So Much For The City by The Thrills

So Much For The City

The Thrills

2.8
Rating
21196
Votes
1
8%
2
28%
3
44%
4
17%
5
4%
Distribution

Reviews (page 2 of 7)

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!

Wonderful slice of 00s pop

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

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.

tää on kyl hyvä, varsinkin santa cruz.

the debut album of irish indie band the thrills, a group of friends that essentially got together and used music to keep everyone healthy. the album is said to be pretty personal by the lead singer, conor deasy. a lot of the songs are about their own life experiences and staying in the united states for a bit. the band's efforts seemed to work out pretty well considering the album achieved popularity both in ireland and the united kingdom. we've got some pretty fun pop rock music today. in a single descriptor, this sounds like a whole bunch of traveling friends, chatting and playing songs on a big ol' truck. like you have the driver as the vocalist, and the passenger and a few other people sitting at the trunk are playing the instruments, riding through the highway. there's audible influence from the sunny poppy music from decades past... these guys must took some notes from some classic groups as they were staying in the usa. i can see why a lot of people from the uk especially like this music; i can't really pinpoint it specifically but this sort of pop rock stuff seems very... just european in general. i think us north americans have a certain way of composing pop rock, and european people have their own way too.

Really like the lush vocals and the Beach Boys influence on this one. It’s a bit untemarkable, but I still enjoyed listening to it a lot.

Quite nice — another pleasant surprise.

Thought I had never heard of these guys, but then Big Sur came on. Great. Faded a bit at the end but a solidly enjoyable album.

Not my favourite vocalist. Almost no chest voice lack in power. But overall a very smooth and pleasant album. Liked your love is like Las Vegas. At least the vocalist knows what he’s good at and what’s he’s not. A good album.

If I had come across this in high school I know I would have enjoyed it a lot more. Almost 20 years later and the breathy vocals did start to drag on me after a while. That being said, I let Spotify continue on with songs from The Thrills after the album ended, so really it just sounds like this whole review is hypocritical. Four stars.

The strokes + the pains of being pure at heart + neutral milk hotel + flaming lips (yoshimi era) Proof that a band of good enough can draw from whatever inspiration they want and make something beautiful and funny and strange 8/10

No conocia a los thrills hasta ahora y de verdad que buena musica hacen, tan solo la voz me cautiva que ademas se acompaña de una buena instrumentalizacion

I enjoy indie stuff enough that even though this sounds like pretty basic generic indie rock I still ended up liking this a fair amount. No clue how it ended up on the list though

Best Irish band ever?? 🤣

I wouldn't bat an eye if I've if these songs popped up on one of my regular Pandora stations. But the head singer's voice for an entire album is a bit much

Good. A high 3, will probably give a 4. A good approach to the style of music, entertaining, enjoyable and fun. Mood lifting. Good arrangements. Liked it more than I expected.

Really enjoyed 4

Yeah, this was pretty good. Some weak songs definitely, but it has its moments and ends on a strong note.

Que galera na capa. Achei que seria uma banda ali por 2015, mas é de 2003, parece que estavam a frente de seu tempo num estilo que ficaria mais famoso nos anos 2010. Bom som deles. Tranquilinho, aconchegante, um estilo que curto mais do que muito álbum que já apareceu, então vai 4. Olha só, escrevi tudo antes de saber que eram Irlandeses. Então ganham pontinho.

I actually liked this quite a lot. The '60s and '70s inspiration combined with modern production techniques made this a really cool experience. Big Sur was a standout, but everything on this album was enjoyable. Reminds me a lot of Broken Social Scene or early Arcade Fire.

A couple great songs on this one.

7 - GOOD

I was surprised that this had such a low rating on this project. It’s solid indie rock, it’s not offensive, it’s got a decent sound to it. I don’t know how others rate albums, but this is very listenable and I could see it in my playlist rotation. 4 stars

The two hits are so good. It’s crazy.

Nothing thrilling about the music. I thought this was way older and was shocked at a secret song. And then shocked that they aren’t from California like the songs would suggest. Not as fun as coconut records but a pretty good listen.

oh però a dublino sono bravi a fare musica comunque bello bello tutto l’album quindi 4 pieno

It's an Irish band gloating about their trip to California, and for some reason, I like it. Maybe it's because it has the quintessential 2000s alternative rock sound to it. Favorite Track: "Santa Cruz(You're Not That Far)".

It's proto-Mumford and Sons.

Nice mix of rockabilly and roots rock

I haven’t heard of this band. It reminds me a lot of the American band Beulah, especially their great 2001 album The Coast Is Never Clear. It’s a surprising sound from an Irish band, and I would have never guessed they are Irish if I hadn’t read their bio.

woww.. surprisingly pretty good.. was not expecting it to be this good... would slam them on my next road trip... okii.. some of the songs are pretty chill.. nice ., interesting (Not bad)

Wow what a good album! I love all the crazy tones and effects!

Well…instrumentally this was fantastic. The dude’s voice bugged me tho and I can’t place why. It was like Temu Wayne Coyne

it was pretty good but the singer sounds like he is doing an owen wilson impression

vraiment bien le pb c'est que tu sens que ça a donné naissance à la de la musique bien chiante bien whitos

Loved this album. Should have been a bigger band. This is CSNY alongside the Monkees!!

Enjoyed this honestly a lot more than i thought i would. The singing style nearly put me straight off but idk it really grew on me and i liked instrumentals/overall cheekiness.

Dang, mad I didn’t discover earlier.

Enjoyable.

Sounds like the time it came from, which I like

Really, really good. Had never heard of them before, glad to now. Great album to just listen to hanging outside.

This is a band from the 2000's whose name starts with "The" and they remind me a bit of The Shelters, which was a band that Tom Petty took under his wing. This kind of 60's-inflected West Coast-sounding indie surf rock is something that I am inherently drawn to. Whether it is Twin Peaks, The Shelters, The Donkeys, GospelbeacH, Carpool Tunnel, Grand Canyon, or a more rock-oriented band like Wilderado...I enjoy this kind of music. Saying that, I remain a bit confused why THIS GROUP would stand out from the rest of the pack. I get that they are Irish and being British or Irish gives a band a leg up in this book, but I just listed a bunch of bands who I think are doing very similar things to The Thrills. Maybe the editors of this book just absolutely love an Irish group came over and did "American" music just as well as some American bands do. Many of the comp bands on Spotify are already on this list, even if some of them lean more towards New Wave and/or Brit-pop. The latter half of the album goes a bit towards too dreamy and can sound a bit samesy and lazy. In terms of my being glad I heard this album, I very much am happy because this is music for me. But I can add this album to a larger list of "music for me" that I cannot do with some of the other artists I discovered from this book. When I listen to all of those artists, The Thrills are an addition and not something better than what I already have heard. The album gets by on vibes a lot and so maybe there is something to be said for that. My favorite songs were: Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) Big Sur Don't Steal Our Sun Deckchairs and Cigarettes One Horse Town Say It Ain't So Your Love is Like Las Vegas

I liked the vibe. It's very, very, very californian though.

it gives me the thrills realising that this fellas did so much for the city

Første gang jeg hører denne plata. Hører gjerne igjen.

Hørt på en rolig torsdags morgen. Veldig 2003-coded, sykt hyggelig musikk. Kommer nok til å gjenbesøke denne.

Never heard of this but I really like it

Wilco whispering and Smashing Pumpkin sweetness. Cali set to harmonica, and pretend it's the 70s? What's going on with the Beatles haircuts on the album cover? I am confused but pleased. Behold the fried peanut butter-bacon-banana sandwich.

I hate that I like it, but I do

The vocals are the weakest part for me, but I couldn't help but enjoy it nevertheless.

Lana & the OC would love this

I missed this somehow I guess I was too busy being in college but I love this.

You only get it if you like those indie sounds of the early 2000s and have a love of California. Otherwise it’s not for you.

So Much For Forgetting about the Thrills.

Fuck it, I enjoyed it. It was wannabe cali frothy indie shite but it was nice to listen to

3.5, but I have a soft spot for this because I got it when it came out so it’s been with me a while. I basically never put it on - or even remember about it - but this was a nice stroll - some Beach Boys-y harmonies and a nice Southern California vibe.

Surprisingly I enjoyed this a lot.

surprise like!

This is like a fun smile with bright energy.. just not a life-changer. Good for a lazy Sunday drive. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) - Big Sur - Don't Steal Our Sun - One Horse Town

Balance perfecto para los fans de bob esponja y yo la tengo, gran album pa desayunar en invierno

intensely my shit aka mi mero mole

i really liked this they have such a beach boys vibe

*So Much for the City* I gave this about the same rating that I did back in the 2003 dive. I really do like the songs on this and I like the arrangements and I even like the harmony I think what really keeps it from being a stellar four and a half star record is the vocals. He has that millennial kind of cross between whine and Whisper vocal that is really not my favorite style., and I'm not saying he has a bad voice because I don't think that's it I just think it's that style which I heard a lot around the aughts that was just never a really good sticking point for me. (8.5) ★★★★

Nice early 00s indie pop with americana tendencies. 4 stars

Can’t buy a Thrills… except in a charity shop. I’m flicking through my 2011 edition of 1001 and this album is nowhere to be seen. It was everywhere in 2003 but seems to have fallen off a cliff since. Shame because this is incredibly sunny, breezy, California-inspired sunshine indie pop with a lot of sterling, hookwormy singles stacked at the front. Any song that slams The Monkees is a great one which means that Big Sur is a great one. Vocalist Conor Deasy has a bit of a twee whiney whispery delivery - somewhere between Wayne Coyne and Owen Wilson - but I would rather hear this than anything by the Flaming Lips. The back half of the album does tend to slip into merely pleasantville territory but One Horse Town and Say It Ain’t So are other strong highlights outside of the supreme first three. So much for being Ex-1001. I would support pushing this back onto the 1001 list.

Always want to like this more than I do. That said, I do like this album quite a bit. High 3.5 stars that I’m going to give 4 on this site.

The twangy nostalgia that The Thrills brings in this record is appealing. Great harmonies and entertaining songs. Unluckily, the thrill disappears by track 8… you’ll hit the filler wall. I’m rating it with a 4 because it has great tunes in the first half and because the mere fact of an album like this being released on the XXI century is a delight

This was such a wonderful, chill easy rock album. It was perfect for the work I was doing while listening. It was a little bit same-y, which I usually don't like, but somehow worked for this album.

good stuff. Love some '00s indie. Kind of sounds like a more normal flaming lips

very solid record, was just a good vibe

I really liked this! I thought it was fun and super entertaining! It felt fun and fresh. Vocals were great! Actual rating...3.5 Liked Songs: "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" , "Big Sur" , "Don't Steal Our Sun" , "Deckchairs And Cigarettes" , "One Horse Town" , "Say It Ain't So" , "Just Traveling Through" , "Your Love Is Like Las Vegas" , " 'Til The Tide Creeps In"

I liked this 3.75

Me agradaron sus vibes

Reminded me of Rooney

i eat this stuff up. they have that The Verve quality of making music that sounds nostalgic even though i don’t have any history with the group. it just feels warm and easy and like it’d be great to listen to underneath some quiet chatter with people you care about.

Zuhause, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Schönes Album.

Comfortably familiar. Maybe a little to uniform

This was a fun discovery. Exactly the kind of find I was hoping by doing this.

I really liked this one. Didn’t appreciate it much on a first listen but on a second listen it grew on me. Occasionally found the lyrics a bit repetitive but I enjoyed the instrumentation and the vocal style. The Monkees reference made me laugh. Fav song: Old Friends, New Lovers Least fav: Hollywood Kids

Decent album but not amazing. Sounds a bit like owl city which I like. I really like the cover as well. Specific rating - 4.0 Fav song- Santa Cruz (You’re not that far) Least fav- Hollywood kids

Fun! Think they should have kept the old band name- The Cheating Housewives! Makes you nostalgic for a time where America was the cool place where movies were set and not the dystopian place in the news. Favourite song: Say It Ain't So Least: Your Love is Like Las Vegas

Love the male / female harmonies. They add a real warmth that is otherwise missing in my opinion. Most of the tracks are decent without being special. Bright guitars, melodic pop rock hooks. Not groundbreaking but there are a few special moments. But for me they're not quite The Shins and they're just not quite The Coral. Kind of Magic Numbersesque. Favourite track - Big Sur. 7/10

Very viby, i quite enjoyed it. Fit my style

Another singer that uses his inside voice. I think it’s really funny that they have this folk southern twang thing going but are Irish. So like they speak with Irish accents but song with Texan accents? Very well produced and for the most part there is a wide array of unique songs that all stay within the same genre. The Sea and Cake did this style of singing/music better but this isn’t bad either. 7/10

Loved it. Kind of reminds me of Fountains of Wayne

I had this, Byrds, Beach boys, Pavement Santa cruz Deck chairs and cigarettes Say it ain't so

Sounds 30 years older than it is

Quite a good album overall. Not really my standout moments but just overall very consistent and chill. Enjoyed it quite a bit.

Can't believe this is over 20 years old. I really like this album. Saw them support Bob Dylan in Belfast years ago. A really good live band.

I'll always have a soft spot for this one. Did NOT know they were Irish.

Reminds me of late 90’s/early 00’s Wilco. Lead singer sounds a bit like Jeff Tweedy mixed with J Mascis - soft, airy vocal delivery. Enjoyable album. Indie rock with a lot of folk rock/country rock influence. Favorite songs include Santa Cruz, Deckchairs and Cigarettes, One Horse Town, Old Friends New Lovers, Say It Ain’t So, Just Traveling Through. Honestly every song is good.

At first, I thought this was going to be a pretty middle of the road, mediocre album, but as it went on, it actually sucked me in. It had that early 2000s indie pop sound, but with a heavy influence of 60s pop nostalgia. You get all the fun Mellotron style keyboards and jangly guitars, plus a nice element of that 60s surf rock twang that really added some extra color and texture to the album. It ended up being better than I expected.

I really enjoyed this.

I was skeptical, but this lovely collection of songs won me over. I enjoyed their retro, sun washed, melancholy sound. There are some real songwriting chops in evidence.

Fun album. 72/100.

Fun. 67 / 100.

Sköna melodier. Nice gitarrpop. Fyra

At first, I thought this was going to be a pretty middle of the road, mediocre album, but as it went on, it actually sucked me in. It had that early 2000s indie pop sound, but with a heavy influence of 60s pop nostalgia. You get all the fun Mellotron style keyboards and jangly guitars, plus a nice element of that 60s surf rock twang that really added some extra color and texture to the album. It ended up being better than I expected.

An under-appreciated incarnation of the indierock zeitgeist. The crazy thing is I always thought this was an archetypical 'rich indie kids from California with too much freedom' project (with some self-awareness; this was part of the charm). I'm finding out now they're fucking Irish! And you know what? Paradoxically, the imitation (satirization?) of that sound makes the record feel more geniune, somehow. Regardless, I just love the thematic hook that repeats throughout the album: so much for the city. It feels true. Nostalgic banger. Big Sur and One Horse Town are my favorites.

Loved the harmonica in this album and the western vibe. It's like a new-age western sound, not quite pop country, but not quite honkey tonk. I enjoyed this album a lot

For an Indie album from 2003, this is above average, which is saying a lot considering the sub-par quality of many other Indie albums of that era. 3.5/5

That was pretty fun, I'm surprised they are in the 2000's, they feel like a much older era.

I dig it

Fun album. Never heard any of it before and probably not influential enough to be on this list but I find that to be true for a lot of albums on this list. Really enjoyed it.

This sounds like a countrified Flaming Lips.

Rock/country/pop with pretty unique vocals and sound. Decent

New to me. Liked some songs quite a bit. The album cover reminds me of Letterkenny.

A delightful album. The reviews of this on this website really made me lower my expectations, but I ended up really loving the record. It’s full of very warm sounding songs, country and folk with a few experimental elements. Some of the songs can get a little too repetitive for my liking, but it isn’t annoying. It’s definitely something I’ll be coming back to.

I had never heard of this one, but I really enjoyed it. The opener "Santa Cruz..." was excellent, I also loved "Big Sur", "Don't Steal Our Sun", "One Horse Town", "Hollywood Kids", and "Just Travelling Through". The album has a really nice mix of Americana (despite them being Irish) sounds with early 2000s Indie Rock and the production is great. Not to mention the vocals throughout are very good.

I liked it more than I should've me thinks.

How can you not like a bunch of Irish people doing their best to convince you they are from California? Never heard of this band and I'm suspicious they would not be a common inclusion in a list like this. Is my high rating somewhat overcompensation for having to listen to Public Image yesterday? I'm sure it is but this is a fun album and I also like California!

Wait I actually know one of the songs on this album (Big Sur) which is a surprise because I've never heard of this band... I thought it was pretty good. 4/5

Ooh I am loving this album!! I had never heard of this band before but definitely will keep listening to them!

Californian inflected pop rock by way of Ireland, The Thrills' So Much for the City pays exceptional tribute to the uplifting spirit that music provides in dour times, such was The Thrills' situation at the time. So Much for the City sounds as though it would have fit in at any time after the 60s and listeners would know that they were in for a worthwhile time. Favorites: Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far), Big Sur, Don't Steal Our Sun, One Horse Town, Say It Ain't So, Hollywood Kids, Just Traveling Through.

A surprisingly charming debut I totally missed at the time, probably because I spent 2003 deep in Wiggles and Baby Beethoven land with a newborn. These Irish lads’ obsession with California sunshine, Las Vegas, and old-school Americana is oddly endearing, and the jangly guitars and breezy harmonies go down easy.

Mid-high 3, band name is a bit of a misnomer but pretty consistent vibes

The Flaming Lips, but make it bluegrassy

3.8 - Just nice and simple

A solid alt rock/alt folk/alt cow poke album in the vein of The Decemberists. Thoroughly enjoyable. Would be fun to see live. They are cooler than me. That's not hard. Solid 4.

This record is cheesy, lame, derivative, repetitive. And I love it. Give me that twee 00s indie jangle all day long. I loved this record when I was listening to it in my dorm room in 2003. Now, 22 years later, despite changing times and changing tastes, I still love the hell out of it. Don't overthink it. This dumb record pairs great with summer, sunny road trips or rainy days spent dreaming of brighter times.

Pretty solid. Worth a listen.

Very enjoyable, mellow tunes - they have a very Neil Young vibe.

I couldn't help but compare this vocalist to Grandaddy because the similarities are almost uncanny. I really did like this album, though, I have a weakness for these comfy 60s inspired bands. I do sorta wish that Jellyfish or The Lemon Twigs were on here, though. I'd even take more XTC or ELO.

I really liked this one! Good California pop rock/indie sound that I enjoyed. Good stuff.

I’ve always liked their music. They seemed To explode and crash in a short time period.

Sunny beats. Great easy listening.

Album 793 of 1089 The Thrills - So Much For The City (2003) Rating : 3.5 / 5 More than I expected from the debut blending Irish indie pop with a strong California influence (Byrds/Beach Boys) . Lush harmonies, inventive instrumentation, and romantic melancholy. Good stuff with a nostalgic vibe.

Three stars for the album, one extra star for the personal nostalgia trip,

I listened to this a lot and i enjoyed how familiar it is and also that it has stayed valid (is that the word?) certainly it feels timeless

Gezellige indiepop, banjo, mondharmonica, coldplay-achtig stemmetje. Ik ben dit waarschijnlijk volgende week alweer vergeten, maar best leuk en een geinige hoes doet ook altijd wonderen.

Een heel toegankelijk album vol radio-muziek. Het zakt wat weg naar de achtergrond en lijkt daarmee op een vergeetbare 3 af te stormen. Tegelijk blijft de vrolijkheid wel hangen en verdient het op basis daarvan misschien net iets meer.

Melancholic with a satiating twang. Easy listening, shimmering vocals, and some pretty picking, though maybe not a daily listen for me

Surprisingly super amazing

I'm glad this is on the list, its probably a slightly underrated time in music and this album feels way different than most of the music in the charts at the time. The 4 singles are all top notch, so it's just up to the 7 album tracks not to screw it up

3.5 stars. Irish pop indie rock band, easy-listening. No major standouts but no duds either. Best is "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)".

Idk if it's cuz I haven't listened to much music lately but I don't get why nobody likes

I liked this. Nice sound. Cool discovery

Aldrig hört förut men jag gillar det här.

Loved this. Enjoyed its upbeat songs, but it also has good range. At times it can feel a bit slight compared to other albums on this list, but I hope to return to it in the future. And I'm also interested in checking out other Thrills albums.

Está guay, pero lo veo bastante genérico. No sé si lo volveré a escuchar.

Forget how many decent tunes there are here even if the album is top heavy

Honestly i think its cool as shit. Buddies from Ireland cruisin the cali coast writing songs about santa cruz while couch surfing in san francisco and san diego, right up my alley.

good album for a sunny day, but i’m always a sucker for this kind of vibe. as a side note, it’s hard to believe it came out in 2003 AND that they’re irish, i would have genuinely thought it was from a 70s/80s west coast band (think phish & that whole scene). i had to go back and check it wasn’t like a rerelease or remaster or something because they have that vibe down so convincingly.

I really liked the sound of this album but found it a little cheesy

Thrilling

I really enjoyed that album, good vibes

March 2, 2025 “Oh, to be a "The" band in the early 2000s...“- me, for the Zutons’ entry last month Something I noticed during my time in Ireland were grocery items decked out in American flags, even though they weren’t American exports. - biscuits, frozen pizzas et al. There’s a more positive connotation with USA there that doesn’t really exist here in Canada, where (now especially but also then) stars n’ stripes aren’t particularly appealing. I guess I bring that all up because here’s a Dublin band yearning for the beaches of Cali?… This is actually a really nice listen. Like I get that it isn’t very essential or groundbreaking, and the lead singer has a kind of whitebread affectation a la Death Cab or Bright Eyes that I don’t LOVE, but it’s agreeable enough with the lush, throwback folky songs. There’s an infectiousness to tracks like “Big Sur”, “Don’t Steal Our Sun” and the ”Til the Tide Creeps In” that I cannot dismiss. And the ballads “Old Friends” and “Deckchairs” are strong as well!

Reminiscent of The Band

I wasn’t familiar with the Thrills at all but was pleasantly surprised. A nice pop rock album.

The Thrills were completely new to me (...would never have pegged this band as Irish - infinitely more a southwest American VW bus vibe...) and after the first song I'm already intrigued by the melodies/harmonies - definitely venturing into the slightly-unpredictable melodic pop rock that I enjoy (I'm hearing elements of Jellyfish, Flaming Lips, Elliot Smith). Although how many times one needs to actually say "Santa Cruz" within a song is certainly up for debate. "One Horse Town" definitely has a little Pete Townshend guitar influence in there ok. Overall I love the music - the lead vocals really do start to approach preciously fey self-reflective annoyance. For the most part I've gotten good (better) at tuning out vocals where I need to and a few times it was necessary here. Wasn't entirely sure about how much I liked it but after giving it a 2nd listen today...yes it's inoffensive but it's just kinda nice and I feel like something nice right now is a good thing to have. I think I would listen to this again. 7/10 4 stars.

3.5 Deeper than your average The OC Soundtrack indie pop of the time. A bit lightweight but that might be the point.

The Thrills - So Much For The City Album Review There are some albums that just feel like a perfect way to start the day, and So Much For The City is one of them. Warm, breezy, and effortlessly melodic, it’s a record that rolls along like a lazy drive down the coast, with jangly guitars, rich harmonies, and just the right amount of nostalgia. From the sun-drenched bliss of Big Sur to the laid-back charm of Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far), it’s an album that captures a wide-eyed, dreamlike version of California—made all the more amusing by the fact that The Thrills are actually from Ireland. What makes this album work so well is its consistency—there are no wild shifts in tone or sudden detours, just a smooth, easy ride from start to finish. Even on the more melancholy tracks, there’s a comforting warmth that never fades, like a golden haze over the whole record. The mix of indie rock, folk, and vintage West Coast pop influences gives it a timeless quality, making it an album you can throw on in the morning and just let it carry you wherever it wants to go. I actually saw these guys at Glastonbury, and the memory that sticks with me most—aside from how effortlessly fun their set was—is them throwing a mic into the crowd at the end of the gig. Still not sure if they got in trouble for that, but it felt fitting for a band whose music sounds so free-spirited and untamed. So Much For The City might not be groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of album that makes you feel good every time you put it on, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Fav: One Horse Town Least Fav: Just Travelling Through

Yeah very solid album, enjoyed it! Actually got into it more as the songs went on :)) one horse town was quite a bop!

This is definitely an early to mid 2000’s indie record. I like it, it’s possibly the least abrasive album we’ve heard so far, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s the sort of band you’d expect to be heavily featured in an episode of the OC(upon further research, this is correct) It’s got moments of dreamy brevity, some really catchy basslines, and some beautiful melodies. Not a band I’d ever paid attention to before, but it’s an enjoyable record. 3.5*

Lovely, gentle indie album. I enjoyed the second half more than the first. Favorites: Old Friends, New Lovers, Say It Ain't So

Was nice, I kept on listening to the s[otify suggestions during the entire day

At first I thought this seemed vaguely like a slightly more sophisticated Rooney-type project. It has a similar vibe of California-flavored nostalgia from the Beach Boys era (was it ever really *like* that though?) And I still think it has a certain Avett Brothers meet the Lemon Twigs sound; it grew on me though. Easy listening without being too dull.

Mooie nummers, niet geweldig origineel, maar wel goed gezongen en gearrangeerd

Really liked this BUT really wish it didn’t sound so much like a laid back Pavement album.

Nothing like a bunch of Irish kids singing about California, with the western instrumentation (frequent banjo/acoustic guitar twang), and a vocal affect to really set the mood. Getting over the outrageous inauthenticity, the music is chill and catchy, capturing the sunny, indie, California vibe that was big in 2003. The vocals "accent" sometimes veers towards parody, but there are many classic european bands (cough, the Rolling Stones, cough) that have similarly ripped a silly accent and managed to pull it off.

Surprising and fun

Nice jangles.

I have owned this album digitally since it came out, but have not listened to it in years. It is a good album with a splattering of really good songs, but I feel like it fades after Hollywood kids. Its not an album I really want to own, but one I will gladly listen to again and again

Never heard of these guys and This is not what I was expecting. 60s-70s sometimes beach boys-y vibe. Great vocal harmonies and really well done. All I kept thinking was they put time and effort into this record. I like it a lot. I’ll actually listen again. Kind of record if you play in the background people will ask who is this. Great record.

Overall a really good album, don't think it's all quite for me but definitely a good listen. Chill vibes and laid back music. Close to 5 but not quite there for me.

Where are they now

Enjoyed listening to The Thrills. Fun countryesqe indie rock vibes. Groovy and bopping from the start to the end.

Вайб присутствует

A collection of semi-surfpop, semi-garage-rock songs about California - an overall pleasant and a general good listen throughout it's runtime, but not much stands out from this album. I'd struggle to remember a specific song, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to get back to it.

Not bad

Huh, this was a surprise. When I started doing this project in 2021 I downloaded as many versions of the list as I could and merged them together so I could track things in a spreadsheet. 🤓 This wasn't on any of them. All the reviews start from mid 2023 so I guess this was added to the latest version of the book? 🤷 Well, I didn't think I'd heard anything by them, but when "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" kicked off it was familiar, though I'm pretty sure I'd assumed it was a Flaming Lips song when I heard it. These folks do an excellent job of nailing a particular sound, it's pretty baffling to learn they're Irish! Somewhere between The Flaming Lips and Grandaddy, but lacking any of the experimental weirdness. That makes them more accessible, I suppose, though a bit less interesting. I can't go 5 stars on this because it's a little bit one note, but 4.5, sure. Fave tracks - "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" and then let's say "Hollywood Kids" for all the lap steel guitar.

Gelungenes Album aus Irland mit einer Mischung aus Folk, Country & Rock. Es ist schön das Album zu hören mit angenehmen Tracks. Um das Album zu verstehen sollte es ruhig mehrfach gehört werden z.B um die Klasse von „Santa Cruz“ und „One Horse Town“ zu erkennen.

ett riktigt nostalgialbum! skitkul att det är med i boken men det har kanske inte åldrats såpass väl att det blir en femma. med det sagt så gillar jag musiken mycket.

This was good. I liked the vibe, but I couldn't help but feel like some songs were incredibly repetitive. I also quite liked the use of Banjo, but it got super oldschool Country feeling at the end (not a bad thing, just felt weird to transition to?) I could see myself revisiting this one. 'Deckchairs and Cigarettes' was my fave takeaway here.

Played through twice while working but again, I don’t feel like I got a great “listen”… really liked the style, this is a brand new artist for me. Indie feel, reminded me a bit like Guster. 3.5/5

Listened to these guys in uni. Def of its time but holds up

Dreaming of West coast pop at its best

Started off slow - it gave Beach Boys. But steadily grew on me.

pleasant indie/folk, songs to listen to on a summers evening

This was actually a huge surprise! While there are things I don't really care for about this (song structure and lead vocal performance), this was a refreshingly dynamic record that is both well produced and well-crafted from an arranging standpoint.

Great album.

liked this much more than I expected to. Some good tunes on here

This is the craziest western country album to come out of Ireland.

So Much for the City is the debut album of the Irish indie/pop band The Thrills, originally released in 2003. I needed this album. Summer is winding down over here on the East Coast, and this album fit the vibe perfectly. They lean super hard into the California identity on here, even harder than the Beach Boys in some moments (lol). I was so surprised to hear these guys were from Ireland. They sound pretty damn American. This record reminds me a lot of that 70s Laurel Canyon sound, with a bit of jangle pop/garage/2000s indie sprinkled in. Kinda like Beachwood Sparks. Great discovery from this list.

Many memories of when this was first released and driving around listening to it over a sunny summer

Enjoyed this, 3.9

I enjoyed this a decent amount, which surprised me. There's a tendency on the 1001 to include too many UK bands, and this particular album is on some editions of the 1001 and not on others, which tends to be a red flag. It's fairly light and quite approachable.

Sweet ear candy. Sometimes the California city references were too corny. Still good tho

Not sure why there are so many low reviews for these guys. If I had heard them right at release, it would probably be a 5 instead of a 4, since I would have had more time to appreciate the album. In any case, a good mix of Beach Boys, Wilco, Polyphonic Spree, Flaming Lips, Pete Yorn, and probably a few dozen other artists. Was nice enough to hear a little bit of each of those in the song style and composition. Some just prefer to just listen to those artists instead, which is fine, but it is nice every once in awhile to just hear something a little different. 4/5

Noise indie folk. Qué bonito sonido.

My first thought when I heard this was that it sounded very early 2000s California pop, and felt like something that you might've heard on the 'O.C' series. Not very surprising considering the opening tracks are called 'Santa Cruz' and 'Big Sur'. I was correct in the early 2000s part, but was surprised when I found out they are from Ireland. This spoke to teenager me in a good way. The only real complaint I have is that the lyrics felt quite... childish? As in a toddler could've actually wrote it. At least that's how I felt with 'Santa Cruz' and the first few songs, and then I lost track a bit because I was out running. Overall I liked the singers voice and the "instrumental" part, but got hung up on the lyrics that I didn't like. Weak 4, can definitely see myself revisiting this.

Fantastic melodies. A dynamic sound. Great arrangements and cohesion between band mates. This is a perfectly well-rounded album

This album was really good, and a little mysterious. I am still a little confused by the premise, but they really nailed the sound. Never would have learned about this one without the albums generator.

I liked this, I definitely have similar albums on my phone. However, I found it a little repetitive and the singing style got on my nerves after awhile, so I don’t think I’ll be keeping this. But this was a breath of fresh air for this rock heavy list.

Really pretty. I enjoyed this record quite a bit. Not 100% sure how it got on the list, but I'm not complaining.

Totally forgot about this album, having listened to it a lot when it came out. Really enjoyed coming back to it.

Nice easy listening indie. Never heard it before, but a good listen. Will definitely check out more stuff by the Thrills

Great discovery, never heard these guys, a lovely mix of harmonic country and surf pop and Irish hugs. Love that 1001 is still throwing me curve balls at #993.

I'm happy to hear a female lead singer here for a min. Nice mix of bluegrass/banjo and girlpop. Easy 4. By the end got a little samey, so I think 4 feels right. Also I realize it's just a high pitched dude, not a lady, so shame on me.

I tend to like this kind of music and I do enjoy this. But there's something about the way that the singer sings that makes the songs bleed together. The actual music behind it is really good. Reminds me of a lot of music from this time. I especially liked the last track "'Til the Tide Creeps In" and loved that, because it's an early aughts album, it has a hidden track on it

4/5. A super uplifting album made by sad people, these songs are so catchy and makes a great road trip album. It starts off with three great songs and then definitely doesn't keep the same quality, but not bad at all. To be fair, there are sad songs here but there is a hopefulness still, like the future is still ahead of us despite what is happening now. Best Song: Santa Cruz, Old Friends, Till The Tide Creeps In

They're Irish? I would have guessed from California! Well, it was pretty good. Some catchy tracks. I'd definitely listen to this again. 3.75

Really nice 1960s-esque pop dreaming of escapism to a variety of locations. When this came up I had no idea who this Irish 5 piece were, but the massive radio singles 'Big Sur' and 'One Horse Town' were very familiar and elevate this bigly. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Big Sur Date listened: 26/05/24

Wasn’t sure at first but quickly grew to love it

Tough to pigeon-hole this genre -- Rock? Indie rock? Alternative Country? Whatever it is, it sounds good with a… confident air.

This is really "pop" for me, but there's a few very good tracks and I generally liked it. Good listen!

Completely forgotten about the Thrills but memories of listening to them on my river, looking over the south china sea and it still works for me.

I enjoyed this a lot because I love this sort of detached Americana vibe. Something about it also reminds me of Ween's 12 Golden Country Greats and I can't quite place why

Perfectly delightful if completely derivative. What's not to like here? The homage is well targeted – laid-back West Coast pop – and extremely well executed. There's nary a wrong or unplesant note. A new generation of fans can be forgiven for falling for this. Fleet Foxes did roughly the same with vegn-y earnestness and less cheekiness. There are a few standouts – "Santa Cruz," of course, "Deckchairs and Cigarettes" (half-silly, fully gorgeous, and rides the finest line between marvelous and maudlin, with the noodling exit being the difference maker), "Your Love is Like Las Vegas" indeed!). Even the least effective cuts ("Old Friends, New Lovers") offer charm. But with a perfectly sustained mood, it's the whole effective which is most impressive, a whole that is perhaps even more than the sum of its excellent parts, and it holds us wonderfully, way better than one would have suspected upon first hearing 20 years ago. One likes (and remembers) the hidden track, a fitting end to a record that sounds like good clean fun.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Your love is like Las Vegas

Weird vocals but I like it

I rather liked this album. I thought it was pretty unremarkable at first, but I really got into it by the end and will add it to my rotation at work probably. It has a early 200s feel at times or maybe like 70s britpop. I liked the harmonica and bah-bah-bahs. Kind of sounds like Ben Folds Five led by the singer from Cloud Cult.

Sehr entspannte Akustikmelodien, die sich nach deutlich älterem Indie-Rock anhören als sie eigentlich sind.

Great energetic poppy songwriting. Brilliant production. A gem.

decent album, reminded me of Rod Stewart

I have not heard of this album or band before. I was surprised I actually liked ‘Irish indie pop’ music but it had a lot of rock elements to it which may have contributed to my enjoyment. I liked the songs: Santa Cruz, and Big Sur. I will listen again!

Good but gets samey

I loved this album when it came out. I hadn’t listened to it in years, but glad it held up. It is such sunny indie pop that makes me want to take a road trip

Listening to this album, in a lot of spots I was reminded of Owl City. And The Beach Boys. And Barenaked Ladies. And Ben Folds. And The Flaming Lips. And "You're So True" from SHREK 2. And, like, in another person's eyes that'd be harsh criticism, but me, I'm just like, "Heck, I like all those bands; I'm down for this 100%."

An overall nice package, reminiscent of the California music scene of the 60s and 70s.

Favoritlåt: Hollywood Kids

santa cruz, don't steal our sun

Noise indie folk. Qué bonito sonido.

You can tell this was influenced by Elliott Smith, specifically Figure 8. The standout track to me, Don’t Steal Our Sun, would be right at home on that album.

Wish I had known about this band when they hit the scene. Got a So. Cal 70’s sound…Pete Best referenced in the lyrics! Most of the songs gave me a…thrill.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Very nostalgic. Reminded me of The OC.

It was pretty lovely and soothing

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.

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.

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

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!

Strong 4 at least

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Hahaha summer 2003 nostalgia

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.

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.

very pleasant listen

Pretty good

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.

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 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.

This is fantastic. Never heard any of this and pleasantly surprised

I quite enjoyed that!

"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.

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.

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

Noise indie folk. Qué bonito sonido.

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."

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.

I mean, it’s all right, but just sounds like a worse version of early Wilco. Top tracks: “Old Friends, New Lovers,” “One Horse Town”

This definitely has that stereotypical indie vibe to it, which I personally don't dislike. I think that this album has a timeless feel to it , and that really interests me. The instrumentation is quite fluid and has very melancholic tone throughout the album. Definitely has a strong sense of style. Main issue with the album, the lead singer has a very 'unique' sounding voice. He has that very typical indie voice , and it gets quite annoying quite quickly. Overall , I did enjoy it , but it's not gonna be on rotation for me. Fav Track: Santa Cruz

Hey hey you’re the have I listened to this album before? The song Big Sur sounded very familiar. Did I borrow this album from the library 20ish years ago back when I did that sort of thing? Was that song Big Sur on the soundtrack for a movie or TV show or on some compilation that came with a magazine?

Better than I expected but still nothing to bump this up to a four.

I liked it OK. A little unexciting, a little my vibe. I think 3 is a fair rating.

This singer sounds so much like the Grandaddy singer. That was probably worth a point in itself.

𝘚𝘰 𝘔𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 is a charming indie album that blends early-2000s guitar pop with touches of folk and a distinctly West Coast-inspired sound. The Thrills create a warm, melodic atmosphere that makes the album an easy and enjoyable listen from start to finish. What I like most is its laid-back character. The songs are catchy without feeling forced, and the folk influences give the record an easygoing charm that suits it well. It’s the kind of album that’s pleasant to put on, even if it rarely demands your full attention. That said, I never felt it reached the level of an essential record. It’s an enjoyable listen with plenty to like, but I don’t hear enough that truly sets it apart. Good, certainly — but not one I would consider indispensable.

Started brightly but faded. Or do I just have the attention span of a 14 year old? Anyway, I'm pleased they enjoyed their trip to California.

Irish droning

Not bad. Easygoing Irish indie rock with those classic 2000s twee vocals. Questionable choice for the book, but regardless it’s fine music.

Feel like there was a lot of this kind of thing around in the late 90s and early 00s - upbeat jangly pop with a glance back to the 60s, along the lines of Grandaddy, and maybe Cosmic Rough Riders or Pernice Brothers. Consequently this feels even more derivative than usual. And it's pleasant enough, but it feels stretched over an album, and is a long way from essential. Low 3.

inoffensive album. Pretty chill to listen to but I didnt think there was much to it

I'm not crazy about the whisper breathy singing, but the music itself is good. A 3.5 stars album.

A pleasing listen

Santa Cruz - 1st track, interesting song, very interesting like accent/way of singing, but lowkey it's growing on me I feel like it has a very chill like cruising vibes, I would listen to this while driving through the country side in the late afternoon, with the like setting sun and the windows down, slight wind blowing in my face. very chill. nonchalant. did some research...found out they're irish from dublin, lowkey shocked...but also not only on track #4 - so far fav might be this one, I liked the first one though, this one is deckchairs and cigarettes

Did not hate it. Did not love it.

it's adorable and heartwarming, but not great music. Quite the trip to CA

Fine, but not in my top 1001

Good enough for mega shuffle

Is the entire album about someone's vacation or theirs tour? I mean I've heard worse subjects for albums but it's kinda funny when you don't know what to expect. Never heard them before. Kinda fun, I would think they work better live than their studio stuff. Ok this is 100% about their visit California. Like they were on your and said, "Dude! We should write and album about California!" I think they are going to more California tone as well. I kinda want to listen to another album of theirs and see if they sound different.

Songs sound fairly similar, but ok to listen to

A bit “meh”

A fun album for a while, but got tedious towards the end.

This is a sweet little album that I thought I knew nothing of but I quickly recognised some radio hits from my childhood. They’re doing something deliberately nostalgic, hugely positive and very out of step with where music was at in 2003. It’s not particularly eventful or exciting though, in fact it’s very faint and left me somewhat surprised that The Thrills were ever a chart topping band.

No thrills on today’s album but a strong start and finish to a totally decent record with some nice harmonies, stylings and a vocal style i’m into. Solid 3