[With this review we welcome another guest contributor to Atlanta's A-List. Alex Brenner, former front man to Sodajerk and sole creative force behind Swing Set, put together these words for us about the summer record of 2009. Here he goes...]
Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover. I bought this record because it had a great title and a cool pink cover with bombs on it. I have not been able to stop playing it since. It’s thirty-odd minutes of pure catchy pop. 
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is the band’s fourth record and it just so happens to be their best yet. I can’t quite put my finger on what they sound like (other than Phoenix) but it’s a mix of fuzzy synths, jangly guitars and dance beats. While this formula seems fairly simple and does little to distinguish them from other pop-rock bands making less impressive music – this is all killer, no filler.
The album’s complex songwriting and presentation make it more enjoyable with each listen. Although their songwriting is very well constructed it never seems too busy. Effortless would be an understatement judging from the open track “Lisztomania“. A simple piano and gently plucked guitar start it off, followed by layers of sound, which never cover up the melody and the driving beat. I have no idea what singer Thomas Mars is saying but I’m singing along anyway. Repetitive vocals lines like “fall, fall, fallin” and “sick, sick, sick” seem to stick in the brain like candy.
Man, these French guys know what makes pop music great. Yeah, I said it. Now I can’t say France never gave us anything (don’t bring that statue into it). The songs are just that catchy and that good.
Short and sweet pop songs follow one after another. “1901” is amazing. Halfway through the record, Phoenix gives the listener a breather with the instrumental “Love you like Sunset Part 1 & 2”. After six minutes of toy keyboards and building beats they hit you with part 2; a gorgeous 1:56 minute pop master piece. This record is so well sequenced it could not be more perfect. I guarantee you will not skip one song and that, my fellow A-Listers, is the mark of a good record.
Fans of Ra Ra Riot, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and The Strokes, take note – there is something for each of you on this record. You will love it.
Check out this video for “Lisztomania” that Rube added for me (he thinks they sound like Justice too).
by Gunter Grass. All are welcome.
