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10.0
112383
10.0 |
The Guardian
Life has tested David Berman, and he translates it into songs of mordant wit on this fantastic collaboration with Woods
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10.0
112694
10.0 |
NOW
Beyond the amber waves of grain, Purple Mountains offer fans a feast of food for thought
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9.1
112350
9.1 |
Consequence Of Sound
An album of sad-bastard music of the highest order
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9.0
112380
9.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
It may not be the 2019’s easiest listen, but it’s certainly its most honest, and one of the year’s most rewarding
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9.0
112355
9.0 |
The Music
It’s both universal and nakedly personal. It’s funny and entertaining too
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9.0
112356
9.0 |
Exclaim
With strings, thoughtful arrangements, backup vocals, and rich production plus David Berman's inimitable wordplay and phrasing, Purple Mountains is a true masterpiece
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9.0
112361
9.0 |
Uncut
An excellent return to form for Berman; a worthy next chapter for a songwriter who quit, many believed, in his prime. Print edition only
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8.5
112395
8.5 |
Pitchfork
David Berman’s first new music in over a decade is a marvelous collection of heartbreak, grief, and bitterness. His careful writing has never sounded so exacting or direct
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8.5
112556
8.5 |
Under The Radar
Every song is a vivid glimpse of Berman's miserable and acute self-awareness that will break your heart and fill you with ecstasy
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8.2
112404
8.2 |
Paste Magazine
He’s just as bummed out as ever on Purple Mountains, and he still makes being bummed out sound better than just about anyone else
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8.0
112421
8.0 |
The Quietus
A fine and moving addition to his oeuvre
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8.0
112477
8.0 |
No Ripcord
It's a new start for an artist who many had proclaimed early retirement. And even if he hasn't cheered up, his return does feel consistent with his downtrodden nature—and we can only listen as it all unfolds
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8.0
112498
8.0 |
Spectrum Culture
Purple Mountains is the strongest return one could hope for from Berman
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8.0
112362
8.0 |
Q
The curiously carved music is a perfect frame. Another peak. Print edition only
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8.0
112363
8.0 |
Mojo
It is the sound of David Berman coming back from the cold and converting it to a welcoming, lyrical warmth. Print edition only
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8.0
112381
8.0 |
The Irish Times
At all times, Berman’s ruminative voice is a commanding force over scuffled indie, toe-tappy country pop and occasional Mariachi-style infusions of brass. It’s good to have him back
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8.0
112353
8.0 |
Loud And Quiet
Where 2008’s Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea felt like a group affair, Purple Mountains re-centres the experiences of David Berman in a way unheard since his 90s output
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7.0
112528
7.0 |
The 405
Although the songwriting is quality enough to make a lot of modern singers jealous, Purple Mountains is lacking in adventurism
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7.0
112457
7.0 |
Rolling Stone
Purple Mountains is the sound of that guy starting to come to terms with his reality, and maybe building a new emotional architecture in the wreckage. In any case, keep ’em coming. The journey is worth it
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6.0
112408
6.0 |
The FT
Although his monotonous vocal style and a lack of musical variation prevent the album from really taking off, its movement towards consolation with the irresistible “Storyline Fever” feels like a deserved victory
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