Release Date: 2005
Previously Owned: No
First Time Listen: Yes

Impressions: Don’t know much about these dudes. This entry smells like an effort to get some new millenium representation on the RS list, but we shall put it on and give it a fair chance like every other album… Opens with a nice, slightly-off kilter modern track that confortably mixes R&B, dub, and trippy Flaming Lips-style production. Lead singer Jim James has got a clear, high voice that fits snugly into the lush dreamy tracks like “It Beats For You.” Orignial mix of influences without sounding strained, but sometimes lacks ooomph.  “Gideon” strays too far into Coldplay for me…but then they bounce back with the rocking “What a Wonderful Man.” I was waiting for a familiar hit…and then Off the Record” hits. A fun, mid-2000’s angluar reggae tune that could be mistaken for Modest Mouse with a splash of the Ventures. Ending track “Dondante” is a little overwrought, but nothing fatal. Solid neo-psychedelic album with chops, hints of quirkiness, not my favorite but listenable.

Starred Songs: ” Wordless Chorus,” “Off The Record”
Sneaky Track: “Knot Comes Loose”
Should this album be on the list? Ehh. It’s okay… question is will it stick around or is it just another token 2000’s album.
Replace with: Not that they are exactly comparable, but for more 2000’s music I’d throw in The New Pornographer’s debut album Mass Romantic in this slot instead.
Will you listen to this again? Eh. I wouldn’t buy it, but I might give it a spin again.
Verdict: Fractured, slighly dubby, trippy modern rock that’s a solid release, but possibly not an all-timer.

Rating:  ★★★