Transference

Although new to Spoon (I first got into them on their last album - the excellent "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"), I've now had time to go back to the beginning and listen to their entire catalogue. First of all, I can't believe they aren't more popular or well known after 14 years (most of my friends' initial response was "Spoon? Never heard of them."). Second of all, they may be the only band who has remained together for this long and consistently gotten better and better. Some (or many?) may disagree, but I think "Transference" is their finest hour yet. If like me you only recently discovered Spoon (or are still oblivious to their existence), I urge you to give 2007's "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" (their most 'radio-friendly' CD to date) a shot and then listen to "Transference." And be patient. While "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" is Spoon's more immediately 'accessible' release, after coming back it for the third time I find "Transference" to be Spoon at their best.

No! Spoon can't make a bad album! Proof is on "Transference." Ever since 2002's "Kill the Moonlight," Spoon has been making great music. "The Underdog," "Don't You Evah," that song from the O.C., etc. Spoon are just another reason why s****y singers like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber are taking the spotlight away from real artists like Spoon. The best songs ont his album are 'The Mystery Zone," "Written in Reverse" and "Got Nuffin'." Spoon really show off their talent on this CD. Buy it immediately and stop supporting dumbs***s like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus and listen to some real music.

In my opinion Spoon has another masterpiece with this album. I've loved this band for years ever since they were just making EP's and to be honest I felt that their last album was a little to pop for me. I prefer the edgier more raw sound of this album which harkens to other earleir Spoon offerings. You can hear so many influences in this selection from the Beatles Sgt. Peppers to Iggy Pop/Bowie and even some Daniel Johnston style organ. These guys are never content to sit still and rehash the same art they produced in the past and you have to respect that. Like it or not these guys will always be evolving and thank goodness for that. Rock on Spoon.

...and Spoon falls into that category. After hearing a couple of rave reviews on NPR, I thought I'd give "Transference" a spin, but it's quite a disappointment. Most of the songs go from point A to point A, taking minimalism to its most boring extremes. There are precious few hooks in the songs, and those tend to be driven into the ground by repetition.

The sound of the recording is also a problem. It's my understanding that a lot of these tracks are based on band demo recordings, and are intended to have a rougher feel. Unfortunately, these songs don't have a punkish immediacy, but just a sense they were tossed off hastily, and never completely finished. The production sounds cheap, not raw.

Finally, the songwriting is good but not great, which is highlighted by the fact that there's not much going on, musically or sonically. Demos by pop masters like Lennon and McCartney are vibrant because the the underlying songs are so darn good. The tunes on "Transference" are good, but not good enough to make up for the shortcomings of the recordings.

Next time, let's hope the band seeks out an outside producer...

Spoon's latest album, Transference, is another strong release from the indie rock band from Texas. Like their other albums such as Gimme Fiction and Girls Can Tell, the emphasis is on good songs and mood before over the top musicianship. There is also a lot of echo throughout, providing the feel of a release out of the late `70s. The opener "Before Destruction" is both sparse and full of sonics before kicking into three of the album's best tunes. "Is Love Forever?", "The Mystery Zone", and "Who Makes Your Money" are very strong tracks that are memorable from the get go while retaining a sense of melancholy. "Goodnight Laura" is a pretty piano ballad while "Got Nuffin" and "Trouble Comes Running" are raw and border on hard rock. "I Saw the Light" and the aforementioned "Who Makes Your Money" are both very moody and the vibe on each is hypnotic at times. The remaining tracks like "Out Go the Lights" and "Nobody Gets Me But You" are decent as well. All told, another winner from Spoon and well worth picking up or downloading.