.… Full Review »
  3. ChazM
    Mar 19, 2006
    1
    This album is utterly unlistenable, except for by critics hoping to make a point in the already frustrating spectrum of "Indie Rock." By the This album is utterly unlistenable, except for by critics hoping to make a point in the already frustrating spectrum of "Indie Rock." By the way, I do love 69 love songs… Full Review »
See all user reviews »