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. gazgg
    Oct 5, 2012
    2
    A bizarre act of self sabotage. lo-fi works sometimes but Neutral Milk Hotel this ain't. The only worthwhile song here is Satan Can Dance which is uncoincidentally the only one not ruined by what has to be the worst example of production, recording and mastering in recent mainstream indie history.
    There are good songs there i'm sure but they are all buried behind what sounds like a 56kbps    A bizarre act of self sabotage. lo-fi works sometimes but Neutral Milk Hotel this ain't. The only worthwhile song here is Satan Can Dance which is uncoincidentally the only one not ruined by what has to be the worst example of production, recording and mastering in recent mainstream indie history.
    There are good songs there i'm sure but they are all buried behind what sounds like a 56kbps mp3 (I have the CD album, not a bad rip).
    Call it an artistic statement if you will but the fact remains that what could have been an enjoyable album is ruined by a misguided aesthetic.    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. NicholasT
    Apr 30, 2007
    8
    Upon first listen, I was ready to laud this album as a vast disappointment. After a few listens, though, it began to really grow on me and even though I haven't been able to enjoy it nearly as much as their debut, I still find it to be a very great, and (regardless of what the critics are saying) very listenable album. The title track is one of the most genius and nirvana-inducing Upon first listen, I was ready to laud this album as a vast disappointment. After a few listens, though, it began to really grow on me and even though I haven't been able to enjoy it nearly as much as their debut, I still find it to be a very great, and (regardless of what the critics are saying) very listenable album. The title track is one of the most genius and nirvana-inducing songs that I have heard all year. "Some Loud Thunder" while not as good as its masterful predeccessor is simply a progression of sorts and I can't wait for their next release.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. JohnS
    Mar 26, 2007
    5
    Let's be honest, there is no backlash. This isn't a sophomore slump. People loved the purity and underdog nature of the story of their success, which translated into an affection for the band that artificially inflated our perceptions of the objective quality of the music on the first album. But the songwriting was always subpar two-chord blandness, and the quirky voice was Let's be honest, there is no backlash. This isn't a sophomore slump. People loved the purity and underdog nature of the story of their success, which translated into an affection for the band that artificially inflated our perceptions of the objective quality of the music on the first album. But the songwriting was always subpar two-chord blandness, and the quirky voice was going to get old at some point. Anyone who believed this band ever had any promise or long-term potential is crazy.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. VincentH
    Mar 18, 2007
    5
    Like the new Shins, this album will grow on you if you just give it a chance. Listen to it on at least 2 seperate occasions and you will see what I mean. Sorry, it's just one of those kinda records. By that I mean it is definitely "difficult", but it still has some appeal to it. The main problem with the album is not the production (which I personally like for its attempt to try Like the new Shins, this album will grow on you if you just give it a chance. Listen to it on at least 2 seperate occasions and you will see what I mean. Sorry, it's just one of those kinda records. By that I mean it is definitely "difficult", but it still has some appeal to it. The main problem with the album is not the production (which I personally like for its attempt to try something totally different...plus Dave Friedmann is a God) but as the Pitchfork review said, the songs just don't stand up under scrutiny. You can't blame bad production if the songs aren't there. You can see that their first album is already considered a modern-day classic and will be highly played and valued for many years. This will always be considered the divisive, difficult, and subpar sophomore album. There's no way around it...there are just not enough good songs on this thing. I would still recommend it to any fans of CHYSY or fans of the great Dave Friedmann.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. MichaelK
    Mar 14, 2007
    6
    Not all that different in overall feel from the first album, but lacks any cracking tracks similar to 'Over and Over Again' from the first disk. And 'Satan' is simply awful - thank goodness for the skip function.
  10. sadkoh
    Mar 6, 2007
    9
    they grow and Satan is really great song(I can see it came from Talking heads)
  11. JackL
    Feb 22, 2007
    6
    i don't see where all this backlash is coming from. this album's about as good as the other one. couple good songs, most are just mediocre.
  12. MarkB
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    I have to say, I don't get why this brilliant album is coping such low reviews. Sure, the recording is a little harsh, particularly the opening track, but the production is also pretty pure and unadorned, harking back to some of the 90's bands I love, and the sound cleans up as the record progresses. I haven't been this caught up in a record for ages. Great songs, well I have to say, I don't get why this brilliant album is coping such low reviews. Sure, the recording is a little harsh, particularly the opening track, but the production is also pretty pure and unadorned, harking back to some of the 90's bands I love, and the sound cleans up as the record progresses. I haven't been this caught up in a record for ages. Great songs, well played and not screwed up by over blown production. Oh, and the singer is more Tom Verlaine than David Byrne, if his voice is to be compared to anything. Don't write this album off until you've listened to it.… Expand
  13. sunnyli
    Feb 20, 2007
    7
    a bit over-ambitious and loss of concentration, still good quality
  14. JD
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    I really don't understand the bad critics... Like the first one, it's fresh, complete and addicting ...
  15. SI
    Feb 15, 2007
    8
    I love "Some Loud Thunder". I love the way its produced, how scrappy and crappy it sounds. The jingle-jangley sound and atmospheric haze coupled with his voice is dreamy and sometimes gorgeous
  16. PaulT
    Feb 15, 2007
    8
    Although took some time to get used to this album - its not ground breaking but has some gems on there to make it worth while.
  17. ~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
  18. JordanC
    Feb 13, 2007
    8
    This album is good. It's often difficult to meet the expectations of the media , when you are a band that defines itself by ignoring the hype.
  19. 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
  20. JamieR
    Feb 9, 2007
    10
    Wow, the best album of the year so far. The lo-fi structures makes me so happy.
  21. SharonM
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    Beautiful album, love these guys so much!! Best album of the year!
  22. 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.
  23. LornaD.
    Feb 7, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year. Sophisticated, demanding and essential.
  24. 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".
  25. MathK.
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    this a challenging album, it isn't as easy as their first album, but it really is worth it. the distortions and ambience really make for an engaging album. try it out.
  26. RobertB
    Feb 6, 2007
    3
    Very disappointing. All the pretension, none of the fun. f*ck that!
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. draziell
    Feb 4, 2007
    10
    Listen to it longer. it is the album of the year. ;)
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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