Teen Dream [CD + DVD]

Great album (2010-03-07) : 5/5
Even I, a big supporter of indie labels like Sub Pop (they spawned Nirvana), had never heard of Beach House. But when I heard this album, I was blown away. Literally. I was thrown off my feet, I just loved this album. It's just great. Great for everybody. Anybody. Just a great album. I love the singer's voice. This is real talent here. This talent in the band isn't gonna stop talentless puppets-to-record-companies like the Jonas Brothers, but Beach House stands the test of time.br /br /Best songs on the album are "Zebra," "Lover of Mine" and "10 Mile Stereo."br /br /Cool album.
...like being on a soft, hazy suspension bridge... (2010-02-27) : 5/5
The 3rd release from Baltimore's new indie-darling duo washes your soul with softly dreamy,br / beautiful songscapes that stretch gently to float through strange celestial realms of darkly lushbr / mystery. Gorgeously unique female vocals lead suspended melodies that seem to hang in br / space; radiant, content and ever-so-slightly askew in their sparkling radiance. Recalls thebr / sounds of Mazzy Star, Cocteau Twins, Nico Eno.br /
Candidate for indie pop album of the year (2010-02-17) : 4/5
Once again I'm late to join the game. I had not heard of Beach House before this album came out. (Just like I first learned of Spoon with "Gimme Fiction".) They are a duo out of Baltimore, who have released two prior albums. Their previous output has been compared to Mazzy Star among others. Their latest, "Teen Dream" is a rewarding listen for anyone who's into mellow indie pop with heartfelt, insightful lyrics. The music is infused with droning keyboards, lush synths, shimmering, incandescent guitar, and basic percussion. They use a real drummer for live shows but most of the album sounds like they employ drum machines. One bonus is the quality of the lyrics. Even though you're not always sure what Victoria Legrand is singing about, they fit the mood and style of the music perfectly. Her voice is remarkable and apparently she's had some experience in opera or at least taking opera singing lessons, not 100% sure. br /br /"Zebra" begins with a softly plucked electric guitar and vocals that have almost a lullaby-like feel before opening up into a gentle, chugging beat. "Walk In the Park" sounds like it could be this year's "Two Weeks" (Grizzly Bear), although slightly mellower, but with similar soaring vocals, and a great outro with Victoria singing "More, you want more, you tell me...". "Lover of Mine" is a current favorite with a great middle part where she sings "The only thing you've got, you know you're better off without it". Of course, "Norway", their single, with those infectious breathy "ha ha ha" background vocals and woozy slide guitar to begin the beautiful melody that buries itself into you. And "Take Care", the album's perfect closer, gently sends you off like a benediction. This was the first song I heard off the album (thanks KEXP) and it makes quite an impression.br /br /To be honest, one minor nitpick I have is that even though the songs don't all sound the same, they do have a similar feel and pace. Still, with great tunes, it's a small matter. I'm going to be listening to this repeatedly for the next few weeks. And I can't wait to see them live in late March.
Excellent record... could do without the DVD (2010-02-17) : 4/5
First of all let me say that I love this record. Lush, melodic, dynamic, interesting... It flows perfectly from beginning to end and begs to be played over and over. Songs like "Norway" and "Walk in the Park" will stick in your head for days. I've been recommending this album to friends for weeks, even before it came out. Having said that... what were they thinking with the DVD? It's such a cobbled together mash of dissonant visual styles and poor, cheap, unworthy imagery... I mean, it is BAD. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the music without the visual accompaniment.
Cohesive and Gorgeous (2010-02-16) : 5/5
The first time I listened to Teen Dream, I found it to be pleasant enough but nothing all that special. After hearing "Norway" on the radio a few days ago, I decided to listen to the full album again. And wow, am I glad I did. Teen Dream has many beautiful moments. The first few tracks are especially great, "Silver Soul" in particular grabs my attention each and every time I listen to it. Don't get me wrong though, there is absolutely no filler on this disc. Teen Dream is one of those rewarding albums that offer more with each listen. It's relaxing and meditative, but profound and deep at the same time.br /br /This is the first time I've heard any of Beach House's material, but I'll certainly be paying very close attention to them and checking out their previous albums now that I've been introduced to this cohesive and gorgeous gem.br /br /EDIT: After several more listens, it's evident that Teen Dream is the real deal. "10 Mile Stereo" and "Take Care" are absolutely stunning and have been stuck on repeat for a week or so. Buy this album now.