Don’t let Alec Ounsworth’s voice turn you away immediately. Listen. You will soon realize that the high pitched and almost cracking voice of the lead singer is an integral part of the music. Released in 2005 this album has been one of my most listened to albums for the past 10 years.

Happy and silly at times (the opening song “Clap your Hands”) this album packs a punch as well.  If you are looking for “hook” songs to get you past the initial shock of the oddities of CYHSY check out “Details of the War”. The most relaxed and perhaps most “accessible” of the songs on the album it is a good introduction for those who haven’t listened to the stylings of Clap Your Hands yet.

Afterwards I’d recommend the songs “The Skin off my Yellow Country Teeth” and “Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood”. Both of these songs demonstrate how catchy this band really is. Once you have become acquainted with the style of music as well as the voice of the singer I’d recommend listening to the album from start to finish, as it is beautifully put together.