22nd October 2012 11:00:00
A. C. Newman - Shut Down the Streets
If you're a fan of The New Pornographers then you're likely already aware of A. C. Newman's solo output. Occupying the same sweet, agreeable indie sonic space as TNP records (and so many other 'cool Canada' bands), Newman's third solo spin away from his time spent as King Porno is sure to please fans - and may come as a nice surprise to the vaguely curious.
It starts as it means to go on over ten tracks, opener 'I'm Not Talking' blending Coldplay's recent pop optimism with melody and lyrics straight from The Shins's songbook. In fact, Newman's vocal is throughout a dead ringer for Shins frontman James Mercer, frequently aided by female backing from fellow Pornographer Neko Case. Although the boy/girl harmonies threaten twee overload, there is enough songwriting craft here to celebrate. Lush synths 'n' strings backgrounds mount personal lyrics, 'Strings' and 'Hostages' directly alluding to the birth of Newman's first son; however, while new life is at the heart of the album, it ends with an affecting tribute to Newman's departed mother 'They Should Have Shut Down the Streets' in a show of the songwriter's skill. A minor joy.
Dark Night of the Soul- Danger mouse/Sparklehorse/David Lynch + a who's who of Indie
Shoegaze
Japanese music - any accessible singer-songwriter types ?
It starts as it means to go on over ten tracks, opener 'I'm Not Talking' blending Coldplay's recent pop optimism with melody and lyrics straight from The Shins's songbook. In fact, Newman's vocal is throughout a dead ringer for Shins frontman James Mercer, frequently aided by female backing from fellow Pornographer Neko Case. Although the boy/girl harmonies threaten twee overload, there is enough songwriting craft here to celebrate. Lush synths 'n' strings backgrounds mount personal lyrics, 'Strings' and 'Hostages' directly alluding to the birth of Newman's first son; however, while new life is at the heart of the album, it ends with an affecting tribute to Newman's departed mother 'They Should Have Shut Down the Streets' in a show of the songwriter's skill. A minor joy.
Related Forum Discussions
So long, Amiestreet.Dark Night of the Soul- Danger mouse/Sparklehorse/David Lynch + a who's who of Indie
Shoegaze
Japanese music - any accessible singer-songwriter types ?
You might also like...
About Luke McNaney
He's written his fair amount of hyperbolic tosh about bands who were gonna take over the world and barely made it past Camden, now TMF's Luke is quite happy to sing the praises of the girls with guitars/Grade 8 piano that headline his iPod playlists. With a soft spot for geeky indie bands waiting to soundtrack the next 'Juno', as well as an unabashed love for Gaga-sized pop, he's not afraid to be uncool if it means he doesn't have to waste time skipping tracks.
He's written his fair amount of hyperbolic tosh about bands who were gonna take over the world and barely made it past Camden, now TMF's Luke is quite happy to sing the praises of the girls with guitars/Grade 8 piano that headline his iPod playlists. With a soft spot for geeky indie bands waiting to soundtrack the next 'Juno', as well as an unabashed love for Gaga-sized pop, he's not afraid to be uncool if it means he doesn't have to waste time skipping tracks.
Comments
comments powered by Disqus
