Album of the Week: Spoon’s They Want My Soul

The best success a band can have is through consistency. I’m not talking about playing the same style in each album you put out, but instead putting out quality music while not being afraid to push boundaries and try new things. Coming a long way from the lo-fi punkish alternative rock sound of their debut alum Telephono back in 1996, Spoon are back with their first album in four years with They Want My Soul. It might not be as commercial sounding as their chart topper Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga that came out in 2007 or as raw and risk-taking as their earlier material, but Spoon’s new album shows originality, proving that over time they haven’t strayed from their artistic identity. They call it rock & roll; I just think it’s a breath of fresh air in a year of highs and lows.

Releasing their first album off of a new label after leaving a long-time relationship with Merge Records to join Loma Vista Recordings, Spoon is part of an eclectic brand that suits their style perfectly. A few tracks are straight-up rockers with forceful guitars riffs while others offer a mellow take with a heavy base of synth and keys. You can’t deny that front man Britt Daniel still brings his Sinatra beatnik soul, putting his heart into every track over the wonderful rhythms. There’s still that trademark groove that sets Spoon apart from a lot of other bands. You will be head bobbing and feet tapping; if you’re adventurous you might even feel the need to jump around like you’re on a pogo stick.

People are already getting sad that summer is coming to a close and it’s not even the end of August. It’s time for a last-minute BBQ or final trip to the beach to bask in the sun. It’s also time for the top tracks off of my Album Of The Week. It’ll be a great guide to what tracks to jam out your car stereo or to just wake up the neighbors in the privacy of your own home. One thing is guaranteed: Your music taste will thank you for it.

I’ve fallen in love with the first single off of They Want My Soul in “Rent I Pay.” The drum beats combine with the infectious guitar riffs to create a genuinely catchy tune that you can listen to over and over again. The bass licks really make “Rainy Taxi” special; when everything else kicks in you’ll be cutting the coolest rug on the block. A new wavy track in “Outlier” makes me think I’m at a New Order and Depeche Mode concert; this synth-groove number is definitely one for the ravers. Bluesy, soulful and a great departure from everything else on the album, on “I Just Don’t Understand” Britt’s acoustic guitar reels you in and the rest takes it over in the best way only Spoon can.

Spoon officially release They Want My Soul on August 5, and you can get a special vinyl release at select record stores listed on the band’s website. If that isn’t cool enough, Spoon will be part of a stacked bill at the 2^nd edition of the 2014 Boston Calling Music Festival going on during September 5 – 7 at Boston’s City Hall. Until then, grab yourself a copy of They Want My Soul and enjoy.

Spoon’s website: spoontheband.com