A.C. Newman

Perhaps you've thrilled to the sounds of the New Pornographers in the past, or even done a bit of a jig to the music of Zumpano. If so, you will be more than familiar with how effortlessly songwriter A.C. Newman is able to create nearly faultless indie pop songs that are all smiles, smarts and regrets. Newcomers should start with "On The Table"; then take your pick.

On his solo debut, new pornographers main man A.C. Newman reveals his true talent:
crafting dream pop that disguises potential nightmares. As he does with the New
Pornographers, Newman pens melodies that seem to have sprung from the collective
unconscious and then encases them in bright, lush power-pop arrangements. There are
hints of David Bowie and Brian Wilson here, but for the most part, Newman uses t... More >

Compulsive craftsmen have feelings too--they're just nervous about letting them show ("Miracle Drug," "Come Crash"). (Grade - ***)