Reviews (page 4 of 7)
Beach Boys played at half speed, and it's nice in the background.
I mean it is totally fine. It’s pop rock for elevators or something. 3/5
Some pretty good songs on here.
00s indie is very much my bag and I know this album from when it came out, although was a bit surprised that it made it into the book. Fun and jangly indie pop with nice vocal melodies. The harmonies evoke the Beach Boys / Byrds. There's nothing to really dislike here. Doesn't stand out massively so I can't give it more than 3
Ei ihan huono. Jotenkin tällainen modernihko versio jostain eteläisemmästä rokista. Miten tätä nyt sitten fiskusti kuvailisi. 3/5
Ihan ok indie-levy, jonka voi helposti kuvitella voivan soida iPod Touch-mainoksessa joskus 2000-luvun alkupuolella.
I remember this being quite popular when I was in Uni (one of my uni housemates had the CD). It's OK, mainly because it's got a jangly retro style. There's a couple of decent singles I would happily stick on playlist but it's not particularly exciting as a whole album.
Just another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I laughed at the "END IT!" soundbite in the closing of the opening track. I was thinking the same thing, just end the song already. The album itself is okay, the retro 60s indie pop inspired style is nice enough, but it's largely forgettable.
Liked it more than I expected, but it eventually got boring. Just not enough variation. I’d probably listen to a song or two again but can’t see listening to more than that.
This album was fine, though I also found it boring much of the time. It just didn't really do anything to challenge me, whether it was lyrics or the music. It felt like the type of modern indie music that has all edges sanded off. I'd maybe give it 2.5 stars, but I don't think it is fair to give it 2, because it's not bad, and I could see how some people would really like it.
Sorry, haven’t had mucn time for this series. When your music time is limited, it’s easier to just want to stick with what you know, y’no? Anyway, wasn’t feeling this. It sounded like it’d soundtrack an episode of How I Met Your Mother, and even when I was a big fan of the show, the music choices were not why. Ultimately harmless but not my thing. D+, but I’ll be nice and give it a third stae
I definitely enjoyed this. At times, it reminded me of The Unicorns, just not even close to as good or interesting
Not too keen on this. Nothing wrong with it but just instantly forgettable
Favorite Track: Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)
It’s a nice album but eventually it grated on me. Might be the lead singers voice.
Bought this on CD back in the day, and listened to it quite a bit. Through modern ears it doesn’t sound great, and, when you think about it, the whole thing is pretty ridiculous. These cunts are from Dublin ffs 😂 The Wikipedia entry is full of facts that make you shake your head in disbelief “ It was released on 27 May 2003 and quickly achieved success in Ireland, spending 61 weeks in the top 75 of the Irish Albums Chart.[12] The album also won 'Album of the Year' at the national music awards” 🤦🏽 “ The album was nominated for the 2003 Mercury Prize but lost to Dizzee Rascal's Boy in da Corner.” “ The song "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" was ranked by Q Magazine at number 550 on their list of the 1001 best songs ever made” “ The song "Say It Ain't So" appeared on US President George W. Bush's iPod in 2005” 😂 Nostalgic 3 stars as they were quite good when I saw them open for the Stones in Dublin, but it’s really a 2
On my personal enjoyment scale it’s a solid 3/5 On the jangle scale it’s a whopping 5/5
Like a city tour, but the bus broke down halfway.
I’ll give this one a solid 3. I don’t know if I would want to listen to it again but it was decent enough as a first listen through.
This band had a moment and that moment has past. Now this album has been rolled into an early 00 indie sound-alike Katamari that's receding in a hazy memory. Not quite old enough, or stand out enough, to get a lift from nostalgia for the era we have to take it on its merits alone. And you know what? It's fine. A little too twee and a little too nasally for me, but not so bad as to be stuck with a one or two star rating but only just barely a three.
Deckchairs and Cigarettes was an absolutely beautiful song, but it definitely stuck out as the best song, all the while the rest of the album isn't as amazing. There's nothing wrong with it at all, but it just lacks coherence and can often be quite boring.
I mostly enjoyed this and it’s definitely not terrible but roughly half way through this I started to feel pretty bored. It’s just the same thing over and over to me. It’s good but same-y same all the way through.
2.5 rounded to 3 It sounds fine, but it doesn’t sound like a band with its own identity. Every choice sounds like the choice of a better band, done worse. Feels extremely untrue
I had a enjoyable time hearing this. The melodies are so lovely and the lyrics bring some hope to a lost soul. Allows us to dream and be happy. But i have to be brutally honest here: if you wait for innovation of the genre, this is not the right album for you. The Thrills didn't reinvented the wheel on this album or brought something new to a genre so widely explored like rock. But still, it's a good album if you want something to spend the time, it's unoffensive. The Thrills get almost there, maybe next time. P.S: I'm tired of these fuckin' repetitive rock albums. Bring me something fresh!
I'll be giving this another listen to see what I think, but my initial thought is a 3.5/5.
This band sounds like the Flaming Lips if they were sad all the time 3/5
Cool idea, moderate execution.
Well, I'm going to forget about this album as soon as I finish this review. Why is this here? What does this album accomplish that other early 2000s indie albums don't already have? This inclusion is pointless when better bands like the Flaming Lips and Wilco already have multiple albums on the list. Let's talk about the album now. The sound is alright, I guess. The fact that I'm even thinking about bands like the Flaming Lips is a good thing I guess considering how much I loved those albums. This album just isn't as interesting though. The writing is kind of weak and pretty repetitive. Seriously. This album has more singing about California than a Red Hot Chili Peppers album. Also it might just be me, but this album felt a bit long. Like, it's only 46 minutes, but something about this album just made it seem longer than it is. In conclusion, this is truly one of the indie albums of all time. Low 3/5. I'm talking 5/10 territory.
Good album with rock sound, and if flows really well
kveið fyrir að hlusta á þetta aftur. reyndist ágætt en algerlega ófrumleg stæling á kaliforníu köntrípoppi sjöunda og áttunda áratugarins.
It was good but also forgettable.
Another soundtrack to Friends
Blind album and artist. It's well rounded and a decent album, some songs fall short and others are good. Piano is underrated and I loved the utilization and other parts.
Early 2000s pop that feels inoffensive, but overall fun and very listenable. Very middle of the road. Getting the ever-so-slightest suggestion of Phoenix with that vocal sound.. take that as you will. I find it amusing that they list the last track on Spotify as "Contains Hidden Track 'Plans'". Lol, it's not hidden if you outright call it out, ya dinguses.
Don’t remember them by name but recognised almost every other track. Decent enough
This was fine, but nothing that I'd want to listen to again.
Twee, cute, but not really mind blowing. I'm a bit torn on this one. 2 feels too harsh, 3 feels too kind.
Neil Young vibes
Enjoyed this. Not sure it belongs on this list, but nice listen.
Not bad, but for me the vocals are really on the border between listenable and insufferably whiny
I've forgotten what I thought of this album
Ihan kelpo rallattelua. Ei hyvä eikä huono.
I knew a couple of the songs so I felt cool for a while. Then they got a bit samey.
Easy-listening folk/indie rock. Nothing that really sticks out on this one for me, but it's a pleasant listen. The vocals and instruments are easy on the ears and the lyrical content matches what one would expect from such a record. Decent.
3.75
There was a point when I was a teenager where if I had heard this music, I probably would have fallen in love with it and staunchly defended it. But in my 30s I think I missed the window and it just sounds like most other melancholy indie music. It’s well produced, and occasionally their accents make it hard to tell what they are singing, but it’s good overall.
Actually enjoyed this more than expected, chill guitar and piano with sunny feelings.
Some indie rock bullshit I should like but found just mediocre.
Not terrible. One good track in the middle I saved.
A pleasant album that comes off as positive and bouncy. Nice sounds, nice vocals, nice lyrics. Easy.
I'm actually kind of surprised I didn't hear this in college when I was deep in the middle of my early-naughts indie-folk-rock rebound from what passed for alternative music radio. It is pleasant enough, like a twangier Travis.
Interesting as I’d never heard of The Thrills even though this album debuted when I was in a heavy music phase. I like their country influenced songs the best with Say It Ain’t So being my favorite. I wish more of the album built on this foundation.
another "ok" album
I really liked the singles from this record when they were released and I remember the CD doing the rounds in the family but listening to it now, I can definitely see why the singles were the singles. All the other songs are very samey and a bit bland. Still nice to have a more modern(!) record on this list.
I get why people start to lower scores after a while, plenty of them start to get very unremarkable after a while lol
On a run of relaxing-to-listen-to albums lately. I'll be honest it's an enjoyable listen but I don't see exactly why it's "one of the most important and influential in popular music".
not a mind blowing 00s indie rock album, but a fun one nevertheless. very referential to a lot of 60s and 70s pop rock. the songs here are upbeat and catchy. in a lot of respects, it feels in the same vein as the flaming lips, neutral milk hotel, stuff akin to that, but i think those contemporaries have more compelling and essential music. the album comes off as a little bland but this is not anywhere near bad. pleasant.
Irischer Pop Ein paar Schulfreunde fahren nach ihrem Abschluss nach Kalifornien, und kommen mit ein paar Ideen für ein Album zurück. Und haben sogar Erfolg damit. Aber nach ein paar Jahren wars das dann und die Gruppe löst sich wieder auf ... Trotzdem ganz nett anzuhören
An interesting album, it was a relaxing listen.
Rock, Pop, Country, 2003 -> 3
It's ok, not terrible. Like a boring Flaming lips
I liked the premise of the album, but the vocal harmony and music didn't really connect with me after 1.5 listens. Run of the mill 3/5.
I am a fan of indie-rock, so this album intrigued me. An Irish indie band singing about America sung in a sorta faux American accent is interesting, and if you set aside the criticism about this, it's actually an enjoyable album. It has an Americana feel to it and it's more chill than in your face rock. As far as the tune, Say It Isn't So, included on G. W. Bush's iPod, the title is my exact response to the song and I deduct 1 full point for the association with that evil bastard (Not their fault, but hey, this coulda been 4 stars). It's too bad, it's a decent song, but there are other gems on this record that should keep you listening to the end. This album isn't anything special, nor is it even close to being essential, but at least I can listen to a complete record that isn't a woman beating rapper or anti-Christ devil worshipper screaming in my face.
mid.
Pleasant though vapid, this band is more interested in referencing the Golden State than they are in living up to their namesake.
I’ve lived in California all my life (50 years) and was wondering why I haven’t heard of this band before with tunes like Bug Sur and Santa Cruz. Turns out they’re from Ireland. Well, that probably explains it. A good listen. I can see where where the novelty might have worn off given the inauthenticity, as well as not working here in the US.
This album proves that the only way to be excited about the environment of California is if you are comparing it to literal Ireland. I like having seasons thank you very much. Anyway, the music is not for me; I find the original California rock sound pretty empty, and the modern alternative spin they put on it also doesn't stick. My favorite track is "Hollywood Kids" since it has more of a Blues or Southern rock inspiration, and the piano bits add to the nostalgic vibe.
This was listenable as anything I guess.
mid. A lot of records sounded like this at the time.
For a band with the name "The Thrills," I expected the band to be more... thrilling. More... hard-rocking. Instead, they sound a bit more like Gram Parsons, I guess? There's a bit of country I hear there, but a little more... dreamy. I can see where the influence comes from, though. I guess I wasn't expecting it to be as "poppy" as it was. Still, I liked some of the songs on there (and then there's that hidden track thing, which was cool in the 90s and early 2000s, now it seems... weird.) It was just... ok. Top tracks: "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far," "Plans"
I've never heard of these guys but meh. It's indie pop or power pop revival from the early 2000's that was led by a bunch of artists from the UK, Ireland, etc. Keane and Snow Patrol did it better. Put them on this list.
#327. These songs all sound like songs from every 2000s teen movie soundtrack. 3/5: all that
Never listened to The Thrills before as I hated that Big Sur when it came out. Expected an indie landfill record, but found a quite pleasant 60s US rock record. Kinda reminded me of magbe Beach Boys at times. There’s someone far more obvious but I cannot remember. Anyway, thought it was canny, doubt I’d return but way better than anticipated
Completely forgot these guys existed, remember my parents playing this a lot when it came out, so was quite looking forward to listening to it...... I've actually been to Santa Cruz and big sur..... It didn't live up to my memories, feels really dated, even though it is pretending to be dated I guess. Quite dull in parts too unfortunately. One horse town is probably the best track. Big sur and Santa Cruz aren't bad either. 2.5 but 3 for nostalgia sake
Good enough.
Not bad, but not my vibe.
Landfill indie. Sorry lads.
As generic as generic gets. Bang average.
No está mal, pero tampoco mata.
A mi me ha gustado pero no es un disco del que me acordaré
This is completely new to me. I hear the 90s indie vibe, and I'm digging it. 3 stars
I had heard one song by this band before, enjoyed listening to more.
Liked it in the day. Lead singer’s voice lets it down a lot.
Kinda folky, but very mid. 3/5
Man, that is a tough singing voice to sit through for an entire album
Perfectly middle of the road. Not my genre, but not offensive. Not captivating, but not boring. Not great, but not bad.
Light indie, with occasional bouts of interesting.
That’s a bit disappointing. I really like the single Big Sur but nothing else on here seems to live up to that standard. I do really like Big Sur though.
Well, it was something I'd never heard before, but I can't say it made a tremendous impression in the sea of albums on this list.
Allt í lagi dót, svona kósíkrúttlegt.
Only fell short of thrilling by a little
An interesting British reinterpretation of Cali Slacker Indie and some Decemberist twinge. Nothing jumped out and enjoyable album. I like how it's not about experience as much as it is escape
Was unfamiliar, quirky fun britpop that evokes sun drenched California through a Wayne Coyne filter.
Had pretty high expectations.
It's okay, they achieved the sound they were trying to get but it's nothing overly special.
First nothing really wrong with this album, perhaps a little too much sugariness. The real issue is why is it on the list? Not really anything special per se.
I was surprised that I knew several songs. But not surprised that I had forgotten this band.
I didn't hate this one, but didn't really like it a ton either. Perfectly fine pop for background music, but not sure that I would be putting it on any best of lists or anything like that.
I kind of like Big Sur, Don’t Steal Our Sun, One Horse Town, Say It Ain’t So, Your Love Is Like Las Vegas
Ok
lizards living in my bed, lizards laying purple eggs let them run along my legs, let them chew on my tossed dregs this one is insidious, this one is facetious their faces like angels, sheets like soggy papers but their eyes are filled with dread, drooling beasts like drunken men screaming like a broken tape, make them go or make me dead yesterday i climbed away, to the rooftop where ill stay til the lizards die or fade, maybe im just tempting fate
Sehr netter Säusel-Fun!
Decent if not generic indie 2.6 stars
Decided to give it a listen after all pretty good indie offering
Chill album, enjoyable throughout but doesn't do anything to really grab your attention. Scrapes a 3.
wooshy steely dan
I enjoyed this. I was surprised to read this is an Irish band because the sound is very much Americana to my ears. It's a pleasant listen. In some ways reminds me of Wilco. Would listen again.
3
An Irish band from 2003 that sounds like a folk/rock album from 1971. Decent tunes but not sure why it would be included on this list
Uplifting melodies for tested lyrics
Not familiar with this group at all. It is funny to listen to an Irish-based group sing about American cities & locations though. It seems they took a lot of inspiration from visiting the American West Coast. Early on, their sound is pretty catchy with elements of jangle rock/pop. Some country & western creeps in more towards the later half. Honestly, the vocals and overall sound remind me a bit of Ben Gibbard & Death Cab for Cutie in that they are subdued and a bit calming/lo-fi. There's a sense of longing and escapism all throughout the album, but it starts to feel a bit clumped together at a certain point and never really ventures out past that. An alright indie album, but nothing special. Just makes me want to pop on some Death Cab for Cutie to be honest. A high 2.
Good album
The last track has a decidedly blues feel initially, with the organ music. But at over 10 minutes long, it's really long. Big Sur is interesting. I guess the Monkees are still something of a thing?
Interesting for an Irish alt-pop band to have so many references to California. Very approachable, but nothing too remarkable or catchy.
This was an easy listen. I liked the jangly sound of a few, others droned on a bit long. Only saved one, “Say it aint so” (no pun intended). Average or slightly above. 2.5/5
This was an ok listen. I always thought of these lads as being the Irish Jayhawks just not near as good. The songs are quite pleasant yet strangely forgettable other than “Say It Ain’t So”, which was a nice standout due to its upbeat tempo. So much for thinking this album should be on this list.
Pretty cool album, but vocals kind of wore on me. I dug the at times vintage feel, both in terms of the music and in terms of glorifying the state of California.
This is a totally fine album. An easy listen but nothing stands out. 2.75/5
60s-esque pop, kinda surfy feeling
жизнь клевая! нет, ты не понял, жизнь клевая! погоди, ну просто послушай, жизнь клевая!
Jag gillar Counting Crows. Det här låter lika. Jag gillar det. Fin och trevlig surfpop bra på sommaren. De är tydligen från Irland! Hade aldrig gissat på det. Helt säker på västkusten USA. Kul att irländare kan göra annat än folkmusik. Mycket stark 3 eller kanske en 4a.
Big sur känner jag igen. Småputtrigt. Mellanmjölk.
Lyssnade rätt mycket på denna back in the days eftersom jag såg dem som förband (till REM tror jag) i samband med att den släpptes. Big sur är riktigt bra och 3-4 låtar till är bra, resten okej. Trevlig och lättsam lyssning rakt igenom. Stark trea.
I really enjoyed this album. It was a smooth listen and this subject matter is always gonna speak to me because of where I’m at in life. It wasn’t remarkable by any stretch of the term but most of the albums on this list aren’t so maybe that’s not the point. It was beautiful music nonetheless! Also, what happened to the concept of the hidden track? I like that, we should bring that back.
Good songs, although not very unique
California bland. I was not impressed. These are Irishmen obsessed with SoCal. Been there. Am there.
Fine album. California sound mixed between the Eagles and whiny emo.
Why. Are. You. Here? I think that even in 2003, sitting on the porch roof of our student house and listening to this album, we knew that this was not going to be an important artefact. Still, it's always nice to hear what four Irish lads who've been on holiday precisely once to California have to say. To be fair, it's inoffensive and quite sing-a-long, so it's crept into the lowest possible three star mark.
entertaining. 3 stars.
Decent indie with some pretty sick instrumentation
So Much For The City is relatively endearing at its best but quite average for the most part; when it's good, like the first four tracks or so, it reminds me a little of a less good Lightning Seeds, but it's nice and warm and a good listen. Doesn't keep that quality or feel throughout so a high 2 or a low 3.
This was a blast from the past. It landed in my ears as part of the 'landfill' indie scene of the early 2010's. The name wasn't inaccurate but it seems a bit harsh. This stands the test of time well, strong indie with a dreamy west coast vibe. There isn't much depth but perfectly passable.
Big Sur was such a great summer hit in 2003, a superb song for cruising, and most of the singles of this album still hold up. The whole of it is certainly ok. Uncomplicated, with a nice retro sound and a great background sound album
“Hey mum, can we get the band?” “We have the band at home” The band at home
Big Grandaddy vibes.
Irish
Nice bit of jingly-jangly melodic guitar pop. Could have been even better if they’d not resisted the temptation to get their freak on just a little bit more and break through the constraints of their well worn formula.
Amused myself by wondering who this band was, excited to hear something relatively contemporary. Then it turns out I knew half of the album from their ‘hits’. It’s nice enough folk tinged pop indie rock stuff (with the oddest sounding Irish accents ever) but not massively memorable it would appear!
Last song is the best song.
Not bad not great
Cool songs with a somewhat annoying voice
Is this what started the mid 2000s folks ensemble indie rock trend
It's ok ... but definitely not more ...
It's 2003. You've just picked up a copy of New Music Express. They're looking for the 'new sound'. The buzz from the new Coldplay album is wearing off, and they've banged on about Doves for a while now. In a flurry of Badly Drawn Boys and Magic Numbers, a new band falls in their lap to save us from the US rock revival. The Thrills will slay The Strokes. The battle lines are drawn. The initiative is anyone's to take. Little did the authors know that just as they were collating and publishing this book that emo and indie rock were about to take over and wash away the softcockrock of the early 2000s, consigning them to obscurity (unless they happened to be called Radiohead). This is fine, but entirely forgettable.
Niin 2000-luvun alkua, niin 2000-luvun alkua. Eihän tässä mitään erityistä ole, mutta vie kuitenkin aikamatkalle huolettomiin lukiovuosiin ja aikaan ennen musertavaa depistä.
Pretty meh. Songs weren't necessarily bad and for the most part, the instrumentals are generally good. But holy hell I could not get past the singer's voice. Extremely whiney.
Very good.3.5
I wouldn't necessarily call this a bad album — it was a decent enough listen — but I have no idea why it's on this list. It seems pretty typical of its time. Ben Folds, Phantom Planet, Something Corporate ... there were a million bands doing the singer songwriter/ acoustic/mid-tempo, vaguely surf rock thing. Basically any band that ended up featured in The O.C. or any other CW show. It's very mid as the kids would say. 3/5
Not a lot of 'thrills' here, but certainly a lot a lot of supersoft charm.
Sunshiney 🌞 3
It was odd to read the band is from Ireland. I was expecting CA natives. Good but each song has the same vibe which get a bit tiresome
The most shocking thing I learnt today is The Thrills are not from beautiful Sunny place, they are from Dublin. Nothing about So Much For The City is revolutionary but it’s a great summer album, so bright and poppy from start to finish. 7.5/10
Good, not great!
Cheerful.
Irish indie-rock with callbacks to "classic" American pop (more specifically *Californian*), with occasional forays or arrangements pointing at C&W, rhythm'n blues, garage rock and surf-rock. There's a timeless feel to some of those songs, I'm gonna give them that. Like they could have been written any time between the late sixties and today. The production values are pristine enough to attach those tunes to the early naughts, though. Not that it's a bad thing in this particular case. Some of the faster cuts make The Thrills come off as a clean version of The Libertines, and the slower ones to what Pavement could have sounded like had the latter been more polished and "professional". The band rarely reach the intensity and/or likability of their models, though, whether the latter came from the sixties/seventies, or from the more recent nineties / early naughts. And Conor Deasy's vocal performance sometimes leans on a few unnecessary twee affectations. Yet I would lie if I said I didn't find most of those songs well-crafted, pretty catchy or at least endearing on a first listen. Might revisit at a later time. Who knows? My grade for this record could even go higher than the one I currently give to it during those subsequent attempts to love this band? 3/5 for the purposes of this list of "essential albums". Which translates to a 8/10 grade for more general purposes (5+3) Number of albums left to review: more than 200, approximately - I've temporarily lost count here. Number of albums I'll include in my own list: half so far, approximately Number of albums I *might* include: a quarter, approximately (including this one) Number of albums I'll never include: another quarter, or just a little more (many other albums are more important to me)
It’s a 2.5 that I’m incredibly tempted to round down to a 2, but I’ll be nice and keep it at a 3. When this album hits, it hits pretty well; instrumentally, I think the very best songs on this album click together perfectly, carried pretty handily by the steel guitar and the percussion keeping everything melodically stable. The fast-paced tracks on this are really fun and enjoyable to listen to. Vocally, I don’t think there’s enough emotion or variance in his voice; the soft-spoken thing works on a few tracks, but when you do it for almost every track, it makes everything blend together in a bad and unmemorable way. That’s the problem with this album: there are too many tracks that blend together in a bad and unmemorable way, and that’s not good for an album experience. The amount of times that the album just gets annoyingly repetitive from both a lyrical and vocal standpoint is so often that it’s just too hard to ignore for me. The crazy part is that I think I liked about 7 of the 12 tracks here, but for 4 of them to be some of the most boring tracks I’ve heard in a way that they quite literally dragged no emotion out of me but pure disappointment is not good. Still though, those 7 are good to listen to, but not great, and that’s where I’m stuck on a 3 for this.
Indie folk pop from Ireland. fairly inoffensive. would not return
2003 Genre: Indie rock, post-punk revival First Listen Best Tracks: Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Don't Steal Our Sun, Deckchairs and Cigarettes, Old Friends New Lovers, Hollywood Kids, First impression: It is very likable and easy to enjoy. 3.5
Composed very well but shitty song writing.
Hard to categorize but I liked it. More chill than expected
Pleasant, easygoing vibe, full of poppy hooks and bittersweet melodies. Enjoyed it and will probably listen again, but I'm unconvinced this belongs on the list. Fave Songs: Don't Steal Our Sun; Big Sur; Just Travelling Through; Til the Tide Creeps In/Plans; Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far); Old Friends, New Lovers
Okay, so this album was chill, it's a nice little background jam but nothing too exciting happens in there, it's as if they're singing just for the sake of singing haha
3.3 - Likable but inconsequential jangle-rock in the vein of the Shins or Kurt Vile, but lighter. My gripe is that these Irish lads want to desperately convince you that they're American with their copious references to California geography (Big Sur, San Diego, Santa Cruz, Hollywood) and their American accents, terribly faked. The phoniness would be grating but, really, these guys seem pretty harmless.
Okay album, some crossing of US Country & Western and Irish folk. But nothing special I think, nice to play while working.
Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) 3.9 Big Sur 3 Don't Steal Our Sun 3.3 Deckchairs and Cigarettes 3.4 One Horse Town 3.6 Old Friends, New Lovers 3 Say It Ain't So 3 Hollywood Kids 3 Just Traveling Through 3 Your Love Is Like Las Vegas 3 Til the Tide Creeps In / Plans 3 3.2
Interesting Soundscape
Of all the things on George Bush's iPod, I am informed this is one of them.
Ok
Irish country rock. Pretty good.
California themed folk pop
This is a quite difficult one to rate. It’s certainly not an essential album. It doesn’t have a notable legacy or influence, it’s quite derivative of a few other alt-rock/indie bands of the 90s and early 00s, and the singer’s faux-American drawl is quite off-putting in places. That being said… I enjoyed it quite a lot. The opening track was so repetitive and felt like it would never end, but after that there were a lot of fantastic songs with some lovely chord progressions and textures and just a real sense of warmth. Do you need to listen to it before you die? Absolutely not. Is it a pretty great record despite that? Yeah, sure
A lovely listen, not transcendent to my ears - but a solid 7/10. Some fun tracks. Once again - feels like an inclusion localized to the whims and age of its selector.
Top heavy album
It was alright, nothing special. Wasn’t huge on the vocals but some of the instrumentals were good, although I didn’t like the more twangy songs that much.
nice
Santa Cruz and Big Sur are solid. I like the sort of California Folk, less depressed Elliot Smith vibe, but it's not on every song
Okay album. The 2000-2005 identity that popular music had was confusing
I should like this — it hits some of those Neil Young / Built to Spill vibes that I go for — but it didn't quite click. I should listen again, but for now it's just a sort of generic 3.
Cool album, very happy-go-lucky music.
Completely forgot about this album till it popped up today, enjoyed listening back as it was a favourite of mine back in 2003. Was good to hear it back and probably a little bias in my view it should be on the list, but won’t make my frequent rotation again.
The first three songs had me disappointed but then idk something clicked and I started liking this. Still, I'd prefer a less ancient sound
Say It Ain’t So and Santa Cruz.
Here are two things I appreciate about South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. 1. She is very good looking. I don't live in South Dakota but I can appreciate this from far away. 2. Kristi has a commanding presence in interviews. She won't let you push her around. My reference point for this opinion is a time I saw her on Face the Nation with Margeret Brennan. I also appreciate Margeret Brennan. So much for the city didn't give me as many thrills as watching a Kristi Noem interview.
I like his voice, Santa Cruz is a great song. 3.5
I never heard of this group so it was a pleasant surprise. It was super interesting to see an Irish band producing such a new wave surfer/beach sound. I would listen again and search out their music more.
I enjoyed it
I didn’t think I knew the bad but I’d actually heard a number of the songs. It was an enjoyable listen and is very close to getting a 4.
Landfill indie, but fun and Irish. An album with many memories for me, including nearly seeing them live in Glasgow. Still not great, but they can have three stars and thank me for them!
This album immediately made me feel happy when it started. Despite never hearing of the band or album, it kind of felt like comfort food. Definitely recognize that early 2000s indie vibe but with its own unique instrument blend that give it a bluegrass charm. Love the banjo and harmonica. His vocals aren’t my favorite and leave me wanting a little more passion/variation as the album progresses, but really enjoyed this overall.
Studio mixing and overall sound is thin. Repetitive. What exactly is so great about this group? They sound like a throwback to traveling groups of the 70s. The music is basic, no particular instruments (including the lead singer's voice) stand out as talented or musically beautiful. Best song is \"One Horse Town\" because it has a sweet melody and easy harmonies. They grew on me over time, but still... not my style.
Pretty twee indie rock with a twang to it that feels like the soundtrack to any number of 2000s indie hipster movies. It's got a very relaxed tone at times but can also have some solid indie pop hooks too, I enjoyed this somewhat, wasn't bad at all and I rate it
Everyone knows that an American who appropriates Japanese culture is called a weeaboo. Most people are also familiar with the term for Americans that ridiculously mimic a stereotype of Irish culture: Bostonians. But do you know what you call Irish people who cosplay as 1960’s Californians? The Thrills. I like this album. I heard “Big Sur” on The OC soundtrack, read the review on Pitchfork, torrented the album and then burned it onto a CD to listen to in my Saturn with an “F: The President” sticker on the back. Could that sentence BE more early 2000’s? Despite my fondness for this album, I’m not sure it is one of the 1001 albums to hear before you die. It seems a little too slight and unimportant to warrant that. But, I liked it in 2003 and enjoyed listening to it again today, so who’s to say?
Sounds like Dinosaur Jr.
It's pleasant enough. Weird to have a band from Dublin croon about Santa Cruz and LA but fair enough. I can see why George W Bush had a track on his iPod -- jangly guitars and so on.
Kinda fun...
I didn't mind this. Musically it was pretty good but his vocals are really bad. After a couple of listens each song became pretty indistinguishable from the next. Couldn't pick a favourite song, whichever has the least amount of lyrics.
Why is this on the list? I feel like there are so many influential albums that could be included instead of this.
I liked most of this. Kind of chill indie vibes. Not sure I'll return to it, but we'll see. 3/5
It’s 2006, I’m driving HGVs around the Cotswolds in the sunshine. Life’s good, money flowing, living for the weekend, travelling all over the places. This albums becoming an anthem of the summer. Zero pressure, everything positive. Roll on to now, it’s 2024, I’m married with 2 kids. Self employed scraping together every penny I possibly can. Just attempting to survive each day as it comes. Constantly questioning whether I’m doing the right thing. Second guessing everything. And this album is irritating and just a load of nothingness. The real circle of life! 2.5
Average indie rock album been plenty before and plenty after. Won't be on many people's list as while an enjoy listen you forget about it immediately after the last track
Just fine soft boy music.
Wouldn't have pegged them for Irish. The Laurel Hill sound (CSNY, i.e.) is an obvious influence. The vocals even remind me of Neil Young, when he's hitting his higher register. It's pleasant enough when it's on, just nothing earth-shattering. Nicely produced, though. Favorite tracks: "Big Sur", "Hollywood Kids"
This album has an easy going nice vibe to it, but it isn’t particularly exciting. Neither is it instrumentally that impressive. I have no big qualms with it, but they do all blend together. It’s a whatever album. 3/5
This album was pleasant enough, but didn’t feel terribly groundbreaking in any way. It was fairly basic early 2000s indie rock that went though a lot of effort to sound as American as possible. It succeeded well enough and I appreciated their obvious knowledge of music especially from the 60s. The Beach Boys influence was especially apparent.
Middle of the road indie album. Not super inventive. I enjoyed One Horse Town for the bells/xylophone and Big Sur for their synth. The harmonica in the last song was a nice way to end. This one started to drift into 3.5 star territory, but I really don't feel like it was exciting enough to warrant a 4.
Pretty good instrumentals but really boring singer. The songs kind of all sounded similar with the folky-ness but it was a good easy listen.
It's quite nice, but it's a bit indie-wank. It's the kind of music Zach Braff would put in one of his movies. All very floaty and quirky and inoffensive with breathy vocals on top. Crafted well enough but not exciting in the least. 2.5 rounded up.
I knew quite a bit of this without realising. Didn't mind it.
A pleasant listen. Some decent songs. Very nice. One Horse Town, Big Sur, Santa Cruz are nice enough songs. Decent radio fodder for a drive.
One of these albums that make a background listen in the positive sense. It has enough character to liste closely but till then it gives you a sort of peace.
Уф бля, как же я заебался это слушать, пойду лучше Merzbow включу 6/10
Plinkety plonkety twangy niceness
Yea really nice actually
Sounds like UK indie mixed with some of Matthew Sweet’s cute popness. I’m not big of either of those but I’m surprisingly above 2.
So interesting that Wiki listed under "Legacy" the fact that one of the songs from this album "appeared" on George W Bush 's iPod! They had to dig deep for that one. Other than that, I, like the critics and fans it seems, found this album fairly unremarkable. The singer has a sweet voice - he sounds a bit like the Flaming Lips guy - and the first few songs are okay. They throw a lot of different feels at you, some strings, some slide guitars, but eventually they have to adjust to accommodate the frail vocalist.
Ok, dit is best wel fijn. Het eerste nummer Santa Cruz(You're not that far) is super vrolijk, de mondharmonica en de banjo draagt daar ook zeker aan bij! Lekker man! Het hele album voelt vrij vrolijk en luistert gewoon heel erg makkelijk weg. Als iemand mij ooit vraagt naar een album wat gewoon makkelijk wegluistert en verder niet heel veel bijzonders doet, dan raad ik zonder enige twijfel dit album aan. Is het een heel bijzonder album> nee vind ik niet, maar dat hoeft ook niet altijd. Soms is prima genoeg. FAVO: Santa Cruz, Say it Ain't So, your love is like las vegas
Weird indie-beach-boys-roleplay of sorts. It sounds competent but it gets to be a bit much over time. I can see how the main voice could get annoying after a while but it doesn't bother me too much... except that the general vibe is a bit much for me, so yeah.
They're a good band, but a bit on the mellow side for me.
Sweet if a little functional cheery indie pop and I was surprised to see they’re from Ireland and not the US although I guess the attraction of US cities is great the further away you are.
Not bad
Good bit of fun. Nothing spectacular.
Loved this. One horse town is great. Disappointed for them that they couldn't sustain their success.
It was fine.
Album générique de Rock|pop anglais. Je crois bien mais ca ma pas déboussolé mais c'est pas mauvais. 3.10
It was ok...not my favorite
It was pleasant. A little pop mixed with a little rock reminiscent of the late 90s/early 2000s. Not sure if I would put this in the 1001 best albums but like I said...it was pleasant.
Quite okay album, nothing too special, few country-like, pop, soft rock songs that sound like one-summer hits from years before. And like those hits, I will probably never hear of them again in the future.
Sleepy rock. At times I got an alt-country vibe that I appreciated. I liked the first half more than the second. The lead singer’s voice started to bug me.
i bet i've seen these play at some festival somewhere. to give them their dues the singles are all pretty decent and i appreciate them putting all the big hitters on early so i can fuck off the rest of it when it when they ran out of ideas.
I struggled with the rating on this one, partly because I couldn't get out of the "I need to rate this" headspace as I was listening. I liked it. It was meticulously crafted. It wasn't exactly predictable, but it also felt really safe, like they took no chances. I kept feeling like this was a combination of Wilco and Flaming Lips with all the grease and grime rubbed off and polished up real nice. Everything was inside the lines, which I was conscious of as I was listening. And honestly, while this might warrant a 4-star rating, I couldn't quell the nagging voice asking — "I must listen to this? Why, exactly?" It's good, but ... safe. And at the end of the day, the lyrics never quite tickled my g-spot. I guess these guys had fun in California, but that's the determiner as I write. Flirted with a 4, but its getting the 3. A really solid 3. Like more than a 3. But a 3.
This was pleasant enough, though I wasn't crazy about the guy's voice. Not sure that "pleasant enough" warrants inclusion on this list, but whatevs.
Was completely unfamiliar with this band but the sound is so familiar. I'm hearing Wilco for sure but also something else I can't quite capture. Maybe Wayne Coyneish? The sounds were pleasant enough but I can't say it struck me hard enough to revisit.
I liked this! I liked this more the first time I listened to it, the second time I discovered it was a little bit repetitive
Talk about music of place, and the soft spot of that for California. It's a cute project, well-produced, but the tunes themselves have little particularity to them.
Peppy! I feel like I have listened to the group before.
Pop rock indie
This was good but indistinguishable from any other indie rock sound from the early 00's.
AI - please generate me some early 2000s indie inspired by alt-country / folk stylings and make the band from Ireland but don’t let that impact the sound or songwriting at all
I would have liked this record In 2013, but it came out 10 years too early and I'm listening 10 years too late
I liked this pretty well, though it seemed to lose its national character early in and trend more generic alt pop of its era. I remember hearing that One Horse Town song a bunch at some point, maybe it became a darling of the local public alternative music station.
Essence of rainy Sunday afternoons
M’a semblé un peu monotone et très sage. Beau travail d’harmonie
would give some songs a relisten
Indie/pop -- super solid musically, but needs a new singer. Breathy, precious, and shit...probably great for 2003. Want to listen more but this singer. 3.0
Good
i think 3 stars is good. would listen again. very chill
This is what I was hoping for with 1001 alum generator. This album was neat. Never heard and really enjoyed. Closest thing to Neil young I’ll probably ever care for. “Don’t steal our sun” sounds like it’s off of basement on a hill. Almost does a chino Moreno with the singers voice at times. A hidden track is a funny throw back.
Decent album - not a huge thrill.
Inoffensive, but not awful
This was a pleasant listen. Definitely the kind of band I would be super into when I was 14. I would add some songs to a playlist, but I don't think I'll give this whole album a listen again anytime soon.
Sounds like Elliot smith, but happier
Sounds like a low-rent Wilco. Not sure why this is here. It's not a terrible album, but nothing on here made it onto any of my playlists, and based on this listening, I wouldn't seek out any more of their discography.
The Thrills is the antithesis of this band. They are, in fact, the sads. The elements are here for something I’d enjoy, quirky licks, bluesy twangs, drumfills… however the singer irks me.
Better than it deserves to be. Something short of remarkable.
Nothing Notable.
The album is OK, some songs might be fun by themselves but it gets tedious after a while. There's a general lack of energy and emotion. Main singer is just so flat and artificial.
If I heard these guys playing in a bar, I’d think, “hey, they’re pretty good”
Small town country by way of California by way of Ireland sung by a borderline prepubescent whisperer. Makes sense for the final credits of a Friday Night Lights episode, but a whole album of it is just exhausting. Best track: Big Sur
Fun lil blog era sound. Pitchfork is shaking!
A cute happy indie pop band with alt country and power pop characteristics. I'm hearing Flaming Lips, Wilco, Big Star, Mercury Rev, and some contemporary emo bands (akin to Death Cab for Cutie). I was expecting a trashy generic garage revival band like Jet, but instead I got something bright, soothing, and very catchy overlayed with harmonic vocals and futuristic synths. On one hand, I was amazed. But on the other, I can see why they never took off. There's some cool things here, but they don't do as much creatively as what Flaming Lips or Wilco could do. I'm sure they could if they put in the effort, but it's not here. Their deep cuts are nothing special other than feel-good music. I did find quite a lot to like out of all their high-energy tracks, so if they were able to replicate some of those to the chiller tracks, I'm sure they could've kept my attention. Fun Fact: "Say It Ain't So" was found on George Bush's iPod. It's the song with a lot of country, garage, and pop, and it's fast enough to dance to, so I can see why. Favorites: Santa Cruz, Big Sur, One Horse Town, Your Love is Like Las Vegas,
La musique post années 2000 est toujours infiniment plus agréable à l'oreille que toute celle du vingtième siècle. J'ai particulièrement apprécié la présence d'un son caché en fin d'album, M. Pokora l'avait aussi fait quelques années plus tard dans son album Player.
J'ai bien apprecié cet album, notamment le moment où les membres du groupe The Thrilles nous offriront quelques pas dancés latéraux en chantonnant "Elle me contrôôôôle, elle guide mes pas"
Great album
Well Santa Cruz is actually 2,418 miles away so I’d say it’s not close either
Listened Before? N Pretty cool. Just kinda generic-y early 2000's stuff. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to listen to it but it wasn't terribel. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Big Sur
Santa Cruz // Big Sur 2.5/5
The kind of thing I would’ve definitely liked in 2017-18~, and I still occasionally listen to this kind of music now so it gets a boost for genre. However within that type of music I didn’t find it all that remarkable. Favourite song Til the Tide Creeps In.
This could have been great modern/retro indie pop except that his voice is awful. One and done for me.
They were fairly exciting at the time, and this is a pleasant enough listen. The singles were all great but didn’t carry across the whole album. Just don’t go back to Bicester.. 3.5
Killer then filler
I thought this would be a little more edgy, what with the name The Thrills. But it’s nice sounding. Not sure why I have to listen to it before I die though. This is becoming more and more a question popping into my head with this list.
This album turned into a forgettable album, but this was such a great listen. I forgot how many memorable songs came from The Thrills, too bad they and this album got lost in the early 00's indie-crossover flop. 3/5.
Irsk indie poprock, fra 00’erne, faktisk meget hyggeligt
Kinda sounds like a ripoff of Neil Young or Bob Dylan. Not bad, but why not just listen to them instead?
Wanted to like this more than I did. The guys voice is a bit polarizing I imagine. 2.5/5
Sonido un tanto parecido a The Byrds, pero en versión más moderna. Un poco más melancólico. Ritmos tranquilos y fácilmente escuchables.
I feel like I’ve heard this same album by countless other bands. If I found this album back in 2003, I would’ve loved it but 20 years later it doesn’t feel unique.
Irish indie rock for the new millennium. Conor Deasy's wispy vocals develops much of this album's personality, though the band arrangements are nothing to scoff at. It gets a bit slow at times and it's not all that memorable, but it's a nice enough listen for the runtime. In a word: pleasant.
Great California sunshine pop I’d never heard of before. “Don’t Steal Our Sun” sounds perhaps like an Elliott Smith song run through the happy sun machine.
A pretty mellow album with a nice sense of melody. It's a weird mix of sounds since there's sort of a rustic vibe from the banjos and harmonicas that crosses semi-uncomfortably with the singer's thin whispery indie voice. Overall it's interesting and pretty pleasant, although not something that hits me hard. Best song: Say It Ain't So [hi, Dubya]
Dit was dus eigenlijk best wel tof!
Feel good muziek! And I like it!
Beetje boring, maar vooruit; ik rond het af naar boven want er zaten een paar aardige nummers tussen.
If generic rock music as a genre released an album. 6/10.
Never heard of this band. Album was ok on 1st listen. Probably need to hear it again.
5/10. This sounds like someone kidnapped the Eels and tried to force them to make a country album, and this was as close as they could get. But I suppose if it's good enough for George Bush's iPod, it's good enough for this list
Nothing too exciting
Nice, listenable album.
Sometimes I give a lower rating to an album but I understand why it's on this list because even though I didn't enjoy it, it's an album that did have an impact musically and culturally. This is not one of those albums. This is one that gets a lower rating because it's decidedly mid. Conceptually it's not especially original, and musically it's inoffensive and bland. It's one I'll be looking back on in a week and have no memory of listening to it. I'm sure The Thrills are proud of their work, sorry that it's underwhelmed me to this extent.
Very bland album. Some sparse interesting sounds, i really wanted to like old friends but the singer seems to be unable to sing anything past a weak annoying ass whisper throughout the entire album
--Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)...interesting. kind of sounds like the Beach Boys mixed with the Unicorns. not sure the combo works yet --Big Sur...these guys are Irish? decent jangly pop --Don't Steal Our Sun...pleasant harmonies. more decent-but-not-great pop --Deckchairs and Cigarettes...if you told me this was a Nick Thorburn/Islands song I'd absolutely believe you --One Horse Town...not sure I love the songs but the production throughout this LP has been great. this track injects some much needed oomph --Old Friends, New Lovers...I'm a sucker for a mandolin and some well arranged orchestration. vocals are a little rough but this hits --Say It Ain't So...of course W likes this. it does kick --Hollywood Kids...lethargic and too long --Just Travelling Through...lazy river song. production is still quite good --Your Love Is Like Las Vegas...once again the production is better than the song --Til the Tide Creeps In...I was almost out then you pulled me back in with an organ --Plans (hidden track)...production good song meh
Never heard of this album or band. Review on Allmusic: "lavish, well-crafted pop songs". Yes, I can agree there's a lot here that's well crafted: the arrangements are mostly neat (not too many loose ends), the production is well put together, I like the sound of the lead vocals and occasional features eg slide guitar, distorted bass. But I'm left wondering why this album was made - seems like retro without much payoff. Same review: "one-dimensional repetitive lyrics" - yes, a major problem, and that phrase is still too kind. Some Americana is supposedly justified by meaningful lyrics, this album has tried to slip through with nothing (or very little) to say. Some of the songs don't even make it to one dimension, eg Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far) has lines that don't connect to anything else in the song (just fit on top of a musical phrase), and Your Love Is Like Las Vegas is just a gesture at a lyric, that doesn't have any internal connections. Maybe the making of any type of music is potentially admirable, but why pick American West Coast 60s/70s as your happy place? Did we need any more of this type of music than already existed? I'm not feeling it. I've listened all the way through, I'm rating it Pretty Poor, 3/10.
#182/1001 🇮🇪 Wait a minute, these guys are Irish. I had the first 2 tracks on an itunes compilation that i made for a road trip down route 1 in California. The rest of the album is ok I guess, not one that can get excited or nostalgic about and i don't feel the need to come back to. Best tracks: Big Sur, Santa Cruz.
I did not enjoy this. The lead singer's voice annoyed me, I really didn't enjoy the Monkees one, and one of the other songs sounded like it was about to turn into Save Your Love by Rene and Renata. I remember The Rockingbirds doing a much better fake American schtick than this. Must give them another listen.
It's okay if I were in the right mood but no thrill for me today.
todas iguales las canciones. Meh
This is so mid that it’s bad? Does that make sense? Idk. It it’s not good. Such a whiny vocalist.
“The album was nominated for the 2003 Mercury Prize but lost to Dizzee Rascal's Boy in da Corner“ THANK GOD! Here’s a comp for ya, the lead singer sounds like Dashboard Confessional. Very forcibly airy in his vocal delivery. Not saying it’s good or bad, just how it sounds. This project is innocuous to a fault. They all sound like they’re having a good time but damn is everything so twee and wandering. I surely won’t remember a single song either, none of this was impactful or captivating. “Hollywood Kids” was interesting enough for the slide guitar, but that’s about it. Another sleepy, questionable pick. 2/5
mano, pior que tem bastante de flaming lips aqui. mas sem as drogas e a originalidade do flaming lips. enfim. indie rock medíocre, hein. nada demais não.
mid city