"Emily Jean Stock" is a great showcase for Alec Ounsworth's unique voice. The song's simple lyrics and melody complement his vocals perfectly and grants plenty of air time to those pleasingly dizzy harmonies. It feels almost like a prologue, building up to... something.
Unfortunately, something comes in the form of "Mama, Won't You Keep Those Castles In The Air & Burning?," which is symptomatic of the album's flow issues.
Momentum is gained and disposed of very quickly on the record, making it almost frustrating at times to listen to. The moody "Love Song No. 7" seems dense, heavy, and out of place preceding the four-on-the-floor romp "Satan Said Dance." And in turn, the energy generated by that number is immediately stomped on by "Upon Encountering The Crippled Elephant."
Despite these issues, the high points on this album are quite high. "Yankee Go Home" is fantastic, and as big and important a song that Clap Your Hands Say Yeah has written. "Goodbye To Mother And The Cove" is the strongest of the slower tracks, featuring some fantastic bass work and a wonderful arrangement and orchestration. Also, the aforementioned "Satan Said Dance" reminds us that these guys really do still have fun.
The problem is that we need to be reminded at all.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
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