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album: The Best Party Ever
artist: The Boy Least Likely To
label: Too Young To Die / 2005
score: 86 < click to learn more

by Tim Mathiesen

The Best Party Ever by the British band, The Boy Least Likely To, is a delightful experience, bringing the listener back to their childhood through the simple, yet complex, arrangements of lighthearted tunes and rhythms. The lyrics are clever and flow with ease (I don't think / I'll ever be happy / unless I'm unhappy / and hugging my grudge). The melody can't help but bring a smile to your face ("I'm Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon To Your Star" and "Be Gentle With Me"). You also feel immediately comfortable in the original, yet familiar sound of the music.

The album starts out with a light, simple tune on what sounds like a xylophone and is soon joined by a banjo. The entire album uses fun, entertaining and simple sounds and melodies but is held together by mature and intellegent songwriting. Their smart and creative songs reminds me a lot of the later Beatles' material such as Sgt. Pepper's and Abbey Road. I was very impressed by the consistant quality of songwriting on this record. Not since The Shins' Chutes Too Narrow have I been so immediately impressed by an album.