A is a definite article, a method of distinguishing an individual froma group, singling out the one particular subject that deserves all theattention. I don't know the true origins of that particular A, theabove definition would certainly make Carl Newman's self-amendeddesignation quite the aptonym. The Slow Wonderis an A, a defining article that raises Carl Newman from the crowdedhouse he built for the New Pornographers to his very own center stage.Newman is out this time with a collection of even newer rock and rollpornographers who are every bit as dig-deep tenacious and blissfullysonorous. The Slow Wonder is a further refinement of the ideas swirled across Mass Romantic and honed on The Electric Version.Newman has emerged from behind the curtain with a slab of popperfection, matching the heights of those previous records whileshowcasing a more personal stake in the music, as opposed to thecommunal conceptualism of the Pornographer records. "The Miracle Drug"is an assuring opener, almost alarmingly familiar with vocalist SarahWheeler backing up to fill in the Neko Case role (with such quality asto arouse curiosity as to what she might sound like out in front). Thesonic similarities only serve to demonstrate Newman's persisting talentin knowing what makes a great song and the ability to do so freshly, atwill. The melodious "On The Table" politely drips across the pianokeyboard with a dignified reserve before soaring into a kaleidoscopicrush of unbridled enthusiasm in the chorus. Amidst the crowd pleasersis "Come Crash," a gorgeous ballad that slowly probes the innerworkings of an obscure relationship. While never revealing too much indirect statements, the song instead pieces the story together throughthe shadows cast by the firework bursting bridge and shards ofconversation that slowly flicker and fade. It is a wonderfulcenterpiece to the album, and a more introspective side of Newman thanmost of us have been treated to. "The Town Halo" rockets the album skyhigh once again, thickly rooted in a repeating loop of strings, surgingforward in a thrust of accusatory questioning and boundary marking.Along with the closer, "35 In The Shade," the song surrounds Newmanwith a throng of background singers, lending their collective voices tothe music he has crafted. This aspect of the album seems perfectlynatural, as it is hard to resist joining in. Newman is a songwriter ofthe highest caliber, one who is capable of implanting a song deepwithin the psyche and coaxing it back out once again through the voicesof listeners. The Slow Wonder outputs nothing but unabashed joy through song and demands nothing less back.Read More
