The New Pornographers Make Pop Music Cool Again

by Katrina Martin

If you like pop music without the flash-in-the-pan saccharine of Top 40, pick up a New Pornographers album--namely Electric Version. It contains all the elements of great pop music--energy, catchy hooks, fun and singable lyrics with a message and gorgeous harmonies. The album boasts instant accessibility and shows you don't have to be on MTV or the cover of Rolling Stone to make great music (although I must say the band did make the "top" lists in both Rolling Stone and Spin for 2003).

Carl Newman's songwriting is sweet and sassy--some lyrics bite but the poppy instrumentation softens their blow. The first four tracks create a sublime beginning to Electric Version, the second offering from the Canadian super-group. "From Blown Speakers" begins simply with a tambourine and a strummed guitar and builds to the powerful chorus which declares "it came out magical out from blown speakers." They're right--it does come out magical.

"The Laws Have Changed" is so beautifully poppy it could easily win a spot on commercial radio--in fact, some who listen to the entire record for the first time might wonder if they've heard The New Pornographers over the air waves--only if you live in Canada. Once you buy the record, you'll find yourself singing along in no time. "The End of the Medicine" with its swirling keyboards, tinkling tambourine and infectious liveliness instantly gets your foot tapping. This enthusiasm continues right through the album. The next gem is "All For Swinging You Around" which prominently features Neko Case's gorgeous pipes. Quick guitar progressions and staccato drums, paired with Case's throaty voice will have you putting this song on repeat. The album ends on a high note with "Miss Teen Wordpower," slapping a glittering bow on the fantastic package of pop perfection and leaving you drooling for the next album.