Okkervil River "The Stand Ins" (2008)

I really want to like this album.  It's smart. It's literate.  It's well played.  But somehow it just doesn't connect with me. 

Okkervil River "Golden Opportunities" (2007)

A free mixtape chocked full of covers!  What could be more delightful?  Okkervil have a stripped down sound here, with the occasional horn section adding color.  The overall effect is a mixture of The Decembrists and Calexico.  Highly recommended.