Unassigned
I’m going to try something new for this week’s review… I’m going to write this piece as I give listen to an album for the very first time.
Spoon’s Transference will serve as the guinea pig. I have seen the band perform live many times and have listened to their previous work, but never really felt the hype built around this Austin, TX quartet (particularly amongst critics). I have great hope that this album will open the door for me to find out what I have been missing all this time.
Here we go…
1. “Before Destruction” – The very first sounds of the records indicate a new direction for Spoon because they are just that – sounds, rather than notes. A snap judgment of the album based upon this lead track makes me believe (or hope) that they are stepping away from their reputation for well-polished and constructed songwriting structure that I have grown to expect (and tire of).
2. “Is Love Forever?” – Okay… Let’s not get too carried away with the lack of structure. This seems more like some avant-garde segue rather than an actual song. Maybe that was an error during the pressing of the disc.
3. “The Mystery Zone” – There’s really not much to this song, and I think the same may be said about the band as well… I think I’m starting to remember why I never cared much for this band before.
4. “Who Makes Your Money” – They’re really getting experimental with this track… it’s starting to sound a bit more unique like they’re falling into their own now. Maybe I just need to be stoned to appreciate this though?
5. “Written In Reverse” – This track is definitely the most exciting so far. They move back into a rock form and get into the beautiful discord that Wilco made their own.
6. “I Saw The Light” – Things are starting to sound more like the Spoon I remember, but a little cooler. Maybe there is hope afterall…
7. “Trouble Comes Running” – Pretty much the same as the last song – at this point, I’m just glad they’re not still in their “experimental stage.”
8. “Goodnight Laura” – **Insert mandatory ballad here (minimum one per album).**
9. “Out Go The Lights” – This song is absolutely gorgeous! A 4:37 second reminder of why I love music so much – patience pays off with this track!!
10. “Got Nuffin” – This is actually a really cool song; it had me wishing that I were listening to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards playing it.
11. “Nobody Gets Me But You” – Just when it seems like they hone their skills with the experimental sound, the album ends – guhh.
I’m still not sure that I see the genius that others seem to in Spoon, but what this record did help me see was that not every band should stray too far from their norm. I guess sometimes status quo is a good thing to settle for.
