I have been counting down until the release of "Sidewalks" since I can't even remember now. After missing out on their listening party before their show in LA a month ago, I was blown away by their live performance and integration of their own versions of songs like "Better Off Alone" and "Just a Friend." The show even ended with Kim dancing on top of the crowd to Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor." Overall, it was a heartwarming performance by two people who love what they do and truly appreciate their fan base as well.
I immediately fell in love with "Cameras" when it was released back in August but it was hard for me to accept the fact that Matt and Kim's sound had progressed and matured and become a little more commercial. Sidewalks carries the more "universal" sound that Matt Johnson spoke about a while back in Spin Magazine and the fact that they chose Gnarls Barkley producer Ben Allen. This album has a much more mature and polished sound which may sound atypical compared to their past albums. The new album will propel Matt and Kim to even more stardom but they've lost the raw sound and their music has become almost over-produced.
Other than "Cameras," songs like "Block After Block" and "Good for Great" will look to be the most popular, complete with catchy drum beats and synth hooks. The album also includes a refined recording of "Silver Tiles," one of my past favorites from their recorded live set at Lollapalooza in 2007. But once again, Matt and Kim have released another album with possibly side effects that may include euphoria, uncontrollable smiling, and constant foot tapping and air drumming.
Stay golden, Brian Farrell
Love this album.
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