"[1] Trouser Press wrote that, "consistent with his work in the Del-Lords, the album has an easygoing urban roots-rock sound—'60s AM radio given a heartland kick, a taste of country and a little musical poetry.

"[10] The St. Louis Post-Dispatch praised "the outstanding drumming of Bobby Lloyd Hicks, who has rarely been given so many chances to power a band in the way that he and only a few others can do.

"[14] Stereo Review determined that "Kempner gets a crateload of rapport and expertise from the Skeletons ... enabling him to come up with a modest rock-and-roll classic...

"[15] The Chicago Tribune concluded that "Kempner heads deeper into back-to-basics rock territory, uses the trip for some personal exploration as well and, when you fear things might get a bit too heavy, tosses in some great old throw-away pop.

"[16] The State described Tenement Angels as "Fender guitars, Vibralux amps, biker boots and a pounding back beat.