[.ca] Love Ways (1+ Tracks)

Love "ways":
Most people know Spoon for their albums like "Girls Can Tell" and "Kill the Moonlight," which leaves the poor "Love Ways" EP relatively unknown. It's one of the more underrated creations by Spoon (along with "Series of Sneaks"), with its taut, sharp rock and songcraft. "I miss that way you hold yourself/I miss the sense of wonder inside," Britt Daniel sings mournfully in the opener, slow-burning rock song "Change My Life." No flourishes here -- just stripped-down rock that seethes with energy and some complex electric riffs. In other words, good rock'n'roll. After that, the next two songs seem a bit lightweight, but they're actually quite good: There's the fierce danciness of "I Didn't Come Here To Die," and the Beatlesesque pop of "Jealousy." Then it's back into rock territory with catchy, punky rocker "Figures of Art," and finally finishing up with the downbeat, distant "Chips and Dip." Spoon originally put out "Love Ways" as a sort of "hey remember us? We're back!" wave to their listeners, after two years of label-less oblivion. So before "Girls Can Tell" was put out, "Love Ways" was released to show the fans that Spoon was alive and well, and still putting out outstanding music. As it is, Spoon was in good form when they released this little EP -- sprightly pop, taut rock riffs, flickers of organ, and the slow burn of the finale. They try it all, and it all succeeds. Daniels' razor-edged guitars get coated in dust for "Change My Life," right before smashing up against Jim Eno's tight drumming. It's outstanding, and would stand on its own even without the singing. Speaking of the singing... Britt Daniels has one of those great, gritty voices that can sing anything in a heartfelt way. Without, I might add, sounding like a lovelorn emo lad. He can pull off the occasional dud line, and only stumbles in the final song -- his voice doesn't have the same impact when half the song is spoken. It's hard not to love "Love Ways," a solid item for anyone who has ever enjoyed Spoon's taut, tight rock'n'roll. An amazing, rewarding little EP.

• Change My Life
• I Didn't Come Here to Die
• Jealousy
• Figures of Art
• Chips and Dip