Wonderful Stuff: Teen Dream

I never really liked Beach House until their new album, Teen Dream, dropped. They were too murky and moody for yours truly, plus they came off as a bunch of smug rich kids when I saw them open for the Walkmen back in December, 2008. This new one is undeniably good, however. It's full-bodied, and it sounds like they've reached their potential. The music is outstanding on every track, from the wailing guitar line on "Silver Soul" to the catchy drum beat on "Lover of Mine" to the achingly beautiful "Take Care." Gone are the days of Victoria Legrand singing like a bratty fifteen year old-she's a grown ass woman now. Beach House have hit a home run here, and they'll be hard pressed to make a better album than this.