I'm new to this forum, but, seeing Pitchfork's review sort of started this new reflection on my appreciation of the group. I became a fan because of Pop, but I've wrestled over the album since that time. When creating mix CD's for friends and other new fans, I'd waste so much time self-righteously and self-indulgently trying to make the album "better" by way of changing track order, swapping out album versions for single versions, popping in the b-sides and replacing other tracks. It didn't need my help. Never has.
It's such a profound effort. I'm not a Pitchfork fan for their sense of self-importance of their critical voice on the industry, but, I did like this review. I'm not sure it was necessary given they weren't around for the effort (again, that sense of self-importance), but I think they struggled with it similarly to how I have over the years. The best parts of the album may be what isn't on it by way of single versions or b-sides, or its contextualization through the Pop Mart Tour. I don't even know if I'd give the album that 8.0 score for what it actually is, though I'd collectively put that album's era around there, or higher. I agree that the band hasn't been as artistic or experimental since (and this was a reason why I slowly tuned out over the years).
I keep hoping any renewed focus or rediscovery of the album will prompt more special editions or cutting floor content (and actual original cuts, not cobbled together/refinished stuff). This was a nice review to see.