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But really no album would put you off
Bow and arrows really only rated for "the rat"

Bows & Arrows > Lisbon > You & Me > Heaven

but they're all really good. Seriously consistent band. Bows & Arrows is indeed rougher and louder, but it's also got some lovely organ tones and some beautiful slower songs. It's the most complete album for me. And it's got this wonderful woozy, old-timey feel about it, like being drunk at Christmas in New York in the '50s (or so I imagine).

Of those, I reckon You & Me is a good starting point. Alongside Heaven, it is probably the most acceptable, but it is more representative of their rougher sound. I don't get the Bows & Arrows criticism...but anyway, after You & Me, try Lisbon, which is overall my favourite.

Bows and arrows has more to fifer than just the rat

My old man , little house of savages for starters.

Offer not fifer, stupid bastard fat fingers......I've been doing this all fucking week

or something close to that off some split they did and then don't listen to anything else

but each album has a few, save the 'Heaven.' I'd say just go through their discography in chronological order. Or at least start with 'Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone.' Not the best title but it's a beautiful album, especially in winter

You may also finish here

You & Me - masterpiece, elegant, engaging and superbly written;
Heaven - underrated, have some very special and catchy songs, could be my album of the year;
Lisbon - lovely record, the concert in Lisbon (Coliseu dos Recreios) was very intense and unforgettable;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GadzxzSV05U

I was at a similar juncture but surely you can't go wrong with change from a fiver...

I find it really unmemorable. Maybe you'll get more out of it than me though.

Bows & Arrows is my favourite. Think I have all of them apart from the newest one.

is 'everyone who pretended to like me is gone'

it sounds pretty different to everything else they've done, very lo-fi but has a melancholy cynicism about it that they've rarely captured elsewhere and some beautiful songs.

Don't get that one. The others are all good. That's still ok I guess too.

It's flawless.

then you will love them forever.

You & Me is their best album by some stretch, Lisbon is pleasant but pales in comparison really. Bows and Arrows might be their most anthemic, if that's what you're looking for.

by far and away their most consistent and beautiful record.

I struggle to think that anyone who prefers Lisbon has properly given the time to its predecessor. A masterpiece and a footnote.

I'd argue that, after Hundred Miles Off & Pussy Cats, Lisbon is their weakest offering.

then all the others, even the ones that have barely been mentioned here (Hundred Miles Off and Everyone...) are well worth listening to.

great art work too