For Spoon, success is 90% perspiration, 10% inspiration. Britt Daniel and company may not push the envelope of rock 'n' roll personality, but the Austin band have always been a favorite of sophisticated listeners who appreciate the art of advanced songwriting and arranging.
Spoon's sixth studio album is a triumph of musical detail. "Don't Make Me a Target" sounds like a creepy dream because the guitar and piano march in unison to stalk a distressed singer. "Don't You Evah" opens with eight bars of silky-smooth solo bass before the lead guitar and vocals prod the song into motion. On "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," falsetto and sax build the sense of nostalgia.
Spoon may not make great rock stars; they just write great rock songs.