Highlights: I’m Not Talking, Encyclopedia Of Classic Takedowns,
There’s Money In New Wave, Hostages, They Should Have Shut Down The Streets
Shut Down The Streets is A.C. Newman’s own, solo version of Challengers. A quieter, mellower, more
understated affair that might seem like a terrible letdown for those with poor
attention span. But same as The New Pornographers’ fourth album, Shut Down The Streets never really stops
giving away its undeniable melodic charms (Newman is one of the best
songwriters in business) slowly and reluctantly.
All very recognizable though:
thoughtful vocal melodies, Neko Case, inventive arrangements, tasteful
production. And, of course, a number of pop masterpieces too boot. Speaking of
which, nothing here shines as brightly as the album’s opener, “I’m Not Talking”
that is this year’s most perfect song. From the heartfelt acoustic rhythm to
that deceptively simple, hair-raisingly brilliant melody to the effective
clarinet riff, it’s one of A.C. Newman’s best songs ever (and that includes his
New Pornographers contributions). The ones that come closest to it are the masterfully
titled ballad “There’s Money In New Wave”, the classic, flute-augmented pop of “Hostages”
(pay attention to the arrangements) and the closing moody charmer, “They Should
Have Shut Down The Streets” which has that truly magical, mesmerizing reticence.
No weak tracks here (as
further listens prove), but there’s no question that lovely, unassuming things
like “The Troubadour” are prime A.C. Newman filler. Still, even those offer
more musical and instrumental ideas than most indie artists can dream of.
In the end, you do get
the feeling that at some points Newman was going for refinement rather than
good old catchiness. And still Shut Down
The Streets is a gorgeous, slow-burning wonder (no pun intended). I might
prefer Get Guilty overall, but this is
an unmissable treat.
8/10
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