by: Sun-J
Since the beginning of their formation, drummer Jim Eno and vocalist/guitarist Britt Daniel have been the only constants, yet they have always morphed soundscapes. From 2001's Girl's Can Tell to 2002's Kill The Moonlight, Spoon has yet to stay within the boundaries of a 'sound.' Lead singer/guitarist Britt Daniel's versatile voice allows them to bounce from sound to sound. The Austin, Texas band's 2005 release Gimme Fiction is no different. The spectrum ranges from soul, to blues, to alternative-rock to electronic-rock.
The album opens with a beatle-esque song, "The Beast And Dragon, Adorned." The track has a strong classic rock feel with Daniel sounding close to Mick Jagger. Even the lyrics bleed classic rock, "I got a feeling, it don't come cheap, I got a feeling, oh, it got to me, it took some time to work into my soul, I got to believe they come for rock 'n roll." "The Two Sides Of Monsieur Valentine" feature a touch of piano and cello, with the piano complimenting the bass guitar. The album takes a new direction with the third track, "I Turn My Camera On." Perhaps the standout song on the album, "I Turn My Camera On" sounds like a cross between Maroon 5 and Pharrel. The opening bass-drumbeat combination is very catchy, and Daniel comes in with strong hints of soul in his voice. "My Mathematical Mind" begins like it is a sequel to The OC smash, "Get By," however shifts directions slightly with a lowered tempo. The song as a whole engulfs a cinematical drama. "Sister Jack" is a guitar driven number mimicking the sounds of Wilco's "Summerteeth." "I summon You" begins with fast strummed acoustic guitar before a light drumbeat kicks on. The most important elements to acoustic driven songs are the lyrics, and they are fairly strong, "Remember the weight of the world is a sound that we used to buy, and all that you can, all that you can give is a cold goodbye..." "The Infinite Pet" utilizes a bouncy piano loop as well as some metronome and electronic sound elements. "They Never Got You" has a bassline mid-track which eerily resembles the bassline on Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone."
As a whole the album is very well collected. It amazes me how Spoon can take a sound, like that implemented in "I Turn My camera On," and then toss it a side for the final duration of the album. Many bands use the various sounds on each track for a whole album. Britt Daniels lyrics are standout on some tracks, but for the most part blend in beautifully with the bouncy rhythms Jim Eno provides. This is album will be a surefire enjoyment.
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