The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema

Short and Sweet Folks. The first 8 songs on this CD are the best run
I have heard since maybe "Who's Next". More hooks than ABBA and an old wide mouth bass......It's good.

Contains some really excellent songs and certainly none of them is bad. Definitely worth listening to.

This is a great album, it made me a fan. I bought it initially because I had seen it recommended by people on sites I frequently visit, none of them actually being music dedicated sites.

I approached it with an open mind, I like stuff that is more "out there" than this album. My first though was that it was a little boring and I "shelved" it (I would skip songs when they would come up randomly and so on) for maybe a moth or so. Then I gave "Bleeding Heart Show" a listen and it made me want more. I now own three of their albums.

I like t-shirts and I especially like concert t-shirts. Did I buy one at their latest concert? Uh, no. Their name is awkward and makes me think of some skanky punk group. Not necessarily a bad thing, but kinda of a guilty pleasure, not to be publicized lightly. Despite their origin in my home town of Vancouver, I never bothered to listen to them until last year.

I now own 4 out of 5 N.P. albums. Figure I'll get Electric one of these days. They are one of the best soft (as in, melodious) alternative groups around. Catchy tunes, great vocals. Their stage presence and energy, for Challenger? Awesome, but they do try their best to burn your eyes out with their stage lighting.

On the negative side - From seeing them in concert, I better understand AMG's critic saying that they to share the limelight overmuch. Out of eight people on stage, at least four were, very competently, singing lead at some point. With the other 3 singing backup, more often than not. Except for the sublime Neko, everybody else was an accomplished instrumentalist as well.

The result is their unique vocal blend. Very, very, smooth but sometimes I wish they would de-blend and let individual singers stand out more clearly.

Did I forget something? Ah, that awkward name. Quoting Wikipedia:

'It would seem to reflect a quotation attributed to Jimmy Swaggart, who once called music "the new pornography," '.

Couldn't the quote online, so maybe it's just an urban legend. Others attribute it to Pat Robertson. If real, it would be one more of the more stupid remarks ever.

Thanks for choosing that name, folks!

The New Pornos may still be trying to live up to the promise of Mass Romantic, but even as they fall short, they still manage not to disappoint. Twin Cinema is a virtual cornucopia of different sounds, styles and voices in alt-pop all squeezed into the same record; you'd swear it was a movie soundtrack or compilation instead of a true album. They may wear their pop influences on their sleeves, but it's so charmingly fun, breezy, bouncy and melodic that you'll hardly notice.

"Use It" and the title track both explode out of the speakers with shimmering melodies and irresistible hooks (the former may well be the catchiest song they've ever written), "The Bleeding Heart Show" builds to an anthemic close, and "Sing Me Spanish Techno" starts out fuzzy and swaggering before settling in for a sweet and swinging melody. It's their most eclectic effort to date and despite some truly strong moments, there are also a few bland and forgettable ones along the way.

Start to finish, though, its overt-pleasantness can be a bit tiring after so many listens (they're far less caustic and sardonic this time around; that, or its irony is lost in the summery beats). Twin Cinema's inconsistency and overlength can strain at times, but the high points more than make up for it. The album reaches a great high early on with most of the best ones coming in the first half. Does it simply wear out its welcome or does the quality truly ebb? Difficult to say, but genre fans should snatch it up all the same, and it beats the hell out of the carbon copy power pop that gets radio play right now.

Best cuts: "Use It," "The Bleeding Heart Show," "These Are the Fables," "Twin Cinema," "Sing Me Spanish Techno," "The Bones of an Idol," "Star Bodies," "Three or Four," "Falling Through Your Clothes," "Stacked Crooked"

After repeated listens, and careful comparisons between the New Pornographers 3 albums of which I have listened to near continuously these last 5 weeks, I have determined that their 3rd album, Twin Cinema, is not only their best, but among the greatest rock albums ever made. Every song is a classic. From the more simple pop songs that start out the album to the eye opening and occasionally jaw-dropping string of songs making up the 2nd half, this album if flawless, song for song as well as in its execution and order. Big Star, the Raspberries, The Action, 20/20, The Zombies, The Left Banke, The Byrds, even the Beatles; This album should be placed among the peak works of these pop classicists.

How sad was my (musical) life before discovering the new pornographers! Don't waste your time, and listen to this record immediatly!

I'll never make it through this album in one listen. I much more a fan of the earlier Mass Romantic release. Still, they're a great band with a lot of energy. Give it a shot if you're looking for something new.

Absolutely the best cd Ive heard in years for pure musical craftsmanship. The hooks are relentless and come at a blistering pace... initially they seem overdone and in-your-face, but after a few listens everything just clicks. I'll be the first to admit it took a couple listens to get into at first, but now this cd is like an addiction. I just have to listen, its no longer optional. The songs, and the album as a whole, just fit together perfectly. Its not often that I discover a cd thats so good that I feel compelled to write an online review (This is only my 2nd or 3rd Amazon review).

Neko Case is the icing on the cake, Im a huge fan of her solo work, and her contribution here makes the songs that much better. Do yourself a favor, pick up this cd and give it a few spins. Soon you wont be able to remove it from your cd player. And check out Neko Case's "Blacklisted" cd, the style is completely different from NP, but you'll be glad you did.

When I first got my hands on this hotly anticipated 3rd release from the NP's it didn't "hit" me like the first two. After a year of low rotation in my collection I'm now listening to it over headphones and it's just now striking me what a great disc this is. It's as good as their other discs and in a lot of ways even better. The Bleeding Heart Show is such a great tune. Don't give up on this one right away. Put it away for a month or two if you don't get it right away and then pull it back out on a rainy day and give it another try - you'll get it.

I guess it all depends on the type of music you like. I was drawn to The New Pornographers through Neko Case, and sad to say was dissapointed by the band. Not that they aren't a supremely talented band, but the droning voice of A.C. Newman wears thin on me, as is the case with Colin Meloy of The Decembrists. In fact, the two bands sound a lot alike, but Meloy brings a deeper literary flavor to his music that makes the songs much more enjoyable to listen to, at least for me. I much prefer Neko Case in her own element, singing her reverb-heavy folk ballads with a voice hauntingly familiar to Patsy Cline.

If CDs ever become extinct and scientists need to extract their DNA thousands of years from now to recreate them (a la Jurassic Park), "Twin Cinema," the perfect pop-rock concoction, had better be the disc they use. My question is, who says heavy electric guitars are mandatory to make the perfect rock record? The New Pornographers prove that several great singers, some piano, unique songwriting and a penchant for the perfect pop melodies from song to song will carry a band just fine. Of course, the lush, bountiful quality to these songs qualifies them as more than mere pop tunes. Calling these songs pop is doing them a disservice.

The opposite of stodgy would be upbeat, and that's what "Twin Cinema" is, even on the slower tunes, which have a tendancy to transform to livelier jingles by the end. The title track begins the CD like a blast of fresh-air power pop, a feature many of these songs share. Yet the New Pornographers seemed to create this album with the knowledge that people like to download songs that suit their individual tastes these days. Thus, there is a diverse feel to the record, almost as if more than one band was involved in making it. The album is fluent throughout, yet diverse and creative enough to keep you on your toes. "Twin Cinema" never feels dull, because the tunes take unique turns every step of the way. The snappy songs are enhanced by crisp production, quirky lyrics and superb drumming, which might get a little lost amid all the ultra-catchy sounds.

Neko Case has the best female vocals in rock. Such songs as "The Bones of an Idol" and "These are the Fables" are nothing less than elegantly beautiful. "Broken Breads" sounds like Syd Barrett (see The Madcap Laughs) performing a tune in 2005. The vibrating guitars on "Three of Four" is pure swank, reminiscent of a few songs on R.E.M.'s Monster from 1994. The chorus on "Star Bodies" has the lushest-ever vocals by Case (double-tracked), for a sound that is irresistable. Finally, "Stacked Crooked," the last song, has the defiant sound of redemption, looking forward with a sense of hope and positivity, despite the screw-ups of the past: "Stacked crooked all along but now I'm on my way."

Who knows where the New Pornographers will take it from here, but it's hard to imagine they will ever top the brilliance of this album.

I started surfing around on Amazon about 4 months ago and discovered this recording. To preface, I have a very diverse music background and like everything from Miles Davis to Led Zeppelin to Neil Young to the Minutemen to the Grateful Dead to the Sex Pistols, etc.

This recording is so unique that I've listened to at least parts of it almost daily since I bought it 2 months ago. Very diverse range of sound, great lyrics, and very well produced. I highly, highly recommend it.

If this album were a boxer, it'd come out swingin'--and boy can it throw some sweet hooks! But don't be fooled, it has stamina too. As the rounds go on, it doesn't wear down.

In other words, the songs on this album are extremely catchy. The first 4-5 tracks will knock your socks off the first time you hear this one. The others may sound comparitively dull at first, but if you give them a chance, you'll end up loving every song on the disc.

When I got this album, I really wanted to like it. MSN radio told me I'd like it. Amazon told me I'd like it. I didn't own any of their albums, but I have the tracks "Laws have Changed" and "Graceland" (both chockful of pop-goodness and instantly enjoyable, I suggest checking them out.) off the Matador at 15 album and I really liked those songs. I also had read previous reviews about how infectious the melodies are and how great this album was so I gave it a shot. At first, I found it forgetable. When I listened to it, I enjoyed it, but nothing stuck with me. It was just okay. It's been on constant rotation for over the last two weeks, and I'd say that I really like it now. At first I enjoyed "Use it." It had a hip beat. Then "The Bleeding Heart Show" and "Jessica Numbers" got caught in my head. For me, this album just took awhile. It is good enough for me to check out their other albums, but I find this album is not for those who want instant satisfaction. It's infectious for those who want it to be. I will say though that despite looking like Howdy Doody, AC Newman does write terrific songs, but none of the songs on this album are catchy enough to remember on first play. You have to take the time out to "get" it. If you skim on this album, you'll never appreciate it for how fun it can be.

The hopeful, early promise of "Mass Romantic" was fulfulled in spades with the mature, melodic "Electric Version." What band wouldn't be thrilled with such a successful arc of two fantastic albums? How could you ever hope to complete the hat-trick, as it were?

I guess you just trust in Carl Newman's top-shelf songwriting, Neko Case's terrific voice, and the power of the Pornographer's instrumental prowess. It certainly works on Twin Cinema: from the driving pomp of the title track, through the harmonic, chaotic grace of "The Bleeding Heart Show," the catchy pop brilliance of "Sing Me Spanish Techno," to the gorgeous finale of "Stacked Crooked."

I don't know how I could choose one of these terrific albums over the others... what a glorious problem to have!

I don't know why this is on my review list...I never bought this

I've had nearly 6 months with this record now and am convinced that it is the New Pornographer's masterpiece, though I believe (and hope) that the best is still yet to come.

This album departs from the previous album 'Electric Version's overall veneer of hook laden, sunny, formulaic pop (as addictive as it was) and steps up with a startling array of musical shades. The album offers up endlessly exquisite examples of alt-pop, rock, country, underground, prog rock and experimental compositions. Somehow, it also makes sense as a whole.

It's been said many times, but this band has the greatest musical chops currently on offer. Their virtuoso stylings at times show them pushing beyond the limits of expectation. Simple treatments of the songs would be just too boring, given the technical abilities of everyone involved. The important thing is it's joyous in a twisted kind of way, and every part of the production is there because it needs to be there.

On this album you will find a few instant winners (for me it was Use It, The Bones of an Idol and These are the Fables) but after you've played them to death, the other tracks will one by one start to reveal themselves - my current favourites are Jackie, Dressed in Cobras, Streets of Fire, Stacked Crooked and Broken Beads. Honestly, there isn't a dud here.

The innovative production here is so organic to A C Newman and Dan Bajar's brilliant song writing that it almost goes unnoticed. The songs are fully developed and often, cross and counter melodies begin to emerge as you get to know the songs better. Check out the sudden stomping rhythm at the end of Stacked Crooked that develops into a chorus chant. Earlier, a faux-Arabic lilting vocal breaks unexpectedly in the same tune. The most glorious moments could be the sudden time shifts and beautiful piano runs in Jackie, Dressed in Cobras. The lyrics seem equally random and incisive "On a train devouring the land, there's a kid going insane over her man, insane over her man, insane over her...".

`Use It' is a post sixties, darkly decorated shuffle, that takes off like a rocket. Newman's vocal has never sounded cooler than on this track.

On `These are the Fables', Neko Case, just the cream on top of all the other brilliance on this album, sings with perfect composure. Her work on Bones of an Idol is deceptively effortless.

So many things are right about this record - experimental and melodic, enigmatic and confident, it's endlessly enjoyable and fascinating. I can hardly wait to hear what they come up with next.

Well Amazon kept recommending me to this album so I decided to try it out. Im not sure if this is actually indie but I generally do not like much music in that genre. I dont think many indie bands have good vocalists but it is easy to see that that The New Pornographers have beautiful harmonizing vocals. Overall this is easy to listen to, and is just good indie pop. They seem to have some kind of chemistry in the band to create such simple enjoyable music. There are not too many memorable songs, except maybe Sing Me Spanish Techno, but overall it is very pleasing to the ears.

8.2/10 - I recommend this album to all indie and alternative fans.

Whats the big deal? Neko Case is a great musician in her own right. In fact, her songs were the only ones on the alblum I actually enjoyed. Bones of an Idol is a great song, but I really dont see the appeal of this faceless band. If its rock, then its not very good. I would give them the benefit of the doubt that they are so artsy that theyve come full cirle back to plain, old dirty rock.

The New Pornographers are a Canadian Indie band on Matador Records. Though I've heard the name in passing, it was browsing Amazon.com that they were really brought to my attention. After browsing some other albums, Amazon kept recommending Twin Cinema to me. It's rare an online application alone will convince me to buy an album. The first and only time I bought an album on the blind faith of a computer was Seven More Minutes by The Rentals, which I thought was terrible. However, I was fortunate enough to find a copy of Twin Cinema through the local library system to check out.

The title track in the number one slot helps get this album off to a start. The power pop ensemble is made possible by thirteen acomplished musicians all coming together to create layers of upbeat tunes.

Twin Cinema is pretty good when listening to start to finish, but not quite great. Some songs such as "The Bones Of An Idol" don't have the same appeal as its neighbors and seem like an intermission. Sandwiched between "The Jessica Numbers" and "Sing Me Spanish Techno", "These Are The Fables" seems to get off to a slow start. Just when I'm about to say I don't like it, it kicks it up a notch for the finish. Still, it seems a bit long for a song that is only three and a half minutes. Maybe that is part of the magic.

The only single from Twin Cinema is "Use It". It's an okay song, but lacks the substance of "The Jessica Numbers", "Sing Me Spanish Techno", or "Twin Cinema".

All in all I like this album, but I'd hesitate to recommend it wholeheartedly to friends and family as it is something of an acquired taste. Despite that, I like it enough to check out their other albums and eventually the side projects by various members.

It's ironic (or whatever the word is) to me that I've only found my album of 2005 now in 2006. I've thought quite a bit about what my favourite album of 2005 was and came to certain conclusions but never was really truly set on my decision. I knew there had to be something more. I think I have finally found a definite album of 2005.

These guys (and girl) are figuratively exploding at the seams with talent. They make music that sounds instantly classic (as in literal classic like age and quality) and they make it sound like it's easier than taking a dump and eating an apple.

Each member fills their position almost flawlessly. It seems as if it was planned so carefully and thoroughly. The singing is very good from every member who sings and all the instrumentals are done very well, especially the drums. The drummer in this band is originally from the magnificent band Limblifter and is an excellent drummer who doesn't get anywhere near the attention he deserves. It's amazing how believably '60s this record and group sounds but with a modern fresh sound at the same time.

You might think this music is just the same as a lot of the music out there today if you only hear a few seconds of it, but if you listen to more then you'll realize quickly that there is something different, unique and yet familiar about it. Of course that is only if you're into this style of music which isn't for everyone. It's incredibly addictive.

Just thought that I would write a quick review of one of the more refreshing new bands to make it onto high rotation in my CD player.This is my first experience with the New Pornographers and I am pretty impressed by them.They seem to have a real knack for taking non-sensical,offbeat,quirky lyrics to a very accessible level.Previously I had only heard of Neko Case from her efforts as a regular in the alt-country scene.I'm sure all this will all change as I get to know the band better and I discover more about the other members. O.K. now for the music itself as far as I'm concerned there is not a bad track on this CD from the bizarely ludicris Jackies Dressed in Cobra's to my favourite track on the album the spikey and energetic punk tinged The Jessica Numbers.Just for a quick reference two bands that spring to mind for me when I listen to this Cd are 80's Aussie pop band Split Enz and more recently Grandaddy.Other stand out tracks are Sing me Spanish Techno and the amazing almost world music choir like stylings of The Bleeding Heart Show.The production values of the CD are a perfect blend of Lo-Fi and Hi-Fi,whilst interesting instruments seem to have been chosen for each track for maximum effect and impact.Before listening to the Cd at my local music store I had never even heard of these guys but I did recognise the the Matador logo and that is what prompted me to give it a listen.This is mainly due to the fact that Madder Rose and Mercury Rev have also shared this label,so I kind of trust the folks at Matador to a certain degree.So if you like pop music that isn't typical or derivative then I suggest that you really should at least give this a listen.And if like me, after a few listen's you may find that it grows on you like one of your favourite t-shirts.

After creating two nearly flawless albums The New Pornographers went back in the studio and recorded pure power pop perfection. Twin Cinema is the best album coming from the Canadian group, it makes their sound more diverse than ever. Every song is catchy and sure to stay in the listener's head for quite awhile.

Best Tracks:
Twin Cinema
Use It
The Bleeding Heart Show (The ending to this song is really special)
These Are The Fables
Stacked Crooked

All of them really are great and this is obviously only my opinion as too which are the best of the best. These are the standouts among standouts.

The pr0ns have clearly been influenced by their own earlier album, Mass Romantic. They probably sat and listened to it all day like a bunch of narcissists. -2 stars. Neko Case has red hair. +4 stars. I'm confused about AC Newman. Is that his name or is it Carl? +2 if it's AC, +1 if it's Carl. The one song talks about Spanish Techno. I was in Spain during Carnaval, and Spanish Techno is stupid. -3 points. The parade was cool, though, so +1. +3 stars for being reviewed on Pitchfork with witty hipster comments that went over my head.

5 stars if his name is AC
4 stars if it's really Carl

Enjoy this fairly new record album.

dunno what everyones complaining about. I've heard lots of people call this album dissapointing. Its actually my favorite of all three of thier albums, narrowly beating out "mass romantic". and for those of you who havent heard the other albums and therefore cant make a comparison, I'd like to tell you that this album is damn near perfect.

This album walks a line between catchy pop and prog rock. There are a number of songs that I return to, Jackie Dressed in Cobras, and Falling Through Your Clothes are absolute classics. The latter song's hypnotic chorus is irresistable.

I haven't heard any other NP cds, so I can't compare it to earlier work. But I haven't been this excited by a new band for a long, long time. I like that people each think "they sound like" such and such a band, but for each person, it's different: "the Kinks!" "No, the Dandy Warhols!" "No, T Rex!"

For me, when I hear Stacked Crooked, I'm instantly reminded of the earliest Pink Floyd, and of the 60s song, "I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night." The production and songwriting are wonderful and inventive, and the execution, especially the singing are powerful, yet conversational instead of Whitney Houston-diva style yelling. It reminds me of attending an LA beach party that no-one's noticed I'm too much of a geek to be allowed into.

And numbers like 3 or 4 and The Jessica Numbers, I find so inventively arranged that I can't compare them with anything else at all, and so energetically executed that I'm drawn to listen to them over and over. Bravo!

I don't know how these guys do it. They seem to come up with a limitless number of pop-hooks, feel good harmonies, and catchy melodies, and seem incapable of writing anything less than a good song after three CD's. There is nothing particularly innovative or ground breaking here. It is simply great power pop songs sung and played well, and it's a unique talent to make this sound so fresh and effortless. Lots of highlights for me, but particularly Twin Cinema, The Bones of an Idol, and Sing Me Spanish Techno.

No, the sound hasn't progressed from Electric Version, but if it's working great, don't "fix" it.

Weird band name but good album. At first I was a bit put off by the band name, it sounded kind of goofy to me, but I gave the music a try and I found that it was really good. I would call this top notch power pop. They remind me a bit of The Shins in their musical style but not so much in sound. I like just about all the songs here, may favorite on this CD is "The Bleeding Heart Show". Most rock bands that have emerged since the 90s, strike me as not worth the worth the time, The New Pornographers however make some great memorable music. One of the best bands to come along in quite a while.

There are several great songs here. However, there is also a distressing number of songs that sound tired and aimless when stacked against the wall-to-wall triumph of "Electric Version." Maybe between this album and his solo record, Carl Newman is starting to stretch himself too thin? The Pornos still get a passing grade for this one, but I'm hoping for a little more inspiration next time around.

For a Brit living in the U.S., NY Specifically you would have to forgive me and my fellow countrymen for touting the latest and greatest next big thing to float across the ocean. Listening to this album though I feel that maybe some of us have our blinkers on to just how wonderful some of the U.S. bands can be. 'Twin Cinema' kicks into place many of the pretentious [...] that the U.K. has currently thrown the States way. Music with such great depth and soul, richness and beauty. I suddenly realize why U.S. still has Britain beat in the music stakes, when bands like this still exist. I bought this CD purely based on a single free Download from 'Amazon.com', namely 'The Laws have Changed' which is such a brilliant track that I almost had the thought of buying their entire back-catalogue sight (or rather hearing) unseen. However, I went for their latest effort and I think I hit the jackpot. Somewhere between melodic pop/rock, raging indie college darlings and psychedelic ballads. Check out the track 'The Bleeding Heart Snow' track which you will recognize from some unrecognizable advert on TV purporting to convey the best in music, hey if only all new music sounded this good. Neko Case's vocals are well complimented by the music of the band but are actually used quite sparingly, hey you don't waste a fine wine you savor every drop and make the most of it. The lyrics on some of the songs are ethereal and strangely beautiful. 'These Are the Fables' is a treasure of modern pop-rock. Perfectly sensible and incomprehensible artistic ramblings that make a sense in a mystical world that belongs purely to this group alone. The Albums that always stand out to me are those that sound unlike anything else out there and 'Twin Cinema' has now taken its place with those very few bands whose art is passionately worn on their sleeves. I can't praise this album enough. My favorite album of 2005. 5 Stars absolutely, no doubt about it. If you're stuck in the mind-set that they don't make good music anymore, please check out this modern masterpiece. There is hope after all.

I've heard 'Twin Cinema' a couple of months ago for the first time, but I more skimmed through it than I actually listened. A bad habit which happens to me more than once, and with this loose listening, I didn't find it very interesting, despite all the raving reviews. Fortunately, I happened to come across it a second time, and listened to it under a nice sun in my backyard (yes, sun in these days). Now, I was astonished by the quality to say the very least, especially in the first half of the album. The New Pornographers have the pleasant ability to create pop songs with an appeal which isn't really visible nor tangible at first, and let characteristic moments in these tracks take over and smooth it out over the polished surface this intangebility creates. It's like having a blank page and letting a giant paint drop fill the center, whereas the listener can take the initiative and use their imagination to spread the paint over the remaining blanks as they dessire. The other songs in this first half consist of more upbeat, filled songs which tend work out fantastic ('Use It' as prime example).

Unfortunately, after starting with such a immense beginning (till track 8, with 6+9 as decent followers), it was just a matter of time untill 'Twin Cinema' took a step back. Tracks 10 till 13 are mediocre, maybe a little under that. They do exactly the opposite what makes the rest of the record so great; they spread the catchy-ness, the special moments, the building up, over the entire song. The result is that the listener doesn't get that beforementioned: "ok... ok... wow!" where the wow helps the "oks" immediatly up the ladder in greatness. Instead, the songs are streamlined in quality, never leaving an intruding mark of quality, thus leaving the listener untouched; your 1-in-a-million popsong you might say.

All in all this record is awesome, great and everything that fits in that league. Yet when the beginning makes such an impact, it's mediocre parts are almost unforgivable. When these songs would apear on a record of average quality, none of these average tracks make such an individual downhill impact like it does here.

That said, if you can live with that, 'Twin Cinema' is the way to go. For all others.. dare I say it, but buy the cd anyway and just make your own compilation out of it, ending up with the cd of 2005 after all.

I'm am a little bumped that it wasn't what it could have been. I mean, if they narrowed the tracklistening to the best songs, this would undoubtely be the best album of 2005 for me. Instead, this immense potention has been killed by itself.

89/100 , 4 stars.

These songwriters (Newman, Bejar, Neko Case, etc.) wrap more inspired melodies into one 4-minute song than most bands feature on 2 albums. The band picks up where the 'Electric Version' LP ended and offers their finest release to date...yet another Canadian collective that outshines the Yanks.

'Use It' are 'The Bleeding Heart Show' are highlights, and the last two tracks ('Streets of Fire' and 'Stacked Crooked', an unexpected Smashing Pumpkins-esque closer that Billy Corgan could only hope to record) end the record in fine fashion. If the 'Jackie Dressed in Cobras' single is the only song you've heard, please trust me that it is not indicative of the overall quality of the album.

(On a side note: Why do so many reviewers compare every album to The Shins? Find another reference point already, geez...there are other CDs in the world than 'Oh Inverted World' and the 'Garden State' soundtrack. Thank you.)

Twin Cinema has those moments when you will have it on in the room, while doing something else, and souddenly look up from whatever task it is you are doing, and say, "My Gawd! this is brilliant!" You will then rush over to the stereo, turn the volume up, and stand in an enchanted bliss until the song is over. The next song will come on, and you will think, "hey this album is pretty good." You, however, will not stand by the stereo for the entire album, rather, there will be those times when you will turn the volume back down, go back to whatever task it was, and hum along with the music playing quite nicely in the background.

Twin Cinema is pop, punk and rock woven together into a very interesting (and fun to listen to) album. Several different singers and styles lend enjoyable variety, and many of the tunes are so catchy they stay with you (in a good way--not akin to "It's a Small World"). I didn't feel that the end of the album was as strong as the beginning, but it's still growing on me, so I may change my mind.

I've listened to this record about 8 times all the way through now and I'm simply not understanding why so many people seem to love these songs and claim that is it one of the best albums of 2005. Indeed, the musicianship is strong with the drums, in particular, taking center stage on many songs. These guys know there stuff and have it together, but so do most bands that put out records these days.

For me, the melodies are forgettable ("Bones of an Idol"), a lot of the songs are distantly recorded ("Twin Cinema") taking away from any power they may have had if put down on tape differently, and chord phrasing on many songs are rather insipid ("These are the Fables"). By the end of it, the whole thing feels tight, well-rehearsed, and completely uninspired. It's like the Shins "oh, inverted world," only the songs are slightly longer and you don't even get at least one "New Slang" to make up for all the rampant banality on the rest of the album.

Seriously, someone explain to me what i'm not getting!

I own and enjoy both of TNPs previous albums, but neither is this good. Nearly every track is outstanding and most are unique when compared to each other, yet the songs all seem to belong together, leading a surprisingly cohesive experience, making this one of the best pop albums in years.

The best thing about the album (and there is much to choose from) is how surprising it can be, not only from track to track but within each track as well. The endings to the songs "The Bleeding Heart Show" and "Stacked Crooked" end, for example, are outstanding, though they differ significantly from the rest of the song. "Stacked Crooked", in particular, has perhaps the best closing of any song I've ever heard, and that's not hyperbole.

Don't worry: through all these changes, both within the songs themselves and with the album as a whole, everything rings true. They don't change things up in order to be different; they do it because it makes the song better.

Everything else for which this album has been complimented is also true. Neko Case has a voice which makes you long to hear it again. That they don't overdo it in this regard, that they leave you wanting more, is a great decision that makes you appreciate when she does sing even more.

There are a few downsides. As mentioned, some tracks aren't as strong as others, though they are still quality, catchy pop. The lyrics are mostly indecipherable, but they do fit the music nicely.

But these are minor problems. Whether it's the more traditional songs or something as bizarre as the chorus of "Falling Through Your Clothes" or "Three or Four" (which is unbelievably catchy for reasons I honestly do not understand), odds are you'll fall in love with something on this album, and maybe even all of it.

It has been a long time that I've enjoyed a rock album as much as "Twin Cinema." I'm a baby-boomer, and can only listen to modern rock radio for a few minutes before pressing the destroy button. Of rock bands that have emerged since the late 90s, very few strike me as worth the time. The Dandy Warhols, the Shins, and some songs here and there from the Pernice Brothers, Josh Rouse, Kathleen Edwards, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Not since "13 Tales of Urban Bohemia" have I owned a rock CD that I couldn't stop playing, or that has so many songs that temporarily become my favorite on the disk. There are two tracks on this disk, out of 14, that I usually skip. The rest are just great.

I can't quite figure out all of what these guys are doing that makes them stand out. Here are the main features:

1) The vocals. The New Pornographers sometimes sound like a rock choir. Trading off male and female lead vocals hasn't been done this effectively since X. But many songs are sung by four or more voices in extremely well-constructed harmony. Neko Case's solo songs are among the best on the disk, but where she really shines is in a song like "The Bleeding Heart Show," when her powerful, clear voice comes in at a key point near the end.

2) The songs. Most of the songs are by A.C. Newman, but the other songwriter, Dan Bajur, makes some incredible contributions, especially "Jackie Dressed in Cobras." The songs don't always follow conventional ABABCAB structure. Instead, one section will be followed by another then another, with each section sometimes having its own rhythm pattern, its own vocalists, its own melody. On a few of these cuts like "Stacked Crooked," and "Bleeding Heart Show," the final section is positively orgasmic, an all-out musical explosion.

3) The musicianship. Having players who can play their instruments -- what a concept. The drummer is especially good.

My only objection to the New Pornographers is the lyrics. You've heard the story about Paul McCartney writing the tune to "Yesterday," and calling it "Scrambled Eggs" until the poignant "Yesterday" lyric came to him? Some of these songs are still "Scrambled Eggs." The lyrics accentuate the music well and create a surreal impression at their best, but don't really say anything. It's not like the Shins, who are obscure but can be parsed if you just look at the lyrics long enough. I've read some of the lyrics on line for these songs and can't make head nor tails of most of them. Maybe another reviewer can explain.

But it's a testament to the strength and passion of the music on this disk that, you know, it just doesn't matter that much. Neko Case sings her songs with so much passion and conviction that you're just sure "These are the Fables" has to mean...something.

You get the feeling the key performers here prefer to focus on their solo careers. While I'm sure they believe they are all wonderful solo--and from what I can hear, it's all good stuff-- nothing any of them have done beats their music with the New Pornographers. I hope we can expect more from them as a group.

Well they're not reinventing the wheel on this album, the first I've heard from TNP. What they are doing is making some of the most melodic and moving pop music I've heard in a long while. This is a gorgeous album, being melodically and musically sophisticated, accessable as all hell without being cloying or wimpy. What is it about Canada these days, Broken Social Scene, Godspeed You Black Emperor, The High Dials and these guys? Maybe it's in the water... BTW Neko Case should sing more as other reviewers have noted.

I am a huge fan, and this CD did not disappoint. It's a little more experimental than Electric Version, but never is the music diluded. Neko Case gets ballads this time, which show off her voice. The upbeat songs make me move around just as much as Madonna's latest CD - but in a different way.

I listened to this a few times initially and didn't like it, with the exception of "Star Bodies". I liked that song so much, I would leave the rest of the cd on and slowly, over time I really started liking the rest. I'm surprised at this turn of opinion, but it's true. There are a lot of things I like about this album now, the arrangements chief among them - at first they were jarring to my ears but like I said, it steadily grew on me. In addition to the numerous influences mentioned by others, I hear styles similar to Pete Yorn, Beatles, and even Candice Night from Blackmore's Night (the beautiful "These Are The Fables"). What a nice surprise to go from disappointment to adoration!

At first, I was sure that this album did not measure up to the last one. I set it aside for a few weeks. But I had to return to it. The hooks and melodies burrow in your head like an earworm. These are not straight pop songs, there is always a little off-kilter sound to keep them from the pure sugar of pop. But this is indie pop at its best and eventually you will submit like I did. Fave track: "The Bleeding Heart Show"

Highly recommended.

These album, really doesn't need a super-eloquent review to entice listeners to sample this album. Twin Cinema is such a catchy pop-piece, I think it would be hard to keep people away from this album.

"Twin Cinema", "bones of an Idol", "These are the fables", "Use It", and my favorite "Bleeding Heart Show" are some of the best tracks...But who cares? This album is good enough to purchase and listen to in its entirety, catchy enough to keep your interest, but poignant at times and mellow during Neko Case's vocals as well, which helps maintain the albums longevity. In other words, Twin Cinema never gets old.

Check the New Pornographers' back catalogue, they aren't new at writing exceptional pop. Yet, none of their prior albums has been as cumulatively GREAT as this one. Heck, even my parents like it.

A Best Album of 2005

To anyone interested in purchasing this CD, all you have to do is listen to the 30second samples of each one, and if you understand music, that should be enough to convince you to buy 'Twin Cinema'. Omit the far and few between negatives reviews such as that of D. N Voetberg - who compares one of the album's best song to an Ashlee Simpson song ( this guy has the boy scout handbook on his wish list, though, so maybe he's a litte 'off'). After hearing these samples, I got the CD and nearly all the songs get stuck in your head, but in a pleasant way.

There's a lot of great music coming from the North (Canada) these days! The new New Pornographers' album: Twin Cinema is no exception! Twin Cinema offers a very diverse track listing from it's 14 tracks...and every single one of them is excellent! The music is very rich, full and is comprised of various instruments. The piano, electric piano, guitars and drums are most prominent. The vocals are very dynamic, powerful, harmonic and melodic and demands you to sing a long.

Definitely one of my very best of 2005 CD's! It took me a little bit to get into it, but now that I've gotten familiar with it, it's very difficult to take out of my CD tray! If you liked their previous Electric Version, or just now getting on that Indie wave, this is a must have!

Wow. I never thought it would happen, but THe NP's sell out. Every track is a desparate plea to finally get a song on Top 40 radio. Is it just me, or does "Jackie, Dressed in Cobras" sound just like almost every Ashlee Simpson song? Also, if anyone told me the New Pronographers would have a song as a prom theme, I would have laughed. But, hoo dee da!, my neice's high school prom them? "Bones of an Idol."

Every song on this "albu"m is replete with verses and choruses that sell records. I understand that it's hard to ignore the dominate mores of song writing that have prevailed for hundreds of white-male dominated years ("Oh, I need to have a chorus and cute melody!"). But, I've figured it out for my own song-writing, creating my very own genre of music, even reinventing the idea of a song (sometimes not even using music). But, here is the New Pornographers, the "heroes" of the intelli-alt scene, and everyone's falling for it, meanwhile I'm writing all this brand new stuff and I can't get anyone to listen to it. And now NP is even leaving all their bespecled, campy t-shirt, "bling bling" wearing fans behind, chasing the Top 40 Hit. "Broken Breads"? Why did they even record that song, why not just put in "Oops, I did it again?" and be done with it? Suddenly, I ask myself, "Are the NPs really any better than the executives at Enron who 'sold out' their employees 401(k)s?" No. They aren't.

P.S. Really, other people mentioned it in their reviews, but what is with the guy-being-chased-by-a-bear skits between each track? Tryin' to compensate for lack of real musical ideas there, fellas?

You'd think after two great albums, that the third would slip a bit in quality. You would be wrong then my friend! TWIN CINEMA is another great album from one of the best groups to come out of the pike in a while. The album still boasts the same hooky, power pop songs we've come to expect from the New Pornographers. It's a sunny record that sounds bright even when the tempos slow down and the melodies change toward a minor key. The great thing about this band is that every member has an equal part, and contributes something to the project. So maybe band isn't the best word to describe them, but team is more fitting. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it seems that they've found a niche and sound that works for them, and this listener couldn't be happier.

I've always wished that when I would walk down the halls at school or wake up in the morning, there would be theme music playing for everyone to hear (frankly, who hasn't wished this?) Upon listening to this album I think that I've finally found the perfect soundtrack music for my life. There's a song for every emotion, and each song is so layered that it could be used for a plethora of different occasions. Tracks of note are "Sing Me Spanish Techno" and "The Bones of an Idol". If you like music, you should get this album, as you are bound to fall in love with it easily and quickly. And who knows? The next time you walk down the street, try to hum "Streets of Fire". Your day will be better.

very catchy, very enjoyable, LOTS of good harmonies! I especially enjoy "The Bones of an Idol" "These are the Fables" and "Sing Me Spanish Techno"