With their second full-length album, Camera Obscura escapes the "shadow" of comparisons with kindred pals Belle & Sebastian. Their songs aren't nearly as satirical or demurely sarcastic as those of their fellow Scots ; rather, Camera Obscura express their harmonious melancholy in a much more straightforward manner, while still sharing an obvious love for infectious hooks born of 1960s folk-rock, mainstream pop, Motown, and new wave. Imagine if ABBA had lovably lo-fi basement/bedroom production, and you'll come close to the poignant charms of Camera Obscura's Let's Get Out Of This Country.

Scottish outfit Camera Obscura hit their apotheosis with 2006's Let's Get Out Of This Country, but that album's predecessor, 2003's Underachievers Please Try Harder, lays the groundwork for the band's greatness. With its guileless air, gorgeous arrangements, and solid songcraft, this album proves the band worthy successors to the indie pop crown held by their countrymen Belle & Sebastian. Camera... [more]