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Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

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Of the many releases seen in the music world last year, this one album seemed to stand out on the top album lists of 2009. Although not a new band by any measure, Phoenix has been treated as such by many as their latest album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, really projected them into the American spotlight.

The French band starts their breakout album with the upbeat song, “Lisztomania.” The catchy riffs carelessly thrown into the mix can keep any listener noticing different part of the song each time listened through. The track comes off as a bit eclectic because of this, but is a solid start to the album that closely follows the same musical line.

Following the first track comes the unavoidable “1901.” It is hard to miss this song on the radio, Cadillac commercials, or numerous TV shows and movies, and for good reason. The song can easily be put as the epitome of alternative rock. From the drums to the Vampire Weekend-esque vocals to the fast, lighty-distorted guitar and good use of synth, it incorporates elements that can be heard in every other alternative rock band out there.

After “1901,” the album mellows out with “Fences,” but doesn’t remain that way for long. The catchy “Lasso” and “Girlfriend” continues out the album, but nothing quite as worthy as the starting two tracks.

The problem the last three-quarters of the album faces is that each song is indistinguishable from the previous. After listening through the album a few times, each part of the album is memorable, but still impossible to divide up into distinct songs. The guitars and synth and vocals remain constant from start to end.

While the repetition is obvious, it is not necessarily a problem for Phoenix. As stated earlier, their sound is basically the epitome of alternative rock. By that reasoning, this entire album can really be viewed as a continuous work at the peak of alternative rock. However, little stands out after the first 10 minutes and fades into the background quickly.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is certainly deserving of its Grammy for Best Alternate Music Album since it is nothing but alternative from start to finish. However, some variety would have been nice. It’s not something to sing along to, but rather Grammy-winning background music. Good for fans of Vampire Weekend, Anberlin, and the Killers.


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