Underachievers Please Try Harder [Elefant]

Camera Obscura: Kenny McKeeve (vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica); Tracyanne Campbell (vocals, guitar); Carey Lander (vocals, piano, organ); John Henderson (vocals, percussion); Nigel Baillie (trumpet); Gavin Dunbar (bass); Lee Thomson (drums).
Additional personnel: Willie Gamble (pedal steel guitar); Americo Alhucena (flute); Geoff (stylophone, percussion, sound effects).
Personnel: John Henderson (vocals, percussion); Geoff Allan (percussion).
Photographer: Stuart Murdoch.
Scottish outfit Camera Obscura hit their apotheosis with 2006's LET'S GET OUT OF THIS COUNTRY, but that album's predecessor, 2003's UNDERACHIEVERS PLEASE TRY HARDER, lays the groundwork for the band's greatness. With its guileless air, gorgeous arrangements, and solid songcraft, UNDERACHIEVERS proves the band worthy successors to the indie pop crown held by their countrymen Belle & Sebastian.
Camera Obscura's albums are so well written and put together it is difficult to pick highlights or favorites. From the sparkling, delicate folk-pop of opener "Suspended from Class" to the nostalgia-tinged doo-wop of "A Sister's Social Agony" and the breezy charm of "Teenager," the album is a nonstop stream of enchanting melodies and hooks.