Albums to watch

Sketches From The Book Of The Dead

Mick Harvey

Sketches From The Book Of The Dead

Fifth solo studio album from the former Bad Seeds and Birthday Party multi-instrumentalist

ADM rating[?]

6.5

Label
Mute
UK Release date
02/05/2011
US Release date
03/05/2011
  1. 8.0 |   All Music

    Harvey's music has never been more self-assured than it is here, and this album marks the dawn of a new era for him as an artist
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  2. 8.0 |   Uncut

    His first self-penned album won't surprise stylistically but the quality of the songs might. Print edition only

  3. 8.0 |   No Ripcord

    Ultimately, it feels like the work a man who has complete control over this album and knows what is needed and when
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  4. 7.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    An album dependent on listener mood and one that can often feel droningly dark and unfocused.
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  5. 7.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    If you can get on board with Harvey’s uniquely theatrical songwriting style, then there’s a prismatic world of life, love, indulgence, abandonment, betrayal, and ultimately, death in this record
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  6. 6.3 |   Pitchfork

    Icy piano and organ infuse nearly every song with a hanging sense of dread and impending fate
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  7. 6.0 |   musicOMH

    A sincere, patiently crafted musical statement that is high on atmosphere but rather hard work
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  8. 6.0 |   Daily Telegraph

    Sparsely arranged around piano, guitar and his gruff vocals, it’s sombre, but affecting
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  9. 6.0 |   Mojo

    Given the Caveian theme of songs about dearly departed, comparisons are inevitable. Print edition only

  10. 6.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    A low-key record, tackling a high profile subject: death, with every track dealing with Harvey’s personal experiences, mourning friends and family by name
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  11. 5.0 |   NME

    Has neither the drama nor the substance of his work with others
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