Nada Surf "Lucky"- -Album Review

In my (very partial) book, anything new by Nada Surf is a cause for celebration. Their newest, "Lucky," out now on Barsuk Records, is no exception. Since their long-ago (1996) hit "Popular" put them on the popular music map they've been slinging out anxiety-drenched melodic introspection of a impressively high quality--including "The Weight Is a Gift" in 2005, "Let Go" in 2002 and "Proximity Effect" in 1998, all albums that contribute to my "Top 25 Most Played" automated iTunes playlist.

A stand-out track on "Lucky" is "I Like What You Say," where Nada Surf's Matthew Caws expresses trademark insecurities in his trademark plaintive voice: "They say I have to have somebody/They say I have to be someone's/They say if you're not lonely alone, boy there is something wrong." But this isn't an album for the broken hearted (that's "Let Go"). Rather, it's a album for the deep-thinker who likes their Raskolnikov in melodic form.

Tracks like "Fox" and "Here Goes Something" take baby steps away from the usual Nada Surf sound without stepping too far-away from the usual mix of overt longing and covert philosophy. Album opener "See These Bones" is a masterpiece of counter-melodies and melodic development--all in a swift five minutes. "Are You Lightening?" is another gem, a song in which the NS trio use the usually weightless pop song medium to not only express certain feelings, but to explore what to do those feelings (particularly those we seem to drag into every new situation, good or bad). Such a description could describe the entire Nada Surf project. "Lucky," like all their best work, is thinking man's music for those who have big, heavy hearts that they can't help but heed. But take my advice: heed "Lucky." It'll help.

Released February 5, 2008
Barsuk Records