By Fred Sowder, December 2008
Get Guilty, Matador Records
On his second solo outing, the New Pornographers leader settles into a heartland-rock vibe by the use of Beach Boys-esque harmonies. At times channeling Conor Oberst, Newman’s pop sensibilities can also take a turn toward the sounds of British Invasion bands on songs like “Submarines of Stockholm,” complete with requisite singsong choruses. “Changeling (Get Guilty)” similarly borrows from some of the Rolling Stones’ more bucolic moments. By using retro-style overdubbing and other production tricks from years past, Newman effectively melds garage rock with tempo and rock energy that is unquestionably contemporary. That’s not to say that The New Pornographers’ other members couldn’t have lent a hand here. Perhaps Neko Case or Todd Fancey could’ve sent some of these songs in a fresher direction, but that would defy the entire concept of a solo project now, wouldn’t it?