For their fifth album, indie supergroup The New Pornographers find a happy medium between the pure power pop of their first three albums and the lush, restrained sounds of their last album Challengers. Carl (A.C.) Newman and his troupe of indie rock darlings have yet again put together a stellar batch of well executed pop tunes that will linger in your head long after the album is over.
Once again, the incomparable Neko Case is their self-described "secret weapon." Her powerful, sultry vocals are perfect for Newman-penned tunes like the insanely catchy "Crash Years" and the crunching "Your Hands (Together)." "Crash Years" also features a wacky hook consisting of whistles... human whistles. I was really impressed when they actually pulled this feat off live on David Letterman a few weeks ago.
One of the many highlights of this album is "Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk," which features Kathyrn Calder (of Immaculate Machine) on lead vocals for the first time on record. Initially, Calder was brought into the band to fill in for Neko Case while on tour but is now a full-time member. Her voice is a little more thin than Case's, and not as distinct (but whose voice is?), but it is pleasant nonetheless. She definitely holds her own on this tune, which sounds like it could be an outtake from The Beatles' Revolver or Rubber Soul.
As always, Dan Bejar (of Destroyer) contributes some songs. I haven't been the biggest fan of his songs on earlier New Pornographers albums but he really steps up to the plate for this go around. In particular, "Silver Jenny Dollar" really fits in with the feel of the rest of the album. Normally, his tunes sound like quirky diversions from Newman's pop masterpieces.
The New Pornographers can really do no wrong. They are one of the most consistent bands out there right now. You can check out their video for "Crash Years" (whistles included) below.
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