"Yes, U" is the third album by the australian band The Devastations (Beggars Banquet's release).
imo , its one of the most beautiful albums of 2007 and it was a big surprise not to see anythin about them here , cause its the kind of music that metacritic members seem to love .

with dark , melancholic , hypnotic melodies that brings you in mind Nick Cave , Tindersticks , , National , Serge Gainsbourg , a complex production with rich orchestration , a tender voice that murmurs their stories of love , romanticism and sadness , they are bulidind slowly a sombrous and misty atmosphere.you are only need a glass of red wine , a ciggarette and the lights down to escape in their grey world...
(if only they were from Canada...)

http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/2382945
http://www.musicomh.com/albums/devastations-2_0907.htm
http://www.contactmusic.com/new/home.nsf/webpages/devastationsx03x09x07
http://goingdeafforaliving.blogspot.com/2007/09/album-devastations-yes-u.html
http://www.myspace.com/devastations
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=devastations&search=Search/

JGlass?

Yay! I didn't even realize there was a thread for them!

One of the things that I feel makes this album so great is how groovy it can be at times... while maintaining a somber tone. How do you accomplish that?

Also, the Cale-esque background whines and whirrs add a lot to the atmosphere of the album. Nick Cave also comes to mind whenever I hear Yes, U, so good call on that.

Oh! And to add to your link list, the TMT review:
http://www.www.tinymixtapes.com/Devastations

sounds right up my alley, i'll give them a try. thanx

Album of my winter!