Review: The New Pornographers - Together (* * *)

Let’s face it: even on an off day, the New Pornographers make some pretty good music. And given that the group incorporates the collective talents of AC Newman, Neko Case and Dan Bejar, you would probably expect that to be the case. But even a great band becomes a lot less interesting when they release a by-the-numbers type record. There is something to be said for the fact that the Pornographers have album construction down to a science; and getting what you expect in terms of structure and style certainly isn’t a bad thing (especially after 2007’s Challengers disappointed many—myself not included). But while the group's latest album, Together, sees them return to the speed and form expected of them, it also sounds an awful lot like a less inspired version of albums that came before it. As a result, it plays as if it were composed by a band that’s merely coasting—and we all know the Pornographers have much more to offer us than that. (Continue Reading @ In Review Online)

Best of 2009: 20 - 11

More great albums!

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20: Fanfarlo - Reservoir

Newcomers Fanfarlo are off to a very hot start with Reservoir, an epic indie-rock album that I think was criminally overlooked this year by most everyone. Between the strings, the horns, and the anthematic choruses, it's about impossible to find something to dislike in the well-crafted songs on their debut. (More from me)

Mp3s via Obscure Sound

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19: Sissy Wish - Beauties Never Die

Norwegian singer Siri Ålberg, or Sissy Wish, is another of those artists I feel has been criminally overlooked in 2009. Beauties Never Die showcases her inventive pop style, covering a variety of territory over ten tracks that add up to one of the best pure pop records released this year. (More from me)

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18: Cymbals Eat Guitars - Why There Are Mountains

Though sometimes reminiscent of groups like Pavement and Built to Spill, Cymbals Eat Guitars have established their own remarkable identity on their debut, Why There Are Mountains. It's an indie rock record like they used to make 'em, but with a decidedly modern twist - and it's great. (More from me)

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17: Romona Falls - Intuit

I didn't hear this until late in the year, but Intuit, the first effort from Ramona Falls (the side project from Menomena member Brent Knopf) is an absolute stunner. The exquisite arrangements and spectacular melodies show Knopf has plenty to offer both with and without his bandmates.

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16: Miranda Lambert - Revolution

So I'm not typically much of a country fan, but it's impossible to deny that Miranda Lambert's Revolution is anything but an outstanding record. Her gorgeous voice and strong songwriting makes this 15-track sprawl of her latest work (and work very well) in all its excess and eclecticism.

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15: fun. - Aim and Ignite

Ex-Format member Nate Ruess' new band is one I suspected I'd like just fine, but I'm now certain that Aim and Ignite is the best work Ruess has yet done. The orchestral indie music comprising this debut more than lives up to the goofy band name, with ten unabashedly sunny pop tunes. (More from me)

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14: Will Stratton - No Wonder

Singer/songwriter Will Stratton has released his second great album in a row at the age of only 22, establishing himself as a genuine and bright new talent. His writing is superb, his delivery mature and poised, and his musical talent quite apparent on the beautiful No Wonder (More from me)

Who Will (MP3)

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13: Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I still think I prefer Phoenix's previous effort, It's Never Been Like That, but the many strengths of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix makes that difficult to say definitively. Besides sporting a couple of this year's biggest singles, the entire album fits together smoothly for one great pop-rock record. (More from me)

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12: Mos Def - The Ecstatic

Mos Def's The Ecstatic is a wealth of ideas and styles, but in many ways it seems to be without many distractions, a pure rap album with a clear sense of purpose. Sure it has 16 tracks, but it's still lean, mean and wholly absorbing - a near masterpiece as far as I'm concerned.

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11: Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

Neko Case has been so solid this decade, and Middle Cyclone is yet another example of her genuine talent and inimitable style. With an impressive supporting cast, Case offers a varied and consistently enthralling set of folk-r0ck tunes that compare well with her best work. (More from me)

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Review: Neko Case - Middle Cyclone (* * * * 1/2)

You should never judge a book by its cover, nor an album but its cover art, I would think, but sometimes what you see on the outside can actually give you a decent indication of what you’re likely to find in the author’s/artist’s material. Such is the case with Neko Case’s latest record, Middle Cyclone, the front of which shows Case kneeling on the hood of a muscle car, ready to pounce, sword in hand, flame of red hair blowing in the wind. It’s strange, sexy, and somehow alluring, much like Case’s latest batch of beautiful folk-pop tunes, and it should come as no surprise that she was directly involved in the art and design. ‘Cyclone’ is a well-written and exceptionally recorded singer/songwriter album that features a slew of guests including M. Ward and members of the New Pornographers, Calexico, and Giant sand.

Immediately, Case gets her gorgeous, smooth voice front-and-center with an upbeat and oddball love story in which she describes herself as a destructive force of nature in “This Tornado Loves You.” As she sings her story about how she ‘carve[d] your name across three counties’ and ‘smashed every transformer with every trailer ‘till nothing was standing,’ you mind find yourself relieved she’s not singing about you, but the song is absolutely captivating. Elsewhere, Case sings about her frustration with love in “The Next Time You Say Forever,” human nature in “I’m an Animal,” and loneliness on the album’s title track. Middle Cyclone hits its stride about halfway through the album with two stunning tracks, “Fever” and “Magpie to the Morning,” each featuring fantastic guitar work from M. Ward and some of Case’s best writing. From there, the record cruises to a strong finish with fewer highlights but mostly great material nonetheless. Even when the occasional song doesn’t seem to fit especially well, like the dramatic, eerie “Prison Girls,” the results are at least interesting.

Each song feels carefully crafted, with consistently impressive songwriting at every turn and a band that adds life to Case’s poetry, excelling at a variety of styles. Only occasionally do the arrangements stay very simple, as on the quiet, acoustic “Vengeance Is Sleeping.” Generally, seven or eight people are involved, adding layers of vocal harmony, strings, and guitar to create a sound that is sometimes rock (“People Got A Lotta Nerve”), sometimes orchestral (“Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth,” and occasionally classic pop (“Don’t Forget Me”). Neko Case may be the mastermind behind it all, but she has a wealth of talent at her disposal as well. Fortunately, Case’s arrangements - done with the help of bandmate Paul Rigby - never make the music feel crowded or unnecessarily complex, allowing the focus to remain on her angelic voice and gifted lyricism.

Throughout its 14 songs, Middle Cyclone frequently feels so comfortable and effortless that it’s easy to forget how rarely an album comes together this well. The record is both approachable and refreshingly unique, a fantastic showcase of Case’s talent as a songwriter, arranger, and singer. Neko Case offers another compelling collection of songs that are just as easy to enjoy as they are to appreciate. Middle Cyclone is a thoroughly great singer/songwriter album and a reminder as to why Case belongs amid indie rock’s royalty.