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8.0
48039
8.0 |
The Observer
The Christmas album has undergone a rebirth in recent years... Tracey Thorn's fourth solo set, though, is the best of the bunch
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8.0
48042
8.0 |
The Guardian
It manages to transcend its genre and the season it's intended to soundtrack
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8.0
48053
8.0 |
Uncut
A bit Mariah Carey on paper, but startling in practice. Print edition only
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8.0
48054
8.0 |
Q
Thorn dispatches these carefully chosen covers and four new tracks with realism and a lightness of touch. Print edition only
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8.0
48586
8.0 |
The Irish Times
Thorn combines tradition with a wonderful sense of eclecticism and sentimentality and a strong dose of realism
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8.0
48737
8.0 |
musicOMH
Thorn belongs in the pantheon of the truly great British female singers, and this is another worthy addition to a back catalogue of consistently high quality
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8.0
48954
8.0 |
BBC
The true spirit of Christmas is safe in Tracey Thorn’s hands
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8.0
49494
8.0 |
Independent on Sunday
In its own downbeat, understated way, Tinsel and Lights does more for festive good cheer than any number of more traditional Christmas albums that go straight for the razzle-dazzle
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7.6
48045
7.6 |
PlayGround
A stunning collection of songs that will touch your heart and will surely get you in the spirit, even if you belong to that sector of the population that doesn’t like Christmas
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7.0
48127
7.0 |
Consequence Of Sound
Thorn has a faultless clarity to her voice with perfect diction, tempered by a lingering ache in her lower tones that gives it real character
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6.3
49174
6.3 |
Beats Per Minute
Tinsel and Lights is at its best during its most Christmassy moments, which in the context of everything else, feels a little ironic, as Thorn sounds like she’s trying to avoid the holiday for the most part
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6.2
48065
6.2 |
Pitchfork
Her arrangements are neatly varied, from homey brass parts to frosty electro-pop; her song selections are impressively eclectic, ranging from country divas and 70s singer-songwriters to more recent indie icons
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6.0
48283
6.0 |
Drowned In Sound
Will it be the defining soundtrack to wasted youth? No, but will it comfort, console and cuddle the ears of listeners with the iciest of hearts in the cold of winter? Yes indeed
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6.0
48452
6.0 |
PopMatters
Thorn’s voice is so warm, like a fluffy afghan that keeps unfurling, it’s hard to believe she’s never cut a Christmas album
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6.0
48043
6.0 |
Clash
There’s nothing here to write home about but it should make a nice stocking filler for Mum
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6.0
48041
6.0 |
NME
[A] patchily lovely and forlorn-sounding collection
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6.0
49274
6.0 |
The Arts Desk
More than a Christmas album; it's an acknowledgment by Thorn of the songs and songwriters with whom she feels a kinship
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6.0
49495
6.0 |
The Independent
Mostly avoiding the routine carols and standards in favour of left-field choices from writers like Stephin Merritt, Sufjan Stevens and Low
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6.0
49110
6.0 |
Mojo
She tips her red fur-trimmed hat to Sufjan Stevens and Low, covering songs from their similarly alt-Chrimbo releases. Print edition only
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