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The eccentric demigod of indie-culture cool is still rockin’ out after 20 years. From his DIY poster band Beat Happening to his role in launching the influential K Records, you have to appreciate Calvin Johnson’s work. Hell, even Kurt and Courtney weren’t cool enough to hang with the K crew. This campfire balladeer’s surprisingly enjoyable sophomore album takes a different approach from previous work. Darker romanticisms tone down his usual playful subjects of lollipops and love. Johnson’s monotone baritone croon is deeper than before and sonically dominates the 10 tracks. A major guest list of K collaborators (Mirah, the Microphones) makes each song wildly different. It’s like Calvin Johnson’s Sandinista.
