Customer Reviews

Tourist History

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Two Door Cinema Club, a trio from Northern Ireland and darlings of the moment in the music blogosphere, have released what is sure to be one of the top albums of 2010. The best way to describe their music is alternative/indie rock that makes you want to DANCE.

Although recorded in London, TDCC mixed this album with Philippe Zdar in his Paris studio, the first to do so after Phoenix recorded their 2009 taste-making album there. Although I can't pinpoint another band that has exactly the same sound, I can posit that if you enjoy the likes of Phoenix, Bloc Party, Passion Pit, MGMT, The Temper Trap, Minus the Bear, Editors, etc., it's pretty likely that you'll appreciate Two Door Cinema Club.

What first draws you into their music is the sheer catchiness of it -- the melodies, the big punk drum beat, the humbly clever lyrics. Then, as you listen again more closely, you start to realize the depth and genius of the arrangements and the pure, raw talent of the band members. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Alex Trimble sounds a bit like Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab and Postal Service fame) but with a little caffeine and some grit -- great to listen and sing along to. Bassist Kevin Baird drops a solid, driving bass line. And lead guitarist Sam Halliday lays down some insanely catchy, wailing guitar riffs, the kind that reflect a deep, knowing soul that belies his age. Put together, these guys can't help but rock your face off.

The first track released in the US, called "Something Good Can Work," is probably the weakest song on the album -- and that's saying something, because even that's a fantastic song. My favorites on the album are "I Can Talk," "Undercover Martyn," and "Eat That Up, It's Good For You." But in actuality, all the tracks are phenomenal. This is one of those rare albums that I can listen to the whole way through without skipping any songs. Seriously: this is music that makes you glad to be alive.

My one and only gripe with this album is that there are only 10 tracks. These guys make such outstanding music that I want (need!) more than that. Highly recommended to those who want some mind-blowingly good indie rock. Just listen to the MP3 sample tracks and see for yourself; I promise you won't be disappointed.

If I had more time, I'd write an appropriate review, but instead, I'm just going to provide you with my gut reaction. I was intrigued when I stumbled across their single "Something Good Can Come" as a free download. After three listens, I hit YouTube and watched "Undercover Martyn" and "I Can Talk" and I was hooked. Bought the album and have had it in constant rotation since. Reminiscent of Phoenix but for some reason they remind me of Stone Roses. The only negative that I can think of is that it will probably be a while before we get another album. I want more. If you like either of the aforementioned bands, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

In the past 5 years there have been maybe 5 albums which I listen to often, and continue to go back for more. I'm a huge fan of Pinback, Raidohead, Interpol, Screaming Lights, and Band of Horses. I also like Coldplay, She Wants Revenge, Jens Lekman, The National, Portugal the Man, Beirut, and The Fray.

Two Door Cinema Club is one of the better albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. They have a very unique style, which stands out in a huge crowd of bands in this genre. Once I started listening to this CD, I couldn't stop. I love albums like that, but at the same time, I all of a sudden will get sick of it and very rarely listen to it again. Two Door Cinema Club has a style, which is immediately good, however, still has room to grow on you. This makes for a very near perfect album.

I love every song on this album. The lyrics are catchy, yet not too overly deep or complex. Each song has a great beat which bends the norm. There is a song or two here and there which starts off semi normal or similar to one of the other tracks, but then it goes off on another direction than expected.

This band is not really comparable to another band. At least no other band popped into my mind. But as for style, if you like any of the for-mentioned bands, you'll probably dig Two Door.

If you can get your hands on this album, I highly recommend it. Enjoy.

Two Door Cinema Club assumed their peculiar moniker after bandmate, Sam Halliday, incorrectly pronounced the name of a local cinema. While "Two Door" was actually supposed to be "Tudor," there is no mistaking the charisma and artistic genius of band members Alex Trimble, Kevin Baird, and Sam Halliday. The trio, which was brought together by a series of fortuitous events, joined forces in an attempt to achieve a nearly impossible feat for youth with such limited experience--to masterfully craft an impressive and instantly endearing debut album. Their efforts were certainly not wasted, as Tourist History's offerings are nothing short of flawless.

TDCC's lead vocals, which strive to maintain the fine balance between edgy and rapturous, are provided by the baby-faced Trimble. Because of its seraphic nature, which necessitates confinement, his voice benefits from a contrasting backdrop of fast-paced percussion and grounding guitar riffs. The auditory trifecta is completed by sleek production that serves to maintain a feel-good atmosphere and prevent the breakneck rhythyms from being overcome by reverb. While this album fits squarely in the electro-indie/alternative realm, its highly accessible nature allows for it to be easily devoured by mainstream rock and pop devotees.

Each track is packed full of finely-tuned energy and enthusiasm, making the majority of them fair game for air play. Not surprisingly, several of their songs were hastily nabbed for commercials and video games. It is apparent that these guys set out to establish themselves as formidable contenders in a market full of overrated "flavors of the month," as they wasted no disc space with uninspired filler. What further sets them apart from the crowd is their authentic talent and commanding stage presence. One view of a live performance, whether accompanied by a fully blasting band or mellowed out and stripped down to bare acoustics, and it's evident that these guys have carved a niche for themselves that no one else can occupy.

the first thing that strikes you about this record is it's manic energy made all the more electric through the colorful sonic palette used throughout each track. rarely are songs performed to the degree of tightness, in terms of songwriting as well as playing, shown here. be prepared to have more than a few of these on constant rotation inside of your head for several days upon first listening.

repeated listens are all the more rewarding due to the careful attention to detail and impeccable production employed. this record serves to dispel the belief that there are no longer any perfect records being produced. cannot be more highly RECOMMENDED!;-)

This album has one filler. It is very easy to spot, just program your car stereo to play everything around it.

Very rarely do I purchase physical copies of albums (cd's are useless), but this one is worth ripping to flac files. Upbeat throughout, only letting up for a bass drop here and there, it is possibly one of the best albums in my 3tb collection.

I'd say amazon's "similar artists" category is spot on, though I might add Panic! (percussive, bass), The Postal Service (lyrically), and perhaps a hint of Metro Station (breaks, drops) and Metric (scale structure, chord progression).

I should also add that they are not extraodrinarily wealthy, so for those pirate fiends out there... support small artists!

Great album, one of the best of 2010 and still playing strong. It is catchy and exciting, tuneful and sing-a-long-able. But at the same time it withstands closer scrutiny and comparison. Most of the comparisons have already been made in these reviews but the closest in my my mind is Franz Ferdinand, and the lineage goes back much further; even to Ian Dury and the Blockheads at times. Yes, it really is that good. That same insanely catchy, knowing, self depreciating but actually really rather good indie pop. Do yourself a favour and buy it - awesome.

this is the 2nd best album i have bought this year (next to 12 Desperate Strait Lines by, Telekinesis. I listen to it all the time, these guys know what the hell they are doing.

This album is one of those rare albums where you actually like every song. I listen to this album almost every day, and not only does it appeal to me, but it actually puts me in a good mood after. Highly recommended album.

Once again Amazon's recommendations come through. I was in need of some new music and hadn't really gotten hooked on anything I'd recently purchased. Went to Amazon and typed in Miike Snow (my favorite album of the last 2 years) and found that others who had purchased that album also purchased Tourist History. So on a whim (and a low price of $5.99) I decided to buy it. Great decision! I've basically been listening to it non-stop since I bought it about a week ago and even some of the songs that I wasn't in love with at first have started to grow on me.

This is the type of album you could play from start to finish and not skip a single track. It would even work well if you shuffled the songs. Highly recommend it if you like upbeat, indie/alternative rock/pop.