Review Summary: Solid, funky and unique.
"Transference" seems to have copped a lot more criticism than "Gimme Fiction", "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga", "Girls Can Tell" or "Kill the Moonlight". I find this interesting because the album is a good sampler of all that Spoon has to offer. I think the general feeling of disappointment amongst fans and critics might be more to do with the track order than the tracks themselves. "Before Destruction" is an interesting composition but it isn't really an inviting opener. "Is Love Forever?" initially sounds disjointed but comes together nicely before its abrupt ending. The run of tracks from "The Mystery Zone" to "I Saw the Light" is the strongest section of the album. These four songs are well constructed indie rock gems. "Written in Reverse" is downright funky and the album's highlight. "Got Nuffin" is the pick of the tracks from the record's back half. It is simple but really builds momentum.
I wouldn't say this record is quite as good as "Kill the Moonlight" but it is ultimately a more rewarding listen than "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga". If you're a casual fan of Spoon don't let the negative reviews turn you off of buying "Transference" because it's the sort of record that has the potential to become a favourite.
