PWR BTTM is awesome! Their stage banter alone makes them worth seeing. The music is pretty simple but very catchy with a rather positive message that basically makes the whole package entirely worth it.
I first listened to Death Cab when they I found out they were touring with Ben Kweller. It was about 6 months or so after Transatlanticism came out. I somehow got one of my mom's friends to take me to the show because I was in 8th grade at the time. I was super stoked for Ben Kweller, but DCfC just grabbed me in a way that I had never really felt before. I loved the details in the lyrics, but as an 8th grader, some of the themes in Transatlanticism were over my head (That changed over time). But at that show I bought the Photo Album and that ended up resonating with me on a completely different level. Between sharing the gamut of emotions "Styrofoam Plates" to "We Laughed Indoors", it was just right.
When Plans came out, I was more neutral on it. I've never related to it as well as Transatlanticism or The Photo Album because the lyrics felt more vague. I think I checked out because of it, or maybe I had just moved on. I remember liking "Crooked Teeth" more for the sound, but I don't remember what the song is about, much less most of the album. "I Will Follow..." is the exception on this album because that song is transcendent. Anyways, just my two cents. The Photo Album is still the winner to me and I think people should take another listen (or a first).
Sorry to be pedantic, but this is studio album #7. Though, they never did review Art of Self Defense (or the re-issue, which I find slightly surprising).
HoF is pretty much my favorite band, period. I agree with you about pairing down to their most elemental form, but I like how they seem to add something new here and there so every record doesn't feel exactly the same. That being said, I kind of feel that it does get repetitive to a point until "The Cave" changes it up. I really wish that song were like the 5th song to really break it up more and make the last half of the record feel fresher. That song is just a great slow down and refresh yourself moment at the start then comes in and kicks your ass. It's probably my favorite song on the record. (I've listened the same 3 times.)
If we were to start a betting pool for what pitchfork gives this, I would go with 8.2. Nice and high, but just low enough that they don't have to give it "Best New Music." At least, that seems to be their M.O. with metal these days.
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