Cast of Thousands

Cast of Thousands is Elbow’s second studio album, released August 18 2003, and preceded by the single “Fallen Angel.” As is customary with Elbow’s earlier albums, a bonus disc was completed, featuring a music video for every track, as well as the official music videos of the first two singles.

Lead singer Garvey has called these his “hedonistic years,” telling The Guardian in 2014:

The skin fell off my head and I couldn’t sleep for weeks

The record deals with Elbow’s typical daily dilemma’s and delights, including sleeping in on a lazy sunday, falling asleep next to your favourite person, and dealing with “idiots” on a daily basis. The band also utilised the London Community Gospel Choir on opener “Ribcage” and a raft of session players, performing additional vocals and strings.