Ehh, I was going to wait until tomorrow to do this but I have nothing else to do, and this album is way too good for anyone to expect me to keep putting off writing about it. While it's true that bands such as Animal Collective may be more artsy, Bon Iver's lyrics more thoughtful, and Grizzly Bear's vocals and layering better, when it comes to fun, Passion Pit perches at the pinnacle. (Yea alliteration!) Not often is the adjective fun used to describe music. Sure going to a Lady GaGa concert might be fun, and you might have a really fun night with your bros while bumping some Girl Talk, but rarely does the music itself exude fun. But with Passion Pit it does, and I'm talking five-year old kid playing with bubble-wrap fun. From lead singer Michael Angelakos' almost girl sounding falsetto, to the dazzling arrange of synths and percussion, you just can't help but smile when listening. And this album provides a lot to smile about, as there is not one, NOT ONE, throw-away track. From the beginning to the end, PP serves up pure, uncut, raw, joy. I honestly could write a good couple pages on every one of the tracks, but to keep it short I will confine it to my three favorites. "Sleepyhead" is getting a lot of plays cause it's on that commercial now, but there is no denying its brilliance. With it's weird sample, clinking bells, and Angelakos' voice stretched to its peak, it will become engrained in your brain for days. Consider yourself blessed. "Seaweed Song" is another personal highlight, as I love the chorus, with its upbeat, charging percussion and Angelakos singing "Nobody knows you like you do/But I think I do," which for its simplicity, is actually quite profound. Finally, the absolute gem on the album of so many great songs is undoubtably "Little Secrets." By far my most played song of 09, the beat is utterly infectious, seducing even the most wary listener. The way the synths dip and dive between notes serve to enrich even the tiniest details. And who could leave out the "child's chorus" during the chorus? While this might not have worked for other bands, the sheer whimsicality of PP provides the perfect backdrop for some good old fashioned pre-pubescent chanting. (Yea that might sound kind of weird out of context.) For in it's essence, Manners, at least for me, makes me feel almost childish. The music is so crisp, so innocent, so fun. So while their selection at the top of my 2009 poll will probably not gain me any hipster points, or any invites to write for the likes of Pitchfork, Manners provided me with one of the most gratifying, exciting, and fun musical experiences I had in 2009. And, come to think of it, ever.
Only one song, cause I truly, honestly feel that this album deserves to be purchased, more so than any other album on this list. It really is that good.
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