Good, but they've done better

There are several great songs here. However, there is also a distressing number of songs that sound tired and aimless when stacked against the wall-to-wall triumph of "Electric Version." Maybe between this album and his solo record, Carl Newman is starting to stretch himself too thin? The Pornos still get a passing grade for this one, but I'm hoping for a little more inspiration next time around.

At It Again!

Wow. The New Pornographers have created ( yet again ) a masterpiece. But, unlike those other two, this one is a bit of a creeper ( for me, anway ). I'm tempted to say that this record is a tad bit better than even "Mass Romantic", and for no good reason. There's just something much more subtle about it. Whereas "..Romantic" kicks you in the head on first listen, this one reveals itself to you slowly. It's really damned wonderful. Really. Buy it now. Many truly beautiful moments, almost make me weep. "Sing Me Spanish Techno" has this incredible refrain with what seems to be a synth of some kind lurking in the background, but it's so-o-o-o good.."These Are The Fables" is the Neko-led ballad that switches up quite a bit, but it is pretty intense. "The Jessica Numbers" is a powerful, popping piece of pleasure. Gah! Buy it. Please.

Music to make you rejoice

For a Brit living in the U.S., NY Specifically you would have to forgive me and my fellow countrymen for touting the latest and greatest next big thing to float across the ocean. Listening to this album though I feel that maybe some of us have our blinkers on to just how wonderful some of the U.S. bands can be. 'Twin Cinema' kicks into place many of the pretentious [...] that the U.K. has currently thrown the States way. Music with such great depth and soul, richness and beauty. I suddenly realize why U.S. still has Britain beat in the music stakes, when bands like this still exist. I bought this CD purely based on a single free Download from 'Amazon.com', namely 'The Laws have Changed' which is such a brilliant track that I almost had the thought of buying their entire back-catalogue sight (or rather hearing) unseen. However, I went for their latest effort and I think I hit the jackpot. Somewhere between melodic pop/rock, raging indie college darlings and psychedelic ballads. Check out the track 'The Bleeding Heart Snow' track which you will recognize from some unrecognizable advert on TV purporting to convey the best in music, hey if only all new music sounded this good. Neko Case's vocals are well complimented by the music of the band but are actually used quite sparingly, hey you don't waste a fine wine you savor every drop and make the most of it. The lyrics on some of the songs are ethereal and strangely beautiful. 'These Are the Fables' is a treasure of modern pop-rock. Perfectly sensible and incomprehensible artistic ramblings that make a sense in a mystical world that belongs purely to this group alone. The Albums that always stand out to me are those that sound unlike anything else out there and 'Twin Cinema' has now taken its place with those very few bands whose art is passionately worn on their sleeves. I can't praise this album enough. My favorite album of 2005. 5 Stars absolutely, no doubt about it. If you're stuck in the mind-set that they don't make good music anymore, please check out this modern masterpiece. There is hope after all.