Music Review- Spoon: Transference

I am no music expert. So if you want to read a real review from someone who knows what they are talking about check out Jeff Feldy's review in the Harvard Crimson.
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2010/2/2/daniel-transference-spoon-reverse/

This is me attempting something. Anyway Enjoy

Also I will be seeing Spoon perform in London on February 16th so check back from something about that.



Spoon’s seventh studio album, Transference, is a deviation from the band’s previous style and success. What should be a springboard to stardom, Transference is a step in a different direction from their previous 2007 release Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and it doesn’t feel like the right one. While the album provides the listener with incredibly talented musicians playing some fresh music, little stands out on Transference, which fails to live up to their previous efforts. Spoon fails to capture the edge and swagger that is prominently featured on their prior albums.

Spoon, known for delivering ear opening, captivating beginning numbers that entrances the listener such as “The Beast and Dragon, Adored” and “Don’t Make Me a Target,” tones it down with “Before Destruction,” a low budget and muddled sounding introduction that doesn’t build to a climax or really set a tone for the rest of the album. That is the problem with Transference; there is no clear connection, theme or direction to the album. Transference feels more like a collection of songs with no cohesive ties, making it difficult for the listener to latch on.

Highlights include the first single off the album, “Written in Reverse” which is quintessential Spoon; sharp and jagged sounding with lead man Britt Daniel pouring it on with showy guitar work and heartache in his wailing voice. “The Mystery Zone” is a cool head nodding classic Spoon song where Daniel varies the pace with great guitar riffs that make it hard to keep still. The best song might have been “I Saw the Light,” if not for the three minute instrumental that concludes the song, slamming the breaks on the accelerating sound and build up in Daniel’s voice. “Goodnight Laura” is an emotion filled and surprisingly beautiful song, with profound lyrics from Daniel over just a piano that is less a ballad and more a lullaby, or even a heartfelt goodbye.

The rest of the album, however, is rather disappointing, deficient of the typical drive from past albums that attracts the listener almost immediately. Great guitar work on Transference is not supported by the usual catchy melodies and lyrics from Daniel. Little pop numbers like “Is Love Forever?” and “Trouble Comes Running,” are mediocre efforts from the band. These are simple songs with little that grabs and features dull lyrics and melodies. Some songs just seem to be thrown onto the album like “Out Go the Lights,” and “Nobody Gets Me But You,” that don’t go anywhere while other songs like “Who Makes Your Money” don’t seem to fit the album at all.

Overall, you have a mixed bag that falls way short of big expectations from one of the most talented and overlooked bands out there. While it may not compare to the albums preceding it, Transference is a different kind of Spoon. One that may not taste right immediately, but develops your palate with further helpings.

Overall Rating: 2.5/4