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. geraldinev
    Jul 6, 2005
    9
    clap your hands!!! to this band!!!
  2. 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!
  3. 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)
  4. f
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    what i needed
  5. 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.
  6. BobG
    Sep 7, 2006
    9
    Thumb up.
  7. Jeff
    Apr 1, 2007
    9
    You get used the initially abrasive vocals, and the melodies hook you. It is a very good cd.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. PedroC
    Jul 15, 2005
    9
    Great great great great album!!!!!!!!! Will be on my top 10 albums of this year!
  12. bret
    Jul 18, 2005
    9
    very good...only 1 song i'm not crazy about
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Drub
    Jul 26, 2005
    9
    Absolutely brilliant piece of work, I already can't wait to hear something new.
  17. ckasem
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Sounds like if david Byrne sung lead for the Feelies or old new order. I love it
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. 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".
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. WillemZ
    Sep 9, 2005
    9
    The most exciting new album i've heard so far thid year
  27. xavierd
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    Surprise of the year 2005. Here's a classic from a to z.
  28. 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.
  29. Dan
    Nov 13, 2005
    9
    Listen to the reviews above, not the backlash.
  30. 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?).
  31. poneill
    Sep 21, 2005
    9
    perfect summer uncouth unruffled poptastic indie cool
  32. DavidG
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    Damn fine debut
  33. 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.
  34. 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!
  35. 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.
  36. Breathe
    Jul 1, 2005
    8
    Nice album!
  37. 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!
  38. 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
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. 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!
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. 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
  45. RyanL
    Mar 5, 2006
    8
    Occasionally falters, but mostly soars. Many tracks will make you want to follow the album's titular instructions.
  46. 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
  47. 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.
  48. Ricko
    Nov 14, 2011
    8
    Catchy and quirky from start to finish, The songs are full of melody, while the lyrics and song titles are weird. At times the singing style can grate a bit, but overall there isn't much I'd change about this record. I can't say this is the most original record ever as it's obvious throughout that the band are huge Talking Heads enthusiasts. Still it sounds fresh and different to mostCatchy and quirky from start to finish, The songs are full of melody, while the lyrics and song titles are weird. At times the singing style can grate a bit, but overall there isn't much I'd change about this record. I can't say this is the most original record ever as it's obvious throughout that the band are huge Talking Heads enthusiasts. Still it sounds fresh and different to most things out there. It's a shame the band haven't been able to get over the success they had with this, struggling on albums 2 and 3. An indie classic.… Expand
  49. 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!
  50. 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
  51. Hein
    Apr 30, 2006
    7
    Good record but way overratted! Vive The Velvet Underground!!
  52. BrendanP
    Jul 30, 2005
    7
    overrated
  53. PatS.
    Jul 5, 2005
    7
    I want to marry Loz. Pitchfork is pretentious: take THAT!
  54. 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
  55. 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
  56. 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.
  57. 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...
  58. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 24, 2022
    7
    The sonic forefather of later more ambitious and dynamic band's (see:carseatheadrest). This debut is a confident blast of optimism! Helmed by the typical "bad" north-western male vocalist this band with an awful band name leave it all on the 12 songs going in intresting albeit familiar direction. Favourites:over&over again, let the cool goddess rust away,sunshine &clouds
  59. lozd
    Jul 1, 2005
    6
    it's the classic story of rock and roll : what sounds like a violent femmes covers band make deeply average record and are rocketed to fame by deeply pretentious online music mag. brill.
  60. DocZee
    Jul 4, 2005
    6
    An NYC band has/will really benefit from a good pitchfork review (Its amazing how much clout the site carries these days). Light-hearted, energetic bliss. Lead singer sounds like a Byne/Yorke fusion. Incredibly consistent for a debut. There are few moments of greatness here (particularly in "In this Home..") but there aren't enough to warrant a higher score. Check out: "Upon this An NYC band has/will really benefit from a good pitchfork review (Its amazing how much clout the site carries these days). Light-hearted, energetic bliss. Lead singer sounds like a Byne/Yorke fusion. Incredibly consistent for a debut. There are few moments of greatness here (particularly in "In this Home..") but there aren't enough to warrant a higher score. Check out: "Upon this Tidal Wave of Young Blood", "In this Home on Ice", "Details of War"… Expand
  61. MarkC
    Jul 4, 2005
    6
    Not too shabby, but certainly not worthy of the praise from the Pitchfork hype machine. Upbeat and catchy? Sure. Annoying and repetitive? Indeed.
  62. WilliamL
    Aug 5, 2005
    6
    Fundamentally, what we have here is Talking Heads meets Pavement meets Joy Division. A basically decent album with a few very good songs (particularly the last two), but after a few listenings, I still can't figure out why this record is getting so much attention. Still, if this band were to build further on the strengths of its best songs, it could eventually live up to the hype.
  63. DannyO
    Jul 13, 2005
    6
    The music is good but old boy sounds like a cross between Bono and a cat in heat. More pitchfork hyperbole and snobification; these guys probably deserve a record deal but not a parade.
  64. 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
  65. [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
  66. 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!
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. 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.
  70. JamieS
    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    very very average. too similar to the arcade fire for comfort. very very very stupid name. boring.
  71. gta
    Jul 10, 2005
    5
    its OK but that song "home on ice" is just great
  72. SteveW
    Jul 10, 2005
    5
    Clap your hands, say "Yeah this is overrated!"
  73. jimh
    Dec 20, 2005
    5
    They suck live. I also think this album is mediocre at best. The vocals are extremely weak and annoying. The music is good but you can't polish a turd now can you?
  74. 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.
  75. LucM.
    Jun 14, 2008
    5
    2 giant tunes, but the rest is really boring.
  76. Christ
    Sep 25, 2005
    5
    A thoroughly predictable and musically generic album, i don't get the (underserved) hype, these guys are an average indie rock band with a singer who has listened to too much Talking Heads but pretends like he's never heard them.
  77. wazsiem
    Jul 24, 2005
    4
    WHAT IS HIS VOICE? IT HURTS MY SOUL! He sounds atrocious. the hype is unjustified. the only thing that saves this album is the music that is there, under his wailing terrible voice.
  78. JimM
    Oct 28, 2005
    4
    Can you say "over hyped"?! If you're over-hyped and you know, clap your hands! Love the music, can't stand the nasal singing. Maybe I can process it and remove the vocals. Underwhelming! But promising!
  79. WillyP
    Nov 18, 2005
    4
    Love the music, but the singer, yeeek! It's like being trapped in a room with an aggressive mentally handicapped person. And live, it sounds even worse.
  80. atomg
    Jul 10, 2005
    4
    upbeat and catchy at times, but this album is vastly overrated.
  81. RicardoST
    Jul 13, 2005
    4
    Feito para os "intelectualóides" de plantão.
  82. 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
  83. TheRapture
    Sep 27, 2005
    4
    Quite simple really: overrated.
  84. 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
  85. peterw
    Aug 8, 2007
    3
    great music but cursed by the familiar indie music problem - an appauling singer. i dont usually mind if soemone cant sing but this guy seems to want to rub your nose in it until you tear to CD in half. if they could get a singer less influenced by, i dunno, that pretentious twat from pere ubu, they could be on a winner. as it stands id give it 8 for d music and zero for d vocals.
  86. JCSmith
    Jul 13, 2005
    3
    Diet Radiohead. I just don't get it. I tried. I agree with The New Lows. Their FREE EP available at their site delivers. Hey...they even got a decent name. Props to bands with good names...and good music!
  87. 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.
  88. cleopatraj
    Sep 28, 2005
    3
    Amen Jefferson L!
  89. JasonC
    Jul 14, 2005
    3
    umm... kinda boring... generic indie hooplah... dont see what all the fuss is about?
  90. ryanf
    Aug 1, 2005
    2
    Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is a very boring and had no shelf life, it looses all of its very little charm quick. It is only egarded so highly because pitchfork rated it so highly. Sleater-Kinney and MIA have released music much better this year.
  91. GarrettS
    Sep 21, 2005
    2
    No one will care about this band in a year. HEY LOOK, IT'S MORE TRENDY INDIE ROCK! Some of these songs are decent (in that fruity, "wow why the hell do i find myself liking this" kind of way), then the singer starts in and completely blows them to crap. This one gets my vote for Comedy album of the year.
  92. pault
    Aug 10, 2005
    2
    Sorry, it's just not a good album. The vocals are annoying at best.
  93. JeffersonL.
    Sep 25, 2005
    2
    Let's review the formula for a successful new release in the early 00s. Indie cred? Check. Gushing prasie from Pitchfork? Check. Pretentious "we're wacky... but still sensitive!" lyrics? Check. Based out of Brooklyn, NY? Check. Danceable rhythms, usually consisting of a repetitive bass drum downbeat paired with a tambourine? Check. Impossible to name drop without also mentioning Let's review the formula for a successful new release in the early 00s. Indie cred? Check. Gushing prasie from Pitchfork? Check. Pretentious "we're wacky... but still sensitive!" lyrics? Check. Based out of Brooklyn, NY? Check. Danceable rhythms, usually consisting of a repetitive bass drum downbeat paired with a tambourine? Check. Impossible to name drop without also mentioning Talking Heads or Television? Check. Vocals that would make Helen Keller cringe ("but they don't bother me because I TOTALLY get it")? Check. Ladies and gentlemen, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! I wanted to like this album, I swear. I think it's wonderful that the band has yet to sign a huge record contract (hence the "2" rating). I'm sure the guys are nice people and all. I just hope they are ready for the overexposure backlash - here's the first taste, fellows. This is quite possibly the most overrated band since The Rapture. Remember them? Me neither.… Expand
  94. JustinR
    Oct 9, 2005
    1
    Overhyped. Verrrrrrry overhyped.
  95. Garrison
    Jul 11, 2005
    1
    All Hype. Arcade Fire have talent and a good name. These guys probably paid pitchfork off. The Hold Steady and The New Lows are my choice for 2005. Decide for yourself.
  96. rag
    Jul 13, 2005
    1
    clap you hands say yeah: ouch.
  97. 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
  98. tonyw
    Aug 10, 2005
    0
    totaly shit...
  99. chrism
    Aug 5, 2005
    0
    boring, unoriginal muisc. a singer who cannot sing. easily the most overrated piece of crap indie rock has produced in years.
  100. SeanW
    Nov 15, 2005
    0
    Crap your hands shove it down your throat.
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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.
    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
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