Camera Obscura may label their career as maudlin, but at least they have one. Too many bands spend their lifetime writing their first record, and then they are done. Sure, they put out more records, but they peak in the beginning, and it's all downhill from there. On their fourth record, Camera Obscura have hit a creative peak and reached pop nirvana. No longer can they be labeled as sounding like Belle and Sebastian's kid sister's band. Instead, they distance themselves from the rest of the pop pack.
Opener and single "French Navy" would be the best song on any of their previous records, but here they top it right away with the even better "The Sweetest Thing". (OK, maybe we are a little biased because of the Cleveland reference on that song.) Consistently throughout the album, Camera Obscura dole out the flourishes in just the right measure. String and horn sections are used to great effect, especially on the closer "Honey in the Sun"; a great 3 minute pop song stretched out for 6 minutes. This album is so sweet, we simply can't get enough of it.
Recommended If You Like:
Belle and Sebastian, Afternoon Naps, Saturday Looks Good to Me, pretty girls, lollipops.
Looks Like:
a hot librarian.
Feels Like:
the awesome school dance you always wished for, but never got.
Smells Like:
heather.
Listen to When:
holding hands with your best friend, skipping down the sidewalk on a sunny afternoon.
Vinyl the Cat Says:
This record is purrrrretty.
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