#44 - Ryan & Steve

Junior Boys

So This Is Goodbye

2006

A soulful electronic duo that began with a promising debut in '04, but I can't say I expected something as emotive and pure as "So This Is Goodbye". Filled with deep and elegiac synth lines along with soft-spoken vocals, this record always has the ability to pull a heartstring or two for me. One of my favorite songs from the '00s resides on this record, the ineffable "Count Souvenirs".

Few blend dance music and confessional songwriting as effortlessly as the Junior Boys. These are personal songs that just so happen to have a strong enough beat to groove to - no small feat. The directly emotive quality of these tunes are exactly what attracted me to them in the first place, but alas, it seems like the electronic dance side has overtaken a bit on the '09 follow-up, "Begone Dull Care". As long as their hearts are still on their sleeves, I'll be listening. -S.R.

From start to finish, this album glides like a falcon. Few records have ever made me feel as relaxed and at ease with life as this one. To top it off, the Junior Boys actually have very interesting lyrics as well that touch on real-life emotions. This would be a great album to listen to while doing Yoga, studying, or simply riding on the el train like I do every day. I love every second of it. - Phil