Stephen Deusner is one of the guys at Pitchfork that I trust. He's done some good writing in the past. Granted I haven't heard the new Strokes album, but Deusner gives the picture that they are a band suffering a bit of an identity crisis while sticking to their formula. Overall it sounds like it'll be a good album and the 5.9 score is a bit low for the cred he gives the band for doing what they do well.

5.9 is a joke. Reverse the numbers and you've got it. It's such a fucking great album.

The number matters to music consumers that count on PFM to dictate what they should buy. It won't matter to people who love the Strokes and who actually take the time to READ the review. Deusner states the obvious about the band's failure to "save rock n' roll", etc. but he gives the band credit where credit is due... tight rhythms, good songs, etc. Casablancas' lyrics have never been Dylanesque, but really who gives a shit? When I listen to the Strokes, I listen for the groove and the style. They fulfill my expectations, which aren't low or high, and I'll buy the album regardless of what PFM says.

Dalen, you are generous to a fault with sharing music, and stay unbelievably up-to-date with new releases, but I'm with Timmy Joe. What records don't you like? I'm beginning to trust your raves like I trust a Gene Shalit movie review. The Arctic Monkeys? The Strokes a 9.5? Still appreciate you, but for Chrissakes.

that's the real problem right there. with PFM giving a review like that, that IMO is absurd, many people that might really enjoy the album won't give it a listen. that's a damn shame.

but, fair play to PFM.

look, i've very outspoken about the music i like. of course i don't expect everyone in the fucking world will agree. there's lot's i don't care for, but tend not to waste my time ripping it apart on a daily basis. i'd rather focus on what i enjoy.

and yes. AM and The Strokes are ace.

I know he disliked the Art Brut record for one, and the new Strokes album is good.

metacritic has them at a 71 avg I believe for reviews.

I'm not sold on them as per my previous postings. It would really take a miracle of a song for these guys to gain my respect at this juncture. Still, I am interested to see what all you fans think about it, and how it will sell. All the record stores (independent & chain) have a light-up Strokes countertop display, so its fairly high profile.

i agree with dalen.....

funny thing is...i wasn't really a strokes fan, but this album..converted me

i laughed when i saw the score they gave it.....freakin joke...

I bought this today and I've only heard it twice but I was a little bit disappointed.

There are some strong tracks (the opener 'You Only Live Once' stuck out) but there also seems to be a bit of filler and sections of the album seemed, well, a little boring.

I'd say it has plenty scope to grow on me but right now it seems a step down in quality from the last album.

whoops sorry, meant to edit not quote.

(+1)

Is that pronounced DOUCHE-ner?

I guess you haven't read his comments on LCD Soundsystem. He's vocal on what he likes but I've seen him be equally vocal on what he thinks is shit.

As for The Strokes, I'm loving the album. And I have been harsh on them in the past for being a bit lazy.