Everyone's alway's prattling on and on about how great The New Pornographers are. And I agree. They are a great band. But you know what? I like lead Pornographer A.C. (Carl) Newman's solo album The Slow Wonder more than anything TNP has put out. Released in 2004, Wonder is just one of those great pop albums you can put on and listen to without skipping a track. I don't know of too many albums that can boast that claim. Many of the lyrics have an intimate feel and there is also a wider range of emotions than on a New Pornographers' disc & having made the case for how different this record is from his other work, now let it be said that the record is very much like his other work. Maybe even better. It certainly contains some of his catchiest, most exuberant songs like the crashing opener "Miracle Drug," and weariness on the aching "Drink to Me, Babe, Then." In a better world, Slow Wonder would be on everyone's iPod, rotating on radio hourly, and his name would be on the lips of everyone from aged Royalty to teen-aged girls. Hmm, don't hold your breath, just sing along and be glad you discovered him. For your listening (dis)pleasure:

A.C. Newman: Drink To Me Babe Then

A.C. Newman: Miracle Drug