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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. MikeE
    Jun 30, 2005
    8
    1 part David Byrne, 1 part Neutral Milk Hotel, and a dash of Kings of Leon. Give it three solid listens while your "cool" friends tell you how great this album is and you'll come around.
  5. 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.
  6. Breathe
    Jul 1, 2005
    8
    Nice album!
  7. franks
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    Do I even need to say why?
  8. GraysonA
    Jul 17, 2005
    9
    This is wholly solid indie rock, combining the influences of many, leaving new listeners with something about as original as can be found in a world of copy cats.
  9. KJ
    Jul 5, 2005
    9
    Violent Femmes cover band? That's a pretty lazy comparison. Vocally they may have SOME similarities, lyrically, musically, emotionally, they have absolutely nothing in common with the Femmes. Believe it or not, we owe alot to that "pretentious online music mag." Without them, there are alot of incredible bands that would go unnoticed. (Arcade Fire, broken social scene are two that Violent Femmes cover band? That's a pretty lazy comparison. Vocally they may have SOME similarities, lyrically, musically, emotionally, they have absolutely nothing in common with the Femmes. Believe it or not, we owe alot to that "pretentious online music mag." Without them, there are alot of incredible bands that would go unnoticed. (Arcade Fire, broken social scene are two that immediately come to mind).… Expand
  10. 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.
  11. syazuanr
    Aug 1, 2005
    9
    much needed wake up call to all those sleeping rock giants!
  12. maha
    Aug 23, 2005
    9
    New York bands come, New York bands go, some deserve more than they got, some are just pretty and consequently are launched as NME coverkids. But this lot, oh my! Exciting stuff, cant wait to hear what comes of them-lets hope they arent lost within the myriad of New York scenesters that never quite are...
  13. CarlY
    Aug 6, 2005
    9
    Wonderful. Took a while for me to warm up to it, but it's really a great record. Don't wait--act now!
  14. 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
  15. PedroL
    Jan 14, 2006
    9
    All song are great! (well... except #1 :P).
  16. DavidH
    May 5, 2006
    10
    In my humble opinion, the best album I've heard in years.
  17. MihaiV
    Sep 4, 2006
    9
    It took me almost a year to get into it, but now I'm hooked.
  18. RossJ
    Nov 10, 2005
    9
    A sweet, cathartic and life affirming album.
  19. peegee
    Dec 1, 2005
    9
    i initially thought the singer would turn me off to the album however, all of it together, it ends up being quite beautiful.
  20. Guigong
    Dec 20, 2005
    8
    Un disque qui est arruivé sur ma platine au hasard d'un achat spontané en magasin et un plaisir immense à savourer cette pop marquée d'influences 80. Grand disque!
  21. camdenl
    Oct 22, 2005
    9
    pretty cool how they sold the copies themselves through word of mouth. this album gets more intriguing with each listen
  22. 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.
  23. paull
    Oct 27, 2005
    8
    i think that the 8.3 average score that this has gotten so far is fairly accurate. "heavy metal" and "gimme some salt" really drag and just feel pathetic next to "details of the war" and "in this home on ice." "over and over again" is a beautiful pop song that should be the track that this album is remembered by, but instead it will probably be "the skin of..." which is very fun and well i think that the 8.3 average score that this has gotten so far is fairly accurate. "heavy metal" and "gimme some salt" really drag and just feel pathetic next to "details of the war" and "in this home on ice." "over and over again" is a beautiful pop song that should be the track that this album is remembered by, but instead it will probably be "the skin of..." which is very fun and well written and such, but come on...that's a modest mouse guitar part for christ sakes, i haven't heard anything that obvious in years. "let the cool goddess" and "is this love?" are very solid but could be more...intense maybe? "upon this tidal wave" is a good closer, and the instrumentals are cute and aid the album's flow. this record is not as consistent as it could be, but it's highs are pretty breathtaking for a debut album. i have heard plenty of talking heads, i am not a big fan. i think alec from CYHSY should stick to the more "singing" singing he does here, which sounds alot like a gloriously drunken thom yorke to me, as opposed to this yelping business. i also really enjoyed the backround vocals while consistently wishing that the guitars be louder in the mix. a feeling i get with this record is that they have much more potential than say, the arcade fire...potential to make a better follow up album. and i think they will… Expand
  24. BenecioZ
    Dec 9, 2005
    9
    By far the best song heard all year, The skin of my yellow country teeth, simply awesome
  25. FrancesA
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    I love this band. Such a fresh, new sound, makes you want to get up and groove!
  26. erin
    Oct 7, 2005
    9
    i listen againandagainandagainandagain
  27. RodolfoZ.E
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    It´s f**in´ great. CYHSY show us that good music don´t need a famous label or a big marketing. Good music goes all around the world for itself.
  28. hughm
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    There is a lot of Byrne to the vocals, which take a bit of getting used to, but overall an excellent album, with a great rhythm section.
  29. rubberrubby
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    rubbish!!!
  30. ScottB
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Amazing.
  31. TravisB
    Jul 17, 2005
    8
    This album makes me wonder what radiohead would have sounded like if they stayed along the bends route. Although the production sounds somewhat low budget, the musical arrangements surpass any doubts one could possibly have about the talent of this band. Slightly overhyped, but still worthy of the stamp of approval. i won't be surprised to see this album on numerous reviewer's This album makes me wonder what radiohead would have sounded like if they stayed along the bends route. Although the production sounds somewhat low budget, the musical arrangements surpass any doubts one could possibly have about the talent of this band. Slightly overhyped, but still worthy of the stamp of approval. i won't be surprised to see this album on numerous reviewer's year end lists.… Expand
  32. LisaS
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far.
  33. miketv
    Jul 30, 2005
    9
    This album is actaully worth all the hype. The guy whos complaining about his voice should stick to listening to the killers.
  34. geraldinev
    Jul 6, 2005
    9
    clap your hands!!! to this band!!!
  35. leonardop
    Jul 9, 2005
    9
    Arcade Fire is the best album of 2004 ,this year the most beautiful album is Clap Your hands say yeah!
  36. SeyHaS
    Aug 13, 2005
    8
    At first the nasal singing was not benign to my ears, but with time I came to appreciate the vocals, as it was evidently talent I
  37. carol
    Aug 15, 2005
    7
    CYHSY isn't the ultimate 2005 masterpiece as a lot of critics say. the "deja-vu" feeling appears once and again, the band needs define their personality... instead, we can enjoy some of the funniest songs of the year... clap hands, yeah!
  38. StooB
    Aug 7, 2005
    9
    An amazing and refreshing album. Obviously the vocals will divide people up and make it a strongly love/hate album, but there are lots of great singers who suffer that (yorke, corgan, bjork)
  39. f
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    what i needed
  40. RaulJ
    Sep 28, 2005
    9
    CYHSY have got it. To all of the reviewers who ripped this one, you are welcome to your opinion, however sick & wrong it may be. Great CD.
  41. 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
  42. ScottV
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    classic indie rock, a must listen.
  43. LizziS
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    Bloody brilliant album, everyone should own it.
  44. 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.
  45. SeanB
    Jan 6, 2006
    8
    This is a pretty good album, but common, stop complaining about how "over-hyped" this is. They don't pay a dime for advertising and everyone attacks them. For christ sake, complain about artists who actually have no talent, like Lindsey Lohan, not about these guys. They built up a reputation, not an advertising campaign financed by some mega-corporation!
  46. SeamusS
    Jan 6, 2006
    8
    It's no classic yet. At the same time, it's undenyably briliant. It shows a promise that, if they keep it up, the next album should be a classic. What's missing the most is a soul. It's tight and lyrically smart but not as moving as it could be. His voice is also an aquired taste.
  47. 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
  48. AlexP
    Mar 9, 2006
    7
    Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Yeah Yeah For Cutie. I got this CD in Vancouver and the punky-quirky clerk said
  49. Hein
    Apr 30, 2006
    7
    Good record but way overratted! Vive The Velvet Underground!!
  50. sdaasdad
    Aug 4, 2006
    10
    is the best
  51. Mars88
    Sep 24, 2006
    10
    They sound alot like wolf parade, but that doesn't make them any less amazing.
  52. BobG
    Sep 7, 2006
    9
    Thumb up.
  53. jesuschrist
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    very good. One of the best bands of the century
  54. Jeff
    Apr 1, 2007
    9
    You get used the initially abrasive vocals, and the melodies hook you. It is a very good cd.
  55. MattM
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    The best, most passionate, and most refreshing record in years.
  56. LorganS
    Nov 23, 2005
    9
    MAKE SURE that you listen to the cd more than once before forming an opinion. It just grows on you so much. After the third time listening, I had made up my mind that this was pone of the greatest and different indie rock bands of our time. The band trie somthing different than most boring popular music out there and I love em for it. The singer really puts it all together. So anyway, MAKE SURE that you listen to the cd more than once before forming an opinion. It just grows on you so much. After the third time listening, I had made up my mind that this was pone of the greatest and different indie rock bands of our time. The band trie somthing different than most boring popular music out there and I love em for it. The singer really puts it all together. So anyway, listen to it again!… Expand
  57. MaxS
    Nov 30, 2005
    10
    This album is kicka$$ buy it now
  58. EffE
    Oct 13, 2005
    9
    This is a great first album. Reminds me of R.E.M. first albums (Chronic Town and Murmur). The bass line is always lound and melodic and Ounsworth doesn't pretend he can sing. The tunes are really good too, especially The Skins of my Yellow Country Teeth and Heavy Metal. It really sound fresh.
  59. BillyL
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    This album is single handedly revolutionizing the way people think about indie bands!
  60. AramisG
    Dec 6, 2005
    9
    It will sound alot like Talking Heads or Violent Femmes on your first listen. Stick with it because it will grow on you. I won't say they are a great band until I hear a follow up album. Too many bands these days burn out after one album.
  61. 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
  62. 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.
  63. JohnL
    Oct 8, 2005
    8
    Over-hyped, but still an excellent album. The opening track is insipid and really irritating, but the rest is strong stuff. The vocals are probably an acquired taste, more eccentric, more like Tom Verlaine than David Byrne, IMO, but I love Television. Probably one of the year's best.
  64. 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.
  65. 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.
  66. 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.
  67. 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...
  68. wrr
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    just listen to the album for what it is, not for what i think about pitchfork - try to stop listening to this record
  69. coulef
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    CYHSY is fantastic. At times derivitive and familiar but more often fresh and creative. I think this CD is excellent and would love to see them come to my town. MILWAUKEE,WI!!!
  70. NetoN
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Best album I've heard in ages. The self-production adds to the songs' intimacy. Voice a bit like Jeff Magnum but poppier subject-matter and melodies flying everywhere. Buy the album and support a band doing it for themselves!
  71. PedroC
    Jul 15, 2005
    9
    Great great great great album!!!!!!!!! Will be on my top 10 albums of this year!
  72. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Amazing music, but that wonderfully terrible voice really is the icing on the cake.
  73. VanL
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    A really great album that, unfortunately, comes out at a time when many people are so eager to hate "the next big thing." People that just truly enjoy Indie Rock music will thoroughly appreciate this release.
  74. JustinC
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Perfect pop, extremely fun to listen to
  75. elizw
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    mind-bogglingly spectacular.
  76. KarenI
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    Wooow! Shines!
  77. bret
    Jul 18, 2005
    9
    very good...only 1 song i'm not crazy about
  78. Mr.Holler
    Jul 19, 2005
    9
    Bought this album because of the buzz - not what I was expecting at all...and yet...every time I listen through and put something else in, I keep stopping mid-way through and putting this back in. Either they've found a way to administer nicotine aurally or else it's a really rewarding listen. Kind of Belle and Sebastian meets David Byrne meets the Danielson Famile meets Arcade Bought this album because of the buzz - not what I was expecting at all...and yet...every time I listen through and put something else in, I keep stopping mid-way through and putting this back in. Either they've found a way to administer nicotine aurally or else it's a really rewarding listen. Kind of Belle and Sebastian meets David Byrne meets the Danielson Famile meets Arcade Fire meets I don't know what else. Something solid.… Expand
  79. TerrenceO
    Jul 21, 2005
    9
    Fascinating, entertaining, and catchy as hell. This group frolics perfectly amongst the current buzz bands of the indie world (ie. Firey Furnaces, Arcade Fire, Architechure in Helsinki) Theyre, cute, dancable, funny and occasionally rocking
  80. Bryce
    Jul 21, 2005
    9
    This is solid. Too bad Joe B. didn't get the memo. If you can't enjoy this you can't enjoy music. Try listening to it instead of criticizing it and being just that much cooler than the next guy so you can look back and wrongly say "I never actually liked it, even when everyone else was falling over themselves loving it". The emotional gut wrenching feelings that come out of This is solid. Too bad Joe B. didn't get the memo. If you can't enjoy this you can't enjoy music. Try listening to it instead of criticizing it and being just that much cooler than the next guy so you can look back and wrongly say "I never actually liked it, even when everyone else was falling over themselves loving it". The emotional gut wrenching feelings that come out of this music is what makes it, not the fact that so and so said it was "THE album to listen to this summer!" Give your head a shake-this is the one! Christ!… Expand
  81. Bfizzle
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    Fuck the backlash, this album is as great as they say it is.
  82. Drub
    Jul 26, 2005
    9
    Absolutely brilliant piece of work, I already can't wait to hear something new.
  83. ckasem
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Sounds like if david Byrne sung lead for the Feelies or old new order. I love it
  84. VivianC
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    Awesome.
  85. BrendanP
    Jul 30, 2005
    7
    overrated
  86. JohnD
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    Phenomenal album. Best of the year, by far.
  87. damoner
    Jul 5, 2005
    9
    the comparisons to tHeads, ViolentFemmes, NMH, are all evident here. That is really not a bad thing either. This CD delivers a full-on dose of inspired indie gold. I keep enjoying it more with each and every listen.
  88. PatS.
    Jul 5, 2005
    7
    I want to marry Loz. Pitchfork is pretentious: take THAT!
  89. Ben
    Jul 6, 2005
    9
    All this album took for me was one listen and I was hooked. Best pop album in years. To me far superior to Arcade Fire, although really the two bands aren't comparable except cyhsy has all the buzz arcade fire had back in the fall
  90. roba
    Jul 7, 2005
    8
    A close second to Hold Steady's SS for my second favorite album of the year (so far). I've listened to the album over and over, and still am a bit baffled as to what it is I like so much about the album. All I know is that it sounds great. Spot the influence is easy (tho they deny knowing who most of their so-called influences even are), yet they still sound original. Download A close second to Hold Steady's SS for my second favorite album of the year (so far). I've listened to the album over and over, and still am a bit baffled as to what it is I like so much about the album. All I know is that it sounds great. Spot the influence is easy (tho they deny knowing who most of their so-called influences even are), yet they still sound original. Download "Home on Ice" from their website and you'll order the album within an hour.… Expand
  91. BrianM
    Aug 12, 2005
    9
    Very Impressive debut. It does have a very fresh sound. Forget about the hype and just listen to it. Enjoy!
  92. chooch
    Aug 12, 2005
    9
    i usually disagree with pitchfork ratings but i can't stop listening to this cd. The first listen was ok but it keeps getting better and better. I was getting really tired of the disco beat indie rock.
  93. stilicho
    Aug 15, 2005
    9
    Simply amazing work, with obvious influences yet its own unique approach and tone. All it took was the first minute of "Yellow Country Teeth" and I was hooked. I wasn't disappointed by the rest of the album, in fact, it's growing on me. There's no filler, even though not every song is a "single".
  94. MusicMaven
    Aug 18, 2005
    7
    It's a very promising debut -- perhaps getting extra praise because it was self-recorded and released. It's nice to discover art unmolested by corporate greed. But the muffled production hurts the songs. And the weaker songs fail to overcome the lead singer's acquired-taste, Michael Stipe-mumbling meets David Byrne-chirping delivery. Still, the overall strength of the songs It's a very promising debut -- perhaps getting extra praise because it was self-recorded and released. It's nice to discover art unmolested by corporate greed. But the muffled production hurts the songs. And the weaker songs fail to overcome the lead singer's acquired-taste, Michael Stipe-mumbling meets David Byrne-chirping delivery. Still, the overall strength of the songs bodes well for the future. CYHSY is a band that is capable of making a truly classic album. This, however, is not it.… Expand
  95. MarkO.
    Aug 2, 2005
    9
    An excellent debut. I can't stop listening to this album! It's the perfect blend of newcomer originality and experienced control. One of the best of the year!
  96. KreshnakK
    Aug 23, 2005
    9
    To my opinion, this is one of the best lp released this year. This band sounds uniqe! I don't know any band who has significant similarities to "Clap Your Hands...". First, i was quite shocked by the singers brash and impulsive voice. But meanwhile i've got used to it. That's good.
  97. BenA
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    This is easily one of the most fun albums of the year. Great car music. Great chill music. Great alone-time music. It's the most versatile album to come out in a long time. The production is fine. All the elements of greatness are there. I do have a feeling that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's best moments are ahead of them, but this is an exquisite album. It's refreshing and This is easily one of the most fun albums of the year. Great car music. Great chill music. Great alone-time music. It's the most versatile album to come out in a long time. The production is fine. All the elements of greatness are there. I do have a feeling that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's best moments are ahead of them, but this is an exquisite album. It's refreshing and new. It has a contagious energy. It's like discovering The Bends for the first time. And that's about as great a compliment that one can give.… Expand
  98. naja
    Aug 5, 2005
    10
    howcome no one makes music like this anymore? a breath o fresh air, i'm tired of all the over produced super treble guitar dance bands taking over the indie scene. a classic for sure, buy it!
  99. MikeB
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    Addictive pop hooks + wonderfully weird + kinetic energy = I can't stop listening
  100. BenD
    Sep 10, 2005
    10
    This album is incredibly good. CYHSY knows how to create good hooks that will stay in your head for hours after listening. Singer Alec Ounsworth's pubescent Thom Yorkish singing may irritate some listeners, but I personaly love it. This is the best album of 2005 so far.
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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.
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  2. Pitchfork
    90
    The record is consistently, remarkably strong.
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  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.
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