Like many of the dream-pop bands of their ilk Real Estate make albums where no particular song radically departs from the other. Instead, Days Byrdsian jangle prefers to paint an evocative all-encompassing mood. That being said each song has it's merits playing it's part in the rich tapestry intricately woven by the band.

No pain, no game. Less sand, more gain. Going against the grain has never been so appealing. These days they all be swinging their guitars to 'God Save The Queen', bragging about every little offense they committed while their music contains a lot more self conscious individual. It's still better than the hipster music-fashion brigade though. However, this isn't either. It didn't go through the cutter. It's not a fight album and it's not waiting for a rescue. With songs like 'Easy' and 'It's Real' you get cute and tiny guitar ditties which are sure to bloom into beautiful beasts if you keep them in your mind, well feed and looked after. 'Kinder Blumen'... has anything ever sounded so charming? Really... there is more sugar here than gallon of Pepsi! It's like Morrissey finding his one true love and spending their one year anniversary. Cuddling on the beach he once wanted to go up in atomic flames and realizing it isn't so bad after all. Who cares if it rains? Adds texture to the sand. Serenading with the jingle jangle guitar and little bells. Every song hits and winner or goodun at least. Although... before I raise your expectations too high I must inform you that Morrissey does not in fact appear on the album. I suppose I should be saying that if you like The Smiths and you enjoy teddy bears too, this album might be a winner. You could go and listen either way though. Song writing is one quell above the parchment. In other words, great.

slowburner from hell... Some tracks do stand out to me, but for the most part it just kind of blends and ends up being somewhat bland. Ill give it a few more listens, call it good.

Everything on this album just sort of blends together seamlessly. I mean no disrespect when I say that this is possibly the best album to fall asleep to. None of the tracks really stand out either way for me, as the entire album almost feels like 1 continuously long song. If I need an album to help me sleep or relax passing time, this is a terrific choice.

nothing special and yet one of the most enjoyable albums i've listened to. It's my go to album when i can't decide what to listen to.

A slow burner, that demands repeat listens.
BUT, here's my initial response.

Sounds like 'old school' indie from the 80's, but without the pretensions & an image declaring their identity.
There is Smiths-like guitars here, but on 'Days' they are used to add texture rather than statements.
A lot of the songs have a 'samey-ness' without having any obvious hooks to separate them. The vocals are not in the forefront, preferring to tone and layer, rather than dominate.
It is this sound that identifies Real Estate. A unified tension, dense and well grounded, where a wave of jingles and jangles wash over. They avoid being twee or transparent.

In this sense, they are closer in style to bands like 'Felt' (but less nocturnal and more pastoral.)

Somehow I think that whatever Real Estate do after 'Days' will be what will makes or break them.
(Maybe I need to live with this album a bit longer before making that statement)
They have amazing potential and a refreshing integrity. They deserve to be heard.

Definitely a band that I will be watching in the future.

I feel that every bad thing you'll hear about this album is true. Bland, inoffensive, boring, uninteresting, too indie, musical wallpaper (almost like Coldplay hehe... Except P4k likes it), ... Nothing on the album really stands out, neither musically, nor lyrically. At the same time it is one of the most enjoyable experiences of the year for me and right now I don't feel like listening to anything else. It's an album to "chill" to. And it seems a bit unsuitable for winter time, I think this screams "a summer album" like no other.
My current rating reflects my current mood about this album, and it could change to worse if I get tired of it soon. But as I said, this is something to play when I'll need something to chill to, maybe when driving somewhere or whatever, and right now it just feels as the best thing ever made for such "purpose".
Ugh.. it's ridiculous really, I should be making fun of it... "Oh Whoa Whoa Whoa Oh Oh It's real" , "La la la la municipality, whoa oh not anything like my reality...."
hahahahaha god I love it
85/100

A decent album. Psychedelia indie rock. It's pretty relaxing, and some nice lyrics. A great unexpected 2011 release.