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. 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.
  2. poneill
    Sep 21, 2005
    9
    perfect summer uncouth unruffled poptastic indie cool
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. f
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    what i needed
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. WillemZ
    Sep 9, 2005
    9
    The most exciting new album i've heard so far thid year
  11. JamieS
    Sep 7, 2005
    5
    very very average. too similar to the arcade fire for comfort. very very very stupid name. boring.
  12. 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
  13. MikeB
    Sep 1, 2005
    10
    Addictive pop hooks + wonderfully weird + kinetic energy = I can't stop listening
  14. 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...
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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!
  18. 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".
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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!
  22. 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!
  23. 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.
  24. pault
    Aug 10, 2005
    2
    Sorry, it's just not a good album. The vocals are annoying at best.
  25. tonyw
    Aug 10, 2005
    0
    totaly shit...
  26. 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.
  27. 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)
  28. 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!
  29. 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!
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  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. 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!
  35. syazuanr
    Aug 1, 2005
    9
    much needed wake up call to all those sleeping rock giants!
  36. 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.
  37. BrendanP
    Jul 30, 2005
    7
    overrated
  38. 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.
  39. VivianC
    Jul 29, 2005
    10
    Awesome.
  40. ckasem
    Jul 29, 2005
    9
    Sounds like if david Byrne sung lead for the Feelies or old new order. I love it
  41. [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
  42. Drub
    Jul 26, 2005
    9
    Absolutely brilliant piece of work, I already can't wait to hear something new.
  43. 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
  44. 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.
  45. Bfizzle
    Jul 21, 2005
    10
    Fuck the backlash, this album is as great as they say it is.
  46. 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
  47. 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
  48. 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
  49. 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
  50. 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.
  51. bret
    Jul 18, 2005
    9
    very good...only 1 song i'm not crazy about
  52. 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
  53. elizw
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    mind-bogglingly spectacular.
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. 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
  57. KarenI
    Jul 17, 2005
    10
    Wooow! Shines!
  58. JustinC
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    Perfect pop, extremely fun to listen to
  59. 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.
  60. 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!
  61. NoahP
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Amazing music, but that wonderfully terrible voice really is the icing on the cake.
  62. ScottB
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    Amazing.
  63. PedroC
    Jul 15, 2005
    9
    Great great great great album!!!!!!!!! Will be on my top 10 albums of this year!
  64. JasonC
    Jul 14, 2005
    3
    umm... kinda boring... generic indie hooplah... dont see what all the fuss is about?
  65. 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
  66. 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...
  67. franks
    Jul 14, 2005
    10
    Do I even need to say why?
  68. 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!!!
  69. RicardoST
    Jul 13, 2005
    4
    Feito para os "intelectualóides" de plantão.
  70. rag
    Jul 13, 2005
    1
    clap you hands say yeah: ouch.
  71. 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!
  72. 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.
  73. 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
  74. 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.
  75. atomg
    Jul 10, 2005
    4
    upbeat and catchy at times, but this album is vastly overrated.
  76. gta
    Jul 10, 2005
    5
    its OK but that song "home on ice" is just great
  77. rubberrubby
    Jul 10, 2005
    10
    rubbish!!!
  78. SteveW
    Jul 10, 2005
    5
    Clap your hands, say "Yeah this is overrated!"
  79. 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!
  80. 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.
  81. 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
  82. 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
  83. 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.
  84. geraldinev
    Jul 6, 2005
    9
    clap your hands!!! to this band!!!
  85. 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.
  86. PatS.
    Jul 5, 2005
    7
    I want to marry Loz. Pitchfork is pretentious: take THAT!
  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. 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
  89. 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.
  90. 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.
  91. 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
  92. JohnD
    Jul 3, 2005
    10
    Phenomenal album. Best of the year, by far.
  93. 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.
  94. LisaS
    Jul 1, 2005
    10
    Easily the best album of the year so far.
  95. 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.
  96. Breathe
    Jul 1, 2005
    8
    Nice album!
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. 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.
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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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