New Pornographers - Electric Version

List Price: $11.98
Our Price: $6.59
You Save: $5.39 (45%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.54 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more new music releases

Music CD Cover

Free Music Notes for Electric Version

Free Music Review: Buy this CD (after Mass Romantic)
Hit: 5 Stars

For those unfamiliar with the New Pornographers, it is an injustice to lump them in with other bands labeled as "power pop". These are astonishingly brilliant musicians, composers, and (when working together) singers. Someone below compares their vocals to the Mamas and Papas, and I agree that their harmonic roots go back that far, with maybe some Cowsills and Spanky & Our Gang thrown in for 60's AM top 40 radio good measure, both in terms of vocal style and the giddy happiness several other reviewers describe. None of the singers has a great voice, but their harmonies are outstanding, and this recording is pure joy, nonsensical lyrics and all. The sound is so original, so well-crafted, that a review below comparing this band to the Beatles borders on being nearly somewhat reasonable. They're not the Beatles, but they're orders of magnitude above any other pop band I can think of out there in the 21st century. And, well, we've already heard the Beatles for 40 years. It would be an understatement to say that Electric Version finds its way into my CD player, where it currently resides, much more often than Rubber Soul.

After Mass Romantic, however, this CD is a definite letdown. A joy to hear, but not so much as that debut CD. Mind you, some said this music grew on them, and I'm only on my fifth listen, but I don't think I'm going to change my mind. What absolutely blew me away on Mass Romantic was the soaring vocal harmonies and the raw energy, both toned down on Electric version. Unlike Mass Romantic, and contrary to some reviews, I think there actually are a couple of weak songs here. The CD starts out strongly, especially with "Blown Speakers", "Laws Have Changed", and "Chump Change," then goes steadily downhill after a final peak - the bouncy Neko showcase "All For Swinging You Around", a Go-Go's soundalike and thus a slightly different sort of retro sound. But the overall sound of the CD is extremely similar to Mass Romantic. "Testament" and "Divine Right" begin the downhill slide, with "Comeback Kid" redeemed only by a catchy ending, and "July Jones" really not worthy of being on the CD. "Miss Teen Wordpower" is another good song, and the reason I don't hit the stop button after track 7. It's a tiny bit of a sophomore slump, but a letdown from such a high point still makes for a very good CD. If you liked Mass Romantic, you're bound to like this. If you haven't heard this band and want to try them, go for Mass Romantic first! The only things better about Electric Version are that the liner has photos of the band and that Neko Case is in better vocal form here than on Mass Romantic.

Indeed, I've never been that taken with Ms. Case beyond her contribution to the harmonies on Mass Romantic, but her lead vocals here make me want to give her another chance. For her fans, this might be the New Pornographers CD of choice, as it features her more heavily. Overall, an excellent CD that is surpassed only by Mass Romantic.

Alternative Rock Music CDs

• Music > Styles
• World Music
• Pop
• Rock