Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 350 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 298 out of 350
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 350
  3. Negative: 25 out of 350

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  1. TomW
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    Best album of the year. Don't believe those who are turned off by all the buzz around these guys. You don't need pitchfork to know that this album is wonderful.
  2. DrewK
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    Based on the user reviews this seems to be a "love it or hate it" album. But after repeated listens I've got to wonder how many of the bad reviews are more a product of the current "indie backlash" trend than any qualms with the music itself. After you get past the wretched first track, there isn't a single weak spot on the album. Frankly, this type of consistency is astounding Based on the user reviews this seems to be a "love it or hate it" album. But after repeated listens I've got to wonder how many of the bad reviews are more a product of the current "indie backlash" trend than any qualms with the music itself. After you get past the wretched first track, there isn't a single weak spot on the album. Frankly, this type of consistency is astounding from a debut LP. If you like good music and you can adapt to a "unique" vocalist then you will probably end up loving this CD. CYHSY's sound is akin to what you'd get if you threw the Talking Heads, Radiohead and Modest Mouse into a blender with an E pill. The best thing about it is that despite being instantaneously listenable/catchy/accessible, it still actually grows on you.… Expand
  3. RyanR
    Jun 30, 2005
    10
    This album is amazing. So happy and full of emotion. It sounds like everyone and you hear so many influences, yet, it sounds so original and fresh.
  4. franks
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    Do I even need to say why?
  5. erike
    Jul 6, 2005
    10
    upon first listen, i was unimpressed. after 2 to 3 listens i came around and i am now addicted to this record, definitely along with the national one of the best of the year. if you do not like this album, you'd probably appreciate the new weezer or another crap U2 or coldplay record.
  6. JimS
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    This is an incredibly solid CD, especially for a band's first release. The middle of this album is packed solid, with such songs as "Details of the War" and "Heavy Metal" packing the most punch. Although it is impossible to understand what the hell this guys is singing, it really matters little in the end. The raw emotion, the feeling that this band cares about its music, not about This is an incredibly solid CD, especially for a band's first release. The middle of this album is packed solid, with such songs as "Details of the War" and "Heavy Metal" packing the most punch. Although it is impossible to understand what the hell this guys is singing, it really matters little in the end. The raw emotion, the feeling that this band cares about its music, not about popularity, run crisply through my earphones.… Expand
  7. DavidH
    May 5, 2006
    10
    In my humble opinion, the best album I've heard in years.
  8. dugdug
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    This album knocks it out of the park. It is impossible to overhype it. I've had it for a month now and I still can't go three days without listening to it.
  9. FrancesA
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    I love this band. Such a fresh, new sound, makes you want to get up and groove!
  10. rubberrubby
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    rubbish!!!
  11. ScottB
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Amazing.
  12. LisaS
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far.
  13. matt
    Sep 30, 2005
    10
    one of the most fun and unique records out this year. some elements of talking heads but a great combo of smiths like melodies, new orderish bass and cure-esque keyboards. Skin of my yellow country teeth is my fav trak.. stays in your head so hook laden with great souds from indie producer Adam Lasus
  14. ScottV
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    classic indie rock, a must listen.
  15. LizziS
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    Bloody brilliant album, everyone should own it.
  16. ChrisR
    Dec 1, 2006
    10
    A completely upbeat off-center release. The singer doesn't have the best voice but is a fantastic vocalist. The music hooked me instantly and hasn't let me go since. I hear so many influences wrapped into a nice neatly wrapped package. Namely Joy division, Velvet Underground, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire. All bands I love.
  17. mavitia
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    it's 522 am but i'm up, staring at my computer screen. poorly articluting random ideas and listening to them because something in their sound resonates with something i'm trying to get in touch with. thanks guys
  18. sdaasdad
    Aug 4, 2006
    10
    is the best
  19. Mars88
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    They sound alot like wolf parade, but that doesn't make them any less amazing.
  20. jesuschrist
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    very good. One of the best bands of the century
  21. PatK.
    Aug 30, 2008
    10
    Peter W You have no heart or soul... his voice is perfect for this music/album. This CD is AMAZING.
  22. MattM
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    The best, most passionate, and most refreshing record in years.
  23. MaxS
    Nov 30, 2005
    10
    This album is kicka$$ buy it now
  24. BillyL
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    This album is single handedly revolutionizing the way people think about indie bands!
  25. MichaelR
    Dec 7, 2005
    10
    Checking pitchfork, as I'm prone to do, I came across the description of this singer as the lead singe of Interpol warbling through Jeff Mangum's throat. After th initial burst of indignation at Neutral Milk Hotel being dragged into another review of a band they (most likely) had nothing in common with, I started to hunt for the album. Ifinally got it, put it to play in the Checking pitchfork, as I'm prone to do, I came across the description of this singer as the lead singe of Interpol warbling through Jeff Mangum's throat. After th initial burst of indignation at Neutral Milk Hotel being dragged into another review of a band they (most likely) had nothing in common with, I started to hunt for the album. Ifinally got it, put it to play in the background as I started my homework. I was floored. I would be going to class emptyhanded, it seemed. The first song immediately lets you know what's going on. You are, in fact, front row at a circus. It's the kind of opening track that's so weird you just know whatever follows wil be good, quirky enough that the simplicity and lack of real musical innovation seem completyely irrelevant. It invites you to fall in love, or at least sink into deep relaxation as the gypsies steal your wallet. After this the rest of the album gleefully floats by, fulfilling all the promises he first song made. Cryptic lyrics, twangy guitars, slow melodies, driving beats, child stars. The music becomes everything they want it to be as it seemlessly blends more influences than they may even know they had (Talking Heads, David Bowie, and Modest Mouse, just to name a few). Of course, the critics are right. Lead singer Ounsworth can't sing at all, at the lyrics are gibberish, not even the good playful kind. luckily, the two cancel each other out. Rather than getting bogged down in lyrics they don't need, the musical backing blasts through and Ounsworth Warbles on top, happy to use his voice as oddly tuned accompaniment rather than a source of insightful lyrics. The stand outs are there. "Over and Over Again (Lost and Found)" throws in the synthesizer and reels in the vocals ever so slightly to show you the best song the Talking Heads never recorded. "The Skin of My Yellow Country teeth" gives a fuzzy rendition of arcade theme music to introduce the driving drums and plucky guitar of an exciting western rock single. "Upon This Tidal wave of Young Blood" starts with some unassuming accoustic guitarthat leave you unprepared for the frantic album finale that reminds you (intentionally?) of the Unicorns "Child Star", repeating one line with all the urgency he can muster until the album abruptly fades out. The first listen confused and surprised me, and the following replays entranced me. This is easily the best new album I've heard this year.… Expand
  26. JoshB
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    An amazing debut from an amazing band. See them live, it's worth it. They rock so much. You will absolutely be blown away.
  27. JoeyS
    Jun 29, 2005
    10
    unique (to me at least) band, with an incredible album from beginning to end. go to the website and download the mp3s-you don't wanna miss this one.
  28. ToddB
    Jun 30, 2005
    10
    I thought at first that "Mocking Heads" might be a more approprate handle for this band, until I really started to listen to the disc. It's like crack music. So incredibly addictive. It may not be the most original LP to come out this year, but barring another Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or Funeral, you can bet they'll top out more than a few "Best of" lists this year.
  29. TomC
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    Forget what the critics, backlashers, bloggers, and pundits say. Please just give this album a listen with no preconceived notions. It will make your life better.
  30. Chet
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    Dont believe the hype or the backlash, but if you like catchy indie rock/pop, odds are you'll like this record...
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2005
11
#11 Most Discussed Album of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. cokemachineglow
    84
    CYHSY’s songs ring of The Bends-era songwriting, but loungier, more playful, more comfortable in their own skin.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    90
    The record is consistently, remarkably strong.
    Read full review
  3. Stylus Magazine
    83
    If there are complaints to lobby against this remarkable debut, they lie mostly in its sound-quality. Namely, it sounds like what it was: self-recorded and self-released.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »