A.C. Newman - Get Guilty (2009) [Matador] // Grade: C

I’ve always felt that the New Pornographers were never truly the sum of their parts. Despite all the critical praise lauded upon their work, all of their albums felt hollow to me. Nothing they ever put out collectively ever came close to the solo efforts of Neko Case, Dan Bejar (Destroyer) and, in particular, A.C. Newman’s old band Zumpano and his  2004 solo debut The Slow Wonder.

I’ve patiently waited five years for the follow-up to The Slow Wonder, an album that I consider to be one of the best releases in the past decade. That day finally came this past Tuesday. I normally try to keep my expectations in check… especially for bands or follow-ups to something I absolutely love. I let those albums soak in, trying not to let the genius of their past work influence my opinion. After a few days with Get Guilty I can firmly and sadly say that this album is a disappointment.

A.C. Newman is still quite adept at blurring the lines between delicate Chamber Pop and ragged Power Pop, but unlike The Slow Wonder, this effort doesn’t feel organic. What made The Slow Wonder so good wasn’t just the song craftsmanship, but how heartfelt and honest everything felt. It was  a very personal album with enough room to breathe and embrace the listener in it’s space. While not devoid of good songs, the album only boasts one great one, The Heartbreak Rides. As a whole Get Guilty just feels calculated and unfitting of a songwriter of A.C. Newman’s caliber.

- My Pal the Crook