AC NewmanWhilst AC Newman is an iconic musical voice, his output has swayed in tone over the years. As frontman for effervescent power-pop band The New Pornographers, he corrals a swagger and confidence that alongside his compatriots bristles with sugar, bombast and light. As a solo performer, Newman has delved into more morose singer-songwriter territory, akin to a solo James Mercer singing variants of New Slang. His lyrics are always intelligent, even when having fun.
In the past few years, though, he's started to meld the two. The New Pornographers have taken on a more sombre, elegiac edge, whilst on Shut Down The Streets Newman has coloured his understated music with glimpses of overtly giddy irreverence. Fellow New Pornographer Neko Case is a constant presence, and Encyclopaedia Of Classic Takedowns is a quintessential Pornographers track; all punch, vim and vigour with the slightest whiff of twee in the wind. There's no doubt that Newman knows how to craft a brilliant pop song – he has close to 20 in his back catalogue – but these “familiar” moments help to accentuate the subdued moments. Opener I'm Not Talking could even be the best song he's penned – it's sweeping pop for the generations, with the right amount of orchestral filler and swelling emotion (leaving off pipe dreams for smaller, more achievable but no less admirable aspirations).
But most kudos goes to the closing title track (about the death of his mother). It will slay you – it's possibly the best song ever written that conveys the emotions of losing someone close to you. It takes time, but stick with this album as there are moments of heart-stopping beauty within.
