[9][10] Book of Bad Thoughts was recorded in Los Angeles; the band was allowed complete control over all aspects of the album's production.

"[14] Stereo Review opined that "Uncle Green betrays a romantic fatalism worthy of Squeeze in 'She's Storing It Up', admitting that the inevitable comeuppance is deserved while guitars arpeggiate restlessly.

"[15] Billboard concluded that the band "scores big on seamless major-label debut that bristles with hook-laden tunes à la Beatles circa 1966.

"[17] The Washington Post determined that "principal songwriter Matt Brown seems most comfortable when emulating the music-hall-influenced style of Squeeze.

"[19] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote that the songs "have the kind of clean, ringing wallop that used to make AM radio such godhead, while the band's chops are still raw enough to reek ever so slightly of the garage.