IPod Candy

Sainthood (2009)
by Tegan and Sara

Canadian twins, Tegan and Sara, emerged on the scene in 1999 with their self released album Under Feet Like Ours. It’s been the slow burn of success ever since. Their sound can be classified as indie pop rock with an emphasis on individuality. They have toured extensively worldwide for the past 10 years and are currently on tour in the USA with Paramore. Their captivating songs and charasmatic stage personas have acquired them quite the dedicated fanbase through the years. Sainthood is their sixth studio album together. The title Sainthood is borrowed from a Leonard Cohen song, "Came So Far For Beauty". It draws together the themes of love, longing, idealism and romantic obsession.

This is an album to love IMMEDIATELY. It is the perfect representation of the Tegan and Sara sound, merging the quirk and rocky edge seemlessly. It combines the pop elements of their earlier efforts from the album If It Was You (2002), and the more mature facets of their album The Con (2007). As is the case with a Tegan and Sara album, it is inherently catchy and prone to take root in your mind playing itself over and over again. Much has been made of the song Paperback Head, since it was one of the first tunes written by both Tegan and Sara. That aside, Paperback Head is a stellar track. It has a sensual, gritty groove with a trip-inducing melody. The Ocean is also an exemplary song, with it's mind-racing tempo and stream of consciousness sexy. Their latest single, Northshore, has a frenetic pace and as the lyrics suggest it is absolutely so addictive. It's the sort of song that would be fun to sing in the shower. Taking a break from the rock, Night Watch is an aural maze, a unique tune, both puzzling and hypnotic. All that said, Hell is the standout song of the album. It is the toe-tapping, head-banging, definition of whimsical pop rock. If you are a Tegan and Sara fan and don't already have the album, RUN, DON'T WALK to the store and buy it. This one is a keeper, to be played in the car incessantly, listened to while working out, cleaning the house, and just chilling. You'll listen to it on repeat for weeks. I know I will.

Listen to music samples from the album here:
http://www.amazon.com/Sainthood-Tegan-Sara/dp/B002OHOECC

http://www.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=1943329&ap=1&albumid=13775063&songid=57412068&sms_ss=blogger

For more information, concert dates, and all that good stuff, visit their website:
http://teganandsara.com/



[Photo Credit: Pamela Littky]