Tegan and Sara - Sainthood

[Drew Beringer]

Tegan and Sara – Sainthood
Release Date: October 27, 2009
Record Label: Sire/Vapor

“I practiced on my sainthood/I gave to one and all/But the rumours of my virtue/They moved her not at all”

The lyrics from Leonard Cohen’s 1976 song, “Came So Far For Beauty,” work as the inspiration behind Sainthood, the sixth studio album from twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin. For the last ten years, the Canadian musicians have worn their hearts on their sleeves with their music. Starting out as the little folk duo that could, the sisters have matured into one of the finest indie rock bands today. They’ve beautifully grown into their song writing and Sainthood is a testament to that, as it is the finest work of their career.

Yes, the theme of the album still revolves around relationships, but Sainthood features the best lyrics the sisters have ever written. Continuing the trend set on 2007’s The Con, Tegan and Sara’s lyrics go deeper than the typical relationship drama. The struggle, grief, and bitterness bleed and breathe throughout the album. In one instance, Tegan wants to make a relationship work, only to realize it’s futile on the aptly titled, Cure-tinged “The Cure.” Immediately after, Tegan closes herself off to every one on the punk-flavored “Northshore.” The lyrics throughout Sainthood convey many emotions. Frankly, the conversations here are just more adult. Over the eerie, electronic vibe of “Night Watch,” Sara admits, "I need distance from your body / I deserve this anguish on my house." You’d never hear a line like this even five years ago from this band, displaying the lyrical strides Tegan and Sara have made.

But let’s not overlook the music now. Sainthood is Tegan and Sara flexing their muscles. From the stuttering synth and bass patterns on opener “Arrow” to the piano-pop groove of “Alligator,” the compositions from the Quin’s have never been better. Each track sounds confident. First single “Hell” is a guitar-driven rocker right out of Alkaline Trio’s playbook, while “Don’t Rush” features a gritty bass line from Death Cab For Cutie's (and album producer) Chris Walla. A consistent highlight of Sainthood is the prevalence of keys, whether they are in the form of synthesizer or piano, as they really flesh out a good portion of the songs.

The Quin sisters have a knack for closing out their albums strongly, and Sainthood is no different. “Sentimental Tune” is a delicious pop number that is brought to climax with just the right amount of strings, while the vibrant “Someday” displays that internal struggle that the Quin sisters always seem to face. It sums up the message of Sainthood quite nicely; themes of self-assurance, fear, denial, and confidence all exude from the final track, as well as throughout the album.

With Sainthood, Tegan and Sara have proven that they’ve perfected the three-minute-and-under indie pop song while having the lyrical depth to give each track substance. Sainthood delivers a wide variety of moods, tempos, and vibes throughout its thirteen tracks, and it excels in all four phases of the game – lyrics, musicianship, vocals, and production – thus making it one of the essential records to own in 2009. Tegan sings on “Someday” that she “Might write something I might want to say to you someday, might do something I'd be proud of someday. Mark my words, I might be something someday.” With Sainthood, that someday is now.

Track Listing:
1. Arrow
2. Don’t Rush
3. Hell
4. On Directing
5. Red Belt
6. The Cure
7. Northshore
8. Night Watch
9. Alligator
10. Paperback Head
11. The Ocean
12. Sentimental Tune
13. Someday
Produced by: Chris Walla & Tegan and Sara

Official Website (http://www.teganandsara.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/teganandsara); Official AP.net Profile (http:// www.absolutepunk.net/teganandsara)

[Drew Beringer]

98% certain this will be my 2009 AOTY.

[Argentine]

I'm excited and pumped for this album. I pre-ordered this off iTunes...
AND I NEVER DO THAT.
Great review.

[:-)]

Holy fucking shit, 10 for reviewer tilt?
Whoa. I'm excited and pumped for this album. I pre-ordered this off iTunes...
AND I NEVER DO THAT.
Great review. What's wrong with doing it?

[mrnegativezero]

98% certain this will be my 2009 AOTY.
Man, I knew it was good off of the stream. But AOTY? I think I'll have to buy it and give it a few spins to see if I can agree.

[Romancebled]

great review. this album is so damn good. in my top 10 of 2009 for sure.

[brenByah]

Have to give this more spins before I rank it, but at this point I still love the Con more. No Tegan and Sara song can stand up to "Nineteen" to me.

[Argentine]

Holy fucking shit, 10 for reviewer tilt?
Whoa. What's wrong with doing it?

I just download illegally, that's all. Nothing wrong with it.

[WakingTheMisery]

Negativity right here.

[TachyonEvan]

This has a solid chance at being my AOTY. Two of my favorite artists, period.

[Burn_Burn_Burn]

gotta give this a listen.

[brenByah]

Easily my favorite twin sister guitar duo from Canada, hands down.

[HometownHero]

Review seems more then a little biased

[bladerdude360]

I'm really excited to listen to this, Tegan and Sara has definitely grown on me over the past few years.

[Whalejaw]

I've been listening to this nonstop. Great album, I think it does surpass The Con.

[Drew Beringer]

Review seems more then a little biased
all reviews are biased.

[March_Faster!!]

I thought it was a pretty solid album too. Nice review.

[Javs]

Love this album. These girls are phenomenal. Definitely AOTY next to Metrics - Fantasies.

[HometownHero]

all reviews are biased.
True but I think only to a certain extent

[TachyonEvan]

What's your favorite song on the album?

[InBetweenAisles]

Really good review. I enjoyed reading it. I listened to this album so many times. Definitely going to pick it up. Really good CD.

[kemichels]

Negativity right here.
you don't like?

[mick2late]

This album is absolutely incredible, and it just keeps getting better with every listen. I have spun this countless times now and every time I start it over, I find something new to fall in love with. I did not think anything would beat out The Dangerous Summer for my top album of 2009 but this record is really blowing my mind.

[tragedyco]

stoked.

[Auals]

This album is absolutely incredible, and it just keeps getting better with every listen. I have spun this countless times now and every time I start it over, I find something new to fall in love with. I did not think anything would beat out The Dangerous Summer for my top album of 2009 but this record is really blowing my mind.
I have The Dangerous Summer album. It gets a fair bit of play, but it's not album of the year material. I'm seriously getting sick of hearing how much everyone here thinks it's their new god.

This album is great. I still need to listen to it a few more times.

[brenByah]

I have The Dangerous Summer album. It gets a fair bit of play, but it's not album of the year material. I'm seriously getting sick of hearing how much everyone here thinks it's their new god.

This album is great. I still need to listen to it a few more times.
what's it matter if they love a record you just think is just okay :shrug:

I can't wait to actually hear this in cd quality tomorrow.

[mick2late]

I have The Dangerous Summer album. It gets a fair bit of play, but it's not album of the year material. I'm seriously getting sick of hearing how much everyone here thinks it's their new god.

This album is great. I still need to listen to it a few more times.
I never said it is my new God or anything like that, but, to me, it is an incredibly excellent album. It has also had an incredibly personal connection with me, as well, which is really what music is all about. The music I listen to and enjoy is the music I can connect with on a personal level, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

[Spenny]

Amazing review, and I agree completely.
Initially it didn't hit me as hard as The Con did, but as time has passed I realized that this is truly their best work.

I think Northshore, Hell and On Directing are the standouts on first listen, but as I listened more I really started to dig pretty much every song on the album. Solid all the way through.

[Broden Terry]

If I listen before the end of the year, it'll definitely be a top five candidate.

[Spenny]

And I'm sick of people losing their shit over The Dangerous Summer. It's decent at best, forgettable at worst.

[Thedalylife]

This is definitely going to make an appearance in my top albums of '09. I know i'm in the minority that doesn't have The Con as their favorite Tegan and Sara album, and i thought that this record would continue the trend and make me long for the earlier sounds of So Jealous And If It Was You, but i was mistaken and Sainthood delivers on all fronts with Arrow and The Ocean being my two standouts.

[Auals]

Sorry, that wasn't meant to be a go at you personally mick2late. It's just that the amount of people who talk about it as the best album of the year are missing something.

I have no issue with them liking an album. It's their opinion (unless it's short stack) but album of the year should take a genre further, or envelope an idea perfectly. And I can't get past how much TDS sounds like a Starting Line cover band. Don't get me wrong, the album's great. But it's not AOTY material.

[0s0]

Holy fucking shit, 10 for reviewer tilt?
Whoa. What's wrong with doing it?
Because sometimes it's just like, "Meh, I'll get around to listening to it sometime" or "I'll just download the leak."

[bigmike]

True but I think only to a certain extent
Uhhh, are you serious right now? Have you ever read a review? You're aware that reviews are all opinion based and, therefore, 100% biased?

[Unreasonable]

I'm going to have to go and get this tomo... "better than The Con" ? That album grabbed me in the chest and wouldn't let go (could also have been the time I was going through then). Alas, I'm super excited for this now.

[HopeInLove]

Maybe its just me, but I think The Con is a lot better of an album. That isn't saying this album isn't good, I have been listening to it almost exclusively for a few days. I think almost any song on The Con is better then the best songs on Sainthood.

[HometownHero]

Uhhh, are you serious right now? Have you ever read a review? You're aware that reviews are all opinion based and, therefore, 100% biased?
A guy picks up an album. It is of his favorite all time band. He reviews the album. Of course it comes out in the 90%-100% range. Now an impartial person picks up the same album never before hearing this band or even of them. Writes a review. It comes out 90% - 100%. Whose review is more accurate?

[WakingTheMisery]

you don't like?
I find it to be on the boring side. Just more of the same. The Con was okay, this is something I won't go back to.

[bigmike]

A guy picks up an album. It is of his favorite all time band. He reviews the album. Of course it comes out in the 90%-100% range. Now an impartial person picks up the same album never before hearing this band or even of them. Writes a review. It comes out 90% - 100%. Whose review is more accurate?
Neither because music is subjective. And Tegan and Sara isn't Drew's favorite band of all time. Awesome blanket statement that isn't correct.

[HometownHero]

Neither because music is subjective. And Tegan and Sara isn't Drew's favorite band of all time. Awesome blanket statement that isn't correct.
Did not say that. You assumed? That was just an example. Just a band that someone holds in high regard then. Likes alot.

[bs7090]

not buying the hype on this. it leaves me bored. doesnt come close to the con for me.

[bs7090]

I find it to be on the boring side. Just more of the same. The Con was okay, this is something I won't go back to.
this. The Con had some intense replay value that i wish this had.

[bigmike]

Did not say that. You assumed? That was just an example. Just a band that someone holds in high regard then. Likes alot.
I did assume you were meaning Drew in your example. However, your example is still false given that music reviews are 100% opinion and opinions are subjective. This isn't something tangible that can be proven write or wrong.

[abusedcat]

I haven't listened to a bit of this record, not even the single.
My first experience will be tomorrow, after I swing by Best Buy after class.
Favorite band.

[Takk...Ros]

Did not say that. You assumed? That was just an example. Just a band that someone holds in high regard then. Likes alot.

I understand what you're saying, but isn't that what the reviewer tilt score is for? To let you know right off the bat how much a reviewer likes a band and you can therefore judge the review from that? (I could be wrong about that though. That's just what I've always assumed.)

[dave_rowely]

Great review, It's defiantly up there with The Con!!!! AOTY!!!

[BryterJonah]

Really don't get it with these two. Absolutely mediocre from everything I hear.

[EchoPark]

this is a laughable and biased shit of a review

As an album reviewer you have an obligation to your readers to correctly report on album without a slanted opinion. You could learn a thing or two from Chris Fallon

[SteveLikesMusic]

This is a pretty great album, but a few tracks bore me and stop it from being more than a 7.5ish out of 10 for me

[denissuxx]

woah

[sezzle]

pretty sure chris walla played bass, not hunter this time. great review drew, it's a brilliant album and deserves 93% :)

[xapplexpiex]

I love their album The Con. I might pick this up later.

[Vanilla Bear]

And I'm sick of people losing their shit over The Dangerous Summer. It's decent at best, forgettable at worst.

was it really necessary to throw a different band under the bus in a separate review?

[deezee]

This almost took the number one spot for me... Still it's a great album!

[Daigle lol]

Definitely going to be one of the better albums of the year. Great review.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

lol

[Holmieski]

Maybe its just me, but I think The Con is a lot better of an album. That isn't saying this album isn't good, I have been listening to it almost exclusively for a few days. I think almost any song on The Con is better then the best songs on Sainthood.
completely agree with you

[stereokiller]

And I'm sick of people losing their shit over The Dangerous Summer. It's decent at best, forgettable at worst.
somebody's angry.

Tegan and Sara review, btw.

[runningohfive]

Tegan and Sara are awesome. This album fucking rocks!

[Drew Beringer]

pretty sure chris walla played bass, not hunter this time. great review drew, it's a brilliant album and deserves 93% :)
he does on some tracks, but Don't Rush was co-written by Tegan and Hunter, and I know Hunter plays bass on almost all of Tegan's songs.

[Drew Beringer]

this is a laughable and biased shit of a review

As an album reviewer you have an obligation to your readers to correctly report on album without a slanted opinion. You could learn a thing or two from Chris Fallon
Slanted opinion? Every review is opinion, my opinion is that this record is great. You don't agree? That's fine.

[JLG_Misha]

I miss the wierdness of The Con. This one seems like it didn't have as much thought put into recording it.

[zachff]

93%? That's Brand New territory there

[*Ro']

Really good record. There's a little bit of everything for everyone.
My review: http://dailymusicreviews.blogspot.com/2009/10/tegan-and-sara-sainthood.html

[tyramail]

i agree pretty much with this entire review. i am loving this album and it's a definite contender for album of the year.

[Julia Conny]

I've been really loving this album this week. I can't even wind it down to a favorite few tunes.

[Julia Conny]

i agree pretty much with this entire review. i am loving this album and it's a definite contender for album of the year.
I'm always amused by your username.

[thefoldsays]

pumped to buy this today!!!

[bummm]

I can't wait to listen. Hopefully I will love it as well.

[Derka Derka]

Such a great album. It'll probably end up in my top ten AOTY.

[NeededYouMost]

lesbos? lol jk, i know...they're...

[Gregory Robson]

I miss the wierdness of The Con. This one seems like it didn't have as much thought put into recording it.
I'm agreeing with you. This is no The Con. It's good, but it's not THAT good. Just my ten cents.

[Young Machetes]

I hadn't ever listened to a single song by them until this album. I'm absolutely floored by this, and I've henceforth downloaded everything else by them. Spot on review, Drew.

[trappedintime]

want. i've listened to it. and it is goooooooooood.

[ohitsmark]

This album might be the best one they have written so far.

[hxchairstylist]

great review. this album is so damn good. in my top 10 of 2009 for sure.
An avatar like that speaks volumes about you. Nice choice. :)

[brenByah]

And I'm sick of people losing their shit over The Dangerous Summer. It's decent at best, forgettable at worst.
Some people love the TDS record, you don't, big deal.

Favorite track is definitely The Ocean.

[brenByah]

I'm agreeing with you. This is no The Con. It's good, but it's not THAT good. Just my ten cents.
I agree, though I do love Sainthood. There's no song as big as Nineteen for me.

[Merkin]

hellllllllls yea!

[CarouselBoy]

this is a laughable and biased shit of a review

As an album reviewer you have an obligation to your readers to correctly report on album without a slanted opinion. You could learn a thing or two from Chris Fallon
how is his opinion slanted? You mean cause he likes it so much?



Sounds good. I was planning on picking this up anyway but this makes me want to hear it even more, especially since I liked the Con so much

[drewk16]

i came in skeptical as having never been a fan but this review is legit. this album is for real. top 10 this year for sure

[aircourtneys]

I love this Cd, by far their best stuff!

[theonlyguy]

Yay So Good!

[birtcho]

now i cannot wait to listen to this

[tyramail]

I'm always amused by your username.
haha, thanks :)

[Benny K]

I thought a band composed of twin lesbian anorexic sisters would produce something of more substance and obscurity. fuck, its been a long time since a circa album. i know you feel it too, these words get overused.

[Benny K]

oh, and the review sounds hasty and half-assed, like something id write for school

[brenByah]

I thought a band composed of twin lesbian anorexic sisters would produce something of more substance and obscurity. fuck, its been a long time since a circa album. i know you feel it too, these words get overused.
GTFO

[astaticskyline]

The Ocean is an extremely well-written song. wonderful

[makeoutmags]

This is most definitely #1 on my top albums of the year.

[SethGrandpa]

93%? Maybe I'm missing something. This album was slightly disappointing to me. While it's incredibly balanced, none of the songs grab you like the best 4-5 songs on both So Jealous an The Con. "Hell" is the only great song on the record. On top, of that the vocal passion and emotionality is nowhere near what it is on any previous T&S albums. I'd be closer to around a 70-75% and I LOVE T&S.

[cacophonous]

93%? Maybe I'm missing something. This album was slightly disappointing to me. While it's incredibly balanced, none of the songs grab you like the best 4-5 songs on both So Jealous an The Con. "Hell" is the only great song on the record. On top, of that the vocal passion and emotionality is nowhere near what it is on any previous T&S albums. I'd be closer to around a 70-75% and I LOVE T&S.
I'm with you. In fact, I liked it even less. I wish I was hearing what everyone else seems to be hearing.

[Romancebled]

An avatar like that speaks volumes about you. Nice choice. :)
thanks man. :-)

[Auals]

93%? Maybe I'm missing something. This album was slightly disappointing to me. While it's incredibly balanced, none of the songs grab you like the best 4-5 songs on both So Jealous an The Con. "Hell" is the only great song on the record. On top, of that the vocal passion and emotionality is nowhere near what it is on any previous T&S albums. I'd be closer to around a 70-75% and I LOVE T&S.
Oh, I loved the con. Songs like Nineteen are full of awesome. But this album has some great ones too. They don't really hit until you listen to it a few times. Northshore hit me first, it's just wow. The night watch. Hell obviously. On Directing was my least favourite, yet it's stuck in my head this album keeps growing on me.

[Gregory Robson]

93%? Maybe I'm missing something. This album was slightly disappointing to me. While it's incredibly balanced, none of the songs grab you like the best 4-5 songs on both So Jealous an The Con. "Hell" is the only great song on the record. On top, of that the vocal passion and emotionality is nowhere near what it is on any previous T&S albums. I'd be closer to around a 70-75% and I LOVE T&S.
Totally agree.

[jusscali]

I was never previously a fan, or that familiar with their material. It sounds alright - but more straightforward, safe indie fare done well if you ask me. I'm trying to engage with it more, but I'm having difficulty truly connecting with the tunes aside from "yeah, that's pretty good." I tend to find myself getting more into the music and droning out the relative monotony of the vocal performances. The lyrics are good, but as some have said, their seems to be a lack of passion in the presentation.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

A guy picks up an album. It is of his favorite all time band. He reviews the album. Of course it comes out in the 90%-100% range. Now an impartial person picks up the same album never before hearing this band or even of them. Writes a review. It comes out 90% - 100%. Whose review is more accurate?
If they both have the same score range, that would only make the biased review seem more valid.

[KillyourIdols88]

what is a Reviewer Tilt?

[YoTengoRabbi]

Good album... just felt they didn't live up to my expectations with this release.
I really like it... but I was hoping they would out-do The Con... which they proved is a near impossible feat.

[xjulianx89]

I just recently got into The Con. I plan on picking this up tomorrow.

They seem to be really good live..

[andresr200]

AOTY nominee! Along with The Dangerous Summer and Thrice

[SLoT]

I had never heard them before this album, but this is definitely in the running for my AOTY. It's simply incredible.

[tpnations]

Is this a good album to start with? Been meaning to get into them for a while.

[xjulianx89]

Is this a good album to start with? Been meaning to get into them for a while.
Well, everyone told me to start with The Con, which is what I started with. Been listening to it constantly since.

[brenByah]

Oh, I loved the con. Songs like Nineteen are full of awesome. But this album has some great ones too. They don't really hit until you listen to it a few times. Northshore hit me first, it's just wow. The night watch. Hell obviously. On Directing was my least favourite, yet it's stuck in my head this album keeps growing on me.
Although I like this record, no track on it can touch Nineteen for me.

[tpnations]

Well, everyone told me to start with The Con, which is what I started with. Been listening to it constantly since.
Many thanks.

[xjulianx89]

Although I like this record, no track on it can touch Nineteen for me.
Really? Granted, I haven't heard any of their other albums besides The Con (that will change tomorrow), but I don't think Nineteen is anywhere near the best song on the album - at least, not now I don't.

[brenByah]

Really? Granted, I haven't heard any of their other albums besides The Con (that will change tomorrow), but I don't think Nineteen is anywhere near the best song on the album - at least, not now I don't.
Personally, it's not only my favorite T&S song, it's probably one of my favorite songs period. I also really like "The Con" and "Are you ten years ago" most off that album. Nineteen really hits for me.

[TachyonEvan]

I don't know how I feel about this band entering everyone's consciousness with this album leak.

[xjulianx89]

Personally, it's not only my favorite T&S song, it's probably one of my favorite songs period. I also really like "The Con" and "Are you ten years ago" most off that album. Nineteen really hits for me.
'Are you ten years ago' would probably be my favorite. Every song is great.

[TachyonEvan]

:eyebrow:

[SilverWings]

I love Don't Rush. Fantastic chorus.

[Argentine]

so I've listened to it twice. it's not immediately catching me. It's their "sit down and spin it a few times" record.
But the production and songwriting is enough for a recommendation. lovely album.

[ciderLemon]

Still waiting for the CD to arrive... really looking forward!

[brenByah]

This definitely is a record that gets better after each listen.

[xjulianx89]

This definitely is a record that gets better after each listen.
This. I'm on my third listen. It just gets better and better.

Someday is probably my favorite track.

[tpen892004]

shits so catchy

[abusedcat]

This is, without a doubt, my favorite record this year.
"The Cure" might be my favorite song.

[pr0digy]

This definitely is a record that gets better after each listen.
100% agree....i literally can't stop listening to it at all....definitely my current AOTY

[Steeeve Perry]

One listen, and I fell pregnant. Take that as you may.

[NateFoundGlory]

New listener here, but I am borderline obsessed with "Hell"...I might have to pick this up soon. Great review.

[Mandeezy Geezy]

fair and honest review. Great album!

[toddc]

Chris Walla needs a lot more credit in that review. I think he's responsible for a lot of the keyboards, but maybe I could be wrong. I just thought the producer handles a lot of that stuff.

Just listen to some The Con demos -- obviously, demos are a simple shell of the song, but I think him and Jason McGerr (drummer on this album and The Con, as well) deserve a lot more credit. Walla in particular.

[trojanick]

Does this CD come in a jewel case (removable artwork)?