 | Cursive The Ugly Organ
4.1
excellent
| Ranking: #53 for 2003 | |
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| | Full Review | Ratings (1085) |
Give your Rating |
| 4.0 excellent | Iai EMERITUS | June 27th 06 |
This isn't perfect by any means - "Staying Alive" goes on for too long, the "Herald! Frankenstein" skit is just irritating, and occasionally the songs seem a little too heavy and clumsy where they'd be better served being nimble and graceful (see "A Gentleman Caller" and "Bloody Murderer" - both are good songs, but the execution alone stops them from being great). But "Art is Hard", "The Recluse", "Some Red Handed Sleight Of Hand", and "Sierra" sit right up there among the best songs of the decade so far. And, to their credit, they have a fantastic, pretty unique sound. In fact, I feel bad listening to "The Recluse" and "Art Is Hard" without sunglasses on. They're that cool. 4 stars almost seems a little low, but the fact that I only ever really listen to the album in bits and pieces holds it back. Still, for those bits and pieces, at least, I'm in thrall to Cursive. Domestica might be more consistent, but the highlights here make this easily the better album.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Risodo | February 15th 18 |
"The Ugly Organ" is unique. The sound is innovative and brings a bag of instruments and vertences of sounds that is incredible. A huge carnival of colors and feelings comes to the heart as you listen to this. Beautiful record and wonderful concept.
Bump |
| 5.0 classic | Comatorium. | April 29th 15 |
This album came out of nowhere and completely captivated me upon first lesson. After spending some time delving into Cursive's discography, this album stands as their crowning achievement to date. Songs like the opening barrage of "Some Red Handed Sleight of Hand" and "Art is Hard," as well as late album highlight "A Gentleman Caller", show Tim Kasher's frenzied and frenetic post-hardcore guitar acrobatics, while slower, more pensive cuts like "The Recluse" and "Driftwood" take a more refelctive side with great lyrics and a twinkly style of guitar delivery more common in emo bands. No two songs sound the same, and the whole album's overarching theme (NOT concept, this isn't a concept album,) make it a really special listen. Musically engaging post-hardcore frenzies with desperate vocals and impeccably penned lyrics all lined with the dramatics of instrumentation gleaned from cellos and organs give The Ugly Organ a depth that I've absolutely loved diving into lately. Check out this year's remastered and expanded version for the extra tracks, but I gotta say I prefer the mix on this original master to the new one. I could take or leave most of the rest of their discography, but fuck, this album is amazing.
Bump |
| 2.5 average | EdgyMessiah | September 8th 13 |
Yeah, I guess I could see how somebody could really get into this album if they've listened to little outside of traditional rock and related guitar-driven genres. It will be praised for use of "non-traditional" instruments such as cello by the demographic who seeks angsty break-up music. This aside, Cursive really did almost have something going with the first three tracks, but I cannot get behind the teenage mindset of this album. The real confirmation that this album's primary demographic is the generally musically uninformed is the faux-epic outro "Staying Alive" which strives to be breathtaking but offers almost zero musical substance.
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | axledelk | February 7th 12 |
This album has some of the very best songs by Cursive, but the album also possesses a couple of songs that are tough to get into.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | patrickfannon | May 1st 11 |
Gothic, brutal, catchy indie-rock with some intense instrumental sections and a closing track that brings the whole thing down in a massive firestorm. We all know art is hard.
Bump |
| 0.0 | DocSportello | December 16th 10 |
Forget the rest, "Staying Alive" is a musical relic.
Bump |
| 5.0 classic | Barjac | April 22nd 09 |
The Ugly Organ is Cursive's greatest work to date.
I just feel that some of the most creative songwriting comes from this album.
I show this album to a lot of people, along with Domestica, and most people
find that The Ugly Organ is more enjoyable, and they can appreciate it
more as a whole album. This was one of the easiest albums to listen to, that
I have ever listened to... So much ingenuity, and creative control in writing,
not only music, but lyrics. A band that truly understands how to structure and
perform a song that keeps one captivated, and eager for the next track to begin.
There isn't a playlist of mine that doesn't feature this album, which goes
to show that the music is fitting, accompanied by any other band that
I listen to. There is no mood or mental state required when listening
to this album, it is just a matter of hitting play, and letting the music
empower and inspire you.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Syncratic | August 10th 07 |
When I imagine a death waltz, few distinct songs come to mind. This entire album does. It bends, blends, shines, crashes, and rips apart with simply ease. The sound, bolstered by the creative use of cello and Tim Kasher's unique vocals and wordplay, weave the tale of the "Ugly Organist." Using this character, Cursive lament on the subjects of hope and humanity. The finale is a beautiful cementing of these themes. The music teaches us to look up when we're knocked down...that the worst is over...
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | Corney | December 19th 24 |
| 4.5 superb | Slex | October 9th 24 |
| 4.0 excellent | lurxy | April 12th 24 |
| 3.0 good | LudJ | April 2nd 24 |
| 4.0 excellent | Bren80 | October 10th 23 |
| 3.5 great | FunJan | July 24th 23 |
| 4.0 excellent | haley | June 1st 23 |
| 4.0 excellent | tinytim | March 22nd 23 |
| 3.0 good | Rmazer | February 2nd 22 |
| 4.0 excellent | xlev | August 4th 21 |
| 4.0 excellent | Roidv | July 28th 21 |
| 4.5 superb | Lassie | July 25th 21 |
| 4.0 excellent | Emo | April 30th 21 |
| 4.0 excellent | eckology | November 13th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Brabiz | November 11th 20 |
| 4.5 superb | Quiv | June 29th 20 |
| 3.5 great | ayew | May 21st 20 |
| 3.5 great | spur55 | April 4th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Flomink | March 18th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Raqinq | March 7th 20 |
| 5.0 classic | bSmith | January 8th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Zlatoust | November 22nd 19 |
| 3.5 great | Lucman | October 10th 19 |
| 4.5 superb | NanoJet | September 11th 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | gilly | June 5th 19 |
| 4.5 superb | Mathias EMERITUS | June 1st 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | elioto | May 1st 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | NateMa | April 4th 19 |
| 4.5 superb | Josh | March 7th 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | Erwann S. EMERITUS | January 27th 19 |
| 4.0 excellent | LRS94 | October 6th 18 |
| 4.5 superb | Askala | September 25th 18 |
| 4.5 superb | bnest | August 20th 18 |
| 4.0 excellent | pumi | July 17th 18 |
| 4.0 excellent | Jekub | July 10th 18 |
| 4.5 superb | Kurai | March 4th 18 |
| 4.0 excellent | Tara | February 15th 18 |
| 4.5 superb | Shamzus | January 28th 18 |
| 4.5 superb | nbats | November 30th 17 |
| 4.0 excellent | Asthurse | November 27th 17 |
| 4.0 excellent | ariich | November 7th 17 |
| 4.5 superb | BeeRyan | September 5th 17 |
| 4.0 excellent | Enzx | August 31st 17 |
| 4.5 superb | clavier EMERITUS | June 17th 17 |
| 3.5 great | bmelt | May 12th 17 |
| 4.0 excellent | G0atC0re | December 14th 16 |
| 5.0 classic | El Olam | November 27th 16 |
| 4.0 excellent | tyler | September 24th 16 |
| 4.0 excellent | p4p | July 12th 16 |
| 5.0 classic | Goblin | June 12th 16 |
| 3.0 good | mCihhh | March 27th 16 |
| 4.0 excellent | tofue | December 27th 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | Atrophy | December 13th 15 |
| 4.5 superb | Tom R. EMERITUS | October 20th 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | Ecotone | August 20th 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | gujubuu | April 18th 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | Helper | March 20th 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | mikep87 | February 10th 15 |
| 5.0 classic | Sithese | January 1st 15 |
| 4.0 excellent | Walt | November 8th 14 |
| 4.0 excellent | Zurreal | August 24th 14 |
| 3.5 great | Skoj | August 10th 14 |
| 4.0 excellent | leejs33 | August 8th 14 |
| 4.5 superb | eXxist | July 25th 14 |
| 4.5 superb | Jaime | June 8th 14 |
| 4.5 superb | RobotE | May 25th 14 |
| 4.0 excellent | Panton | May 23rd 14 |
| 4.0 excellent | Surette | December 25th 13 |
| 2.5 average | cjacob6 | December 19th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | pbass0 | November 29th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | YojUg | November 9th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | inlimbo | September 28th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | smidoc | July 31st 13 |
| 4.5 superb | Ulshad | July 11th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | a7c7e7 | July 5th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | lear | April 2nd 13 |
| 3.5 great | jmh886 | March 16th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Shimana | March 12th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Eko | March 2nd 13 |
| 3.5 great | Damus | February 17th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | 1554699 | February 10th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | cb123 | January 26th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Metalshy | December 30th 12 |
| 3.5 great | ala | October 16th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Melanin | October 6th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | foxxxy | September 29th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Pndi | September 23rd 12 |
| 3.5 great | GB7 | September 20th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Jeejee | September 18th 12 |
| 3.5 great | SethEZ | August 8th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | Jarryd | July 14th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Chippy | June 18th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | jorsh | June 15th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Acorn | May 7th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | foxxxy | April 27th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | 9MgTar | April 17th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Aids | April 14th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Quen | April 8th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | chaps | March 28th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Dummit | March 8th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | c0ffee | March 8th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | virpi | February 25th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | iglu | February 12th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Mike225 | February 8th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Rowdy | February 8th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Spec | January 30th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | LumpSum | January 25th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | mttgry | January 18th 12 |
| 3.5 great | mattkd | January 14th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Vuzin2 | January 14th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Othcar | January 6th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | iSkane | December 30th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Mac | December 29th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Tupik | December 26th 11 |
| 4.5 superb | atrink | December 22nd 11 |
| 4.5 superb | gosk8n | December 10th 11 |
| 4.5 superb | Naps | December 7th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | poorzack | November 27th 11 |
| 3.5 great | Ignored | November 26th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | fuckzack | November 23rd 11 |
| 3.0 good | jlech | October 14th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | mallen- | October 6th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Oafdog | October 3rd 11 |
| 3.5 great | Trebor. EMERITUS | September 29th 11 |
| 3.5 great | derekkp | September 14th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Arecibo | August 1st 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | aguzman | July 30th 11 |
| 5.0 classic | Darb | May 30th 11 |
| 3.0 good | Teto | May 21st 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Jdok | April 27th 11 |
| 3.5 great | TT | March 25th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Aether | March 23rd 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Xzaeon | March 21st 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | DeskmaN | March 20th 11 |
| 4.5 superb | Dev518 | March 18th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | tehaj1 | March 2nd 11 |
| 5.0 classic | Remer17 | February 18th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | blabony | January 30th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | frankie | January 27th 11 |
| 5.0 classic | shively | January 17th 11 |
| 5.0 classic | Connair | January 7th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | FuckedUp | December 22nd 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | gnr61 | December 5th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | incompl | December 4th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | Epic | November 21st 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | Moddrum | October 28th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | BluRain | October 15th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | zlenn45 | October 6th 10 |
| 3.0 good | TheDMV | September 12th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | mvood | August 18th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | Veldin | August 7th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | DayMan | August 4th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | m4nny | July 27th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | TY2810 | July 22nd 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | Titan50 | July 18th 10 |
| 4.5 superb | Isoas | July 1st 10 |
| 3.5 great | Desire | June 22nd 10 |
| 3.0 good | saad | June 21st 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | davsoi | June 15th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | greg84 EMERITUS | June 13th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | cvlts | May 19th 10 |
| 4.5 superb | Beets | May 19th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | SHOwned | April 23rd 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | Ramos29 | April 7th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | tuk | March 21st 10 |
| 3.5 great | zoso33 | March 5th 10 |
| 3.0 good | tom79 | March 4th 10 |
| 4.0 excellent | Slum | March 4th 10 |
| 3.5 great | Mevz | February 13th 10 |
| 3.5 great | Thef | February 10th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | nick13 | February 6th 10 |
| 5.0 classic | digdug | December 6th 09 |
| 3.0 good | rkane | December 4th 09 |
| 5.0 classic | fheris | November 24th 09 |
| 4.5 superb | benhxc | November 18th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | mkCII | November 9th 09 |
| 3.0 good | DrReg | October 21st 09 |
| 4.5 superb | DiceMan | October 19th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | roofi | October 11th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | kfilly20 | September 13th 09 |
| 4.5 superb | dev4ll | August 18th 09 |
| 4.5 superb | awf170 | August 12th 09 |
| 5.0 classic | Msuen | July 24th 09 |
| 3.0 good | KjD | July 12th 09 |
| 5.0 classic | dukie | June 28th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | Skub | June 25th 09 |
| 3.5 great | Bleak | June 18th 09 |
| 4.5 superb | Lions | June 7th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | GBJ | May 20th 09 |
| 2.5 average | flaffy | April 23rd 09 |
| 2.5 average | kitsch | April 20th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | Time | April 14th 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | Bsmith7 | April 1st 09 |
| 4.0 excellent | MrGlass | March 11th 09 |
| 5.0 classic | mecca | March 7th 09 |
| 2.5 average | natey | March 3rd 09 |
| 5.0 classic | BroRape | February 17th 09 |
| 3.5 great | Yotimi | December 24th 08 |
| 3.5 great | AlKal | December 21st 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | MikeStan | December 18th 08 |
| 5.0 classic | sethdb1 | December 3rd 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | Jasiu | November 15th 08 |
| 4.5 superb | Drew115 | October 15th 08 |
| 3.5 great | JPAC | October 9th 08 |
| 4.5 superb | gafel | September 10th 08 |
| 4.5 superb | mofo2 | August 12th 08 |
| 5.0 classic | Smooz | May 21st 08 |
| 3.5 great | Kiran EMERITUS | May 13th 08 |
| 3.5 great | woee | April 27th 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | Isak | April 16th 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | agktmte | April 13th 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | Kodan | January 18th 08 |
| 4.5 superb | chris21 | January 17th 08 |
| 4.0 excellent | JAD | December 31st 07 |
| 4.0 excellent | Kyle | December 20th 07 |
| 4.0 excellent | kalkal50 | December 16th 07 |
| 4.0 excellent | Ramambo | December 9th 07 |
| 4.0 excellent | tuff | October 30th 07 |
| 4.0 excellent | yeahboi | October 13th 07 |
| 4.5 superb | bpkybe | October 10th 07 |
| 4.0 excellent | MeowMeow | September 19th 07 |
| 4.5 superb | kazzra | September 6th 07 |
| 4.5 superb | starla | August 25th 07 |
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