I’m pretty surre I’ve heard the argument made that every album, first through eleventy-billionth, is a band’s most important effort. Essentially, if you put out a horrible album, it can kill your career. When you get to sixth, the pool for comparison thins, and (under certain circumstances) it becomes a success in and of itself. This is where we are with Spoon and their newest, Transference.
Now, as I thought of other bands with six or more albums, my mind was of course drawn to Radiohead and analogies ran wild (hence the title). In a very rough way, Spoon is in the same place Radiohead was in with the release of Hail to the Thief (bear with me). The major difference being, Spoon’s last two albums have been their most accessible, while Radiohead’s 4th and 5th efforts were almost intentionally alienating. Spoon has picked up a lot of steam since “Gimme Fiction,” including multiple songs being featured on NBC’s “Chuck.” Accordingly, the boys were faced with a crossroad. A larger audience means more expectations. A good band shakes them with style. Radiohead (again same place, different circumstances) let loose and made the least accessible of their records with Hail to the Thief. Spoon, on the other hand, has taken a much more gradual step. (And no, I don’t think Spoon is better than Radiohead. Pshhh.)
On first listen, I was a little disappointed. I kept waiting for the radio-esque single and killer hook along the lines of “Don’t You Evah” or “I Summon You,” but it never really came. I was guilty of wanting another Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, but I got something different, a little more cohesive and a little darker. And while I think there is a stronger glue holding Transference together than previous albums, the same cohesion has made it less memorable. By no means is Transference a flop. It has its own staying power, but it isn’t a catchy staying power.
Spoon’s bread and butter lies in not trying too hard, and they haven’t fled camp. The Spoon of old is recognizable, just with a few new tricks. They’ve been evolving over time, think “The Ghost of You Lingers,” and in due course Transference contains just a few more “Ghost”-like tracks. There is some synth-percussion on “Who Makes Your Money,” strange vocal delays on “Is Love Forever?,” and mid-song “I Saw the Light” completely changes directions, but for the most part it works.
Considering where Spoon is in their career, Transference makes sense. If they don’t start broadening out, all of their quirks will become predictably unpredictable. The same thing that has made Spoon so likable (simple, low-fi pop), is also their handcuff. There is only so much you can do with a buzzy guitar, drum, and an old upright piano. I see Transference as being a sort of stepping stone. A stepping stone with substance. Not my favorite album of the young year, but one I’m glad to have in my library.
You can also check out a listen of the new album at NPR.
Merge Records has announced the release of Spoon’s follow-up to the infectious Ga Ga Ga Ga. Transference, the band’s 7th full-length album, was produced by the band itself and is scheduled to hit stores in the U.S. on January 18th.
The album will be preceded by a vinyl 7″ release of the first single, “Written in Reverse.” It will be available for purchase on January 5th and will include an exclusive B-side, “Mean Red Spider”, which won’t be available digitally.
Bob Boilen, the host of NPR’s All Songs Considered, had the opportunity to hear half of the album in the car of one of his publicist friends. He had nothing but good things to say about the record. “Lots of people can play a poignant guitar part, but the next part of the art is mixing it at the right volume, placing it in the best position in the stereo field to serve the song, and putting just the right effect on it to either blend well with the song or act as counterpoint. That care and craft is what I was hearing in Transference.”
This past summer Spoon released a 3-track EP called Got Nuffin that is worth checkin’ out. The title track of which will also be found on the new record. After a few more U.S. dates in early December, they will head over to the UK in early February to begin touring in support of the new album. Here is the tracklist as well as a few live versions of some songs that will be found on Transference.
Tracklist
01. Before Destruction
02. I Love Forever?
03. The Mystery Zone
04. Who Makes Your Money?
05. Written in Reverse
06. I Saw the Light
07. Trouble Comes Running
08. Goodnight Laura
09. Out Go the Lights
10. Got Nuffin
11. Nobody Gets Me But You
Waxploitation records has just released the second installment of their ongoing benefit series for Darfur. 100% of all profits made on this stellar compilation will go to Doctors Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam America. Each of these three organizations are doing incredible things to help those suffering from the crises taking place in Darfur.
Several of the best indie artists in the business have donated rare and exclusive songs for this great cause. So I encourage you to go to iTunes or Amazon and download these tracks. It is a great way to get some new music and love your neighbor at the same time. You should also check out Causes 1, which is also loaded with great artists, such as Bright Eyes, The Shins, Spoon and Death Cab. And if you go to the Causes store, you can buy both albums for just $17.
Tracklist for Causes 2
Black Moth Super Rainbow – Happy Melted City
The Decemberists – After The Bombs (Live Version)
Devendra Banhart – White Reggae Troll
Diplo – Wassup Wassup (Exclusive Samim Remix)
Federico Aubele – Luna y Sol
Gnarls Barkley – Mystery Man
LCD Soundsystem – Starry Eyes Original (Causes Exclusive)
My Morning Jacket – Highly Suspicious (VHS or Beta DJs Remix)
Matthew Dear – When She Don’t Need Me (Causes Exclusive)
Mum – Asleep In A Hiding Place
Neon Neon – I Lust U Feat. Cate le Bon (DJ Eli Escobar Remix)
Richard Swift – Wastin’ M’Time
RJD2 – Wherever
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – It Hurts To Be Alone
Tim & Eric – Petite Feet (Exclusive Devlin & Ghostdad Remix Feat. Sylvia Gordon)
There are a few things that get me to sit on my butt and stare at a television set all day long and not regret doing so. And on that short list along with March Madness and the World Cup, is the Olympics. The Olympics is the most recent addition to this list, because 2004 was the first time I really watched the Olympics. And then I only really watched it because I wanted to spend time with this really hot girl I liked (who I later decided to marry). Anyway I decided that this event was worth of a post. So here is my post in honor of the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.
So China in my opinion really raised the bar when it came to the opening ceremonies. I really enjoyed watching the theatrics of it all. They continued to just wow the crowd and the millions watching all over the world. So in honor of the events that have taken place and are going to be happening for next couple of weeks, I have created a little olympic-style playlist for you all. If you like you can leave a comment and vote for your favorite songs and then maybe I’ll hand out some medals. Anyway. Here is the playlist. Hope your ears bleed.
Spoon – Transference (released Jan. 18th)
There are a few things that get me to sit on my butt and stare at a television set all day long and not regret doing so. And on that short list along with March Madness and the World Cup, is the Olympics. The Olympics is the most recent addition to this list, because 2004 was the first time I really watched the Olympics. And then I only really watched it because I wanted to spend time with this really hot girl I liked (who I later decided to marry). Anyway I decided that this event was worth of a post. So here is my post in honor of the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.
