Albums to watch

Love’s Crushing Diamond

Mutual Benefit

Love’s Crushing Diamond

Full-length debut from Brooklyn-based indie folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Lee, who operates both solo and as collective leader

ADM rating[?]

8.1

Label
Fat Possum / Other Music
UK Release date
13/01/2014
US Release date
03/12/2013
  1. 9.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    The textures of this record are so pronounced, the colors running in waves so profound that it’s almost impossible to believe that one man created them (and on his debut record, to boot)
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  2. 9.0 |   NME

    Listen closely to Lee's chewed wisp of a voice and a heartbreaking narrative bobs to the surface. Print edition only

  3. 8.9 |   Paste Magazine

    For those of us always searching for something new, for something else, particularly in music, this is the type of album that we are looking for
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  4. 8.4 |   Pitchfork

    In no way is Jordan Lee a complacent songwriter. In fact, throughout this collection of seven gorgeous, baroque-folk songs, he’s dealing in perhaps the most pervasive and difficult internal battle of all
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  5. 8.0 |   All Music

    "Gentle" and "reassuring" aren't necessarily the most exciting compliments to give an album, but Mutual Benefit's Jordan Lee turns those virtues into a remarkably engaging full-length debut
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  6. 8.0 |   Independent on Sunday

    Occasionally, it does work. Maybe now he can sleep a little less on floors and spend more time making gorgeous albums like this
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  7. 8.0 |   DIY

    This is anything but just another Mutual Benefit record. It seals the chapter of Jordan’s late teens, early twenties, and it lands up being his finest work by a country mile
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  8. 8.0 |   Mojo

    The overall feel is Mercury Rev in panoramic Disney mode via Astral Weeks. Print edition only

  9. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    The songs don’t immediately grab you but instead slowly come over you and wrap you in their warmth
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  10. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    Love's Crushing Diamond is not 'dreamy' for the sake of it. It is refreshing music, which sneaks quietly into your head and demands to be played on and on
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  11. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Celestial pan-American folk music. Print edition only

  12. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    Seven immaculately composed tracks, all of which feature his refreshingly optimistic ruminations on love and life in today’s world
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  13. 8.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Amply suited to any quiet evening, Mutual Benefit’s debut is one of sheer welcoming affection
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  14. 8.0 |   The 405

    Mutual Benefit have produced something special
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  15. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    These songs paddle along, but don't be fooled—what you might initially mistake for easy listening and empty sentiments are revealed to be universal reminders that love is out there, death is sad, life goes on, and everything is going to be okay
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  16. 7.0 |   Rolling Stone

    It's fine music to nest in
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