YEASAYER have got O.N.E. damn good album on their hands and MONDEGREEN is my new jam off of it /// The Burning Ear

everybody’s talking ’bout me and my baby making love ’til the morning light

Despite Yeasayer’s hype peaking at about this exact same moment I can’t wait another day to encourage you to get this album. Pitchfork poo-pooed on it earlier today but don’t listen to them, listen to the album. Their 2007 debut, All Hour Cymbols, was never really my bag but then lead singer Chris Keating lent his vocals to one of the best tracks of last year and followed that up by leaking “Ambling Alp,” which quickly became another best of 2009. At that point everyone was asking themselves if these guys could really bring the heat on Odd Blood. Well, the short answer is “yes.” First track “The Children” is a failed attempt at an ambient album opener but it’s hard to fault them for trying. Luckily “Ambling Alp” is quick to follow and erase any bad feelings. Then it’s track after track of quirky, exuberant, and well-crafted music that stomps around with more swagger than most of today’s hip-hop. The album is sometimes sexy, sometimes ambient, and sometimes bursting at the seams with energy (above). Filled with horns, drums and chants of love and sex, “Mondegreen” is probably the most fun song I can think to put on your Valentine’s mix. Although also fantastic, I’d keep “O.N.E.” off that mix though, even if Keating’s lyrics nail the feeling of fading love and the song is a straight jam. Anyway, Odd Blood definitely raises Yeasayer’s bar and delivers a solid collection of danceable and enjoyable jams. So far 2010 is off to a brisk start and we’ve got great albums pouring out of the woodwork. Good times.

♫ Yeasayer – O.N.E.

Bury your face in MySpace /// eMusic too