my first impression of #23, I've had it for 2 days and listened to it about 12 times.

Cobalt Blue - Excellent track. Just when you think it's not right for an opening church track, the guitar kicks in and you know it's right. It's not dark and brooding like sealine, block, destination etc. but its not jangle pop either. A sealine/Block icy-type brooder would have been great with Cobalt being track 2 but this way is great too.
Dead Mans Hand - Might be my favorite on the record. Just pure Church perfection.
Pangaea - Perfect, warm, dreamy tune. Perfect church.
Happenstance - Again, just perfect Church. The guitars are sublime and the lyrics are beautiful.
Space Savior - In My opinion, the worst song on the record. Does nothing for me. The last 3 albums (plus beside yourself) have had a track with "space" in the title. I don't like any of them.
On Angel Street
- I usually don't like these types from the band. However, this one has an "ache" to it that is just so desperate, so longing. Wonderful mood piece and quite sad.
Sunken Sun- Incredible song. The guitars just make me want to cry. Tar heel said it's no good but I just can't understand his take. This is a beautiful song.
Anchorage - I don't like it much. I think for the same reason I dont like "Overview" on the last album. Too much formula on this song and the chorus is rather lame in my opinion.
Lunar - This is the only song on the record that I would call "filler". It's not bad but it doesn't grab me. Somewhat drab and the chorus at the end doesn't sound too inspired.
Operetta- Reminds me of "Summer". The harmonizing is nice. The whole song is a delight. Perfect closer.

I would have to say that this is their best since HOB or perhaps even P=A, the best album ever written (by anyone).
Kilbeys voice is amazing as always.
Time will sort out the reality of it. We shall see where this one ranks for me in another year or so.

Last Edited By: neverness May 16 09 11:41 PM. Edited 6 times.