So I know the album has been out for quite some time now, but I don't really see any discussions about it on this board.
This is the album that defines Spoon for me. I suppose it also has to do with the fact that this is the album I discovered them by.. But I just love how weird and experimental and catchy it is. There is so many really neat sound effects and things going on in the background of the songs that you don't pick up on your first few listens. And the lyrics remind me of something that you would find in some old forgotten dusty novel in the back of a library..
When I saw Spoon (the only time I've ever seen Spoon actually), they opened with The Beast And Dragon, Adored.. I was sort of near the front of the crowd and I was wearing that one Gimme Fiction shirt with the mexican dude on the front and Britt saw me and gave me a nod of acknowledgement.. I read somewhere that they come up with their setlists right before they play.. I believe they opened the show with that song because Britt saw me rockin' that shirt!
What is the deal with the album cover? I think it is their coolest cover, just because it has so much mystery to it... Who is that woman? Why is she dressed in all red? Why is she wearing a cloak or whatever you call it? The face is so hidden, could it actually be a man?
And then the album artwork (I own the vinyl), what is up with the bloody finger and the monster mask?
This album is just too cool and too weird for words. And I love every bit of it.
Sorry for the ranting... Just wanted to get some discussions going!