Another limp wristed sappy American band who's vocals suggest that they're not even close to getting over it, whatever it is.

The second track(and perhaps nine)is ok simply by virtue of it's dynamic shifts/guitar line but the rest is tiresome, immature and a little pathetic. These are grown men, singing like they still haven't got over that 'high school love'. How many more bands can there be that employ some whinny voiced singer and write songs about there bad fortune.

Bands like this make acts like Pete Doherty look good.

Also, it sound's like the shins, without any of the stylishly crafted songs.

Rubbish.

O.

First of all, this is poor and not a patch on the Band of Horses debut. To hear on release that this was the band's shot at the big time was of course a worry, and several months after purchase I remain ambivalent to the charms of this overblown and over-produced offering. There are some great tracks, worthy siblings of album no.1, but sadly too much of Cease to Begin is overly self aware and, thus, the very opposite of Everything all the Time. Raw edges are what we love, surely? BUT WHAT REALLY GETS MY GOAT, are those five star reviews where the reviewers fail to justify the 'excellence' rating. Nowadays there is no light and shade: everything is AMAZING - or crap. And how I hate that word 'amazing'. It used to mean something that did truly amaze, like an Osprey plucking trout from a lake or a gypsy juggling bicycles. But now, no, amazing can mean anything: even the Band of Horses. Please Amazon, crack open another five stars and let's do a ten star rating system: for those who are easily amazed, the temptation for five out of five seems all too strong and, thus, groups the true classics with the five minute blunders.

Not being a diehard fan, and coming across this album the same way I found 'Everything' its almost the same situation... a few tracks that grab you straight off the bat.. 'Boat to Row' 'Ghost' 'Island'

Some of these are haunting like the jems on the first album, some are a bit more upbeat and kinda make you do a U-turn on the artsit comparison list your going to give to your friends..

So... I think there are songs here that will get you straight off.. then after a few weeks/listens youll discover new favourites. I'd day the album is slightly more polished/mature than Everything.. but then again thats pretty subjective.

4 out of 5.. if you liked thier first album.. this should satisfiy, and if you get more out of it than I did, then well done you.

I have not heard the first album, but I had heard the band performing songs from this album, live. 'Ghost' has a very 'haunting' melody and sets the listener up well for the rest of the tracks. The whole album moves along at a very good pace and is great for playing in the car, where the CD resides at the moment. Try not to let 'Ghost' get into your head or you will keep on humming it to yourself all day long.
A highly recommended album.

Band of Horses are new to me I bought the albums after hearing them by chance. Excellent albums both of them. I can hear the Cold Play resemblence as other reviewers, but the main similarity for me is "Flamming Lips" very similar sound. Clean, clear, melodic, superb albums.