Some Loud Thunder
by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 74
  3. Negative: 5 out of 74

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  1. JuanPabloCH
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    am really fascinated with this record, it is without a doubt one of my favorite records of this year because 'Some Loud Thunder' shows a face different with so surprising sounds, for sample 'Satan Said it Dance' or 'Some Lud Thunder' It is a record completely different to the first one and it shows us to a band that continues toward before with strong steps am really fascinated with this record, it is without a doubt one of my favorite records of this year because 'Some Loud Thunder' shows a face different with so surprising sounds, for sample 'Satan Said it Dance' or 'Some Lud Thunder' It is a record completely different to the first one and it shows us to a band that continues toward before with strong steps without looking back.… Expand
  2. RobertB
    Feb 6, 2007
    3
    Very disappointing. All the pretension, none of the fun. f*ck that!
  3. ToddW
    Apr 27, 2007
    5
    Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's sophomore effort more than hints at a slump. These guys appear to have a creative monkey on their collective backs. Their first album was brilliant, despite the protestations of some of those on this blog. This offering almost begs one to stay the course. The title track is a f... you to those who can't hang for the rest of the songs. Unfortunately, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's sophomore effort more than hints at a slump. These guys appear to have a creative monkey on their collective backs. Their first album was brilliant, despite the protestations of some of those on this blog. This offering almost begs one to stay the course. The title track is a f... you to those who can't hang for the rest of the songs. Unfortunately, the rest just aren't that good. This album seems tired and lacking in ideas at some points. No wonder. These guys have been on the proverbial road since inception. If you wait long enough, they'll be playing at a high school cafeteria near you. They appear to fallen into the same rut as Franz Ferdinand in that they never just take a break and let their music do the talking. Enough already, boys. Just put down your instruments and walk away...at least for a while. We'll still be here when you get back to where you once belonged. Remember the saying about absence.… Expand
  4. RyanO
    Feb 9, 2007
    8
    yeah so at first i was thoroughly unimpressed. but so if you listen to it longer, you start realizing that it just doesnt hit you as fast as the last album. the last album was a mix of immediately capturing hooks with vocals that took some time to love, but when you did, it was an amazing combination.. this one is just the whole cd takes time before you realize its amazing-ness
  5. pfffft
    Jan 30, 2007
    9
    This is simply the sound of the band reaching into their more plaintive bag of tricks. Whatever...it's a great album which promotes thought and discussion, which is all I ever ask for from art! CYHSY have lost the influences that tainted their first album and have come up in the same muddy water as The Cure did with Seventeen Seconds...BTW, FIve Easy Pieces is fucking brilliant!!! This is simply the sound of the band reaching into their more plaintive bag of tricks. Whatever...it's a great album which promotes thought and discussion, which is all I ever ask for from art! CYHSY have lost the influences that tainted their first album and have come up in the same muddy water as The Cure did with Seventeen Seconds...BTW, FIve Easy Pieces is fucking brilliant!!! STEVE HOLT!!!… Expand
  6. Dan(nirv)
    Jan 30, 2007
    6
    I saw CYHSY live in Mpls, MN and they were great. Love their debut album but really not impressed with this one. Also, and this MUST be said, the Some Loud Thunder performed on the live EP is much better than the studio recording in my opinion. Various Artists (CHYSY)- Fall 2006 Tour EP Get it and hear what could have been.
  7. Quaid
    Feb 1, 2007
    2
    I like but don't love 5 songs on the album. The rest are a complete mess. I disagree and think that the lead sounds like David Byrne. This is the only reason I like the group, because I loved the Talking Heads. They are a creative band and have good ideas, but after a great first album, I find it hard to believe that they could not look each other in the eyes and say let's stop I like but don't love 5 songs on the album. The rest are a complete mess. I disagree and think that the lead sounds like David Byrne. This is the only reason I like the group, because I loved the Talking Heads. They are a creative band and have good ideas, but after a great first album, I find it hard to believe that they could not look each other in the eyes and say let's stop recording and really try to make this project work. They didn't and the album has failed. It sounds like an attempt to get easy cash knowing that many will buy it since their early success. Hey, they suckered me in.… Expand
  8. ~AVega
    Feb 14, 2007
    8
    "So jaw droppingly agile at subverting your every expectation that its impact can't possibly be fully absorbed or properly appreciated without necessary detachment" ...man, I just want to dig the music and if I don't, it's not my fault. I like some songs and even appreciate some things I don't quite like yet but, but man oh man - going on for more than 2:30 with "So jaw droppingly agile at subverting your every expectation that its impact can't possibly be fully absorbed or properly appreciated without necessary detachment" ...man, I just want to dig the music and if I don't, it's not my fault. I like some songs and even appreciate some things I don't quite like yet but, but man oh man - going on for more than 2:30 with "undawata youanme undwata youanme undawata youanme ..." proves just too too much to bear. okay it's "We'll design a clever disguise. We'll retreat to the bottom of the sea. We were destined to live out our lives underwater, you and me." but it drags and drags and drags... and I love the first album - purposely didn't listen to it for a while so I could take this album on it own - eased myself into it after being jared by the intentional bad production in song 1-...but it's just not a 10 and I don't think I'm a "hater" for saying so. I go into track 10 and by midway I'm like a crab trapped under the rusty edge of a trawler's cage and traumatized further by the sound of my own shell scrapping along the ground so, so, so s-l-o-w-l-y while I wait, impatiently, to die. ugh. Anyway, I do like the album and will keep working with it like new food but so far, it isn't like falling in love all over again - but that's okay. sorry. had to vent.… Expand
  9. Scott
    Feb 1, 2007
    4
    Underwhelming
  10. sunnyli
    Feb 20, 2007
    7
    a bit over-ambitious and loss of concentration, still good quality
  11. BenA
    Feb 3, 2007
    10
    CYHSY have guts. They had what most indie bands dream of having and then they threw it all away. With Some Loud Thunder, CYHSY prove that being an indie darling isn't what they're after. They are here to make music. And not just music that is catchy or feel-good. They are totally involved in the creative process. They take risks, explore, and don't get hung up on whether it CYHSY have guts. They had what most indie bands dream of having and then they threw it all away. With Some Loud Thunder, CYHSY prove that being an indie darling isn't what they're after. They are here to make music. And not just music that is catchy or feel-good. They are totally involved in the creative process. They take risks, explore, and don't get hung up on whether it will be popular among the indie crowd or not. This Album is one of the most refreshing and unique pieces of music I have heard in a long time, and I applaud CYHSY for making such a bold break from where it looked like they might be headed. Oundsworth has the kind of incomparable vocal talent that will take them far. And I don't hear the David Byrne anywhere. CYHSY are the kind of exciting band I've been waiting for, and I can't wait to see what they do next.… Expand
  12. draziell
    Feb 4, 2007
    10
    Listen to it longer. it is the album of the year. ;)
  13. KevinK
    Feb 7, 2007
    8
    This band at least has some distinct style to separate themselves from the rest of the music scene. I'd give the debut a 10 and this an 8. Not as good but not in any way a sophomore "slump".
  14. JamieR
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Wow, the best album of the year so far. The lo-fi structures makes me so happy.
  15. wander
    Jan 30, 2007
    8
    why people hate Fridmann? Love this album and best than first, to me
  16. CasperGhost
    Jan 30, 2007
    4
    Disaster. I feel that it's an attempt to avoid disappointing people had they continued in a similar vein as the first album. "This new record sucks"..."Yeah, but we were TOTALLY trying something different"......
  17. JamesT
    Jan 30, 2007
    4
    I gave it a 4 because the musicians are okay but if you think the vocals are good you are only lying to yourself. The vocals suck plain and simple just like the first time around. Someone please tell that guy that he is not David Byrne - not even close. I know he says he doesn't try to sound like him but he does and he sucks.
  18. J.
    Jan 31, 2007
    4
    Slap The Hype Say No
  19. JayS
    Feb 3, 2007
    9
    Different to their debut, and it takes at LEAST five listens to really get it... But you will eventually learn to love it - just let the sonic waves wash over you, and enjoy.
  20. stephenb
    Feb 4, 2007
    5
    half assed CD. the only people who like it are delirious fans that can't accept that their favorite musicians made a dud. the first album was grand, but this is total crap with a few good gems. raised expectations aren't the reason for the poor ratings. a lot of bands can pull off the hype and live up to what everyone wants, and this is a band that couldn't. regardless, half assed CD. the only people who like it are delirious fans that can't accept that their favorite musicians made a dud. the first album was grand, but this is total crap with a few good gems. raised expectations aren't the reason for the poor ratings. a lot of bands can pull off the hype and live up to what everyone wants, and this is a band that couldn't. regardless, they'd still be getting poor ratings no matter what the circumstance for this trash.… Expand
  21. PeteM
    Feb 5, 2007
    5
    Has none of the catchy hooks of the last album so you'd better be a true fan to appreciate an album that takes so much work to enjoy.
  22. GuyH
    Feb 5, 2007
    8
    This is a really strong second album. They have once again sabotaged the most obvious contender to be a hit (Some Loud Thunder) with a bizarre fuzzy production. Over and Over Again could have been the hit from the last album but the song structure was odd and it just fizzled into a whimper after the second verse. This could be intentional - who knows? Luckily there are two sets of perfect This is a really strong second album. They have once again sabotaged the most obvious contender to be a hit (Some Loud Thunder) with a bizarre fuzzy production. Over and Over Again could have been the hit from the last album but the song structure was odd and it just fizzled into a whimper after the second verse. This could be intentional - who knows? Luckily there are two sets of perfect songs on this disc - tracks 2-4 and the last three songs. This album also contains there best song so far - 'Mama...' The vocals are what make this band so special - if you don't like them then you will never like this band - it is that simple. If I had to describe them I'd say part David Byrne, part Frank Black and part Thom Yorke. All at their most strained and 'difficult'. Perfect!… Expand
  23. SharonM
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    Beautiful album, love these guys so much!! Best album of the year!
  24. FelipeP
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    Amazing lo-fi Album, maybe, the best album of the year. People don't understand the intents on the album. It's a Masterpiece record, I recommend.
  25. ChrisG
    Mar 22, 2007
    9
    Evolution is part of the process here. When I first began to delve into this album, I was exasperated, bored and felt generally uneasy / dissapointed. Criminally underlooked and undervalued, these songs reward with repeated listens. I've been playing this non-stop since its release. Pros: - Varied, rich mixture of styles, tempos and arrangements - Dazzling collection of songs Evolution is part of the process here. When I first began to delve into this album, I was exasperated, bored and felt generally uneasy / dissapointed. Criminally underlooked and undervalued, these songs reward with repeated listens. I've been playing this non-stop since its release. Pros: - Varied, rich mixture of styles, tempos and arrangements - Dazzling collection of songs ("Goodbye to Mother and the Cove" / "Mama, Won't You..." / "Underwater..." / "Five Easy Pieces") outweigh the messy, unfocused ones ("Satan Said Dance" / "Arm & Hammer") - Ounsworth's unique vocal delivery. Annoying at first, captivating later - Not as "same sounding" as their first - Growing pains = good thing! -D. Fridmann is a producing genius Cons - A bit unfocused for some - Varied instrumentation may not be for everyone - Newcomers may not enjoy… Expand
  26. sadkoh
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    they grow and Satan is really great song(I can see it came from Talking heads)
  27. JasonL
    May 9, 2007
    8
    Definitely grows on you. Took me a while to get into, and I don't think it is going to get the same playtime as the first. But I still can't stop listening to this one, so thumbs up.
  28. DougR
    Jan 21, 2007
    10
    Fuck the haters. Simply put, this album is a bona-fide musical miracle and therefore won't be recognized for what it is by the skeptical majority. So jaw droppingly agile at subverting your every expectation that its impact can't possibly be fully absorbed or properly appreciated without the necessary detachment of the distance history provides. One hundred years from today this Fuck the haters. Simply put, this album is a bona-fide musical miracle and therefore won't be recognized for what it is by the skeptical majority. So jaw droppingly agile at subverting your every expectation that its impact can't possibly be fully absorbed or properly appreciated without the necessary detachment of the distance history provides. One hundred years from today this will still stand as one of the century's finest works of sonic genius but don't expect widespread recognition as such for at least 15 more years. It simply isn't ready to be properly received yet. Lest anyone should think I'm just some diehard fan spouting biased hyperbole; I wasn't sold by their promising yet vastly overrated debut. It turns out that I was unwittingly right not to be swayed, because, in retrospect, it's clear that record was designed as a smokescreen. Now that they've secured the universe's full attention, CYHSY have just given birth to the revolution while simultaneously throwing everyone who promoted them too soon off their trail. It's the perfect two-step plan to ensure the followers who thought the band had begun leading them earlier will be marching in the opposite direction. The recruitment strategy is rudimentary yet effective: hide in plain sight. The whole world will tune in with anticipation but seeing what appears to be too much static, most will drop out. The few who remain will eventually or immediately recognize and decipher the true message buried in the code. The revolution WILL be televised but with the intention that it will cause all but the bravest and most visionary of us to switch the channel.… Expand
  29. ultravisitor
    Jan 29, 2007
    8
    2007 I love you
  30. JoeL
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    I really don't understand why everyone is saying this album is a "grower". I actually liked all but a couple of the songs on first listen, which is pretty rare. What I find amusing is that every review says there are some standout tracks and some duds, but each reviewer has totally different opinions as to which are which. I like their debut, love this one.
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Urb
    40
    CYHSY seem to have set out to make their "important" sophomore record... which is only truly important if you believe that songs gain weight at the hand of bulbous studio wankage (they don't) and that unnecessarily inflated melodrama equals more fun (it doesn't). [Jan/Feb 2007, p.76]
  2. Alternative Press
    50
    Some Loud Thunder isn't without its successes--but it is defined by its failures. [Feb 2007, p.114]
  3. Stylus Magazine
    67
    Perhaps it’s too easy to blame Fridmann for these new distractions, but I can’t imagine Ounsworth and the band leaping ahead this way without him. Here’s to hoping that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah move backward more lithely than they progress.
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