I was thinking about this whilst listening to Merriweather Post Pavilion this morning*. I reckon if I had £1 for every time someone had cited Pet Sounds in reviewing this album I'd have... ooh, £23.

So - music journalism comparism tropes:

Scenario: Harmonies more complicated than Noel singing "la la la" over the top
Comparism: The Beach Boys

Scenario: British band records good debut album
Comparism: The best debut album since Definitely Maybe

Scenario: Female singer with slightly husky voice
Comparism: Like a young Billie Holiday

Your turn.