Yeah, Yeah Yeahs: Less shouting on ‘Blitz’

  • Andy Rathbun, Herald writer
  • Thursday, March 26, 2009 9:32pm
  • Life

WHY CARE: Critical favorites the Yeah Yeah Yeahs return with their most accessible album yet, “It’s Blitz!,” out on Tuesday.

TRIVIA: Singer Karen O is writing music for the movie version of “Where the Wild Things Are,” directed by her ex-boyfriend, Spike Jonze.

STANDOUTS: “Runaway,” a sad little song about obsession, is built around a bare piano and some repetitive, forceful lyrics.

FANS DIG: Slinky outfits

ANDY SAYS: The Yeah Yeah Yeahs deliver less shock and more awe on their third album, a synthesizer-heavy outing. The trio, working again with producer Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio, move away from the art-punk shout of earlier work. The result is less raucous, but plenty memorable.

GRADE: B-plus

Handsome Furs, “Face Control”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

WHY CARE: The husband-wife team of Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry release their second album, out now on Seattle’s Sub Pop Records.

TRIVIA: Boeckner also sings lead for Sub Pop band Wolf Parade.

STANDOUTS: Boeckner is at his most jittery during the cowbell-friendly rocker “I’m Confused.”

FANS DIG: Matrimony

ANDY SAYS: The Handsome Furs are being compared to Springsteen thanks to their snare-heavy beats and gritty lyrics like, “I hope this life don’t get you down. It’s a dirty old time in a dirty old town.” Springsteen never used a synthesizer like these two, though. The duo ends up finding the middle ground between dimly lit bars and discotheques.

GRADE: B

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.