So Much For The City

This was fine.

Nice album

2003. Debut album. Iris band. The songs were a way to pick them up as they were dropped by their label and were miserable.

This band and album had some aspects and influences I could appreciate, but not enough there for me to want to dig further or listen to more than a couple times through.

2.4 A cross between shitty beach boys and shitty wilco. So kinda shitty

The sound of this record hits me in the nostalgia. I kept waiting for the song of my youth to pop up, the song that I've definitely heard before, but it either doesn't exist or wasn't on this album. That smokey almost childish voice has a quality that, *maybe* because I was preexposed at an impressionable age, I find very satisfying. The rest of the record kinda drones. It gets boring, lengthy, I get why the band didn't last 10 years. Must listen? Maybe I'd recommend this to another millennial for that popular early 00s sound. Otherwise I don't feel there's really a 'need' to listen to this. 2.9/5

The Thrills sound like the jangly, down-home cousin of The Beach Boys and The Monkees. The lead singer comes across like a strange, country Neil Young. I was disconcerted with his accent at the beginning, but his wistful, lilting Irish twang grew on me. I love all the California references and the music feels as nostalgic as it does new. The musicianship and production are my favorite things about the album. It brings forth such lush layers while remaining melodically sound. Nothing feels overdone; it’s just right. It is refreshing to hear the banjo and pedal steel guitar get so much play. As much as I enjoyed the album, I can’t see myself gravitating toward it in the future. For this reason, it’s a solid 3.

At first I thought this album was from the 1960s, but I was wrong 😊 It’s actually quite nice music, so I’d give it 3 stars…

This could've absolutely gotten a worse review if it wasn't so lovely out when I was listening. Even with that, it still felt pretty one note. Favorite Song: Big Sur

Fine, better than the usual UK early 2000s

3/5 Very solid garage rock.

This has got flow, focus, & fun for a good 20 to 25 min, but their impressive but not too impactful imitation of Pavement, especially Conor Deasy's one-note facsimile of Stephen Malkmus, tho not good for nothing, isn't all that good for many things. Not lacking in talent or good songwriting, what they don't got is creativity, i.e., precisely the thing that makes Pavement the 90s band of laid-back thrills & testimonies to noise, nothings, & experiment. I'd admit to enjoying each track as it plays out to the end more than I figured I would, but these are mostly songs that pass thru one ear & out the other - I can't say I remember much of what they signified. 'Those Hollywood kids, those Hollywood kids got it made.' Ireland a la trademarked Cali: eh, meh.

Weak ahh vocals but some pretty good instrumentals. No reason this should be on this list.

Enjoyable. Alt without being whiny. Some decent rock. Worth mixing in to the early 200's playlist.

After Santa Cruz and Big Sur, the rest is mostly forgettable.

Never heard of this before. It was alright. Sometimes a bit too country for me but was on the line.

Not heard this before and it is quite nice. Ultimately though, it sounds like an awful lot of indie albums: I'd struggle to remember it.

Feels very dated. Fine music for this era but really rode the line between enjoyable and annoying.

low 3. Álbum muito repetitivo, principalmente vocalmente, e dura mais do que deveria.

As an Irish person, I can tell you that we all collectively cringe when we hear Conor Deasy’s American twang. I couldn’t get past it back in 2003, and I can’t get past it now. Which is a pity, because The Thrills have some decent songs. I very much enjoy “Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)”, “Big Sur”, “Don’t Steal Our Sun” and “One Horse Town”. They’re soaked in Beach Boys inspired harmonies and impressive, bright, folky instrumentation. Shout out to the banjo and bass in particular. But they have a lot of boring songs too. Most of what fills the gaps between the aforementioned tunes could easily be interchangeable without much notice. The whole sunny laid-back low-tempo vibe, mixed with breathy California/Oklahoma lilt, gets a little repetitive after a while. “Santa Cruz” is the song I really like here. The changing tempo between the verse and bridge/chorus got my attention. And what I really loved was how the bass line seems to go off on its own path. It’s a great song. Come on though Conor. You’re from Dublin, lad.

Summer evenings indie

I didn't think I knew this album, but was surprised to find I recognised most of the songs on it. They're agreeable enough in a sunny melancholy kind of way - but it says a lot that I had completely forgotten about them since last hearing it...

Man! It's been a minute since I've heard Big Sur. This is definitely a very specific subgenre of Indie Pop (e.g., Phantom Planet and Rooney). While the music isn't bad, I don't love the lead singer's voice.

If this band had a different lead singer, this might not have been such a controversial one for me to rate. I absolutely hate that this album is on the list because it is not special. But at the same time, it’s sad sack songs resonated with me. But my god I wish they had a different singer. Might have been able to truly embrace liking this instead of this love/hate feeling I have about it. “Old Friends, New Lovers” and “Til The Tide Creeps In/Plans” were my favorite songs off of this. In terms of deserving a place on the list, it’s like a 2. In terms of personal enjoyment, it’s a 3.5. Ultimately rating this a 3 but with conviction.

Kind of a throwback 60's/70's sound (A little Beach Boys), but with a kinda 2000's Flaming Lips vibe? Feel like it's generally fine, but nothing that's wowing me.

A nice, pretty indie pop album. A nice listen but nothing leapt out at me that would stick in the memory. Three stars. 1. "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" (4/5) 2. "Big Sur" (3/5) 3. "Don't Steal Our Sun" (3/5) 4. "Deckchairs and Cigarettes" (3/5) 5. "One Horse Town" (3/5) 6. "Old Friends, New Lovers" (3/5) 7. "Say It Ain't So" (3/5) 8. "Hollywood Kids" (3/5) 9. "Just Travelling Through" (3/5) 10. "Your Love Is Like Las Vegas" (3/5) 11. "'Til the Tide Creeps In" / "Plans" (3/5) Total - 34 Average - 3.09 306/1001 167/306 albums reviewed were new to me

Pop rokkia jossa indie folk ja kantri fiilistä. Eli kesäistä ja hyväntuulista, mutta ei muuten herättänyt erikoisempia tunteita. Ihan perus. Parhaat: Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far), Don't Steal Our Sun

it’s definitely not a bad album

I actually liked it. I would turn this on for a longer drive in the summer out of the city (heh, heh).

Sounds like The Thrills need a visit to Cali (Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Don’t Steal Our Sun, San Diego, Hollywood, LA.) They’ve put out a worthy debut with ringing guitars, triangle, banjo, harmonica, and the usual behind unique vocals. Loved the variety. The A Side is excellent, Side B fades a bit. Best song is Big Sur followed by Say It Ain’t So. Secret song / hidden track Plans sets up a nice finish. (3.4*s) Things seldom go according to plan…

2000s Coming of Age Movie Credits Music

Very mid, I liked it but its nothing to go back to

Very inconsistent album. Some songs are very catchy, others are whatever, but I’d say that the hits outweigh the misses. It’s not a great album, but some enjoyable energetic songs are there. 7/10

Solid indie pop album

Album really sounds like 2003 in a good way. I’m surprised that I never heard it before pretty good all in all, but I wasn’t a huge fan of the lead singer’s voice. Random thought I had during this is that there’s a lot of banjo and other instrumentation in the production. If you think about it, it may be wasn’t so crazy when Mumford & Sons seemed to come out of nowhere, but really they were just following along with other instrumentation.

Album No. 0204 on my list. I’m not sure I had ever heard of The Thrills, and I had definitely never heard of their album “So Much For The City”. The album cover looked like a group of young British people cosplaying as young American people. Well, a the album sounds like young British indie musicians imagining what music by young American indie musicians would sound like. That is not necessarily a bad thing, though. The music and lyrics are a little cliche-loaded and the singer’s voice is a little over the top “American-sounding”, with an accent that is just a little too much. But the songs themselves are mostly pretty decent, though: fun, little blends of indie, folk, and country. I’ll add “Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)”, “Big Sur”, and “On le Horse Town” to my playlist. Solid album, may even increase my rating in the future. 3/5 stars.

Pleasant and unremarkable His voice greats at times 2.5

neat

Not a huge fan of this singing style. Also, they’re Irish? Could’ve fooled me. Decent indie/country/western. I really liked the closer. High 3.

This band from Ireland was clearly fascinated by California. I didn't count but seemed like half the songs (or more) mentioned it. I would classify this as an alt-country record. Some of the vocals reminded me of Steve Forbert though. Overall, I thought it was pretty good.

Boring but better than yesterday

Not bad, but not my thing

2/3. For a bunch of Irish people, they sound surprisingly American in terms of songwriting. Pleasant, not world-changing, but I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.

Very 2000s-California-coded and feels very nostalgic even though I’ve never listened to any of this. Surprised to hear they’re Irish. I don’t understand what is so impactful/influential about this album. It’s like they’re copycatting a culture- would be interested to hear if their other albums have the same sound, but not interested enough to actually listen to them. Despite all of that I can’t give it less than three stars because it is just so nostalgic!

Feels like I should have heard this forever ago, a lot of songs I like but nothing I will remember.

decent pop writing. instrumentation keeps it interesting moment to moment despite the overall texture being pretty constant.

Enjoyable indie rock album that didn't truly impress.

Sounds a bit like Black Country, New Road; with it’s complicated compositions and a ‘fake’ sound of old oldness. Ultimately, this album commits the sin of being boring.

I was a big indie kid in the 2000s (literally and metaphorically unfortunately) and bought this album; I have no clue why it's in this list, it wasn't even the best album released that week (Led Zep)

It was fine, not anything I needed to hear

Really enjoyable somewhat retro LA sound, great melodies and rock or folk rock arrangements.

The music is nice, but the singing part feels like the singer wants to get us to sleep. I feel like they are talented, but I don't agree with what they managed with that talent.

Very “indie”. The songs all sound pretty similar, but it’s a decent enough sound. Some nice subtle country on a couple tracks.

I haven’t heard of the trills before the album is ok nothing special a few alright songs better first half of an album than second half and the songs towards the end just sounded very similar

Enjoyable but not something that I will return to again and again.

A completely blah album. The mix of slow country and rock does not work well for them, also singing about moving to a city gets boring to listen to after a while.

Better than I remember but still very plinky plonky plinky plonky poo. Nice in the background but gets very samey.

This is pretty nice. Nothing special but I liked it

pretty good, love the slower songs. i can already feel this album fleeting from my memory. so either this shit boring or im getting dementia, idk tbh

Soooo breathy soooo 2003, a xylophone?? Love the idea of a hidden track if you had been listening to this on a CD player but alas Spotify.

I knew one song by The Thrills growing up (Whatever Happened To Corey Haim? - great song) and it’s not on this album! So I was surprised this was significant enough to make the list I quite enjoyed the vibe, kinda mame me think of Phantom Planet California which I guess is a similar time Overall I didn’t think it was bad but I wondered what made it stand out from other early 2000s indie albums which I feel like may have aged better?

Good but not wowed

It grew on me by the end tbh

A little Flaming Lips. A little folk. They've definitely adopted California over their Irish roots.

This was a pleasant album. Nothing really grabbed my attention, but overall the music wasn't bad.

I was torn between a 3 or a 4 for this one as I did genuinely enjoy it but I also found it oddly grating at the same time. Something about the record seems affected and insincere to me; maybe it's the ostensibly Irish singer's weird faux American accent. It's certainly a fun album in spite of that though. If the style of the album cover didn't give it away, it soon becomes obvious as you start listening how influenced these guys were by the big 60s pop rock acts. It's far from a novel sound but I feel like The Thrills gave it just enough of their own spin to make the album worth listening to. That said, I don't really see what's so special about the album that earned it a spot on the list. It's not really unique, nor was it noticeably acclaimed or popular, and it doesn't seem to have been particularly influential or have a big cult following either. Strange. Favourite tracks: One Horse Town, Big Sur, Santa Cruz

Begrudgery is a national sport in Ireland so I have to slag my compatriots a bit. So imagine the Beach Boys if they were from Bray or Bundoran (shit Irish seaside towns) and not California. Or a bunch of Irish music students from college on their J1 visa to the US - this is a rite of passage amongst Irish college students to spend a summer working in the US. Actually seems the band did decamp there to record album. Band is quite derivative with shades of 70s country rock Big Star, Byrds, Steely Dan etc and more contemporary music like the Shins, Teenage Fanclub and a tiny dose of Elliot Smith (but not nearly enough) And the split is 75/25 Weighted towards the older stuff. Singer's falsetto is annoying and some songs seem like that they are all chorus (looking at you Santa Cruz) That said some nice melodies and hooks and couldn't help but do some toe-tapping along to the music. 3 out of 5 stars

These guys pick the subject of the songs by throwing darts at a map of California. "Let's see how long it takes to get on an episode of The O.C. with one of these bad boys." The whisper singing with a fake southern accent gets really obnoxious, really quickly. They really want to be The Flaming Lips. I like the song Big Sur, but the rest was pretty meh. They probably try to rock those felt flat-brimmed cowboy hats with a lot of shit on them. Oh, and the obligatory “we got this but not Weezer?!”

The Beach Boys at home. But in Ireland. And in 2003. Meh. "Big Sur" was an enjoyable listen, but I don't care to listen to a California-themed album in the 2020's, particularly when I'm older than said album.

Eh. It’s alright

The music reminds me of something Elvis Costello might write. I like this guy's vocal a lot more than Costello's though. Reminds me of ELO's music, and Jeff Lynne's vocals in particular. Also pretty Beatlesque, especially the opening track, Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far). Having multiple contrasting sections clustered into a 4-minute piece is very reminiscent of late-60s song experimentation. Those backing vocals, particularly towards the end of the song, are absolutely something Lennon and McCartney might've dreamt up. Big Sur, with its organs, spacey synths, and dreamy, positive atmosphere, also screams of early-70s musical wonder. It's an almost euphoric track, and easily the best of the lot. Don't Steal Our Sun is texturally very similar, though this time it emphasises piano and distorted guitars over the organ. I'm certain at this point that The Thrills took major inspiration from ELO. In general, it seems like The Thrills do better with their feel-good sound. Old Friends, New Lovers is fine, but it's a pretty significant drop in quality from the tracks preceding it. Hollywood Kids and Just Travelling Through are even worse – possibly the worst two on the record. Another complaint of mine is that the album just isn't impressive at all for the 21st century. By 2003 we'd gotten the entirety of the most iconic parts of the grunge and alt-rock movements, seen the rise of EDM, the golden age of hip-hop... and now, in 2003, the same year as Elephant and Hail to the Thief and Quebec and Velocity : Design : Comfort, we get... Well, it's regressive country-pop. There's no way of splitting hairs that could ever make this album "impressive" for its time – nor, judging by the number of streams, a musical milestone. There isn't much justification for it making the list other than "it sounds pretty good". 3/5 Key tracks: Big Sur, Don't Steal Our Sun, One Horse Town

Muito gostosinho, com energia de fã do Wilco e dos Beach Boys. Só é um pouco esquecível - as músicas se tornaram bem parecidas para mim. Não curti os momentos country.

More like a 3.5. First couple songs were swinging fun. Like the Rolling Stones and the Flaming Lips found a way together. Latter half of the album was eh.

I enjoyed elements but they sound like the result of an AI prompt

Not bad, but not great. I should probably feel more favorably about this album, since sun-drenched west coast vibes should capture my youth.

Is it groundbreaking? No. Does it instantly take me back to cruising around my senior year of high school? Yes. Enjoyable, fun, slightly elevated indie pop music. She's a 3.

Thought I was listening to Grandaddy at first. It kinda sounds like the last remnants of the 90s spilling over.

Not my favourite but there are some hidden gems

Bom álbum, mas não acho que me marcou a ponto de eu querer revistar ele futuramente.

Windy California road, performed by Irish

1/21/26: this is sleepy music. 5.5/10

Pleasant little album.

Know their singles, but the album didn't really add much beyond. Pleasant

Ok

It's mostly alright

Were these guys on The OC soundtrack? Somehow a few of these songs were familiar. I dig it, kinda Beatlesque harmonies at times. 3.5

Favourites 1. Old Friends, New Lovers 2. 'Til The Tide Creeps In 3. Don't Steal Our Sun Least Favourite Plans

Ik vond het begin best leuk. Later was het veel hetzelfde en vond ik zijn stem erg zeikerig. Werd een beetje vervelend

Kinda whatever

Overall Rating - 2.95/5 (5.91/10). For a band called "The Thrills," there were sure a lot of easy listening and forgettable ballads. This album feels like a 90's idea of what 60's pop.

I remember the singles but first time listen to the album. A charming little thing somewhere between mercury rev and teenage fanclub. Sweet little slices of pop but not quite memorable enough to push into must listen territory

half vote more just to disagree with ilconfo

Idk was just very meh. Way too repetitive lyrics for my taste and, I guess they were trying to do a 60s beach boys thing? Shrug

Really nice

solidni indi prosjek, pomalo dilanovski. sve u svemu okej, ali ništa posebno. ne bi mi nimalo smetalo

Fin popalbum, men intet der skiller sig ud

301225 14:03 3

3.5

3.5

I like this. Will probably come back to it, bit it hasn't blown me away. Love the 60s vibe, but it might hit better little tweer, like The Brunettes.

I wouldn't consider this a great album, but I did like it.

Meh

5.8/10

kinda nice

I’m from the area nearby Santa Cruz so I feel I’m giving them extra for including the city in a song title. Otherwise a decent album.

Fine album.

Ok but nothing memorable

Ok, but nothing special.

*2003. Irish indie rock. *Bizarre lyrics all about California or western America, but with an Irish accent... *I mostly like it. Chill indie rock. But then there’s a little bit of Beach Boys 60s/70s influence too, in a good way. RATING - 7/10

'Big sur' is glorious pop. The rest of the album is half decent, half throwaway but it has a great vibe.

Somebody said this sounds like a boring version of the Flaming Lips and I couldn't agree more. Another solid 3 - there was nothing about this album I hated but also nothing I loved.

Hip and fun. Would love this when it comes on but would probably not seek it out either.

Kind of boring

No. 48 Santa Cruz is a great song. Its pleasant, but not mind blowing.

rv

Let me lead this off with saying I do like this record and have owned it since it originally released. Now with that out of the way, this should not be on a list of albums "you must hear before you die". It's honestly a bit of a snooze regardless some beachy California vibes, carefree and catchy hooks, but the things that make this album good have been done before and by better. Honestly, the vocals aren't great and don't match the energy of the rest of the music, certainly too much banjo in general. Irish indie pop cosplaying as the California coast Score is absolutely biased, because as I said, I like this record, certainly not based on merit for it's inclusion on this list. Best track: "Don't Steal Our Sun"

Not bad.

Pretty fun for a Bay Area listener, with tracks like "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" and "Big Sur". Not something I'd likely return to, but has some good energy. Road trip energy.

Decent album, reminded me a lot of the Flaming Lips. But I can't actively remember any of the songs, so it was a little forgettable.

2.5 rounded up to 3/5 for this bland early 2000s softboy and his 90 friends

Ok

6/10… irish rock / country / *2004

Yeah I mean...it's certainly indie and listenable, just an nice album, no thrills.

Big Flaming Lips vibe with more assured vocal style and less interesting ideas. The first two tracks are nice and gave me hope but the rest of the album feels like watching someone else’s holiday pictures. I didn’t hate it but it’s more boring than it had to be.

It was an easy listen. I debated a 3 or a 4, but the mixing on the main singer's voice bothered me. He felt far away, and almost overpowered by the instruments. So while I enjoyed it, and I feel like high school me would have really been into it, I'm going to go with a 3.

Had this one on in the background while I applied for jobs. Perfect application for a probably forgettable record.

Good album. Didnt know them, disnt expect much. Songs have a few genre mixed like indie, country and psych rock but the songs were too alike except one which was placed perfectly to breaknup the monotony of the album. A good new band doing the late 60s thing but not really better than the top of that era. Fun and different but not lifechanging

Good music and band.

3 fun indie with an older 60s vibe

Irish indie-pop songs about . . . California? Hmmm. Sounds a bit like Phantom Planet, but not as good. Off-brand Phantom Planet. Overall, not objectionable, but kinda meh.

I liked this pretty well, especially the first song and One Horse Town, but could have used a bit more power in this pop. And too much of the lead vocal had a wispy gut-shot quality that I wasn't crazy about. Still, I'll probably check out some more by these guys.

A little confused by the country influence that sort of creeps in during Old Friends New Lovers and becomes full force in Say it Ain’t So and Hollywood Kids. I loved Deckchairs and Cigarettes though. Conor Deasy’s voice is hit or miss, though it has hits!

i was so warm to this on first listen, but the second time, it just didn't click as well. i don't have much to say. as far as the growing blend of folk inspired/pop/indie/general alternative sounds are concerned, this isn't necessarily breaking new ground, but ireland needed a musical win (i guess? idk), and this is totally it for me. it's just easy to listen to, you know? it's a fun album. more albums need to be fun. don't give me sophisticated bullshit that i have to """understand""" to enjoy. give me more of this sweetness and simplicity. but maybe make it more interesting? i dunno. this album falls prey to the unfortunate "it all kinda sounds the same" trend. One review from this website maligns this one as "Ben Folds meets Death Cab with a juvenile SoCal twist", and it was meant as an insult. i honestly can't think of a better compliment for what this is and what it's trying to do. not *everything* has to be cutting edge, you know? so it has that going for it. i like death cab; i like ben folds. i like this, too; i just don't love it. so nothing profound to say. this album didn't rock my world. but it's good, and i'll definitely listen to some tracks again.

"So Much For The City" is a solid, albeit slightly derivative, three-star listen. The Thrills showcase a knack for sun-drenched harmonies and West Coast nostalgia, but much of the album leans heavily on well-worn influences. While their sound is more classic pop, the ambitious, sweeping sonic landscape occasionally hints at the layered, atmospheric production one might associate with bands like The Flaming Lips. It’s an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, debut.

7/10 - Some crackers on this album but the sound kind of drags towards the end. The first 3 songs are amazing though, end of High School memories

Nice West Coast sound, easy listening, but unlikely to reach for this too often

Overall: 6/10 The songs here are incredibly catchy and I love the harmonies. I love that the songs had a bit of a country feel at times. I don't think I'll be coming back to it very often, but I enjoyed it. Fav Song: One Horse Town

Was a fun album to listen to, but it's nothing special. But liked the vocal alot.

is there anything more embarrassing to bear witness to than european americaboos? except for maybe european californiaboos? but there’s also something to be said for committing SO hard to pastiche that that almost becomes a performance in and of itself. like camp for boring straight people who have no other cultural references. this is very kitschy and very 2003 and very inoffensive, and not very good.

Nice

Interesting piece. A bit too generic for my taste, but that's not necessarily that bad. The lyrics were hit or miss.

This is the power of nostalgia in how we rate albums. I'd never heard of this band or any of these songs. It was released my freshman year of college, and I'd likely have loved it had I heard it then, in which case I'd be inclined to give this a high rating. Listening to it without that lens, it's good not great generic indie-rock sounding like so many other bands. And so while I liked it, it's only just ok.

It's an OK album. The only song I knew is "Big Sur" (though, amusingly, I had assumed the lyrics were: "Just don't go back to Pittsburgh"). After a few listens, that's still the one standout song.

Didn’t expect to see this one pop up on the list. I remember it well and always thought The Thrills were West Coast kids. But no, they were Dubliners weaving Irish melancholy into Laurel Canyon daydreams. Smooth listening that still works with its half sunshine, half homesickness.

It’s probably prettt good. Very musical. Just not really me.

That soft hipster sound combined with a country twang and trap.

-very chill -3.5 but ima round down to 3 cuz idk if i would listen again

3.5. Breezy guitar pop

I liked this more than I wanted to ...

***An ok, easy listening album

Say It Ain't So? Like Weezer? THEY THINK THEY'RE BETTER THAN WEEZER?!?!?!

Typical indie pop rock from the 2000s. A lot of songs about California. Started good and then petered out

Fun weird country ish album

2003 I'm not thrilled. There are seven, SEVEN in the band, why?! Irish, twinkly indie, Americana if that's a thing. It's nice mum rock. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Landfill★★★☆☆ (5/10)

Low energy singing over nursery rhyme rock. Repetitive lyrics about wistful dream of west coast cities.

по тем полутора песням что знала - так примерно и представляла альбом/звук. больше удивило сколько их на обложке и что они из глубокой Ирландии

Fine but completely unremarkable.

We get it, your from a California.

eh

Some nice harmonies, but I couldn't get past the lead singer's drawl.

Not exactly as thrilling as I was expecting. But not awful either.

My problem with this Irish band appropriating an American sound is that it’s so mundane and poorly chosen, from the breathy vocals to the Appalachian sound while calling out west coast cities.

Their retro thing doesn't tickle my fancy. The singer's competent, but I still find him annoying. 2.5* rounding up.

Sweet, sentimental indie rock 3.5

Not bad, competently played, but lacking in originality 3.1

Decent - sounded like mix of different bits from different years and genres

Very classic for a 2003 album. While the lyrics are repetitive I found them profound in meaning, so I suppose I can forgive the repetition.

Reminds me of Grandaddy, only not as good.

OK, but not exciting

It really is the unimaginative lips

Decent vibes here. Kind of simultaneously uplifting and melancholy.

Not poppy enough to be pop, not edgy enough to be rock, not folky enough to be folk. Aggressively mid, with maybe one song worth coming back to.

Kinda cool, I dug it

Didn't mind this at all, sort of dig the sunny 60s Laurel Canyon sound and harmonies. Does feel like a bit of an artifact of its time, although this predated things like the Kooks that sort of followed the template here and got way bigger. I can see why some find his voice grating but it added a little charm and something unique. Seems like good music to put on hanging outside by some water, not bad at all but not mind-blowing.

This album has plenty of retro call-backs to the 1960s wave of California coastal infused rock, which gives it a bit of charm. I'm not sure how much though of their summer in Santa Cruz actually rubbed off on these Irish artists though. For a self-proclaimed summer album, this sounds more like a winter one. Less sunny June in Santa Cruz, and more late November and December rainy season in coastal Northern California. It's an easy listen, but it's a quieter one, and so may miss what The Thrills were trying to accomplish with it. 3.5 stars, rounding down.

Listenable to, and all perfectly fine without being really outstanding in any way. Not something I'd listened to previously, or even heard of, and probably fairly generic early-20th century indie pop/rock, but that's fine by me and I listened twice. One Horse Town is catchy as heck, but otherwise not much really stood out. All fine. But it's a 3.5, rounded down to a 3 because I give too many 4s.

I really wanted to like this more. The music is fine, but the lead singer sounded like a breathy, wimpy Neil Young. Not a fan of that. Actually by the end, I realized he sounded like The Flaming Lips’ singer more. I like The Flaming Lips more.

Catchy, but nothing stayed with me. No change to when checking it out the first time upon release.

I was really happy—and a little surprised—to see So Much For The City by The Thrills included on this list. I loved this album when it first came out, and I can’t believe it’s now 23 years old. It made me wonder: where are The Thrills now? At its heart, this record feels like a whimsical trip to California, remembered fondly from a cold winter’s day. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and very of its time. Musically, it’s good, easygoing indie—nice to listen to, but perhaps not groundbreaking. That said, the opening run of tracks is fantastic. “Santa Cruz,” “Big Sur,” and “Don’t Steal Our Sun” make for a strong start, and “One Horse Town” is another highlight. Toward the end, though, my excitement began to fade. Slower songs like “Plans” and “Till The Tide Creeps In” felt weaker and lost some of the early momentum. Favourite track: “Santa Cruz,” “Big Sur,” “Don’t Steal Our Sun,” and “One Horse Town” Least favourite track: “Plans” and “Till The Tide Creeps In” Album artwork: A really cool cover that captures the spirit of the album.

Barely listened because busy. Seemed derivative

I was at a theater that was in a building I used to work in that didn't have a theater. The employees faces looked familiar. I got there late and the only movie available was a Star Wars side movie. As soon as I sat down it was intermission and I wanted a pretzel but they said they only served pretzels at night. I got a Caesars Salad and was waiting on a chef salad but they never brought it to me. I went back to my seat and Paulie Gualtieri was upset the Knicks didn't have a path forward to the playoffs. I got back up and everyone had pretzels but they were all gone and I got a plate of bread

Nice surprise.

Today is just one of those days that feels all sad, rainy, and pointless so I know any other day this album would have not been as good to me as it is today.

Not sure why this is on this list but I liked it fine. Some cool songs and some snoozers.

Ok country rock record

Grew on me

I see a lot of hate in the reviews here and I get it. It doesn’t sound super revolutionary and it doesn’t blow your mind. But it is a strong indie rock record that is good enough to be someone’s favorite album- the album they’ve been looking for but could never quite find, and maybe by being on this list they can. There is a charm here to these wide-eyed, completely uncynical Irish guys finding California and loving it so much they write a whole album about it. This is all youthful joy, and it’s hard to fault that. THREE STARS

I have an odd nostalgia for "Big Sur" and "One Horse Town." When this album was new I was working at a Retail Pharmacy that played, I guess you would call it soft rock music. Most of it was bad, but some of it was fine. And these two songs were part of the fine batch. The nostalgia comes less from the fact that I "liked" these songs, but more from the fact that I was much younger when I first heard them. They're still fine and offer up a small thrill (haha) for me. The rest of it is more of the same. Wistful, twee, faux sunny sounds. This would be decent beach, camping, or firepit music. Something unassuming and inoffensive, vaguely upbeat and mostly background.

5.5/10

Reminds me of Ben folds 5

I don know why so many people shit on this. Musically it’s not bad, lyrically it’s pretty lightweight but so were so many albums in previous decades. All of it about that compelling but it’s not as absolutely terrible as many seem to think.

idk

Not much too wrong with that.

Best Song: Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) It's like someone went to California and decided to put their Trip Advisor review to music. Repetitive, 60s inspired, indie music that longs to be on The OC soundtrack. It gets stale fast. Every other review mentions the annoyance of the singer's voice so I'll leave that alone. It's ok at best and doesn't deserve to be on this list. 3/5.

It's alright, decent way to spend 45 minutes. Sort of a Death Cab For Cutie meets Americana vibe? But the band is Irish..? Most of the songs are kind of forgettable -- not necessarily bad, just not too strong. The vocalist definitely taints it for me a lot of the time. Fave songs: - Deckchairs And Cigarettes - One Horse Town - Say It Ain't So (Shoutout Weezer) - 'Til The Tide Creeps In - Plans (Hidden Track)

Oh, I actually kind of like "Santa Cruz." I didn't realize it was by these guys. And while this album is competent and listenable it seems to lack, I dunno, something that would make me ever want to listen to it again..

Pretty basic album. Nothing positive to say about it. Nothing negative to say, either.

6/10 - It was fine not too memorable

We’ve been on a pretty long run of pretty mediocre albums. At least this one was kinda interesting. Hopefully something in me changes and I really like this Black Sabbath album

I wasn't expecting an Irish band to sing in an accent from the American South These guys sound like Eliot Smith on antidepressants, which is definitely not a complaint at all. I hear some Ben Folds and Self in here too. I like all those musicians, and I like roots country and bluegrass, which are both present here. I'm quite enjoying this album. I'll be adding this to my collection. Whether this album belongs on a list of albums one MUST hear before they die is a different story. 3.75

i don’t really like the lead singers voice but not bad overall

Not finishing today but would like to revisit this. Cool sound

Well this is a band I haven't thought about for a good 15 years or so. The tracks I remember here hold up ok, catchy pop songs, particularly One Horse Town for me. But generally this is just insidiously twee. Certainly not essential to the list Fave Tracks: Big Sur, One Horse Town 2.9/5

Enjoyable. Unfamiliar with this band. Not perfect, but I liked it. Will return to.

Generally quite enjoyable, if not very memorable.

A consistent album that sounded solid all the way through.

A very strong 3. Maybe the most enjoyable 3 I've heard.

No considero que este álbum tenga el mérito como para estar en esta lista. Dicho esto puedo decir que por momentos me gustó. Hay temas que me recuerdan a Elliott Smith, pero con un estilo más "positivo". Un tema que me gustó por esta razón es "Don't Steal Our Sun", pero sinceramente hubiese preferido un álbum de Elliott Smith. No es un mal álbum, pero nada sobresaliente a mi parecer.

Better than the last one sound like 70s but its early 2000s.

3.5

Oh boy. I remember the title track so well. It's still great. The rest of the album could also be great, but that whiny voice just drives me absolutely nuts. Three stars cos of the potential.

Indie rock with country influences. Reminds me a bit of The Flaming Lips but more sad and serious. It was fine, but not something I want to listen to all the time.

Every time I zoned out listening to this I would zone back in and think I was listening to Grandaddy for a split second. Their singers sound extremely similar. I kind of liked this more than Grandaddy though. Less gimmicky stuff and more of a solid, simple tune

For the record, I like this album a lot. I remember listening to it quite a bit when it came out. That being said, I don't really understand why it is is included on this list, as I don't see it as particularly significant culturally or musically. More British Isles bias, in my opinion.

Favorite Track: Deck chairs and Cigarettes

This one was fun - loved the dreamy California sound 3/5 #musicsky #albumsky #musicchallenge

Surprised! I liked. One horse town is a really catchy tune. In fact most of them felt good. Going out on a limb and marking as 3 stars.

War ganz in Ordnung. Könnte man sich nochmal anhören.

Niet goed niet slecht.

Simpatico credo, ma senza troppa ciccia.

I’m really enjoying this paean to my home state. Early 2000s indie rock is my jam. Shocked to learn this is an Irish band, but I guess California really is that alluring. However, thinking about it objectively, there is nothing about this album that is remarkable or timeless.

Way better than I expected. Very cozy, captures nostalgia in an engaging way, and combines old 60s pop and country with early 2000s garage rock in a pretty fun way. Can’t say it has much staying power, but it’s certainly pleasant while you’re listening to it.

Poppy alt rock/folky background music. Not bad.

Hollywood Kids jumped out, the rest of the album was pleasant. OK, but didn't make a big impression

A fine little album. Like a less weird Flaming Lips sound. Slacker/surfer rock fits the vocals well and the songs are pretty cute. These people were certainly born on the wrong coast though. 6/10

Nice chilled Album worth a 3/5

2.75

Forgettable.

I'm convinced that somehow the kids from Sing Street became real and grew up to be this band. It was fine, if not a little bit forgettable.

"Big Sur" certainly brings back some memories of 2003, even if it does seem to be a rip-off of Robert Lester Folsom's "April Suzanne." But the bigger question here is why some middle-class guys from Dublin are pretending to be some drooly middle-American band?

😏

Surprisingly unthrilling ⭐⭐⭐

3.2 rounded down. Ersatz but relaxing 70s Californian soft rock from a 2000s Irish band. The Thrills are the inverse of a Bostonian loudly proclaiming they are somehow Irish. These Irish guys softly rock on about sunny summers in the cities of California. Sweet, chill and a little odd.

kind of generic and boring - reminded me too much of other bands

This is pleasant indie road trip music. Touches a bit of a country twang with the banjo but doesn't dig too deep into that. Doesn't reach any great heights, but I'd happily put this in the background whilst I research a trip to California.

2.8 1x

From the opening bars, I knew this would be a 3 for me. I had moments of "Oh, maybe it's only a 2" and even a "well it could be a 4" (that one was fleeting). Melodic, decently-constructed songs. Not enough edge or energy to excite me, which is probably why I don't remember this band at all.

Its ok.

Inoffensive Irish indie pop masquerading as some sort of country-lite beer music. It's kinda embarrassing to be honest - it's like being stuck next to the pub bore who won't shut up about 'Merica. It's fine - but it doesn't qualify as an album you need to hear. Best Tracks: Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far); Big Sur; One Horse Town.

Was not my thing. The singer’s voice reminded me of the voice of the singer in Owl City - like nails to a chalkboard.

Somehow feels like several versions of the hit-single "Big Sur" ;) O.K. but a bit too lame and same same. And especially because of the thin vocals there are really no thrills on for me! Weak three stars. 2,5

I’ve never consciously come across The Thrills before. The first two tracks, Santa Cruz and Big Sur were quite strong, I also enjoyed the final track Til The Tide Creeps In. It could become a 4 with some more exposure, but on first listen I’ll settle with a 3.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Feels bluesy and folksy at times even if most people seem to just label it 'indie' which really means nothing. Meloncholy but doesn't leave you feeling empty. I love a unique voice so that really gets it most of the points. Real emotion comes through and that's important in my opinion

The name must be ironic. They sound rather bored. They sound retro, not fresh and new. However this style of music became big around 5-10 years later, so they were ahead of the curve. They probably influenced bands like Fleet Foxes. I remembered one song, so they probably belong on the list, even though I wouldn't have picked them myself. Favorite song: Your Love is like Las Vegas.

Peruskuvio: b-puoli jumittaa. A-puolella on aurinkoisempi meno ja pidän siitä! Banjosta myös, sori. Voisi kuunnella taustamusiikkina kevätiltapäivänä. Kunnon iskuun kaivattaisiin säröä ja terää, jota tässä ei ole yhtään. Kaks puol.

Really low-key enjoyed this. The band name is obviously very misleading, though. Would have been a 4, but then I found it's actually from the early 2000s, which is exactly what it sounds like. So not quite as trailblazing as I thought initially, when I was somehow under the impression this was an 80s or 90s record.

A decent Indie rock album from 2000s. Nothing to say really

I see a lot of reviews comparing this to Pavement so that has me excited, but I also see a lot of people saying it is too country, so I guess it is closer to the Silver Jews or something. Anyways let's give it a spin. Ok, I can see the Pavement comparison, his voice is almost a 1-to-1 with Stephen Malkmus. This is another album that I almost really like, it is right on the edge of being something I enjoy, but just falls short. Overall, this album is fine. Mid 3.

While I was listening to the album I had moment I enjoyed and a few I didn’t enjoy, but the whole time I was really blown away by their sound as a whole. I wasn’t sure how I was going to describe it cause it does very from song to song but for the most part they are truly original sonically. However, by the time I got to the end of “One Horse Town” I think I came up with a good comparison or explanation as to what they sound like. Imagine if the bands Pavement and Jet had an Irish baby… that’s The Thrills. The guy kinda sounds like the singer of Pavement but sonically they sound like a softer more artsy version of a pop rock band from the early 2000s (like Jet). Seriously though, despite my silly analogy, I highly recommend this album if you are looking for something truly original. They even squeeze in a rockabilly song, yes an Irish easy rockabilly track, that’s guaranteed to be something you haven’t heard before.

The hits are there and catchy. But the slower songs are too dreary and unmemorable. Stand out song - One horse town

Didn’t love it didn’t hate it

Hipster folk americana with an irish accent that really can only be described as cute. Somehow I missed this when it came out. It's fine.

Chill alternative pop/rock album. Easy to listen to.

It’s got a nice sound but a bit dull for the full album 3/5

I know it's not for everyone but I love the 2000's indie sound so much that I enjoyed this. 7/10

I;ve heard of these guys definitely have never listened to any of their stuff, that I know of. Little americana. A little soft to my liking.

I liked the big hits but the rest of the album became a bit samey and a chore to listen to, especially with the breathless delivery. I appreciate the influences but it just doesn't seem very authentic.

I'd forgotten about this band but memories soon came flooding back on listening to this album. I can remember the big hits, santa cruz, big sur etc being all over the radio/festivals early 2000s. Quite pleasing melodies but always found them a bit soulless and/or lacking in the sophistication that made contemporaries such as Flaming Lips so vibrant/exciting. Despite good intentions seems a bit lack lustre. Lead singers voice grates after awhile too. Solid 3 stars.

Decent lil pop album. Had a bit of pavement in there which I liked.

I expected this to be some euro garbage this list writer fell in love with in 7th grade, and I was right, but it’s a notch above garbage.

Okay background music

There's something here, they certainly have a specific vibe. Wish there was a little more depth in song writing.

I liked some of it. The last few tracks got way too twangy for my liking however.

Enjoyed this mostly. Felt like it could have been even better though.

Perfect for today. The album's described as "sunny" and it was a great warm sunny day today. Good vibes for a good vibes day. Hit the spot Also: “The song "Say It Ain't So" appeared on US President George W. Bush's iPod in 2005.” - weird flex but ok. Jokes aside that's neat little trivia, I dig it 😃👍

Santa Cruz is a strong start. One Horse Town is great, too. Pretty enjoyable album overall.

It was fine.

Nice album, I enjoyed it. 3/5

Jason lytle if he wasn't cool. I feel like two is too harsh but they definitely aren't a three. Fuck it I'll be nice.

Melodías ricas, un estilo indie pero del rock de antes. No se como describirlo. Alguna que otra letra ingeniosa pero en general la palabra seria pretenciosa. Nota: 2.9

This really could go down a star depending on the voice, not sure howni feel about the singer but I'm being generous today.

Reminds me of LCD Soundsystem, especially vocally. 3.5

Felt older than it was - shades of 60’s/70’s

Soft low-key rock

Um...the music is pretty. The lyrics were boring.

Alright, but I could have done without the country influenced songs.

Not bad. Maybe a bit "background music'y" 3/5

Bobs along in a jolly way with some fine singles then kind of runs out of steam. I think if I listened to it more than once I'd find it quite annoying.

Sounds good but it was all pretty much the same thing

this should be all me but it feels sooo forced

Big Sur is a standout. The rest is decent. A shade under a 3, but I've given it one.

Blast from the past! Pleasant but not really something I would listen to often

It’s ok

Little soft, little boring

Travis does Beach Boys.

mid crossover of the Flaming Lips and Neil Young

Country-ish, less-weird version of Grandaddy? Not bad.

They knew what aesthetic they were going for and then just beat it into you

Unfortunately the sound of the lead singer's voice is unappealing to me. Very breathy whiny and "forced?". It's like the Crank yankers guys are in his ear telling him hey sing like this everyone will love it. Some of the music is good, and I thought the best vocal and song was the little rockabilly tune "Say it Ain't so". More of that please. I was watching the video for One Horse Town and saw Topanga Ranch motel. I couldn't place it but knew the name sounded familiar. It's between Malibu and Santa Monica. Unfortunately it was destroyed earlier this month by the wildfires. So this video does have some awesome historical value! Bumping them up to a 3 for that alone might be controversial, but I'm pushing the boundaries today.

A pretty good album in my opinion, albeit pretty unremarkable. Probably deserves a second listen as the songs did tend to blur into one when I had this on whilst working. Would really give it a 3.5 if possible. All the songs were pretty good, maybe slightly repetitive lyrics in some. Fav song: say it ain't so.

really liked this one esp big sur, got minotinous by the end

3/5

Was not expecting to see this album on the list, the least sounding Irish band from Ireland, if you didn't know better you would assume they are from California. The big hits definitely carry the album, not a bad listen overall. Pretty good indie pop. Vocals do grate a little after a bit.

Pretty standard run-of-the-mill 00s indie. Could have gotten rid of a few tracks, since many of them sounded quite similar.

I mean … It’s pretty good. Is it extraordinary? No. Is it unique? No. Should it really be on this list? No. I’ll cut it some slack due to the great nature of the quieter tracks though.

This band is interesting. They’ve got a 60s sound, the early 2000s OC feel, but also random steel guitar and harmonica? The old school country undercurrent is throwing me. I don’t love it, but I like it.

Meh. Not bad but def not gonna be a repeat listen for me, pretty forgettable

Santa Cruz is a good song musically but the vocals are a bit off. Don't Steal Our Sun is an interesting mix of alt/rock with country influences. Deckchairs and Cigarettes is a good chill song. Old Friends, New Lovers has a great guitar solo. Say it Ain't So is a great country-inspired song. Pretty good album but the second half slowed down.

I definitely remember "Big Sur" and "One Horse Town" from some Paste Magazine sampler CDs back in the day.

Interesting album and story behind its making. Feels like it was ahead of its time and has a handful of really good songs, but it’s not an album that really kept my attention. I like his voice