Fuzzy Bits:
Release Date: August 19, 2008
Last Album: “Pussy Cats” Starring the Walkmen (2006)
Sounds Like: Potentially the best album of 2008, not to mention the best album the Walkmen has ever made.
Overall Rating: 100
2008 is quickly gaining momentum as being a fantastic year for music, as The Walkmen has dropped a bombshell of an album that is well worthy of the early praise it has received already. The Walkmen have always shown flashes of greatness, which was more prevalent on their first two albums– Bows & Arrows and Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me Is Gone– but here on You & Me, the Walkmen are consistently terrific. Even better, is that this time the highlights are in the subtleties. There’s no onslaught of sound a la “The Rat” or “Little House of Savages,” but instead the music as a whole is perfectly nestled into this haunting– and at times claustrophobic atmosphere, a near continuation on the sound they featured on their debut album. The opening “Dónde Está La Playa” sets the tone immediately with the drums and organ sounding as far off as can be, and vocalist Hamilton Leithauser sounding subdued for once. It’s certainly off-putting (especially for die hard Walkmen fans), but trust when I say this is a definite grower. Each song is a perfect continuation of the last, unfolding before your ears much like a novel– and before you know it you’re hooked. There are certain songs, such as “In The New Year,” “Postcards From Tiny Islands” and “Four Provinces,” that are certainly strongly linked to the typical Walkmen sound. These songs never feel safe however, especially in the context of the album that boasts such surprising musical growth and maturation. The absolutely gorgeous “Canadian Girl” and the lonely “Long Time Ahead of Us” are songs that particularly stand out. While fans of the Walkmen’s heavier material are going to be disappointed, it’s hard to argue against the path they chose for this album. In all its subtle quirks, You & Me is gripping, beautiful, a touch sad, and always excellent. Kudos to the band for releasing such a masterpiece.
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Tags: Music, Reviews, The Walkmen, You & Me
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