Looking at the packaging, one might think that Spoon's "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" was haphazardly slapped together at the last minute without concern for finding a viable album title or even correctly spelling the names of its songs. Yes, tracks such as "You've Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," "Don't You Evah" and "Rhthm and Soul" must infuriate copy editors everywhere, but these titles belie the meticulous crafting of everything on the album.
Spoon once again delivers intricately measured songs that hold back when they should and let loose when they need to. The result is a sound that exudes a dark sense of confidence and that feels best when combined with dancing. (The band understands all too well the sensual potential of carefree rock 'n' roll.)
Fans will recognize the strong beats, seductive guitar riffs, occasional piano interjections and the raspy-with-a-bit-of-phlegm (pre-smoker's cough?) distinctiveness of Britt Daniels' voice. The album continues Spoon's emphasis on upbeat tunes and fun times.
All the while, "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" deviates from past albums in its extensive use of horns and with the new sound of "The Ghost of You Lingers." The song (the staccato piano part of which gave birth to the album's name) creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that makes the toe-tapping release of the next several tracks all the more potent.
"Don't You Evah" is a cover of "Don't You Ever" by obscure-and-now-defunct-band The Natural History. It is one of those songs that make the listener feel cool as soon as it hits the ears. "Don't Make Me A Target," the first track on the album, engages from the start and does not let up. The first single from the album, "The Underdog," is a ska-like tune perfect for enjoying the outdoors in warm weather. "Finer Feelings" is a romp about dreams of grandeur.
Just as the titles seem incomplete, the lyrics can also use some work. Still, they find a way to fit the mood of each song. Occasionally, they manage to summarize Spoon's philosophy as a whole. The refrain in "Cherry Bomb" encourages, "Life can be so fair / Let it go on and on." After listening to "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga," one can only hope that Spoon will continue to go on and on producing albums, spelling quirks and all.
