Over the course of the last year Jim Eno, drummer of Spoon and certified electrical engineer, has produced some of 2007's best albums while working with his boys in Spoon to bring us Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Before even getting to the musical element of the record's equation, any enthusiast is quick to note the amazing quality to the mixing and production value on this the latest installment of the band's catalog. It's enough to put Eno among the best of his peers today, and his bandmates give him a hell of an effort to show off his chops. Offering up ten tracks, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga proves that Spoon's recent success gained from their exposure on certain syndicated TV programs and various movies is completely warranted.
Spoon opens with "Don't Make Me a Target," a song as catchy as any of those that brought the band to popularity. "The Ghost of You Lingers," a haunting synth based tune with vocals seemingly coming from all around that once bore the same name as the album, boasts an artistically pleasing set well remaining completely listenable. Clocking in at slightly shy of forty minutes, the album serves a reminder of just how effective pop-esque songwriting can be when trying to communicate with an audience. The albums third track, "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," is a break-up song that never directly cites the break-up. Singer Britt Daniel communicates the intention without flaw, however, stating "Life can be so fair / Let it go on and on / We lost it long ago you and me" to the backing of a bass riff and some horns. The result is simplistic yet flattering, lyrically allowing for the reasonable contemplation of the ending of a relationship. That unique idea itself is enough to put the song on repeat.
Making many prominent top ten lists this season Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is one of the few recent albums deserving a repeat listen from beginning to end. In a media world doused with mediocrity it's great to see a band earn praise that is well deserved.
See also
Indie Rock, Best Of 2007
