The New Pornographers

When will the New Pornographers finally put out some crap? If they never lower the bar for themselves, there will be no triumphant "return to form." More infallible hooks, more effervescent harmonies, more '60s-inspired pop manna -- this is getting decadent. In truth, the Vancouver sextet's third album does have some twists to distinguish it from its predecessors. The prominence of Neko Case is one -- her preternaturally flutelike voice is featured as lead on three tracks rather than as foil to the clipped lilts of main songwriter Carl "A.C." Newman and supporter Dan Behar. Also, on Twin Cinema, the band leaps from the ditty to the epic, forsaking erstwhile sleekness for tunes that start in strummy severity and exit with big, near-orchestral codas. There's a lot going on, but not so much that a certain (gasp) weakness doesn't come into view: Once you adjust to the dazzling melodies, it's now clear that the lyrics can't quite shoulder the tunes. Newman makes collages of clever evocations, while Behar is as daffy as a drunk Robert Pollard. Nevertheless, gibberish is rarely so profound as the stately "These Are the Fables" or the strident "Jackie, Dressed in Cobras." And if the New Pornographers don't record some rubbish and fast, their lives aren't gonna get any easier.