So Much For The City

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!

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

Inaccurate name

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?

the entire album is about their trip to california

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.

I'm a massive fan of Indie music so I was looking forward to this, but gosh darnit, if this wasn't lame as heck. So frigging twee and the lead vocalist's voice was so annoying. I do believe this is the first Indie record that I couldn't finish listening to. Oh, and the name of the band is completely misleading also.

Surprisingly enjoyable. 7/10

Liked this one more than I thought I would!

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.

I have an explanation for why their song “appeared on George W. Bush’s iPod in 2005” (truly an honor among honors for any artist, I’m sure). Dubya, clearly distraught by Pavement’s breakup in 1999, used his power as president to have Pavement kidnapped, taken to a CIA black site, injected daily with Herculean combo-doses of Ritalin and SSRI’s and told them they could only leave if they made a late 60’s West Coast Pop record. This record is the result of that unlawful deed, a suspension of habeas corpus.

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.

What if The Flaming Lips never, ever, ever did drugs even one time and frankly is offended that you even asked about it?

If you call this Sunny you’ve never been to California. Subjectivity of seeing the West Coast and then writing about in during cold Northern Irish winters. Like Ben Folds meets Death Cab with a juvenile SoCal twist.

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.

oh hunny 5 stars. psychedelic fan’s dream. sounds like how swimming in the ocean where your feet can’t touch the bottom feels

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.

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

first listen not used to hearing banjo from an irish band

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.

This sounds light early-naughties indie-folk-rock. Its pleasant, but not mind blowing.

Santa Cruz is a great song. Reminds me of my college days - I learned it from my shuttle bus driver - who would blast this song everyday in 2003. The rest of the album is mediocre indie pop rock. Honestly, this made me nervous that many of my favorite 21st century albums will not be on this list. - which i guess is ok - since this is about learning new things.

Noughties “The…” bands appear here like a goal with posts moved to corner flags, the keeper kicked in the balls. Seeing this pop up, I was ready to put another notch in my cricket bat. But I couldn’t do it, those big wide eyes looking up at me. This falls beyond the point where simple naivety transforms into fantasy, and I found its helpless cheer sweet.

It's... charming? Competent? Droll? A minor, forgettable Flaming Lips? Okay? But why is it in here? I mean, of course it is (or was, hah), being another minisculely different flavour of British/Irish/US pop rock - collect 'em all! - but seriously? See also: what's wrong with this compilation - and that's a Bingo! The Rule as per #244: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Every time one of these 1001 supposedly world's greatest albums turns out to be just another minute variation on [or channeling] USUK '65-'80s rock the generator has served me many dozens of times before, I will give you a different album you could be listening to today. For instance:" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ☞ Brad - Shame (1993) ☜ A beautiful record from '93, from Seattle with Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard on the guitar but it files under Grunge more by those associations than anything. Late Night Grunge maybe, for smoky, desolate bars and nightly car drives. A not really underrated but severely underknown gem. Go listen.

Meh

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.

i found this album boring. in fact i almost fell asleep 47 times while listening to it. even during the more upbeat songs, something seems missing. and i just can’t with that guy’s voice.

Why is this album even here? Generic indie pop with zero impact on anything, ffs. I guess they thought "hey, 1001 is a cool number", chose the few hundred that are really worth and then started to randomly fill the gaps. It is the only explanation I can think of that justifies this kind of music being present here.

So twee it sets your teeth on edge. Couldn’t wait for it to be over.

Very forgettable. So much so that after it finished and went onto something else I struggled to remember what it was like. It's just kind of samey stuff. It sounds nice, I guess but it's just blah.

This was so beige I could not care about it. Every song blurred into one. Not for me!!

Never heard of the Thrills before, I don't really see how much space there was in the 00s for a Beach Boys style band and I guess that's why they only put out 3 albums. There are some nice moments throughout the album and it does obviously have its own feel which is slightly unique. I'm also sure they had a great great time making and recording this album, but I wouldn't say it's that special or exciting for me. I'd rather just go and listen to a Beach Boys album which is slightly better. So although I do enjoy this formula of catchy melodies, multiple layered harmonies, experimentation with many instruments and sounds, and American summer surf vibes, that's only one layer of the depth of multiple layers to the Beach Boys.

It reminds me of the time when it was cool to support your chorus with a nice little glockenspiel.

That was alright, but nothing new under the sun.

So Much for an Average Indie Rock Album Aping Teenage Fanclub With Some Indie Folk Influences Thrown In

Kinda sounds like if bruce Springsteens backing band played for a shittier songwriter

oh my fucking god the singer sounds like jennifer coolidge. what the fuck.

I've never heard of The Thrills before, so I wasn't sure what to expect with this album. The first few tracks were somewhat enjoyable, but after "Say It Ain't So," the album fell off a pretty sharp cliff. The banjo playing was a nice and unique touch, which is difficult to admit in a post-Mumford era. I enjoyed some of the vocals as well, and there were a few nice harmonies sprinkled in here and there. "Big Sur" started off with some nice psychedelic sounds, but never built upon it. The best thing going for this album was the cohesive theme of places that the band longed for. This album did a few things well, but the band didn't leverage those things very well. I'm really confused as to why this was on this list. I'd much rather listen to Guster, Built to Spill, or Dawes, all of whom do a much better job of what I think The Thrills were trying to do here.

And this album is special because of ____?

Completely forgettable

Never finds it own sound outside of the frontman’s whining - there are some promising glimpses here and there, a track that evokes Elliot Smith or shows some Dinosaur Jr. influences, but nothing that coalesces over a very generous runtime. And yeah the vocals are just bad sorry

It's not a bad listen. But it's also not that memorable. They sound like a watered-down, hokey version of Arcade Fire. "Santa Cruz" and "Big Sur" were the best of the bunch. I just couldn't get past the singer sounding like a baritone version of Elmo from Sesame Street. If you listen to the first 15 seconds of any song, then you have heard the entire song.

his voice is annoying. 2 songs in and his voice is still annoying. and it's musically quite boring. not very many interesting things going on. 4th song and it just doesn't end. praying for this to finish as soon as possible. just listen to steely dan. his voice is so whiny! did NOT enjoy.

It’s an off-putting blend of the Doobie Brothers, Arcade Fire, and “Exile…” era Rolling Stones. The result is a languid indie-folk/country pop record. Really not into it at all.

Why exactly is this on this list. Boring and unremarkable

Funny enough, this band is called The Thrills which is kinda opposite of the mood this singer brings. The music is not bad. The melodies are interesting, instrumentation and recording is great. Just a little too mellow & dreamy for me.

the calm songs towards the end were more enjoyable than the rest

It seemed like this should have been a solid alternative album, but the vocals were kind of whiny and breathy, which got a little annoying. Overall the whole thing just sounded kind of hollow

Great value Wilco.

Meh. Boring and bland. Why this would be an album that anyone would say you must listen to before you die is beyond me. 1/5

Wilco-wannabe dreck. Next!!

I found this quite tedious quite quickly. I was quite surprised to learn they were from Ireland. Has real US early 2000s indie vibes, with more than a whiff of The Magic Numbers. The idea behind it - to cheer themselves up - also seems rather self-indulgent. What about cheering anyone else up? This did not make me feel better about anything, except when I finally turned it off. That this was even on the same shortlist as Boy In Da Corner makes me want to weep. Blander than the blandest thing in Blandland. A highly-inappropriately named band if ever there was one. Although who am I to question the musical taste of US President George W. Bush?

I am generally suspicious of most indie Americana, particularly so when it happens to come from Ireland. I mean, I have to give it to him, he nailed the breathy/whiny American indie rocker accent, even adding an affected rootsy twang... but why? Why construct an entirely forced vocal persona to hide behind? This is some kinda weird fantasy role-playing shit, and I don't like it. It's off-putting. Just look at them on the cover. Doesn't exactly scream authenticity. They look jaded, bored, and overdressed. At least they are competent at aping the far-from-unique sound they seek to emulate, but this sucks.

Outside of their immediate family, who is this album for?! Did youse go on a little trip to America and write a few wee songs about it? I am commencing legal action under under the Truth In Advertising act forthwith

This brings me back. I was introduced to The Thrills by an English woman I met when we both started school in Santa Cruz. It's not that far.

What a great album. Never heard of this group before but I’m glad I have now.

Wonderful slice of 00s pop

I heard the song “One Horse Town” and fell in love with it while shopping somewhere in New York in the early 2000s. Shortly after I bought this album and loved it. I hadn’t looked much into the band, so I was surprised today to learn that they aren’t from California but instead from Ireland… now I hear that lead singers’ voice differently. The group creates some catchy tunes with interesting hooks and nice banjo. I still love this album!

It's like someone flew some California sunshine to Ireland and The Thrills put it in a blender with some 70s pop radio and this is what we got. I heard similarities to The Carpenters, Pinball Wizard, the theme from Midnight Cowboy (not "Everybody's Talkin'" but the instrumental that was in all the John Brimhall piano books that is still one of only four songs I am able to play), and East Bound and Down (from Smokey and the Bandit). Some fun instrumentation and an overall uplifting sound made for a great listen today.

For my first listen, I didn't overly excite me, but it was good. On the second, I found a charm that was quite endearing.

"Who the hell is this, now?" I thought to myself, seeing the "post punk revival" category on the Wikipedia article. "Here we go again. *sigh*" As soon as I listened I liked them very much and they sounded very familiar (and not at all what I'd consider post punk). Turns out I had saved two of their songs from this album in my Apple library from a Las Vegas-themed mix CD a dear friend gave me 20 years ago. I really enjoyed the folky, jangly, piano-y goodness of this one, and getting to hear the whole delightful album. Yay!

Wow. What an album! I was not expecting to get such a nice 69th record! Jokes aside, this is such a great album. I loved every song and the unique feel this album has. I have never heard a record like this one. The opening track, Santa Cruz (You're not that far) is a great track, as well as the closer and the hidden track that comes along with it. However, my favourite track has to be One Horse Town, I love the instruments, the vocals and the lyrics. Such a wonderful album. This album appears to not have much international praise but has won multiple awards within the home country of The Thrills, Ireland. I think it deserves more credit than it has, and in my opinion deserves a 9/10 rating.

4-5 One Horse Town!

This album is soooooo goooood!!!

oh god...this isn't a good album to listen to in my current state of mind. It is amazing. I love it. I just want to be hanging out in The O.C. and enjoying life instead of whatever I'm doing now. Some times I think I failed at life. The above was before I exercised for the day. I feel okay now. But I wonder who the real me is. The one who nostalgically yearns for something else or the one that feels okay. Do I have a 'Thrill'ing life? What has this review turned into?

holy shit what a fucking find. This is unskippable, beautiful voice beautiful arrangements. Fan for life

Never heard them before, just the name, but this one is brilliant

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.

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."

Noise indie folk. Qué bonito sonido.

Getting some Damien Rice from "Old Friends, New Lovers" Very 2000's, liked the vibe

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.

"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.

I quite enjoyed that!

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.

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 ❤️

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.

Pretty good

very pleasant listen

3.4

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.

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.

Hahaha summer 2003 nostalgia

Always loved Big Sur but never listened to the album. This is Sue Perb stuff.

Very sunny, obviously Californian themed. Reminds me 9f The Magic Numbers. I like it and had forgotten just how catchy are the two big singles. Not included in my 2018 edition, but time has allowed the compilers a review.

I was in a really bad mood while I was listening to this today and it only made my mood worse when I realized that I would actually really be enjoying this if I was happy. It's a fun 45 minutes of early 2000s indie pop and the lead vocalist sounded a lot like the lead for the flaming lips. Even though I was upset, I really liked santa cruz and don't steal our sun.

I really liked this. Reminds me a bit of the Eels, maybe a bit of the Flaming Lips too. Will listen again. 4 stars.

Would've guessed some of these songs could be the Flaming Lips. The lead singer sounds weirdly similar to Wayne Coyne. There were some solid songs on here and can see myself coming back.

Strong 4 at least

So much sunshine packed in here that it's hard not to love, even if it's not the most diverse or groundbreaking thing. By the end the sunshine even feels like a sunset!

These guys sound like The Beach Boys meets The Flaming Lips, Sloan, or Oasis. Solid indie rock with banjo and mandolin. Favourite songs: One Horse Town, Big Sur, Don't Steal Our Sun, Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far), Your Love Is Like Las Vegas, "Old Friends, New Lovers", 'Til The Tide Creeps In, Just Travelling Through Least favourite songs: Hollywood Kids, Plans 4/5

This album is some lovely sunny 00’s California pop. I’ve never heard of The Thrills. The sometimes fun, sometimes chill vibe has me craving a beach, a sunset, a cooler full of seltzers, vegan volcano nachos and good friends. Nowhere else to go, nothing else to do.

How did I never hear this record? Oh, right, I went to college in Nowheresville, Iowa. I almost didn’t believe these guys are from Dublin. They sound like a bunch of crunchy, wake-and-bake surf rats from Carlsbad. Whatever. This album is great.

It was pretty lovely and soothing

Very nostalgic. Reminded me of The OC.

Sweet ost for someone in his 30s, seeing the middle of the road right ahead

Muy bueno! Por la tapa esperaba mucho menos; pero fue un muy lindo viaje y el último tema me copó.

I really enjoyed this album. Sounds straight out of the 60s pop rock scene, hints of Beach Boys, Weezer, and the Flaming Lips with some folk country tones as well. Unique lead vocal. Really enjoyed this album.

I will continue to profess my love of aughts-era indie rock! This is fantastic. I can't believe I've never listened to them before. The vocalist really reminds me of Jason Lytle who I love. These songs are just super upbeat and infectiously catchy.

Good songs. First 2 are the standouts. The rest are kind of the same bluesy longing with banjos and saloon pianos and slide guitars. Pleasant to listen too.