Rating: NNNN
Canada’s answer to the Fab Four, Sloan, are still charming after 23 years together – yep, 23 years.
The band’s 11th studio album is meant to be experienced as a double record on vinyl, one side dedicated to each of Sloan’s four co-songwriters.
But even over headphones attached to a computer, the record unfolds in distinct chapters: Chris Murphy’s eclectic Heart side is a little Tom Petty, with some minor-key piano balladry breaking into Police-like reggae on So Far So Good, and boasting a slow, melodic standout in Misty’s Beside Herself. Patrick Pentland’s Shamrock contribution is fuzzy, psychedelic and rocking – take it with you on your next run. Andrew Scott’s closing Spade side is one epic, eccentric track complete with a children’s chorus.
But Jay Ferguson’s opening Diamond section is worth the price of admission alone: 13½ minutes of power pop perfection that feels like familiar territory.
Top track: Cleopatra
Sloan play the HMV Underground Tuesday (September 9).
