Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

I was really hoping my opinion would change but - and this coming from a guy who loved everything Hull penned from his start up to Simple Math, still thinks Cope and Hope are pretty good, hasn't outright disliked a song he's written basically - Neighborhood is godawful. it's just this clunky, unsubtle brick to the face that grinds the album to a halt and doesn't offer any legitimately new insight whatsoever. total miss imo

Album Rating: 5.0

Can a song that's 2.5 minutes really grind anything to a halt? I don't think it's the best song here but the lyrics are quite good. Also that track was written by Devine, not Hull. They take turns here with songwriting as well as lead vocals throughout the album. Most of these tracks came to the table already written by Hull or Devine, and then the two merely helped each other finish them. For example, Lake House was written before Black Mile but Andy felt it didn't fit in with that album's vibe so it landed a spot here.

Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

didn't know that was a Kevin write - at least I can keep my track record of liking every Andy song intact lol



but yeah, when it's back to back with another song I don't particularly care for, it definitely grinds things to a halt - especially given this isn't a very long album overall, two weak tracks is a significant thing for me. actually the same problem I have with Simple Math, mostly excellent but two weak songs which makes a big impact on an album of 10

Album Rating: 5.0

Ah, that makes more sense now. I glanced past your remark about disliking the preceding track as well (which ironically I feel is very strong). I'm glad your image of the great Mr. Hull hasn't been tainted ;-)

I've been trying to figure out what my favorite/least favorite songs are and it's so difficult because I'm still mid-swoon over the whole album. Maybe I'll try scoring/grading each track, that usually helps.

Album Rating: 5.0

Track-by-Track Ratings:

1. Wheel Well - 5/5

2. UFO - 5/5

3. Myths Made Plain - 5/5

4. Lake House - 5/5

5. I Love You, I’m Sorry, Please Help Me, Thank You - 4.5/5

6. Neighborhood - 4/5

7. I Wrote It Down For You - 4.5/5

8. Left Your Body - 4.5/5

9. Supposed To Be - 4.5/5

10. Army - 5/5



That's definitely not set in stone though. I've listened to the full album about 4 times, but the first half of the album about 10 times because it fits in my short commute to work lol. So there's probably some high exposure bias or something going on there....the back half will get there, I won't rest until every song is a 5/5!!!

Album Rating: 4.0

Wait, what weak songs are on Simple Math? That album always felt quite consistent to me

Album Rating: 5.0

Agree with PF...at worst Leave It Alone and Apprehension are maybe slight dips, but only from superb/classics to still "great" songs lol.

Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

nah Leave It Alone is killer. I used to think it was a bit minor but over the years it's revealed itself very well, much like Leaky Breaks, both lyrically very strong tracks



it's 1) Apprehension (been listening to the album consistently for, let's say eight years now - still have barely the slightest idea of what this song even sounds like, I couldn't name a single lyric or melody from it) and 2) April Fools (this song is fucking really annoying)

Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

as a quick note, I almost certainly wouldn't mind as much if I didn't have the knowledge that very possibly the best Manchester Orchestra song (Rejoice) was recorded and ready for that album but they never fuckin released it

Album Rating: 5.0

I'm intrigued, never even heard of Rejoice. Link?

Leave It Alone is my favorite MO song wtf

Album Rating: 5.0

It's a great song, just like every MO song. I just prefer others, slightly.

Regardless, it's amazing how much better Hull's voice has gotten from Virgin to Black Mile and this album. He can carry a threadbare folk track with his vocals alone and keep me captivated the entire time.

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

Yo dudes wtf Apprehension is an absolutely stunning tune get outta here fellas! One of MO's truly saddest songs imo.

Album Rating: 5.0

If I'm being totally honest it's been years since I've heard that song, or Simple Math in its entirety for that matter. Guess I'll have to revisit.

Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

@Sowing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGTAZ1-6hCY



it's a fucking travesty they refuse to release this. it's part of a long-rumoured companion album called Sinful Math that they never released, though I've never seen proof any other song than this actually exists

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

Yeah man definitely give the song a thorough listen. The atmosphere gets me everytime and the lyrics (about dealing with a miscarriage) are fuckin crushing. Top 10 MO easily I'll fight anyone haha.

Album Rating: 5.0

Oh damn. Their miscarriage themes on Black Mile wrecked me (endured one at the time of that record's release), so even though I've had a kid since then I'm sure it will still hit hard all the same.

Thanks Rowan for the link, I'll definitely check it out after work or when I get a break. Do you think that maybe Sinful Math turned into Black Mile? The albums are pretty similar from a sonic/aesthetic standpoint.

Album Rating: 3.9 | Sound Off

Black Mile seems like its own thing to me, and we know from interviews that the songs were pretty recent in terms of the album's release (I think The Gold was written like a few months before album release). Sinful Math would have been recorded in 2011, provided it exists, so doesn't seem likely

Album Rating: 4.0

damn this unseated Copeland already?! I forget this side projected existed and never checked em out. Very excited to listen to this.

Album Rating: 5.0

It's basically tied with Copeland at this point. I'll have to see if this passes the test of time like Blushing already has.