We’ve been waiting for a new album by Spoon for what seems like forever, and now that it's been a month since the band’s 6th release Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga hit the streets, I've had some time to let it sink in.

2005’s Gimme Fiction was my favorite release of that year, and I had high expectations for Ga X 5 .

Well, to put it quite succinctly, my expectations have been exceeded. Spoon continues to deliver the goods and have crafted the most compelling album of their career.

The mid-tempo and infectious plodding they gave us on Gimme Fiction continues, but has now been completely mastered, refined and exploited. The melodies and arrangements have stepped it up a notch, and the band explores different territory without losing the cohesive sound that is completely their own. The ethereal sound of “The Ghost of You Lingers,” the reggae styling of “Eddie’s Ragga” and the horn parts on “The Underdog” are all unexpected, but fit like jewels in an increasingly valuable golden crown.

At a compact 10 tracks, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a revelation without filler. The production puts each instrument within it’s own space and creates an illusion that the band is performing live in a circle surrounding you.

Devoid of overblown recording techniques, it shines as an example of what can be done with some microphones and talent.

It’s rare that I hear an album that gives such a memorable listening experience. Previous Spoon discs took many listens to fully appreciate, so I can only tremble at the thought of how this record will unravel over the next few months as we spend even more quality time together.

Tracklisting:

1. Don’t Make Me A Target
2. Ghost Of You Lingers, The
3. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb
4. Don’t You Evah
5. Rhythm And Soul
6. Eddie’s Ragga
7. Underdog, The
8. My Little Japanese Cigarette Case
9. Finer Feelings
10. Black Like Me