Sunset Rubdown

• Random Spirit Lover [Jagjaguwar, 2007] C+B

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Random Spirit Lover [Jagjaguwar, 2007]
Spencer Krug's excesses exploit the tendency of alt-rock cognoscenti to give it up to any smart eccentric with a compulsion to run on at the mouth. A key component of Swan Lake and Frog Eyes, he also fronts Wolf Parade, who I guess constitute his Rolling Stones move. These keyby guys constitute, what, his Pink Floyd move? If only. Fact is, histrionic expressionism in this mode was unknown in the '60s unless you count Robert Plant, who--big difference--had a voice. Krug just yelps and weeps and ululates lyrics he provides so you can know how clueless you are. There are plays on words here, yes there are. In fact, the lyrics are less pregnantly opaque than his poetic admirers believe--clearly he longs to go where the wild things are. They'll eat him up, they love him so. If only. C+B