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Album Details

• Artist: Ac Newman
• Album: The Slow Wonder
• Label: Matador
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2004-07-26

Yup, AC Newman is in fact beloved member of New Pornographers, Carl Newman. I'm not sure where the AC comes from but rest-assured, this is the pop craftsman that seems like he can't be stopped. The Slow Wonder is his first solo effort and while it doesn't quite fare as well as The New Pornographers, it does provide some pop gems. The album starts out with one of its highlights, "Miracle Drug". It's bouncing rhythm can affect even the stiffest character. Carl slows it down a bit for "Drink To Me, Babe, Then" for a switch-up. "On The Table" moves into more of a NP sound with female backing with a killer chorus. "Come Crash" just might be the most personal track Newman has ever penned. Without the addition of all the other songwriters and contributors I was very skeptical but with many repeated listens I found myself enjoying AC Newman as much as The Shins or his other full-time band. His voice is a bit of an acquired listen but he is able to keep our attention with the different tempos and sounds throughout The Slow Wonder. "The Battle For Straight Time" is a complicated affair that eventually grew on me but be warned that it is fairly unconventional in structure. I hated it upon first listen. The album as a whole took me a couple listens to get into but now its in regular rotation and people are always enquiring about who it is. Throw "Sectretarial" on your next mix tape. People will love you.

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