Albums to watch

Monkey Minds in the Devil's Time

Steve Mason

Monkey Minds in the Devil's Time

Fourth solo release from the former Beta Band leader, this time a 20-track political concept album encompassing dub, gospel, rap, Americana and indie

ADM rating[?]

7.6

Label
Double Six
UK Release date
18/03/2013
US Release date
09/04/2013
  1. 9.0 |   Uncut

    A soulful, adventurous, state-of-the-nation classic. Print edition only

  2. 9.0 |   BBC

    A sprawling, beautiful, brain-belch of an album
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  3. 9.0 |   All Music

    Steve Mason is realizing his musical vision confidently
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  4. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Politics can often waylay even the best musicians, but it seems to have the opposite effect on Mason
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  5. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    A well thought-out, carefully crafted autobiographical concept record that deals with personal aspects of the author’s life as well as addressing his political stance
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  6. 8.0 |   Independent on Sunday

    It's his finest hour yet
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  7. 8.0 |   The Scotsman

    Raising the standard of rhetoric with this impressive, defiant, stimulating but also compassionate album
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  8. 8.0 |   The Quietus

    Both a figurative and literal call to arms
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  9. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    A rich and literate album, which inspires conversation and debate
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  10. 8.0 |   Q

    From despair to righteous polemic, the ex-Beta Band chief gets his groove on. Print edition only

  11. 8.0 |   The Independent

    His most rewarding release since The Beta Band
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  12. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    Sequenced with a raconteur’s exactitude, the narrative that forms has both definition and emotional heft, conveying an uncommon integrity and re-affirming Mason’s invigorating talents
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  13. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    The whole is absorbing, invigorating, thrillingly distinct
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  14. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    It is flawed but the best thing about Monkey Mind In The Devil’s Mind is the simple way it frequently reminds you how good a songwriter Mason is
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  15. 7.9 |   Bowlegs

    An artist as vital now as he ever was – and with a CV like his that’s saying something
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  16. 7.9 |   Pitchfork

    Monkey Minds’ sharp, late-act turn into politicized proselytizing may seem jarring at first, but then it’s an accurate reflection of how politics can suddenly intrude upon our lives and upend our worldview
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  17. 7.0 |   Under The Radar

    In an age of anodyne opinions, it's reassuring to know today's musicians can still take to their soap box and make such a persuasive stand
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  18. 7.0 |   NME

    A brilliantly disquieting record
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  19. 7.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    Mason remains a formidable sonic architect
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  20. 6.0 |   The Observer

    A familiar mix of mid-tempo trip/hip-hop beats with dub overtones overlaid with his high, plangent vocals
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  21. 6.0 |   State

    An increasingly conflicted Mason is contained by a stately backdrop of pianos and guitars, although said backdrop gets steadily more fissured as Mason’s calm Scottish timbre becomes more impassioned
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  22. 4.0 |   Mojo

    Ex-Beta Band man gets personal and political. Print edition only


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Steve Mason: Monkey Minds in the Devil's Time

  • Download full album for just £8.49
  • 1. The Old Problem £0.89
  • 2. Lie Awake £0.89
  • 3. Flyover '98 £0.89
  • 4. A Lot of Love £0.89
  • 5. The Last of the Heroes £0.89
  • 6. Lonely £0.89
  • 7. Safe Population £0.89
  • 8. Friends For Evermore £0.89
  • 9. Seen It All Before £0.89
  • 10. From Hate We Hope £0.89
  • 11. Oh My Lord £0.89
  • 12. Goodbye Youth £0.89
  • 13. Never Be Alone £0.89
  • 14. Behind the Curtains £0.89
  • 15. More Money, More Fire £0.89
  • 16. Fire! £0.89
  • 17. Operation Mason £0.89
  • 18. Fight Them Back N/A
  • 19. Towers of Power £0.89
  • 20. Come To Me £0.89
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