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Average: 4.5 (419 ratings)
- Date Released: May 6, 2003
- Genre: Alternative/Punk
- Style: Indie Rock
- Label: Matador
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We Say...
Was the New Pornographers' debut, Mass Romantic, a fluke? It felt like one at the time, the kind of quirky but startingly obvious album that conquered hearts and minds with whimsical lyrics and ironclad hooks. Main songwriter Carl Newman dominates the proceedings even more on this sophomore record, but who's to complain? After all, it's hard to find someone with a better touch for diabolically clever pop nowadays. "The Laws Have Changed" is even more infectious than "Letter to an Occupant," the standout track on Mass Romantic — both of them carried aloft by Neko Case's clarion-like voice and unflinching verve. Credited as a "secret member" (he doesn't tour with the band, focusing instead on his own, Destroyer), Dan Bejar penned "Chump Change," "Testament to Youth in Verse" and "Ballad of a Comeback Kid," the album's three most oddball songs. Well, oddball lyrically at least, because they do feature the "hoo-hoo"s, Casio flourishes and hand-claps that make pop go down so easily.
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They Say...
Three years after the sonic honey of Mass Romantic, the New Pornographers come up smiling once more with their sophomore effort and Matador debut, Electric Version. These beloved indie rockers stick with the syrupy goodness found on their first album, but opt to turn the amps up for a brighter, slicker sound, hence the title. It's a kitschy play on the band's power pop, and Carl Newman and secret member Dan Bejar keep their clever lyrical twists in tune. Twiddling riffs and organs dance with Neko Case's sunny harmonies on the rollicking "It's Only Divine Right" and "From Blown Speakers." The energy is there, but Electric Version captures a new kind of energy from the New Pornographers. While Mass Romantic was a little more quirky in spirit, Electric Version is more polished. They took just under a year to create this album, so naturally a fresh confidence would transpire and "The Laws Have Changed" highlights the New Pornographers' musical growth. This album standout is bold as brass, drenched in Case and Newman's perky vocals. "All for Swinging You Around" takes things further with wacky synth beats and tripped-up percussion, Velocity Girl-style, but its the band's own glossed-over rock & roll on "Miss Teen Worldpower" that truly represents the smooth emotion and might behind the New Pornographers' sound. Electric Version is an enjoyable and easy listen, chock-full of hungry hooks and brimming with indie rock's classic humility.
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You Say...
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| 01. |  |
The Electric Version |
2:53 |  |
| 02. | |
From Blown Speakers |
2:49 | |
| 03. | |
The Laws Have Changed |
3:26 | |
| 04. | |
The End Of Medicine |
2:37 | |
| 05. | |
Loose Translation |
2:59 | |
| 06. | |
Chump Change |
4:18 | |
| 07. | |
All For Swinging You Around |
3:42 | |
| 08. | |
The New Face Of Zero And One |
4:11 | |
| 09. | |
Testament To Youth In verse |
3:57 | |
| 10. | |
It's Only Divine Right |
4:11 | |
| 11. | |
Ballad Of A Comeback Kid |
3:51 | |
| 12. | |
July Jones |
4:18 | |
| 13. | |
Miss Teen Wordpower |
3:23 | |
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Credits
- Greg Calbi - Mastering // Carl Newman - Guitar // Carl Newman - Keyboards // Carl Newman - Vocals // Carl Newman - Melodion // Carl Newman - Cover Art // Mike Hagler - Vocal Engineer // Neko Case - Vocals // Neko Case - Vocals // Neko Case - Photography // Neko Case - Photography // Kurt Dahle - Percussion // Kurt Dahle - Drums // Kurt Dahle - Vocals // Kurt Dahle - Double Bass // Randy "Tex" Iwata - Cover Art // Sheldon Zaharko - Technical Advisor // Chris Buck - Photography // Howard Redekopp - Engineer // Howard Redekopp - Mixing // The New Pornographers - Producer // The New Pornographers - Mixing // Nora O'Connor - Vocals // John Collins - Bass // John Collins - Keyboards // John Collins - Engineer // John Collins - Mixing // John Collins - Guitar (Baritone) // Daniel Bejar - Vocals // Todd Fancey - Guitar // Todd Fancey - Keyboards // Blaine Thurier - Keyboards
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