While Nada Surf have released a significant music catalog since 1995’s gargantuan High/Low—or more precisely, the gargantuan MTV hit “Popular”—they are still not distant enough to shake the one-hit wonder label. Too bad. The New York band has been cast in every possible misapprehension precisely because of that song, scrabbled for cash to release EPs to lukewarm reception, and been booted from their label, only to arrive here, in 2008, when an MTV rock hit seems unlikely.
Translation: they can now release an album for people who might listen all the way through.
That is exactly what the understatedly brilliant Lucky is and just in time for the band’s fortunes. It’s an honest-to-goodness album for people willing to give over a piece of their precious attention. For the iPod listener, this is for their Sunday afternoon run; on the stereo, it’s a back porch distraction before the work week descends mercilessly. Nada Surf is famous for a disturbingly catchy high school anthem, but thirteen years later, they’ve actually created some of the most mature rock of this or any other year. On Lucky, there is a distinct, soft, alt-country chic meets Beatles blend—or more specifically, the Autumn Defense meets “Strawberry Fields.” The combination of rural AM radio and psychedelic colors might seem at worst convoluted, and at best daunting. The band (in combination with Calexico and Ben Gibbard as guest additions) pulls it off. Witness “Whose Authority” and “Beautiful Beat,” well-paced, inspired rock that sustains unique energy. In a similar fashion are songs “Weightless,” in its buoyant hooks, or the barroom sleeper, “Are You Lightning.” All the way through, it’s rewarding.
Sure, they’re still willing to open with the pop caution subject (“See These Bones”), but here it comes in entirely-under-the-fold disguise. Like the rest of Lucky, its pointed meaning is a gift to the listener. Let them dwell and make art of their experience. Now listener, be diligent and forget the song “Popular” when you think of Nada Surf. It would be akin to dwelling on “I Saw Her Standing There” too long after the band revolutionized. This is very good stuff.
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