It took me forever like this song in any way. It's, what, only 3+ minutes, but it always felt like a 6 minute song to me. I tried to like it, I really did, but I only got to the point of being able to tolerate it.

The album as a whole was a grower for me though.

There's at least 3 of us.

You people need to put down the can of Krylon and step away from the cumpled Doritos bag. I guess I can see BG not getting this, but the JAIL TWINS?! No, it ain't in step with their over all sound, but it is fucking Q-U-A-L...and a fine Yail Bloor theme song as well.

deleted by reason of idiocy

I am not incapable of admitting that I am wrong. So, I pulled out EWPTLMIG. And I still think it is the inferior album by far. It's got some great songs on it, but has a lot of filler. Really, it's sort of boring for a couple stretches. I personally like every single song on Bows + Arrows. To me the album is brilliant and heartbreaking. 138th Street and the title track are probably my favorite Walkmen songs, and there is no way I would ever fast forward through Hang On, Siobhan.

Anyway, I'll shut up now, but this has been a sticking point with me for a long time since EWPTLMIG was so hyped on the old CMJ boards whereas I never sensed that Bows and Arrows got a ton of respect here.

Gonna buy the new one tomorrow.

I listened to the first 6 songs off their latest album and had to turn it off. I doubt it'll even get a second chance, really didn't like it.

I listened to it for the first time last night, and again this morning. My pants are officially creamed. All I can say is WOW!

I love it. Not a bad track on it. Easily, my No. 1 so far.

Got my first two listens in. Excellent from start to finish.

I like it quite a bit after 2 listens, but definitely need to listen more. It annoys me, though, that nearly every song title is either the first words of the song or directly in the chorus.

you guys are sure making me curious considering i wasn't impressed at all by their previous 2

My opinion hasn't changed much since first spending some time with the record. I think my views are slightly more in-line with the Stylus and AMG takes, whereas I think several other reviews betray a latent dislike for Dylan's vocal delivery, etc. Like I said at first, I didn't think this was going to win them a bunch of fans, although I think it's a marvelous, rockin' record. Easily one of my favorites from the year.

I think I'll have to pick this up.

I've definitely given this record a lot of spins at this point, and I've also been fortunate in that i've seen them play this record live twice already (just saw them again last night). My conclusion: this record is way better live than it is on tape. That "directionless energy" that pitchfork rags about in their review is cocked and loaded and knocks you over when they play these songs live. Unfortunately, most of these songs don't have that effect for me through the speakers. The moral of the story: go see/hear it live, it's better that way.

Also, I'd give it about 50/50 that this is the Walkmen's swansong. The last three times I've seen them I keep getting the impression that they're ending their life-cycle as a band. Just a thought.

I listened to the first two Walkmen albums yesterday, pretty much the first time hearing them. I gotta say I was a bit surprised at how much people dig these guys. I thought it was kind of non-descript and generic. 'The Rat' was all right, I guess. And then there was that one tune that was on some car commerical or something. Other than that, it was forgettable.

can someone send me this?

Are you saying you have a strong opinion based on one listen? That's always dangerous but especially here. The first album really clicked for me after 4-5 months and then continued to grow for the next two years and I still love it as much as ever. .

I'll probably give it another listen, I know there are growers. I just honestly just found both of them kind of boring; I didn't hate them, there wasn't anything I would overtly criticize as unnecessary, with the possible exception of the overall length (generally when I'm checking to see how many tracks are left, it's worn out its welcome). I would probably give higher marks going to the debut album compared to Bows and Arrows, but not by too much. I was a bit surprised to feel that way because it's typically the kind of music I enjoy quite a lot. I think it deserves a few spins on the stereo before I give a final stamp of disapproval.

Yea, the first Walkmen album was a grower for me... it took months and months of attempts before it hit me. Now it's in my top 10 favorite albums of the 2000s.

this is very good on initial listen and maybe less spectacular now after a few weeks, but that's only because of overlistening on my part. this is really a great album...i need to give it a rest though.