I'm not sure how widely known these fellas were before 2007, or if they're particularly well-followed here, so apologies in advance if I'm preaching to the converted.
I know there's a rolling CDs of 2007 thread but I feel this album is sufficiently awesome to deserve its own topic right here. Frankly, this CD isn't doing anything that hasn't been done before. It's not avant-garde, it's not progressive, it's not setting any new trends or anything. What it is, quite simply, is a collection of
really good songs. Its beauty is in its simplicity - the songwriting is fantastic, the album flows together smoothly with no weak points, and the lyrics are mature and well-delivered. First single and arguable highlight of the album
Mistaken For Strangers is maudlin but energetically so, and from there on in it flows smoothly from relatively upbeat numbers (like
Squalor Victoria, of which bands like Editors and Interpol would do well to be jealous) through mopey ballads and back. Confidently classy, this record is a real highlight in an already stellar year for new music, and I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't go down well here.