Michael Stipe's music receives much praise and condemnation from critics. Some love the bagpipes, organs and entrails on his first albums, while many enjoy the more relaxing sounds of chainsaws, such as on his last two albums. He has won several international awards for his music, including a certificate from Edward K. Liebowki Elementary in Crackpot, California. He was named one of the best musicians in his town a vote cast by several members of the Proactive Order of Tajikastan, who are known the world over for their ability to see true quality in the music industry.