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31Knots Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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The Slow Wonder
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This is the first solo release for Carl Newman, who can also be found leading indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers as well as the (now defunct) Canadian power-pop band Zumpano.
| LABEL: | Matador |
| RELEASE DATE: | 08 June 2004 |
| DISCS: | 1 disc |
| GENRE(S): | Indie, Rock |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this album is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 21 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
David gave it a9:
This is a joyful, puzzling album in all the right ways. There is some New Pornography here, but especially because of the elliptical lyrics (my favourite kind!) we wonder what all the jubilant force, surprising/catchy riffs, sullen mystery, and emotion-about-event is all about. Listen to mainstream FM or AM radio after this, and one realizes how much octane A.C. Newman has here and "how nothing" mainstream pop usually is. My jaded head is turned . . .
Javin H gave it a 7:
I found some rewarding moments on this album, one of the more memorable ones being " Most of Us Prizefighters." "Miracle Drug" was what prompted the purchase though. Great tunes for the most part, but a few snooze tracks. " The Town Halo" kind of sounds like a late INXS rip off - but with the addition of the rocking cello surpasses any reference. I think that the originality of the material is what carries this release by AC, not the musicianship or the sound itself. AC's is not a sound that dictates any one emotion, only an ever changing mixture. The only important thing here is where YOU take the music. With The Slow Wonder, you will get there wherever it may be.
Marisa G gave it an 8:
I get distracted listening to the 60's and 70's influences on this album...but then I relax and realize they all come together into something original and incredibly enjoyable. Good stuff.
lori p gave it a 10:
i never even heard of this guy and what drawn me to pick up this cd was that cat nose on the CD cover and when i listened to it i fell in love with it....i think it's a great album....i happen to love it very much.....he's great...thanks lori
Adam X gave it a 10:
one of the best things ever
Lawrence Prasad gave it an 8:
Agree with Brad M.
Brad M. gave it an 8:
I reacted to this cd the same way I reacted to many new pornographers tunes. At first I am frustrated by the over the top, sugary cheeriness of this type of music and I promptly turn it off. But then a song keeps playing inside my head and I begin to crave its sugary concoctions. However, while I'm in awe of Newman's harmonies, particularly on "35 in the shade," I still have some reservations about his music. Namely the fact that his music doesn't make me "feel" anything. Sure when "Secretarial" starts chugging, I get a giddy rush of excitement but it's kind of like seeing a pretty girl. On a superficial level staring at this girl will satisfy my needs but on an emotional level I'm not really feeling anything deeply. Part of the probably is Newman's lyrics. Sure they are charming in a nonsensical kind of way but there's nothing that really hits home. I recently read an interview with Newman on where he said that he writes lyrics that sound good with his arrangements and that he is careful not to add extra syllables that would clutter his melodies. The good side to this technique is clear throughout the cd. Newman's words slide gracefully over his music. The problem however is that the lyrics carry very little emotional weight. Granted Newman's words sound coy and clever but there's nothing behind them, they are paper-thin or skin deep if you want to return to my hot girl analogy. Regardless of this criticism, I still am a fan of this cd. It's fanciful, imaginative power-pop and I'll enjoy it while it lasts. But I just can't see myself turning to this album during a time of emotional distress.
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