[editor’s note: I’m starting to comment on CDs that I’m listening to. I hate music critics, but hopefully this may spark dialogue or growth in your own collection.]

I’ll admit it, I had no clue who Snow Patrol was before this album. In fact, I would wager to say that they could be TRL darlings based on both their name and their sound. But I wouldn’t know if they were or not, ‘cuz MTV is baaad, and much like doing drugs, I try to stay away from the bad stuff.

“What an interesting album” is my gut instinct. The disc opens with How To Be Dead, a popish, rock song with a tinge of ProTools slickness. But not in a bad way. Most modern “pop/rock” makes me vomit a little in my mouth because of it’s sterile production methods. For some reason, it fits with this sound. I have no clue why, so I won’t pretend to explain it. This sound sets the sonic stage for much of the rest of the disc.

While not overly diverse from track to track, the CD is good background music while working. The aggressive rock ballads (with a slight indie twist) make you tap your foot, to be sure. I would wager to say that this would be a perfect fit for a WB show’s soundtrack…catchy and rocking, but just indie enough to have some street cred left.

The highlight of the disc for me is Graced Knees, for not only is the wall of guitars diminished in size, but lead singer Gary Lightbody’s great voice is able to show off a bit more. His Irish brogue is also more apparent. And let’s face it, who doesn’t like a guy with an Irish brogue? Muy sexy, no?

The piano-laced track, Same and We Can Run Away Now They’re All Dead are much in the same vein…downtempo and more reserved. Notice a pattern here? I think these guys are more effective with less uumph. However, when listening to We Can Run… I couldn’t help but hear the They Might Be Giants song, Why Must I Be Sad? — it’s the exact same chord progressions. Oh well. Still catchy.

Ok, no final grades on discs…but final thoughts are acceptable: I’ll check out their older stuff, before they got a bigger recording budget, to see if they shine more. Stick to a more simple sound, my Irish brothers…

And as I’ll end every CD commentary: Never be ashamed of your music. Music is art and entertainment, and if it entertains you…then rock out to it like there is no tomorrow. Don’t apologize to anyone for what you listen to, unless of course the volume is too loud. In that case, apologize and turn it up just a little more.