Key is the second full-length release from Omaha, NE's Son, Ambulance, released on October 26, 2004, by

Saddle Creek Records Saddle Creek Records is an American record label based in Omaha, Nebraska. Started as a college class project on entrepreneurship, the label was founded by Mike Mogis and Justin Oberst in 1993 (as Lumberjack Records). Mogis soon turned over his ...

. It is the 71st release from Saddle Creek Records.

Critical reception

''Key'' was met with mixed reviews. At

Metacritic Metacritic is an American website that aggregates reviews of films, television shows, music albums, video games, and formerly books. For each product, the scores from each review are averaged (a weighted average). Metacritic was created ...

, which assigns a rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, the album received a weighted average score of 60, based on nine reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Upon release, critics were divided on its songwriting and overall impact. Positive reviews highlighted the album's detailed production and emotional depth, with ''Splendid'' and '' Paste'' both awarding it four stars and praising its musicianship and headphone-friendly intricacy. ''

Pitchfork A pitchfork or hay fork is an agricultural tool used to pitch loose material, such as hay, straw, manure, or leaves. It has a long handle and usually two to five thin tines designed to efficiently move such materials. The term is also applie ...

'' gave it a 7.5 out of 10, noting a shift toward more expansive pop arrangements compared to the band's earlier work. However, other critics were less enthusiastic. '' The A.V. Club'' and ''

PopMatters ''PopMatters'' is an international online magazine of cultural criticism that covers aspects of popular culture. ''PopMatters'' publishes reviews, interviews, and essays on cultural products and expressions in areas such as music, television, ...

'' offered more tempered assessments, citing issues with pacing and a lack of originality. Meanwhile, '' Under the Radar'', ''

Alternative Press Alternative press may refer to: Individual publications * ''Alternative Press'' (magazine), an American music magazine Alternative journalism * Alternative media ** Alternative media (U.S. political left) ** Alternative media (U.S. political r ...

'', '' Blender'', and ''Junkmedia'' delivered harsh criticisms, pointing to unremarkable songwriting and a lack of distinctiveness, with scores ranging from 2.5 stars to as low as one star.

Track listing

Personnel

Musicians *Corey Broman – drums *Daniel Knapp – piano, keyboards * Joe Knapp – vocals, guitar *Erica Peterson – bass, vocals *Dylan Strimple – lead guitar *Becky Allen – vocals *Austin Britton – saxophone * Carrie Butler – violin *Kate Falkowski – monologue *Landon Hedges – guitar * Tim Kasher – accordion *Neal Knapp – phone message *Jenna Morrison – lyrics and vocals * Conor Oberst – lyrics *Heather Schulte – vocals Production * AJ Mogis – recording, mixing, engineering * Mike Mogis – preliminary tracking *Doug Van Sloun – mastering * Son, Ambulance – production Artwork *Jenna Morrison *Daniel Knapp *Matt Koster *Jeff Koster *Casey Scott *Jadon Ulrich

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Key (Son, Ambulance Album) 2004 albums Son, Ambulance albums Saddle Creek Records albums