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Indie rock hipsters Spoon named their band after a hit song by the Teutonic titans of psych-funk, Can.
But, they don’t sound much like Can at all. They actually sound like a collection of Wire-worshipping 30-somethings exploring the last 50 years of popular and underground music. The band covers genres from each of the five decades charted in “Transference.” The album has songs that echo everything from ’60s psychedelia to Tom Petty-esque Americana.
A few of the tracks ring with the sounds of Brian Wilson baroque pop and hip Lou Reed rock.
Though of all the subgenres the Austin rockers seem to emulate, the one that gets the most play is simplistic, riff-based post-punk, in the vein of one of the giants of the genre, Wire. Combine that with the modern production style of the millennial indie rock set, and you get a generational cross section of rock ’n’ roll since the 1960s.
Now Spoon is definitely not the first rock band to create a post-modern pastiche of pop music. It might be the first Wire-like indie rock band to do it, but I doubt that. But that doesn’t really matter. What matters is whether Spoon does it well, and the answer, for the most part, is yes. This album is chock-full of delicious melodies, clever sonic effects and Wire-tastic riffs. Though, it should be noted that not all of their song experiments are successful. For example, the song, “Who Makes Your Money” is a rather lousy reboot of psychedelic soul.
Overall, though, “Transference” is a step or so above mediocre. It isn’t genius, it isn’t great, but it is good.
And remember, good isn’t half bad in a world dominated by Lady Gaga.
Reese Wilson is an English junior. He hosts “Weird on Wednesdays” from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Listen in at kxzy.okstate.edu.
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