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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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!
  2. PedroC
    Jul 15, 2005
    9
    Great great great great album!!!!!!!!! Will be on my top 10 albums of this year!
  3. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Amazing music, but that wonderfully terrible voice really is the icing on the cake.
  4. 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.
  5. JustinC
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Perfect pop, extremely fun to listen to
  6. elizw
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    mind-bogglingly spectacular.
  7. KarenI
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    Wooow! Shines!
  8. JoeB.
    Jul 18, 2005
    6
    I think all the "cool" reviewers get a newsletter or something telling them when to write over the top poetic appreciations of nonspectactular music. There seem to be these moments when the entire industry just seems to have decided in advance a record is going to be proclaimed. And a lot of times it is bands from New York. And we as serious readers of Pitchfork, Metacritic, etc soak it I think all the "cool" reviewers get a newsletter or something telling them when to write over the top poetic appreciations of nonspectactular music. There seem to be these moments when the entire industry just seems to have decided in advance a record is going to be proclaimed. And a lot of times it is bands from New York. And we as serious readers of Pitchfork, Metacritic, etc soak it up and spit it back out. We actually running around talking about how great something is when we don't really know why ourselves. There's nothing really wrong with this record. It's fun, sort of compelling, but nothing extraordinary. A couple of tracks are quite catchy and even innovative. And the fun Talking Head vibe is enjoyable. I personally love that sound coming up in today's bands. But it sounds like what it is, a self recorded record by a band that hasn't yet distinguished themsselves and is still mixing up genres and ideas (which can be a great thing, don't get me wrong). I don't think they have found their own voice yet (altho the theme of every review you read is that these guys emerged fully hatched on their first album). I do agree that much of the best music these days is not actually enjoyable, and there's a rush you get when listening to a band that actually is fun. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are that, and we do need more just fun from the body high spirited music. But this is not the best album of the year. All the songs seem to be recorded at different volumes, the vocals are mixed badly at places and I really don't think it's such a magical blend of influences as the press would suggest. It's just another indie band influenced by 80's new wave that shows several sparks of promise along several levels of still figuring it out . Fine. I hope they have a fine career. There's promise here, but it's still unrealized. And the band shouldn't celebrate their good fortune too soon. There's usual a critical backlash when the cool kids stick their necks out too far and later regret it when nobody can figure out a year later why everyone thought it was so good. This record is basically a demo, although you wouldn't know it from the uniformly hysterical praise that everybody seems to agree is appropriate. I guess I didn't get the newsletter. And probably never will now. There's nothing really wrong with this record. It's OK. A couple of tracks are quite compelling and even innovative. And the fun Talking Head vibe is enjoyable. But it sounds like what it is, a self recorded record by a band that hasn't yet distinguished themsselves and is still mixing up genres and ideas (which can be a great thing, don't get me wrong). I agree that much of the best music these days is not actually enjoyable, and there's a rush you get when listening to a band that actually is fun. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are that. But this is not the best album of the year. All the songs seem to be recorded at different volumes, the vocals are mixed badly at places and I really don't think it's such a magical blend of influences as the press would suggest. It's just another indie band influenced by 80's new wave that shows several sparks of promise along several levels of still figuring it out . Fine. I hope they have a fine career. There's promise here, but it's still unrealized. This record is basically a demo, although you wouldn't know it from the uniformly hysterical praise that everybody seems to agree is appropriate. I guess I didn't get the newsletter or the payoff.… Expand
  9. bret
    Jul 18, 2005
    9
    very good...only 1 song i'm not crazy about
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Bfizzle
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    Fuck the backlash, this album is as great as they say it is.
  14. Drub
    Jul 26, 2005
    9
    Absolutely brilliant piece of work, I already can't wait to hear something new.
  15. [Anonymous]
    Jul 28, 2005
    6
    I agree with Wazsie M about his voice, it does get very annoying. Everything else about their songs is brilliant, but I can't stand listening to his voice. And to those people who are insulting the people who give it low scores, remember that not everyone can like the same people, and some people won't like this album. And some will. You can listen to 3 songs off this album on I agree with Wazsie M about his voice, it does get very annoying. Everything else about their songs is brilliant, but I can't stand listening to his voice. And to those people who are insulting the people who give it low scores, remember that not everyone can like the same people, and some people won't like this album. And some will. You can listen to 3 songs off this album on their website. Try it out.… Expand
  16. ckasem
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Sounds like if david Byrne sung lead for the Feelies or old new order. I love it
  17. VivianC
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    Awesome.
  18. BrendanP
    Jul 30, 2005
    7
    overrated
  19. JohnD
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    Phenomenal album. Best of the year, by far.
  20. 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.
  21. PatS.
    Jul 5, 2005
    7
    I want to marry Loz. Pitchfork is pretentious: take THAT!
  22. whb
    Jul 6, 2005
    3
    After all the hype, I expected the precious whine of an overly ironic and hip indie band. I wasn't too far off. This record sounds like Gordon Gano ripping Thom Yorke melodies, but dressing it up in every current indie cliche and trend. It took no courage to make such a frivolous and obnoxious record as this.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. TaTa
    Jul 7, 2005
    5
    Yeah it's alright but I agree with loz d. You get a couple of pretentious hit or miss self proclaimed "journalist" like pitchfork wanking about it and all of the sudden nothing has existed prior to this sound which is total rubbish. It's good but by no means original.
  26. 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!
  27. scuttlebuggoodluck
    Aug 12, 2005
    6
    ... aside from the bass player ripping off New Order riffs and the vocalist whining worse than a banshee in heat, it's not a bad album. Why some call this "the hottest thing on the entire internet" I will never comprehend. Overhyped, definitely... ...somebody please come up with something new, I'm getting bored here!
  28. 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.
  29. 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".
  30. 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
  31. 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!
  32. 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.
  33. JonE
    Aug 3, 2005
    6
    Wow, this is tremendously overhyped. Some good tunes, but shouldn't we remember that what made David Byrne so amazing was how he could shape his flawed voice into a uniquely beautiful musical tool. CYHSY is equivalent to a high school actor impersonating Byrne, and while the backing music is often catchy, this band is an example of a band doing everything to sound hip and nothing to Wow, this is tremendously overhyped. Some good tunes, but shouldn't we remember that what made David Byrne so amazing was how he could shape his flawed voice into a uniquely beautiful musical tool. CYHSY is equivalent to a high school actor impersonating Byrne, and while the backing music is often catchy, this band is an example of a band doing everything to sound hip and nothing to sound real.… Expand
  34. 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
  35. 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!
  36. 400lb.teenager
    Aug 9, 2005
    0
    When will the crud-eating indie rock community stop embracing such derivative and retrogressive bands like this one? Oh wait, they're from Brooklyn, they must be good.
  37. MikeB
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    Addictive pop hooks + wonderfully weird + kinetic energy = I can't stop listening
  38. 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.
  39. CreativeTornado
    Sep 18, 2005
    0
    I'm a huge indie music fan... you won't find No Doubt on my iPod, but don't believe the hype of this disc. It's extremely pretentious and simply unlistenable. the vocals are freakin' grating (and not in a good way), the songs are boring, the production is very "now". Nothing new. Save your money.
  40. JustinF
    Sep 28, 2005
    10
    This band has created something purely remarkable with their debut album. The most amazing thing is that every song on this hole album has its own secure strength. The spacial qualities of the music provide a mysteriously large backdrop which is then splattered with crisp and thick guitars which weave between one another, intertwined but never colliding. The omnipresent synth drones and This band has created something purely remarkable with their debut album. The most amazing thing is that every song on this hole album has its own secure strength. The spacial qualities of the music provide a mysteriously large backdrop which is then splattered with crisp and thick guitars which weave between one another, intertwined but never colliding. The omnipresent synth drones and wavering detuned oscilators pull the music in a direction reminiscent of the montreal sound yet at the same time set this music apart as unique and finely crafted imperfection. when it comes down to it, you must listen for yourself becuase all the odd and intensley raw components of the music will leave you stunned and deeply appreciative of this music.… Expand
  41. Keith
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    If you approach this album looking for more than just highl quality indie music you may be a bit dissapointed. CYHSY puts forth a solid album; the band has definitely got their act together. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but it's an excellent debut album that offers 12 quality tracks and without a single misfire.
  42. Jason
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    Cannot stop listening. This certainly deserves the hype and took me only one listen to be hooked. Watch out for these guys.
  43. WillemZ
    Sep 9, 2005
    9
    The most exciting new album i've heard so far thid year
  44. jonathano
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    I love every song that they have on that cd!
  45. tommym
    Jan 13, 2006
    10
    the best albumi have heard for quite while
  46. xavierd
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    Surprise of the year 2005. Here's a classic from a to z.
  47. keving
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    brilliant sound, they deserve a record deal!
  48. NicholasT
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    An incriminatingly great album. Why does everyone keep on harping on the fact that Ounsworth's voice isn't good? Yes, the man does not have a good voice, but at least he doesn't pretend that he does. The songs on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah don't particulary facilitate an angelic voice anyways. What Ounsworth's voice does have in spades is emotion. Even though the An incriminatingly great album. Why does everyone keep on harping on the fact that Ounsworth's voice isn't good? Yes, the man does not have a good voice, but at least he doesn't pretend that he does. The songs on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah don't particulary facilitate an angelic voice anyways. What Ounsworth's voice does have in spades is emotion. Even though the arrangements of the songs are brilliant and original in scope, it is his unique voice that lends itself to them that much more and makes them even more etherial than they were to begin with. Oh and to all the posters who are jumping on the "i-hate-critics-that-only-say-they-like-a-band-because-they-feel-obligated-to" bandwagon: critics, however off-base or conspicuous they may seem, are simply giving their opinion, not twisting it to fit some pretense latent nature. Most of the time they are, in fact, just flat-out wrong. Not just going along with what everyone else believes. Anyways, ClapYour Hands Say Yeah is a must buy (in my opinion) and ranks as my 2nd favorite album of '05.… Expand
  49. NickS
    Jan 5, 2006
    7
    Okay, for whatever reason this album has been hyped to death, it's not for its songcraft. Most of these songs are terribly simplistic four-minute, three-chord numbers, with very little dynamics. No key changes, no rhythmic variations, no bridges. The vocal melodies are terribly uninteresting. However, the guy's voice itself is pretty unique. I suspect that's the real reason Okay, for whatever reason this album has been hyped to death, it's not for its songcraft. Most of these songs are terribly simplistic four-minute, three-chord numbers, with very little dynamics. No key changes, no rhythmic variations, no bridges. The vocal melodies are terribly uninteresting. However, the guy's voice itself is pretty unique. I suspect that's the real reason for all the glowing reviews. So I give this album a 7 because it's fun and easy on the ears. But it's not terribly original or creative, and in five years I highly doubt you will see this on any "best of the decade" list.… Expand
  50. ChrisG
    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    It's so unique and the sound is so good, I can't really describe it. I was a little confused at first but this ranks as top five on my albums of 2005
  51. ligerk
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    stop thinking!! just feel it! that's it!!
  52. MikeL
    Feb 28, 2006
    10
    Wonderful. Talking heads goes to the circus.
  53. Dave
    Mar 4, 2006
    10
    Love it!
  54. RyanL
    Mar 5, 2006
    8
    Occasionally falters, but mostly soars. Many tracks will make you want to follow the album's titular instructions.
  55. leop
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    something to be cherished .. a hallmark of independent music.
  56. BrianO
    Jul 15, 2006
    9
    Top Beef. Just saw them at T in the park aswell and they did the buisness winning over even the most cynical of my friends.
  57. WilsonA.
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    There are only 3 or 4 albums that I can honestly say don't have a single bad song. This is one of them
  58. FabM
    Jan 24, 2007
    10
    Certainly the best album in the last 15 years. Nothing is like CYHSY, for sure. And the voice...? Well, Lou Reed reminds a asthma-like voice, but is still one of the best rockers ever ;)
  59. scafy
    Feb 23, 2007
    10
    very good album, very good band, very good vocal and music! yeah
  60. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    CYHSY is an immaculate album.
  61. CanadianPhilosopher
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    Fantastic album. If you are a fan of classic alternative pop, go out and buy this album immediately. Each song is catchier than the last. I have worn out my CD from overplaying it.
  62. Dan
    Nov 13, 2005
    9
    Listen to the reviews above, not the backlash.
  63. TomasS
    Nov 17, 2005
    4
    One of the few things I appreciate about this band is that they put out their album themselves and got heard - and even acclaimed. It's just that this is not the right band. Idle lyrics, grating vocals, promising but never really rewarding moments. I tried to like this album, but I couldn't. If you want to hear the real discovery of 2005, try Wolf Parade. They, unlike CYHSY, One of the few things I appreciate about this band is that they put out their album themselves and got heard - and even acclaimed. It's just that this is not the right band. Idle lyrics, grating vocals, promising but never really rewarding moments. I tried to like this album, but I couldn't. If you want to hear the real discovery of 2005, try Wolf Parade. They, unlike CYHSY, deserve the hype.… Expand
  64. KjetilG
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Best CD of 2005
  65. BrianG
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    to quote the Guinness guys: Brilliant!
  66. FiskeS
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    Amazing.... Great album.
  67. AdrieC
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    help! I can't stop playing this cd!
  68. BobDylan
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    This is the best album this year so what if its verrrryyy overhyped... deservedly so, so there. Would give it a 9.5, but there's no such thing as a 10 in my opinion (perfection?).
  69. SLUGGOO
    Dec 1, 2005
    10
    Talking heads, David Bowie, rapped up into 1 with a rythm that will knock your SOX off, I love it, You deffinetly have to listen to it a few times before it sinks in. They will be huge !
  70. scottr
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    Best Damn CD I have heard this year. For all those people that say that the lead singers voice sucks....It is the worse voice that I am grateful to hear. This band is original and makes you wanna listen to new music agian. If you dont like it then go listen to Nickelback and put a bullet through your left testicle.
  71. tigerbalm
    Dec 3, 2005
    10
    Skin of my yellow country teeth....As good as it gets!! At the risk of sounding like a muscial fascist, if you slag this off, you're just crap.
  72. ChadS
    Dec 30, 2005
    8
    This sounds like the third album by The Woodentops. Pick up "Giant" or "Wooden Foot Cops on the Highway" and listen for yourself. But on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien when Alec Ounsworth sang the first syllable of "Is This Home on Ice", my initial response was, "Oh, he likes pre-Brazil David Byrne," just like everyone else. I wish the vocals weren't so buried in the mix like This sounds like the third album by The Woodentops. Pick up "Giant" or "Wooden Foot Cops on the Highway" and listen for yourself. But on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien when Alec Ounsworth sang the first syllable of "Is This Home on Ice", my initial response was, "Oh, he likes pre-Brazil David Byrne," just like everyone else. I wish the vocals weren't so buried in the mix like the songs on Sugar's EP "Beaster". It should've been their strongest track, but that honor goes to "The Skin of my Yellow Country Teeth." They sound totally committed to their music like how the Arcade Fire does on "Rebellion(Lies)". The guy from Thrashing Doves, if he hears this album, will probably wonder why nobody(except me) liked his off-key singing.… Expand
  73. RichardM
    Dec 30, 2005
    7
    OK, but I think it is very overated. I suspect its independent release (telling the music industry where to put it) had something to do with it.
  74. MikeC
    Dec 4, 2005
    10
    I'm not an indie-rock nerd: there are some indie darlings that I love, like Death From Above 1979 and Kings of Convenience, but I am no way "in the know." However, when I randomly stumbled upon CYHSY, I was absolutely floored. This is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite album of the year. Every song is excellent, and some songs (including- but not limited to- "Upon This Tidal I'm not an indie-rock nerd: there are some indie darlings that I love, like Death From Above 1979 and Kings of Convenience, but I am no way "in the know." However, when I randomly stumbled upon CYHSY, I was absolutely floored. This is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite album of the year. Every song is excellent, and some songs (including- but not limited to- "Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood," "Over And Over Again (Lost And Found)," "Clap Your Hands!," and "Heavy Metal") are basically perfect. As a few reviews have said, if you don't have this album, you're a complete fool. This is not an indie rock gem- this is a MUSIC gem. I defy someone to listen to "Heavy Metal" or "Over And Over Again" and not sing it non-stop for days at a time.… Expand
  75. FoodwadMcGee
    Oct 25, 2005
    10
    This album eats food, and it is the best eater of food I've seen all year.
  76. jimo
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    The best new band to come along in 20 years.
  77. Lauren
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    I can't get enough of this album. It gets better with every listen. I gained a greater appreciation for it once I heard Alec Ounsworth(the lead singer)'s solo work. The guy's voice is what does it for me, he's all over the map. It is an album that is held very personally dear, I don't think it's possible to be even remotely objective about this album. (how I can't get enough of this album. It gets better with every listen. I gained a greater appreciation for it once I heard Alec Ounsworth(the lead singer)'s solo work. The guy's voice is what does it for me, he's all over the map. It is an album that is held very personally dear, I don't think it's possible to be even remotely objective about this album. (how could you about any album) But I don't think it's overrated, I think it's wonderfully fun and a great fresh approach to the summer. I expect even more great things from this band. This isn't the BEST! ALBUM! EVER! but truly gets better with every listen.… Expand
  78. scottiec
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    better than your mother. neutral milk hotel and the talking heads had arcade fire as their son. meet illigitamate daughter clap your hands say yeah.
  79. AaronS
    Jul 18, 2005
    10
    Yep, it lives up to the hype. A consistently entertaining album of bright indie pop. Very eccentric and just about damn perfect. It will certainly find a spot on my ten best list this year as well.
  80. MichaelJ
    Jul 21, 2005
    6
    i'd like to throw my hat in the ring with joe b. from a previous comment. mildly interesting, somewhat clever, watered down talking heads and suddenly people are having fits about the second coming. come on people, we can do better. perhaps if pro. reviewers would actually listen to the promos rather than cutting and pasting each other's reviews then we could get some original i'd like to throw my hat in the ring with joe b. from a previous comment. mildly interesting, somewhat clever, watered down talking heads and suddenly people are having fits about the second coming. come on people, we can do better. perhaps if pro. reviewers would actually listen to the promos rather than cutting and pasting each other's reviews then we could get some original takes on original music.… Expand
  81. PatrickL
    Jul 26, 2005
    10
    Tremendous. Everyone wants to compare the singer to David Byrne, but to me it's more a mix between Byrne and the lead singer for James. The music is very unpredictable with clever usage of keyboards to complement unpredictably smooth guitar and bass melodies. For a self-released album, this record is well produced and mixed. CYH is this year's Arcade Fire, except it took Arcade Tremendous. Everyone wants to compare the singer to David Byrne, but to me it's more a mix between Byrne and the lead singer for James. The music is very unpredictable with clever usage of keyboards to complement unpredictably smooth guitar and bass melodies. For a self-released album, this record is well produced and mixed. CYH is this year's Arcade Fire, except it took Arcade Fire two albums to put out a complete record.… Expand
  82. toddm
    Aug 14, 2005
    10
    This is truly a phenomenal album. The songs are lyrically and vocally interesting, and the music carries a weight that is undeniable. The album shares moments of intimacy interspersed among almost epic sounds. The album has gravitas--I can't say it any other way. Boo to the naysayers. It's the most refreshing album I've heard in years.
  83. JakeM
    Sep 12, 2005
    1
    You know, I actually like most of these songs - usually right up to the point where starts braying like a donkey. Such cringe inducing whinging I haven't heard this side of the equally wretched Decemberists. Could all these lispy white postgrads do us all a favor and put away their instruments for, I don't know, a decade or two ( I don't just mean CYHSY but everyone of You know, I actually like most of these songs - usually right up to the point where starts braying like a donkey. Such cringe inducing whinging I haven't heard this side of the equally wretched Decemberists. Could all these lispy white postgrads do us all a favor and put away their instruments for, I don't know, a decade or two ( I don't just mean CYHSY but everyone of their ilk). Wake me up when the new Junior Senior comes out...… Expand
  84. matta
    Sep 15, 2005
    8
    Solid debut although it probably isn't quite as good as the buzz that it's getting. People who complain about the lead singer's voice are missing the point-this kind of music wouldn't work if the guy sang like Joe Pernice or Sufjan Stevens. Good disc though, very reminiscent of The Talking Heads with a smashed Thom Yorke on vocals. Definitely worth searching out and getting.
  85. BrianS
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    This is an instant classic album. I haven't heard anything this original, exciting and mind blowing since Modest Mouse debuted with Interstate 8.
  86. poneill
    Sep 21, 2005
    9
    perfect summer uncouth unruffled poptastic indie cool
  87. nathonr
    Sep 22, 2005
    10
    An inventive and pleasing album. It screams to be listen to over and over. I've played it for all my friends and co-workers and most of them have gone to pick up the cd for themsleves. Simply mind blowing, daring, and creative.
  88. seanl
    Sep 25, 2005
    10
    one of the best beats that i have heard in a long while. great party album. best album od the summer
  89. CP
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Unbelievable. They are even better live.
  90. TheRapture
    Sep 27, 2005
    4
    Quite simple really: overrated.
  91. DavidG
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    Damn fine debut
  92. BethanneO
    Jan 14, 2006
    4
    Quirkiness has too often been confused with brilliance. Very often the two go hand in hand but not in this case. How this mediocre-at-best album has been so widely acclaimed i can not understand. The songs are consistently weak. The vocal tone is interesting but it means nothing when the melodies are so miserable. i do believe that the band, if presented with a decent song to flesh out, Quirkiness has too often been confused with brilliance. Very often the two go hand in hand but not in this case. How this mediocre-at-best album has been so widely acclaimed i can not understand. The songs are consistently weak. The vocal tone is interesting but it means nothing when the melodies are so miserable. i do believe that the band, if presented with a decent song to flesh out, would do a creative and interesting job at doing so. Unfortunately, they haven't given themselves a chance to attempt that feat yet. save your money.… Expand
  93. RG
    Jul 28, 2006
    9
    great rock/pop album highlights are all over but home on ice stands out above all and the beautiful instrumental tracks lead into songs that are perfectly matched. alot of hype behind the record well worht it.
  94. ConanWatcher
    Aug 14, 2006
    7
    Great sound, great music, great look, great lyrics, crappy vocalist. Just saw them on Conan and the vocalist sounds like a tone-deaf 13 year old in puberty. Sorry guys, but the lyrics hurt my ears and ruined the wonderful music...
  95. peria
    Aug 24, 2006
    10
    Clap Your Hands is what ecstatic Sufis would sound like if they'd been listening to the history of Rock and Roll with a sprinkling of Louis Armstrong's 1920s Hot Five cuts. This is a genuinely great disc.
  96. sparkybear
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    Yay!
  97. anniex
    Mar 18, 2007
    9
    becomes familiar right away and stays a favorite due to fresh fun melodies and overall writing. one of my favorites of the year!
  98. Mike
    May 24, 2007
    10
    I wonder how many of these downvoters are guys with their own bands, upset that they didn't suddenly explode with popularity like CYHSH did. Anyways, the album: pretty good. The whole band is pretty involved. The vocals are guaranteed to turn off a lot of people, and the lyrics are unpredictable, but everything about them really does funnel into their name. Seriously, try clapping I wonder how many of these downvoters are guys with their own bands, upset that they didn't suddenly explode with popularity like CYHSH did. Anyways, the album: pretty good. The whole band is pretty involved. The vocals are guaranteed to turn off a lot of people, and the lyrics are unpredictable, but everything about them really does funnel into their name. Seriously, try clapping and stomping along to track 1. They're a fun band, and that's what makes them so great.… Expand
  99. BobbyG
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    My favorite for the year. Enchanting.
  100. PlatypusQuest
    Nov 26, 2005
    6
    The music is wonderful, but the vocals are undeniably terrible - and this is coming from someone who can get past the Grandmother's voice on the new Fiery Furnaces album. With a different vocalist, this album would be extraordinary - as is, it just leaves me thinking about what could have been. 6/10.
Page:

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 »