There is a reason why we order the same Tim Horton’s coffee every morning or drink the same beer when we go out. Familiarity is a decisive thing that is not to be taken lightly. It pretty much ensures that what we are going to get is dependable and good. Those two words sum up precisely my regard for the Austin, TX quartet, Spoon. The bands oddly titled sixth release, Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga is the result of leader Britt Daniel’s decade long, slowly refined musical recipe. Chef Daniel knows how to concoct a catchy, clever pop song and this LP is filled with them. Incorporating elements of soul, Motown and pop; it's all there. Just like the five records that came before this. Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga, Ga is rife with style, rhythm and a boatload of creativity. "Don't You Evah" grabbed me immediately with its catchy chorus and familiar Beatlesque harmonies. (I think it’s a rite of passage now for every lyricist to rewrite “Taxman”. ed) This is not meant as a criticism, moreso it enables me to put this release into some context. It’s no surprise the first time I heard Spoon I thought I was listening to some long lost Elvis Costello and the Attractions single.
One of the many highlights of this record, and could in fact be the quintessential Spoon song, is "The Underdog". It's an ostentatious track, not just for its lyrical accessibility and bright vibe but also because it successfully builds on the Spoon formula we have come to know and love. Producer Mike McCarthy long a fixture on the Spoon landscape is the unseen force who keeps Spoon's experimental side mostly in check and gives the song its true pop sheen. This song could be 2007's first bona fide classic. Maybe then I can dream a little and imagine that these might be what comprises the best part of Rhino Records Nuggets 2020 boxed set when that comes out. For now though, the highly addictive "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," and Sixties garage rocker "Rhthm & Soul" will mix well as the highlights on your best friend’s next mix cd.
Seek this one out. I am off to replace the comma key on my notebook.
Recommended PPPP
File Under: Not only good, but good for you.
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