Swing Lo Magellan by Dirty Projectors

This relaxed, informal execution makes Swing Lo Magellan seem vulnerable, imperfect, and earnestly human. 

Where past Projectors releases have occasionally bordered on sterile – or at the very least clinical – this one hums with activity.

In reigning in the more unpredictable aspects of his music, Longstreth has managed to retain the essence that has made Dirty Projectors such a continually challenging and invigorating creative outfit

Whereas once, Longstreth was a composer, on Swing Lo Magellan he tries his hand at being a songwriter. And it’s the most refreshing move of his career.

Swing Lo Magellan is generally celebratory, relishing in life, music, collaboration, and creativity.

Swing Lo Magellan is a confident step into the spotlight that neither depends upon public expectations nor shies away from them.

Deadly serious even at its most eccentric, wilfully awkward even at its most accessible, dense and intricate even at its most freewheeling. 

Swing Lo Magellan is an album that will break hearts, bring joy, and deliver emotional notes that few others could.

By cleaning up and clearing up everything that’s going on in his head, Longstreth is getting better and better at expressing the music in his heart through the songs in his mind.

While Dirty Projectors have always been driven by core member David Longstreth's vision, Magellan benefits from its feel as a band record.

Listening to Swing Lo Magellan feels more like sneaking up on the band in the midst of an intense rehearsal, rather than the group coming forward and saying, “Look what we’ve made.”

It's a calmer musical experience but it still hasn't lost any of that genius originality that the band have shown in earlier releases.

The tension between classic cues and experimentation prevents the album from reaching its potential as the pop realization of Dirty Projectors.

Simply put, the music on Swing Lo can’t support its great ideas.

a pretty good album experimental album with some good songs but not brilliant