A.C. Newman’s second solo album Get Guilty is both entertaining and whimsical; however, its sound departs little from his most recent collaborative effort, The New Pornographers. Without a doubt, Newman has the gusto to maintain a successful career as he is both a gifted songwriter and talented musician. Yet, is it not the purpose of a solo album to experiment with the new? By the sounds of Get Guilty, Newman begs to differ.
Newman’s first musical endeavor began in the 1990s with grunge band Superconductor, shortly followed by Zumpano, a band strikingly similar to his current collaborative effort, The New Pornographers in 2000. In 2004, Newman launched his first solo CD, The Slow Wonder. While that album functioned as a near ode to his grunge roots, Get Guilty is merely a near replica of his work with The New Pornographers.
His lisp, although virtually unrecognizable in his singing, is undeniably a part of his charming stage presence. After seeing The New Pornographers perform at Lollapalooza in 2006, it became clear Newman was the ringleader. Although I had the unfortunate experience of having the reincarnated Brady Bunch stationed in front of me belting out each and every word as they clapped along with seemingly painted smiles on their faces, Newman was so enchanting for brief instances the impulse to shake Mike Brady and crew was silenced. And while the Bradys were no treat, they did get one thing right: The primary source of The New Pornographers’ appeal is their “clap-ability.” Much to listeners’ dismay, Get Guilty is like a “clap-ability-less” version of The New Pornographer’s 2005 release Twin Cinema.
However, to give credit where credit is due, Newman’s skill as a lyricist is more than adequately displayed on this album. Of the standout tracks, “Submarine to Stockholm” retains the upbeat tempo archetypal of the band and thought-provokingly offers advice to a lover: “Stop twisting your/ Words into shapes/ Shapes you can only make out when you squint.” Furthermore, the other download-worthy track, “Like a Hitman, Like a Dancer,” highlights his songwriting skill.
Yet, true to form, Newman is unable to distance himself from The New Pornographers’ mold. As he belts the endearingly ambivalent chorus, the melodies can be heard in the background much like the choruses of nearly all of Twin Cinema. Unable to find another equally obscure instrument as accompaniment? Being a musician of the caliber of Newman, it seems doubtful. Newman is certainly a wise enough soul to teach a thing or two on love; however, the somber melodies make us question our desire to listen.
The truth about Get Guilty is that the more you listen, the more you find yourself guilty of longing for the days of clapping with The Brady Bunch.
Newman, stop selling yourself short by sticking with a formula you already know succeeds. And while you may have successfully taught “Ten or Twelve Things” through your lyrics, you certainly are “guilty” of possessing a lack of inventiveness on this release.
3 stars out of 5.