Review 1 of 3

analog39 writes:

5of 5 Stars

The Review of Some Loud Thunder is stupid and completely not backed by facts....the newest album has done nothing but impress me and show their ability to evolve and show a full spectrum of talent in many areas...some people i guess just dont see creativity and fresh thinking when they see it....this isnt a pop cd for the masses...its simply a work of art...and a very good sophmore cd

Mar 21, 2007 16:25:37

Review 2 of 3

fivedlrmilkshake writes:

4of 5 Stars

Clap Your Hands Say…“Eh”
“Eh” is what one would say after tasting a fine wine immediately after opening the bottle, and “eh” is what bloggers and music critics have been spitting out all over the web after a premature taste of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s newest album, Some Loud Thunder.
Evidently, most people’s expectations of perfection from CYHSY proved unsatisfactory following the first few listens. Many have quickly shrugged off the album as a poor sophomore effort, hastily put together, resulting in a simple mess of good ideas. That is, the album seems to incorporate too many eccentric electronic effects that are sporadic and seem to lack any rhyme or reason.
Connoisseurs know that any good wine must be given time to aerate, thereby opening the aromas and softening the underlying flavor. Likewise, an overall appreciation for Some Loud Thunder will take some time to acquire a true taste of the albums magnificence.
Part of attaining that “true taste” will require the listener to hear the album the way lead singer Alec Ounsworth intended it to be heard. In an interview with The Independent, Ounsworth illustrates his love for vinyl music and states, “I just listened to the new record on vinyl for the first time, and it sounds great. Here everybody is listening to the record on computer, which I would never do with anything, so I'm listening to it the way it should be, getting the correct impression.”
The album commences with an unusual choice for an opener and title track “Some Loud Thunder.” The song is an unhealthy mix of lyrical madness, unorthodox vocal yelps, and a seemingly racing musical composition that clocks in 2:45.
As weird as it is, “Some Loud Thunder” sets an appropriate prelude for the entire album, giving the listener a telling sample of the musical madness that can be expected from the remainder of the album.
“Mama, Won't You Keep Them Castles in the Air and Burning?” begins as another unconventional song that seems to dive into the pop based rhythmic format that made “Clap Your Hands Say Yeah” so popular.
A seemingly odd choice for one of the two singles (posted on the bands web site prior to the albums release), “Love Song No.7” still effectively captures the essence of the album. The ghostly howling of Ounsworth is complimented in a quirky beauty by omnipresent piano riffs. The entwined tambourine, synthesizer licks, and accordion allow for layers to support the songs overall detached dynamic which is repeated throughout the album.
“Goodbye to Mother and the Cove” showcases Dave Fridmann’s production efforts. Famous for his work with the Flaming Lips, his genius is demonstrated with quality layering and altering percussion selections.
Based in New York and Philadelphia, the quintet has received high acclaim for promoting and selling most of their music via MySpace. The band (whose members include Alec Ounsworth, Robbie Guertin, Lee Sargent, Tyler Sargent and Sean Greenhalgh) signed with Wichita in the UK, but still remain independent in the U.S., a major feat considering the vacuum of control by media conglomerates. “Sounds Like Thunder” was released January 30.

Mar 16, 2007 14:01:33

Review 3 of 3

youngdebaser writes:

3of 5 Stars

(If i could, i'd give the album 3.5 stars for its balls)

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, as their name suggests, are determined to be anything but dull. They rely on instruments ranging from the accordion to the harp to create a lively, melodic sound. Singer-songwriter Alec Ounsworth gives the band its unique identity with his lazy whine of a voice. The band emanated Brooklyn chic with their eponymous debut two years ago. Despite the band’s quirks, such as opening the album with what can only be described as a circus jig garishly titled Clap Your Hands! , Clap Your Hands Say Yeah was a tight, consistent album. The songs may have sounded similar to each other at times, but critics forgave this, as CYHSY’s formula was so unique to begin with.
Ounsworth, it appears, will not cut himself this slack. CYHSY’s latest release, Some Loud Thunder, strives to experiment more than its predecessor. When these risks pay off, the results are fantastic. The first time I heard the chaotic drumming on Emily Jean Stock, an anarchic declaration of self-worth, it blew my mind. It is easily the most exciting song I’ve heard this year.
Love Song No.7 is another successful experiment. Its plodding, deliberate piano and opaque, harsh lyrics create one of rock’s more twisted love songs. Satan Said Dance is another success. It’s a fun, sonically adventurous track that is a dance tune in the same way Love Song No.7 is a love song.
Unfortunately, few of the other experiments work. Some Loud Thunder, the album’s opener, is a disjointed mess of a song. Arm and Hammer also lacks focus and ends up sounding something like a parody of an early Supergrass track. The album even closes on a weak note with Five Easy Pieces, an instrumental piece broken by Ounsworth’s incomprehensible moans.
Some Loud Thunder is a good reminder to bands that change isn’t always a good thing. Although when the album works, like the brilliant Emily Jean Stock, it’s easily as good as CYHSY’s previous work, the more frequent weak moments prevent Some Loud Thunder from being a great album. It’s a noble experiment, but maybe Ounsworth should have focused more on creating a consistent album than an interesting-sounding one.

Feb 24, 2007 09:15:11