Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (CYHSY) is an indie rock band formed in 2004 in Brooklyn, New York. The band’s lineup consists of Alec Ounsworth on vocals and guitar, Robbie Guertin on guitar and keyboard, Tyler Sargent on bass guitar, Lee Sargent on guitar and Sean Greenhalgh on drums. CYHSY’s music features catchy melodies, intricate guitar riffs, and Ounsworth’s distinctive and sometimes quirky vocals.
The band first gained widespread attention with their self-titled debut album in 2005, which was self-released and promoted through word-of-mouth and social media. The album’s unique sound and Ounsworth’s distinctive vocal style earned the band critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Since then, CYHSY has released six studio albums, each showcasing their signature blend of indie rock, pop and electronic influences. The band’s music often features themes of introspection, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability, with lyrics that are both poetic and relatable.
Throughout their career, CYHSY has maintained a DIY ethos, self-releasing their music and handling their own promotion and touring. This has allowed them to maintain creative control and stay true to their artistic vision, while also building a dedicated following of fans who appreciate their independent spirit and unique sound.
1. “The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth”
“The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth” is an indie rock anthem by the American band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The song features a catchy guitar riff, driving percussion, and a distinctive vocal delivery that combines yelps and falsettos with a deadpan delivery. The lyrics are abstract and open to interpretation, with themes of identity, freedom, and escapism. The chorus is an infectious earworm, inviting the listener to sing along with the refrain “And the flashbulbs explode in the dead of this night, it’s a joke, nobody knows anything.” “The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth” is a standout track that captures the band’s unique blend of infectious melodies, quirky lyrics, and offbeat energy.
2. “Details of the War”
“Details of the War” is a song by the indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, released in 2005 on their self-titled debut album. The song features a jangly guitar riff and Alec Ounsworth’s distinctive vocals, which alternate between a soft, crooning style and a more intense, emotive delivery. The lyrics of “Details of the War” are about the emotional toll of conflict, with the narrator describing the physical and psychological scars left behind. The song showcases CYHSY’s ability to combine catchy hooks with deep, introspective themes, and has become a fan favorite among their catalog.
3. “Let the Cool Goddess Rust Away”
“Let the Cool Goddess Rust Away” is a dreamy and atmospheric indie rock song by the American band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The song features a hypnotic melody, intricate guitar work, and haunting vocals that create a moody and introspective mood. The lyrics explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Singer and songwriter Alec Ounsworth delivers a vulnerable and emotive vocal performance that captures the song’s melancholic and reflective mood. “Let the Cool Goddess Rust Away” is a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to weave intricate melodies and poetic lyrics into a captivating and evocative listening experience.
4. “Underwater (You and Me)”
“Underwater (You and Me)” is a song by the indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, released in 2007 on their second album “Some Loud Thunder.” The song features a driving beat, shimmering guitar riffs and Alec Ounsworth’s distinctive, emotive vocals. The lyrics of “Underwater (You and Me)” are about the transformative power of love, with the narrator describing the feeling of being “saved” by a romantic partner. The song showcases CYHSY’s ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics, and has become one of their most popular and enduring tracks.
5. “Satan Said Dance”
“Satan Said Dance” is an infectious and high-energy indie dance-rock song by the American band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and a playful vocal delivery that blends falsetto and spoken word elements. The lyrics are surreal and absurd, with themes of hedonism, temptation, and self-destructive behavior. The chorus is a catchy earworm that invites the listener to dance along with the refrain “Satan, Satan, Satan, Satan, Satan said dance!” “Satan Said Dance” is a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to blend indie rock with danceable rhythms, making it a fan favorite and a highlight of their live performances.
6. “Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood”
“Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood” is a song by the indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, released in 2005 on their self-titled debut album. The song features a propulsive beat, angular guitar riffs, and Alec Ounsworth’s distinctive, yelping vocals. The lyrics of “Upon This Tidal Wave Of Young Blood” are about the search for meaning and purpose in life, with the narrator describing a sense of alienation and disorientation in a world that can seem overwhelming and chaotic. The song showcases CYHSY’s ability to combine a raw, energetic sound with introspective and philosophical lyrics, and has become a fan favorite among their catalog.
7. “Misspent Youth”
“Misspent Youth” is a wistful and nostalgic indie rock song by the American band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The song features a stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar and minimal percussion providing a backdrop for singer Alec Ounsworth’s emotive vocal delivery. The lyrics explore themes of regret, longing, and the passing of time, reflecting on the experiences and mistakes of youth. Ounsworth’s vocals are tender and vulnerable, conveying a sense of sadness and introspection that is both haunting and beautiful. “Misspent Youth” is a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to create intimate and introspective moments of quiet beauty amidst their energetic and eclectic indie rock sound.
8. “Emily Jean Stock”
“Emily Jean Stock” is a song by the indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, released in 2014 on their album “Only Run.” The song features a pulsing beat, shimmering synths, and Alec Ounsworth’s emotive vocals. The lyrics of “Emily Jean Stock” are about a fictional character named Emily, who is struggling with the pressures and expectations of modern society. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of identity, self-doubt, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. The song showcases CYHSY’s ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes while delivering insightful and relatable lyrics.
9. “Impossible Request”
“Impossible Request” is a poignant and introspective indie rock ballad by the American band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The song features a delicate and emotive piano melody, combined with singer Alec Ounsworth’s vulnerable and evocative vocal performance. The lyrics explore themes of loss, regret, and the passage of time, with a sense of melancholy and yearning that is both heartfelt and raw. The chorus is a powerful and cathartic moment, with Ounsworth repeating the refrain “I know it’s a lot to ask, but please stay.” “Impossible Request” is a standout track that showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant and vulnerable moments of pure beauty.
10. “Loose Ends”
“Loose Ends” is a song by the indie rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, released in 2017 on their album “The Tourist.” The song features a catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and Alec Ounsworth’s distinctive, emotive vocals. The lyrics of “Loose Ends” are about the aftermath of a romantic relationship, with the narrator reflecting on the memories and emotions that linger even after a breakup. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of regret, nostalgia, and the struggle to let go of the past. The song showcases CYHSY’s ability to blend catchy hooks with thoughtful and introspective lyrics.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
