Spiral Stairs : The Real Feel :: Review

A majority of hype has surrounded Pavement’s reunion and subsequent cash-in tour and has detracted from the new release “The Real Feel” by Pavement guitarist Scott Kannberg (Spiral Stairs).  While “The Real Feel” isn’t the debut of Kannberg, he traded under the Preston School of Industry title for years; this release presents a fresh start for the venerated indie hero.  “The Real Feel” is a competitive effort that finds Kannberg in singer-songwriter mode that easily tops the last couple of noodly and out of sync Stephen Malkmus solo albums while also placing some doubts as who was the stronger of the two songwriters.

If Malkmus was this generation’s Lennon with his experimental song craft then as demonstrated on “The Real Feel,” Kannberg is definitely the McCartney with his poppy yet stoic rock classicisms.  “True Love” kicks things off with a swaggering guitar lick that seems to build into a fuzzy tribute to his work in his other better-known band.  “Call The Ceasefire” is a downcast, Dylanesque putdown that stretches out into a bluesy piano and guitar dirge.  “Cold Change” follows with a vamping organ to offer a little light on the proceedings.  “Wharf Hand Blues” meanders along similar to one of Malkmus’ latter day songs shuffling at a snail’s pace before leading into “Maltese T.”  “Maltese T” or “Maltese Terrier” feels effortless, all distorted vocals, distinctive guitar riff and banjo interlude almost sounding like a Pavement leftover.

On the second side of the album Kannberg changes gears with “A Mighty, Mighty Fall” which features an exquisite pedal steel and a Leonard Cohenesque vocal take.  “Stolen Pills,” the album’s first single release is a thrashy and aggressive track with a “Take No Prisoners” aura around it.  Then the album dies out as the epic “Blood Money” peters out after the first two minutes and the album closes on the filler, “Ladies and Gentleman.”  For all the good that came before this seems like an odd way to end an album.  Maybe that’s the point though and if so, how punk rock!

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This post was submitted by greg.