Sun Aug 06 2023
3
Cute early 2000s indie. I do not have my copy of the 1001 Albums book on hand but I can bet this didn’t last more than one edition
This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
So Much For The City
The Thrills
2003
- Album Summary
So Much for the City is the debut album of the Irish indie/pop band The Thrills. It was released on 27 May 2003 and quickly achieved success in Ireland, spending 61 weeks in the top 75 of the Irish Albums Chart. The album also won 'Album of the Year' at the national music awards. In an interview, lead singer Conor Deasy explained the band's inspiration for the song material: Those songs are our ways of picking us up because we were kind of miserable. We were dropped by our label. And the towns are put [in the songs] as a way of escapism, as opposed to documenting little tales about what happened when we went there. When we put in a title like "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)," it would literally pick us up a bit. The album was nominated for the 2003 Mercury Prize but lost to Dizzee Rascal's Boy in da Corner. The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The song "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" was ranked by Q Magazine at number 550 on their list of the 1001 best songs ever made. The song "Say It Ain't So" appeared on US President George W. Bush's iPod in 2005.
Reviews
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Sat Aug 05 2023
2
Oh Jesus, now it’s Irish indie pop on a Friday, like damn dude. This project has my total commitment but I’m truly feeling let down by the horrendously disproportionate ratio of hundreds of nonsense non-special records to the very few and far between actual legit epic bangers. Something truly worthy next please?? Please!
Mon Aug 07 2023
4
Really dug this one. It's one of the few albums that was as advertised - a 60s-inspired band releasing music in the early 2000s. What's not to love?
Sun Aug 13 2023
4
Surprisingly enjoyable. 7/10
Sun Aug 13 2023
4
Loved it: why this album isn't so know I have no clue bc I loved it. Felt instantly recognisable and hit the spot on my first listening. Some of the best new rock I have listen to yet and probably my favourite band I have discovered whom I have never even heard of before. Keep it coming.
Thu Aug 24 2023
4
A pleasant and inoffensive indie folk rock record from the early noughties. Maybe this will be something I'll sort of vibe with going into autumn, with shorter and cooler days coming back around, a nice time to get out and go for country walks, when the British weather allows for it... I didn't find much of this to be of much interest though, but there were a few good tracks here, and nothing I outright disliked. Favourite: Say It Ain't So
Wed Sep 20 2023
4
first listen not used to hearing banjo from an irish band
Sun Sep 24 2023
4
I really enjoyed this. I remember hearing a couple of songs when they came out and this took me right back to that point in my life. I’m happy to have listed to this. It’s really pleasant and clean.
Thu Sep 28 2023
4
Very chill album. If the guy had a better falsetto, would be a 5, sometimes takes away from the beauty of the music. One could argue that the cracking heard in the falsetto contributes to the general conveyance of the emotion though.
Fri Sep 29 2023
4
Liked this one more than I thought I would!
Thu Oct 12 2023
4
I listened to this album a lot when it came out. It’s airy music that’s nice to listen to at the cottage in the summer. Nice harmonies. Solid indie record. Can’t imagine all the Iggy Poppers liking it much haha.
Mon Aug 07 2023
3
This sounds light early-naughties indie-folk-rock. Its pleasant, but not mind blowing.
Wed Aug 09 2023
3
Inaccurate name
Fri Nov 10 2023
5
A five star album before I listened to this with a fresh pair of ears. I pretty much lived this album when it was first released. I rinsed it continuously for around six months. Some albums have that impact on you. I'm not sure why I was drawn to it at the time. It stood apart from the drum 'n' bass that was also taking over my life. I haven't played it for a few years, up until this morning. It still has that spark for me. The optimism, the musicianship, the songs. Plus it sounds like a session, rather than a polished, studio crafted album. It's the pure joy that it offers that still gives me a buzz. Outstanding.
Thu Aug 17 2023
4
I was already quite familiar with the album and used to listen to it in while I was in high school. Pretty sure “Big Sur” was on The OC and was how I became acquainted.
Sun Sep 03 2023
4
That last review was supposed to go here. "this is like death cab for cutie and guster meets The Beach Boys and I really liked it."
Thu Sep 07 2023
4
Noise indie folk. Qué bonito sonido.
Thu Sep 14 2023
4
Getting some Damien Rice from "Old Friends, New Lovers" Very 2000's, liked the vibe
Sun Sep 24 2023
4
The Thrills' sophomore album, "So Much for the City," is a masterclass in timeless indie pop-rock that whisks listeners away to a place where sunny days and carefree afternoons seem to stretch on forever. Released in 2003, this Irish band's work encapsulates the essence of early 2000s indie music while offering a sonic journey that still resonates with fans today. Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, "So Much for the City" delivers a succinct yet complete listening experience. From the opening track, "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)," it's clear that The Thrills aim to transport their audience to a world filled with sun-drenched beaches and surfboards. The song's breezy melodies and catchy hooks set the tone for the entire album, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both comforting and exhilarating. One of the album's standout tracks, "Big Sur," showcases The Thrills' knack for crafting lyrics that are simultaneously wistful and hopeful. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of longing for a simpler, more carefree time, a theme that runs throughout the album. Combined with its infectious melodies and harmonious instrumentation, "Big Sur" is a shining example of the band's ability to strike an emotional chord with their audience. The Thrills' musical prowess is particularly evident in their instrumental arrangements. "So Much for the City" features a blend of acoustic and electric guitars, warm organ tones, and subtle percussion, creating a lush sonic landscape that perfectly complements the album's lyrical themes. Tracks like "Hollywood Kids" and "Your Love Is Like Las Vegas" showcase the band's ability to craft intricate and textured soundscapes that draw listeners in. Vocalist Conor Deasy's distinctive voice is another key element that sets The Thrills apart. His smooth, emotive delivery is the perfect vessel for the album's lyrics, adding depth and authenticity to each song. Whether he's crooning about California dreams or the ups and downs of love, Deasy's vocals are both soothing and evocative, making it easy for listeners to connect with the songs on a personal level. While "So Much for the City" is predominantly known for its upbeat, feel-good tracks, the album also delves into more introspective territory. "One Horse Town" and "Say It Ain't So" explore themes of disillusionment and the desire for something more, providing a balanced contrast to the album's more joyful moments. This emotional range adds depth to the overall listening experience, allowing the album to resonate on multiple levels. One of the album's defining qualities is its ability to transport listeners to a specific time and place. "So Much for the City" captures the essence of early 2000s indie music, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up during that era. Yet, its timeless quality also makes it accessible and enjoyable for new generations of music enthusiasts. In conclusion, The Thrills' "So Much for the City" is a musical gem that continues to shine brightly nearly two decades after its release. With its infectious melodies, evocative lyrics, and a seamless blend of nostalgia and optimism, the album remains a testament to the enduring power of indie pop-rock. Whether you're revisiting it for a dose of nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, "So Much for the City" is an album that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Wed Oct 04 2023
4
"So Much for the City" by The Thrills is a breezy and nostalgic album that pays homage to the golden era of California rock. Released in 2003, it's a melodic and sun-soaked record that transports listeners to a different time and place. Tracks like "Big Sur" and "One Horse Town" are catchy and immediately evoke feelings of carefree summer days. The album's production is polished, capturing the essence of '60s and '70s pop-rock with lush harmonies and jangly guitars. While "So Much for the City" doesn't necessarily break new ground, it excels in its ability to conjure a sense of longing and nostalgia. It's a perfect soundtrack for road trips and lazy afternoons, making it a delightful addition to the indie rock landscape. With its evocative melodies and warm vibes, it earns a solid 4/5 rating.
Thu Oct 12 2023
4
I quite enjoyed that!
Wed Nov 01 2023
4
Very good clean fun. Their freshening up of a certain timeless sort of West Coast vibe holds up so much better than so many more "original" records of the same era (looking at you Strokes, YYYs, DCFC!). They pull it off with aplomb – and a great deal of fun by fully embracing the playfulness of the homage (note the "end it" yelp at the end of the most excellent opener). They seem very much in on the joke and go over the top with a winning wink. Strings, glockenspiel (one thinks), Plus the cover suggests a relatable crew one would enjoy having a pint with. Not even having a cut on W's iPod takes away the charm.
Wed Nov 01 2023
4
Całkiem fajne, trochę the kooks, wokal jak Ryan Ross z patd Nie wiem co to robi na liście płyt które trzeba przesłuchać. Zespół z Irlandii który wydał 3 płyty a ta była wysoko na listach w Irlandii i uk Ulubiona piosenka Say it aint soi W ostatniej piosence jest hidden track ❤️
Wed Nov 01 2023
4
Very enjoyable jangly pop. I hadn't even heard about this band before it popped up on my list. I guess it came out during the time I was dealing with little kids and didn't have the time and energy to notice new music. But definitely reminiscent of psychedelic-inspired rock/pop.
Thu Nov 02 2023
4
Pretty good
Fri Nov 03 2023
4
very pleasant listen
Fri Nov 17 2023
4
The Thrills were one of a bunch of Irish/English bands that were popular in the early 2000s. Snow Patrol, Death Cab, Travis, the Postal Service, etc. were all the same band to me. One that I liked, and still like, very much. This album doesn’t break any new ground, but is very well done. The songs have enough differences to make the record interesting.
Fri Nov 17 2023
4
It strikes me that because they are Irish and depressed, they tried to escape that image by calling themselves The Thrills and embracing a West Coast ocean dreamy vibe. This is consistent and accomplished and there is not one weak song here. I think the sad thing is they never managed to escape this particular box and disbanded before they evolved too far away from this style. Which is actually fine for me because this album was highly enjoyable. The harmonies and melodies were reminiscent of the Beach Boys and the beachy vibe was better than Jack Jones. And the strings were lush. I remember liking The Thrills 20 years ago and the songs still hold up.
Sat Nov 18 2023
4
Hahaha summer 2003 nostalgia
Mon Aug 07 2023
3
Nice, listenable album.
Fri Aug 11 2023
3
Nothing too exciting
Sun Aug 13 2023
3
5/10. This sounds like someone kidnapped the Eels and tried to force them to make a country album, and this was as close as they could get. But I suppose if it's good enough for George Bush's iPod, it's good enough for this list
Mon Aug 14 2023
3
Never heard of this band. Album was ok on 1st listen. Probably need to hear it again.
Tue Aug 15 2023
3
If generic rock music as a genre released an album. 6/10.
Wed Aug 16 2023
3
Beetje boring, maar vooruit; ik rond het af naar boven want er zaten een paar aardige nummers tussen.
Wed Aug 16 2023
3
Feel good muziek! And I like it!
Wed Aug 16 2023
3
Dit was dus eigenlijk best wel tof!
Thu Aug 17 2023
3
A pretty mellow album with a nice sense of melody. It's a weird mix of sounds since there's sort of a rustic vibe from the banjos and harmonicas that crosses semi-uncomfortably with the singer's thin whispery indie voice. Overall it's interesting and pretty pleasant, although not something that hits me hard. Best song: Say It Ain't So [hi, Dubya]
Sun Aug 20 2023
3
Great California sunshine pop I’d never heard of before. “Don’t Steal Our Sun” sounds perhaps like an Elliott Smith song run through the happy sun machine.
Thu Aug 24 2023
3
Irish indie rock for the new millennium. Conor Deasy's wispy vocals develops much of this album's personality, though the band arrangements are nothing to scoff at. It gets a bit slow at times and it's not all that memorable, but it's a nice enough listen for the runtime. In a word: pleasant.
Thu Aug 24 2023
3
I feel like I’ve heard this same album by countless other bands. If I found this album back in 2003, I would’ve loved it but 20 years later it doesn’t feel unique.
Mon Aug 28 2023
3
Sonido un tanto parecido a The Byrds, pero en versión más moderna. Un poco más melancólico. Ritmos tranquilos y fácilmente escuchables.
Tue Aug 29 2023
3
Wanted to like this more than I did. The guys voice is a bit polarizing I imagine. 2.5/5
Thu Aug 31 2023
3
Kinda sounds like a ripoff of Neil Young or Bob Dylan. Not bad, but why not just listen to them instead?
Fri Sep 01 2023
3
Irsk indie poprock, fra 00’erne, faktisk meget hyggeligt
Fri Sep 01 2023
3
This album turned into a forgettable album, but this was such a great listen. I forgot how many memorable songs came from The Thrills, too bad they and this album got lost in the early 00's indie-crossover flop. 3/5.
Sun Sep 03 2023
3
I thought this would be a little more edgy, what with the name The Thrills. But it’s nice sounding. Not sure why I have to listen to it before I die though. This is becoming more and more a question popping into my head with this list.
Tue Sep 05 2023
3
Killer then filler
Tue Sep 05 2023
3
They were fairly exciting at the time, and this is a pleasant enough listen. The singles were all great but didn’t carry across the whole album. Just don’t go back to Bicester.. 3.5
Wed Sep 13 2023
3
This could have been great modern/retro indie pop except that his voice is awful. One and done for me.
Thu Sep 14 2023
3
The kind of thing I would’ve definitely liked in 2017-18~, and I still occasionally listen to this kind of music now so it gets a boost for genre. However within that type of music I didn’t find it all that remarkable. Favourite song Til the Tide Creeps In.
Mon Sep 18 2023
3
Santa Cruz // Big Sur 2.5/5
Fri Sep 22 2023
3
Listened Before? N Pretty cool. Just kinda generic-y early 2000's stuff. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to listen to it but it wasn't terribel. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Big Sur
Fri Sep 22 2023
3
Great album
Sun Sep 24 2023
3
J'ai bien apprecié cet album, notamment le moment où les membres du groupe The Thrilles nous offriront quelques pas dancés latéraux en chantonnant "Elle me contrôôôôle, elle guide mes pas"
Sun Sep 24 2023
3
La musique post années 2000 est toujours infiniment plus agréable à l'oreille que toute celle du vingtième siècle. J'ai particulièrement apprécié la présence d'un son caché en fin d'album, M. Pokora l'avait aussi fait quelques années plus tard dans son album Player.
Tue Sep 26 2023
3
A cute happy indie pop band with alt country and power pop characteristics. I'm hearing Flaming Lips, Wilco, Big Star, Mercury Rev, and some contemporary emo bands (akin to Death Cab for Cutie). I was expecting a trashy generic garage revival band like Jet, but instead I got something bright, soothing, and very catchy overlayed with harmonic vocals and futuristic synths. On one hand, I was amazed. But on the other, I can see why they never took off. There's some cool things here, but they don't do as much creatively as what Flaming Lips or Wilco could do. I'm sure they could if they put in the effort, but it's not here. Their deep cuts are nothing special other than feel-good music. I did find quite a lot to like out of all their high-energy tracks, so if they were able to replicate some of those to the chiller tracks, I'm sure they could've kept my attention. Fun Fact: "Say It Ain't So" was found on George Bush's iPod. It's the song with a lot of country, garage, and pop, and it's fast enough to dance to, so I can see why. Favorites: Santa Cruz, Big Sur, One Horse Town, Your Love is Like Las Vegas,
Wed Sep 27 2023
3
Fun lil blog era sound. Pitchfork is shaking!
Wed Sep 27 2023
3
Small town country by way of California by way of Ireland sung by a borderline prepubescent whisperer. Makes sense for the final credits of a Friday Night Lights episode, but a whole album of it is just exhausting. Best track: Big Sur
Thu Sep 28 2023
3
If I heard these guys playing in a bar, I’d think, “hey, they’re pretty good”
Thu Sep 28 2023
3
The album is OK, some songs might be fun by themselves but it gets tedious after a while. There's a general lack of energy and emotion. Main singer is just so flat and artificial.
Fri Sep 29 2023
3
Nothing Notable.
Sat Sep 30 2023
3
Better than it deserves to be. Something short of remarkable.
Mon Oct 02 2023
3
The Thrills is the antithesis of this band. They are, in fact, the sads. The elements are here for something I’d enjoy, quirky licks, bluesy twangs, drumfills… however the singer irks me.
Fri Oct 06 2023
3
Sounds like a low-rent Wilco. Not sure why this is here. It's not a terrible album, but nothing on here made it onto any of my playlists, and based on this listening, I wouldn't seek out any more of their discography.
Sat Oct 07 2023
3
Sounds like Elliot smith, but happier
Mon Oct 09 2023
3
This was a pleasant listen. Definitely the kind of band I would be super into when I was 14. I would add some songs to a playlist, but I don't think I'll give this whole album a listen again anytime soon.
Tue Oct 10 2023
3
Inoffensive, but not awful
Thu Oct 12 2023
3
Decent album - not a huge thrill.
Sun Oct 15 2023
3
This is what I was hoping for with 1001 alum generator. This album was neat. Never heard and really enjoyed. Closest thing to Neil young I’ll probably ever care for. “Don’t steal our sun” sounds like it’s off of basement on a hill. Almost does a chino Moreno with the singers voice at times. A hidden track is a funny throw back.
Sun Oct 15 2023
3
i think 3 stars is good. would listen again. very chill
Wed Oct 18 2023
3
Good
Fri Oct 20 2023
3
Indie/pop -- super solid musically, but needs a new singer. Breathy, precious, and shit...probably great for 2003. Want to listen more but this singer. 3.0
Wed Oct 25 2023
3
would give some songs a relisten
Thu Oct 26 2023
3
M’a semblé un peu monotone et très sage. Beau travail d’harmonie
Sat Oct 28 2023
3
Essence of rainy Sunday afternoons
Mon Oct 30 2023
3
I liked this pretty well, though it seemed to lose its national character early in and trend more generic alt pop of its era. I remember hearing that One Horse Town song a bunch at some point, maybe it became a darling of the local public alternative music station.
Thu Nov 02 2023
3
I would have liked this record In 2013, but it came out 10 years too early and I'm listening 10 years too late
Fri Nov 03 2023
3
AI - please generate me some early 2000s indie inspired by alt-country / folk stylings and make the band from Ireland but don’t let that impact the sound or songwriting at all
Thu Nov 09 2023
3
This was good but indistinguishable from any other indie rock sound from the early 00's.
Fri Nov 10 2023
3
Pop rock indie
Mon Nov 13 2023
3
Peppy! I feel like I have listened to the group before.
Tue Nov 14 2023
3
Talk about music of place, and the soft spot of that for California. It's a cute project, well-produced, but the tunes themselves have little particularity to them.
Fri Nov 17 2023
3
Was completely unfamiliar with this band but the sound is so familiar. I'm hearing Wilco for sure but also something else I can't quite capture. Maybe Wayne Coyneish? The sounds were pleasant enough but I can't say it struck me hard enough to revisit.
Fri Nov 17 2023
3
This was pleasant enough, though I wasn't crazy about the guy's voice. Not sure that "pleasant enough" warrants inclusion on this list, but whatevs.
Fri Nov 17 2023
3
I struggled with the rating on this one, partly because I couldn't get out of the "I need to rate this" headspace as I was listening. I liked it. It was meticulously crafted. It wasn't exactly predictable, but it also felt really safe, like they took no chances. I kept feeling like this was a combination of Wilco and Flaming Lips with all the grease and grime rubbed off and polished up real nice. Everything was inside the lines, which I was conscious of as I was listening. And honestly, while this might warrant a 4-star rating, I couldn't quell the nagging voice asking — "I must listen to this? Why, exactly?" It's good, but ... safe. And at the end of the day, the lyrics never quite tickled my g-spot. I guess these guys had fun in California, but that's the determiner as I write. Flirted with a 4, but its getting the 3. A really solid 3. Like more than a 3. But a 3.
Sat Nov 18 2023
3
i bet i've seen these play at some festival somewhere. to give them their dues the singles are all pretty decent and i appreciate them putting all the big hitters on early so i can fuck off the rest of it when it when they ran out of ideas.
Fri Nov 24 2023
3
Sleepy rock. At times I got an alt-country vibe that I appreciated. I liked the first half more than the second. The lead singer’s voice started to bug me.
Sat Nov 25 2023
3
Quite okay album, nothing too special, few country-like, pop, soft rock songs that sound like one-summer hits from years before. And like those hits, I will probably never hear of them again in the future.
Mon Nov 27 2023
3
It was pleasant. A little pop mixed with a little rock reminiscent of the late 90s/early 2000s. Not sure if I would put this in the 1001 best albums but like I said...it was pleasant.
Tue Nov 28 2023
3
It was ok...not my favorite
Wed Nov 29 2023
3
It was fine.
Sun Aug 06 2023
2
Känns som en medioker poänglös blandning av en massa bra band Say it aint so är banger men låter som en total ripoff av något idk vad.. semi många andra lät också som ripoffs av bra låtar
Wed Aug 09 2023
2
Meh. 2/5
Wed Aug 09 2023
2
Too country sounding for me.
Mon Aug 14 2023
2
This album put me to sleep.
Wed Aug 16 2023
2
Ik had hier meer van verwacht. Big Sur vind ik een leuk liedje maar een heel album van dit soort trage tegen het zeverige-aan muziek is echt too much to take.
Thu Aug 17 2023
2
Pretty boring but perfectly fine background music
Tue Aug 22 2023
2
An Irish band that's obsessed with Americana, singing indie pop about America when they probably hadn't been to America when they wrote this album. Also, I guess half the people on the cover aren't actually in the band? Christ, it's sugary sweet. I imagine this is the sort of music they play in insane asylums to try and keep everyone happy, but it just drives everyone even madder. 2/5.
Wed Aug 30 2023
2
Came away wondering why this album was on the list. The blog summary of the album did not explain it. Sounded like they were trying to impersonate Elliott Smith but with none of the emotion.