Matador Records
2004
The Slow Wonder
About This Album
A.C. Newman is Carl Newman. You may know him as the main dude in underrated pop heroes Zumpano; you may know him as the leader of the justly-rated New Pornographers; you may even remember him as the lead screamer in the very weird heavy rock band Superconductor. Either way, his name on a project is like the "Indie Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval." This is his first solo record and it delivers all the things one has come to expect and rejoice in from Newman. Things like witty, engaging songcraft that is full of surprises and exciting twists and turns, expertly produced and arranged songs, his perfect rock & roll voice, songs with big, fat hooks that call to mind power pop legends like the Raspberries, Redd Kross, and the Kinks, or plain old legends like Elton John, Harry Nilsson, or Todd Rundgren; songs that make you want to hit repeat as soon as the disc is over. Slow Wonder is undoubtedly Newman's most personal disc, not a shock given the format. Many of the lyrics have an intimate feel and there is also a wider range of emotions then on a New Pornographers' disc; some anger on "Town Halo," bitterness on "Better Than Most," and weariness on the aching "Drink to Me, Babe, Then.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8)

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