Transference, the redirection of feelings and desires, which is both the title and focus of Spoon’s seventh album and latest release. Spoon is more of a hands on band creating the record without the help of an outside producer, but it seems like Spoon has had a do-it-yourself attitude since their inception.

 

Formed in late 1993, by lead singer Britt Daniel and Drummer Jim Eno. Eno describes Spoon’s music as “rock and roll” and rightfully so.  However, Spoon manages to keep their appeal and versatility by mixing punk and pop creating music with an alternative edge.  Now with this latest album, Spoon has seemed to hone in on the sound and the music they want to make, music that has progressed with in both its maturity and melody using “soft effects” to creating minimalist approach to their music. But that’s not saying much considering their back catalogue.  Spoon is making the music that makes them happy, and has deviated from a sound that defined them in the past that might be a surprise to both newcomers and longtime fans of the band. Overall the band’s do-it-yourself attitude is their downfall here. Sloppy production, raspy and sometimes inaudible vocals make this album sound more like a demo than an album.  There are not many songs on the album that save it but a few that deserve honorable mentions including, “ Goodnight Laura” “ Got Nuffin”, “ Nobody gets me but you”.

 

“ Goodnight Laura” has to be the biggest surprise on the album in that is very different than the record’s rock vibe. A ballad, this song is well thought out and arranged. It’s Daniels being raw, honest and wearing his heart on his sleeve devoid of the cynicism and sarcasm Daniels has displayed in the past. Here Daniels is baring his soul for all to see and will surely become a fan favorite.  On the other end of the spectrum, spoon brings the rock back with “Got Nuffin”.

 

“ Got Nuffin” is the first single off the album and a good choice considering the rest of the songs on the album. However, from the first beat of the drum there is an obvious lack of polish to the song. It’s dark and edgy but lacks structure and tone.  Spoon closes the album with “Nobody Gets Me But You’ which gets its influence and sound from rock past.  With a strong seventies flavor and tone, the drums and bass make the song tolerable but it’s constant dissonance  and overall disposition of the album make it instrumentally tense, angst-ridden  and confused.  Spoon might have made themselves happy but will most likely disappoint many of it’s listeners. Before purchasing the album, I suggest listening to it as well as their previous work online.

 

 

 

 

 

This entry was posted on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 1:37 pm and is filed under Just Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.