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9.2
138744
9.2 |
Paste Magazine
The North Carolina singer, songwriter, and guitarist’s fourth album is a collection of caricatures ballooned by empathy, bruised egos, and lovable self-destruction
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9.0
138748
9.0 |
Far Out
From the imaginative wordplay to the towering solos Lenderman delivers, on Manning Fireworks, the Wednesday guitarist decisively displays his creative power and gilds a record that will undoubtedly go down as one of the year’s best
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9.0
138771
9.0 |
Exclaim
Like a star imploding in on itself, Manning Fireworks' finale simply couldn't withstand its own dazzling acme. It's the release he's been waiting for since the first utterances of the album
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9.0
138719
9.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
With Drive by Truckers & Neil Young on either shoulder like a devil and an angel (I’ll let you decide which each one is), Lenderman has produced his clearest vision yet of what it looks like when the saddest & funniest people in the room are the same guy
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9.0
138792
9.0 |
musicOMH
Firmly securing him in the pantheon of great singer-songwriters, this album is the sound of an artist at the peak of his powers
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8.7
138777
8.7 |
Pitchfork
The Asheville singer-songwriter’s outstanding fourth album is loaded with zingers and losers. It’s witty and sincere, the mark of a songwriter finding his voice
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8.7
138745
8.7 |
Northern Transmissions
It’s an album that showcases Lenderman’s growth as an artist and his ability to navigate the complexities of both life and music with wit and sincerity
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8.5
138726
8.5 |
Under The Radar
A perfect and more mature follow-up to Boat Songs, Manning Fireworks’ depths provide the listener with room for endless introspection
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8.0
138727
8.0 |
The Skinny
While nothing is quite so charmingly ramshackle as anything found on Boat Songs, Manning Fireworks is still some of the best indie rock music around
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8.0
138734
8.0 |
NME
On his third solo album, the Wednesday guitarist develops his voice with scathing character sketches and empathetic notes on loneliness
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8.0
138738
8.0 |
Dork
The sound of a modern master at work
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8.0
138720
8.0 |
Slant Magazine
The singer-guitarist’s third solo album is something of a solitary affair
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8.0
138717
8.0 |
Rolling Stone
He's a budding guitar great and an ace storyteller
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8.0
138718
8.0 |
PopMatters
On Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman describes down-and-out characters with his usual witty charm, all while showcasing his exceptional musical abilities
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8.0
138755
8.0 |
The Irish Times
Fifth album showcases his ability to magic sweetness from sadness and solace from self-pity
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8.0
138756
8.0 |
The Guardian
Featuring possibly his best track yet, the North Carolina guitarist-songwriter goes to the sparse and seamy side on this worthy successor to Boat Songs
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8.0
138779
8.0 |
Clash
Blurring the lines between inner and outer worlds, ‘Manning Fireworks’ is a powerful achievement, one that deserves to last
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8.0
138790
8.0 |
The Observer
Featuring possibly his best track yet, the North Carolina guitarist-songwriter goes to the sparse and seamy side on this worthy successor to Boat Songs
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8.0
138817
8.0 |
Sputnik Music (staff)
Completely unpretentious, a self-effacing observer of himself, all slacker tendencies belying an actual, deep talent and sense of craftsmanship, a simplicity that’s far from simplistic
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8.0
138902
8.0 |
Record Collector
Might be his best effort yet
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8.0
138943
8.0 |
Spectrum Culture
It’s like a well-planned program on the Fourth of July, where those who stick it out through the sulfur smell while drinking cheap beers in the grass are rewarded with something a cut above
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7.7
138895
7.7 |
Beats Per Minute
While the mixes on Manning Fireworks are studiously crafted, Lenderman’s presence largely enrolling, and his guitar acumen undeniable, the set’s overall gestalt is naggingly emulative. Lenderman, as compelling as he can be, rarely transcends the influence of his forebears
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