(Independent, 2008)

Let me give you the bad news first, as there’s really only one criticism I can think of when it comes to Organs for Sale, the solid debut from Newfoundland’s The Human Soundtrack: Simply put, it’s too much of a good thing.

Regular readers could probably see this coming a mile away, as I rarely let an album that’s close to an hour in length by without a slap on the elongated wrist.  That said, I can’t help but agree with the astute bloggerly veterans at Herohill who admit that they didn’t feel that there were any songs in particular that needed to be cut.  Basically, the lengthy track listing just makes it hard to really digest, but Organs for Sale is an enjoyable first effort to be sure.

That said, you know the situation isn’t very dire when my only complaint is that I’m being given too much of a good thing. In fact, the recommendations for this album are already coming from all over, as not only did i (heart) music have some glowing words for Organs for Sale, but it was fellow Newfoundlander Tim Baker of Hey Rosetta! who bid me to check out The Human Soundtrack in the firstplace (funnily enough, I found the new HR! album too long as well…).

Of course, even a nitpicking jerk like myself can’t help but be pacified in face of undeniable songs like “Baby’s Are the New Pursedogs”—which features Jenn Grant on back-up vocals (previously featured here)—and “All Those Staring People.” In fact, the former is tied with “Beggar’s Blankets” as my favourite song title of recent memory.

On a wider scale, throughout the entirety of Organs for Sale The Human Soundtrack manage to enviably present songs that are upbeat while remaining reflective; melodic, yet wrought with a concern for the human condition. The result is a listening experience that goes beyond simply being enjoyable, as it’s also uplifting, which is a commendable feat.

Sure, it might have seen more repeats in my headphones had it been paired down to a slightly more digestible size, but Organs for Sale has got so much going for it that I’m not about to let that stop me from enjoying it thoroughly.

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The Human Soundtrack - Allthosestaringpeople

Hear more at the band’s Myspace page or grab a digital copy of Organs for Sale here.