Control

Clearly not made by a lion

This had a cool indie vibe with a lot of songs to enjoy! Kudos

This had quite some elements that a like. Could have been a bit more outspoken as the second half of the album not as exciting as the first. But all-in-all an enjoyable listen.

Interesting record.

I've been somewhat willfully ignorant of this band ever since they seemed like another bland singer-songwriter addition to Polyvinyl Records' stellar lineup of artists. Joke's on me then – this was a super-surprising LP with some interesting songwriter takes on post-punk. While not wholly memorable, this album gave me some novel takes on the standard post-punk angular guitars meeting some softer, more abstruse vocals. I need to take a re-listen to collect some of my standout faves, but overall I was happy someone added this so I could stop being a contrarian and give this band a listen.

Pretty good. Songs are good but I don't love his voice, it has sort of a flat quality to it, reminiscent of Evan Dando. 3 stars.

I couldn't get past the consistent downbeat tone of gloom. It needed some variety to move the down around. I could see myself being into it in some moods - but I wasn't in that mood yesterday.

Nothing stood out for me here but could be the listening environment of work

Very Pearl Jam-adjacent. Not bad!

Sadcore death fantasy.

I believe I HAVE seen David Bazan live. Just him acoustic for the most part. Seems like he definitely has a cult of personality around him among folks. I think the folks who listened to Sufjan and Pedro the Lion were overlapping. Definitely had college roommates way into Pedro the Lion. I think he's okay. Just never got into it a ton. Not bad at all though.

I quite liked this! Cool themes, good depressive backing, and I'm always a sucker for a concept album. Thanks for introducing me to something I wouldn't have likely found otherwise!

I was a little skeptical of this album if I am being honest. There is plenty of thoughtful 2000s indie type stuff on here. But honestly, the concept and execution is deserving of a spot.

That Seattle grunge sound is never far away. The rawness and darkness of this album is very intriguing. 'Magazine' and 'Second Best' are amazing, strong songs. Nice discovery!

Looks like I missed this one at the time. And it is pretty good actually. Thanks for sharing

Whatever narrative and language live within Control, the album is utterly effective in its sadness. It's all a bit too real over 21st century America, inside indie. Which is a tricky container to define, however easy it is to sense. Geography can have a paradoxical bigness-smallness, and Control does, too, and the right way for a concept album. That is, the runtime does not bloat.

To whoever posted this album: I appreciate seeing this on here greatly. It was on my shortlist for my submission as well. Truly one of the best records ever, and certainly the best of its genre. The best show I ever saw in my life was David at the Horseshoe in Toronto in 2006.

J'ai aimé plus ca que je pensais meme si le genre était rock emo, j'ai trouvé ca bon et passer un bon moment pendant les 30 minutes. 3.85

9/10. I thought this was really neat.

I didn’t really like this. The album cover feels like a ripoff of The Downward Spiral and the vocals come across as extremely uninvested, even downright bored. 3/10

This was aight, I get Pearl Jam vibes from the lead vocalist

I get why this album was chosen, but it hasn’t clicked with me, yet. I will need a couple of more listens. However: Good album!

3. Indi rock

kept thinking i was listening to the guy from coldplay.

I love concept albums! This had a very early Death Cab for Cutie sound (musically, not vocals), which I dig. Makes sense since he has connections to the Seattle indie band scene. These lyrics hit HARD in the opening song: "But for now, I need you But it was only in my head Because no one ever says What they really mean to say When there's so much at stake So I told her I loved her And she told me she loved me And I mostly believed her And she mostly believed me" Oof, man. That hits hard.

Eh, drawn out indie. Don't hate it but I don't really like it. 2/5