They’ve been pretty constant because the music and direction are from mostly one person: Eric Ellbogen. He writes and records his music, usually at home on his mac. Well their latest album is called Oohs & Aahs and it was just released last Tuesday, March 3^rd, through Barsuk Records.

I managed to listen to the album three times, as I’m writing this, so it’s a really short, but sweet, album. Sweet songs includes organ-sounding “Audrey” and “The Stars Just Blink For Us”. Ellbogen’s vocals reminds me of lazy-man Strokes singer, Julian Casablancas, on these songs.

“November Was White, December Was Grey” was the lead single/song that they released in anticipation to this album, which had great a right-only speaker guitar playing, but forgettable. His singing on this one had a lot of breathing too, which I didn’t really enjoy. If you don’t believe me, you can download the song yourself via Spin.com. The only good news is that Winter is almost gone here… and yes, I’ll feel a lot better once Winter’s gone.

My favorite song on the album is quite upbeat. It’s called “One, Two … One” and it’s just one of those songs that I can just play over and over again. The low quality guitar and percussions makes it very simple to dance and groove to.

Plus clapping is always a bonus!

Overall, these songs are short pop songs, with analog/mono homemade sound quality - that’s endearing and personal. They are setting out on tour to promote this album for 2009, so be sure to check them out if they’re touring your area. I may try and catch them at SXSW, but since they’re returning to Minneapolis in April, it will be no big deal if I miss them in all the SXSW madness.

You can buy all of Say Hi’s records via our favorite record label or online at amazon.