Show Your Bones

Review

Common Sense Media says

OK, but doesn't make much sense. Teens and up.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the lyrics on this album are mostly so obtuse that it doesn't really matter what they're about. There's some sexual innuendo.

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What's the story?

On SHOW YOUR BONES, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show themselves maturing as songwriters and musicians. Much more musically focused, they seem to have more of a handle on the self-indulgent pretentiousness that tripped them up on Fever to Tell. Karen O is an incredibly uninhibited and expressive lead vocalist, and Nick Zinner shines on guitar. The rhythm section is strong and the songs are instrumentally much more interesting than this group's last time out. The lyrics, though, are obtuse and ridiculous, bordering on self-parody. "What, what did you do to your back/Kept soft thoughts cut lips carry pin back/ Junk jump off too much talk/Old hope breeds/Cold needs/Undress cold keys," yelps Karen on "Honey Bear."

Is it any good?

 

When all is said and done, attitude and performances are what carry the day on Show Your Bones, and there's enough of both to make it work pretty well. And maybe if you're 15, the lyrics make sense, too. Then again, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are a group of talented musicians, even if they are crying out for some well-crafted, well-written songs.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the lyrics, and try to figure out what they actually mean. Then you can all put your heads together and write some better songs.

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Release date:March 28, 2006
Label:Interscope Records
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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