Pretty Together- Sloan -- CD Review
Canada's Fab 4 returns with album number six and show no sign of quit (which was rumored a few years back). This album (like most of theirs) continues to prove why Sloan is Canada's preeminent "pop" band. However, pop, which they are commonly classified as, is such an improper label for the lads. What the four Halifax natives continue to spin is nothing short of Rock and/or Roll.

Pretty Together is a bit of a departure from the group's previous album (the incredibly underrated Between The Bridges) and picks up more from the trails blazed on Navy Blues and Twice Removed. However the sound continues to mature and evolve, which one would expect from four distinct singer/songwriters. The amalgamations of influences are ever present once again on this album; with a concoction of sounds plucked from the likes of KISS, Aerosmith, The Who, The Smiths, and once again most notably that little band called The Beatles.

The first single, If It Feels Good Do It is the classic "radio" Sloan track, cut from the cloth of Money City Maniacs and Losing California. Sloan seems intent on producing a song in this vein for all their albums and then immediately, as of track two, verge off into new territory. Patrick continues to be the hit maker (that darn guy seems to write all the radio friendly tunes!) once again and crafts one of his best works with the fantastic closing track Your Dreams Have Come True. That combines a drum machine, a great melody, and an effective use of horns.

The hardest working man in Sloan business, Chris Murphy, is all over the map this time round. Though one could argue the lyrics to The Other Man are a bit schmaltzy, it's undeniably catchy and seems destined for radio play. The tongue firmly in cheek Pick It Up and Dial It has Sloan at its most KISS-like with Chris practically channeling Paul Stanley. However it's I Love A Long Goodbye where Chris truly dials it, a slowly building ditty that somewhere has Paul McCartney smiling.

Andrew steps away from the drums and plugs in his guitar for the rousing In The Movies. Just try to get that chorus outta your head after a few listens. However, it's Jay who comes off with the hat trick this time, with three wonderful tunes. The albums best song, Who You Talkin' To, is a near perfectly constructed track that demands repeat listening.

Once again, despite being a four-headed beast, Sloan manages to make the album flow and not appear a patchwork by individual artists. If you haven't started yet…start listening to Sloan! Drop the $20 on this album, before you buy the next melancholy wanna-be band or rap/metal clone. You will be glad you did. They are truly one of the best, not only in Canada, but the world (bang!…ya hear me!). From the sounds of this, they do have it pretty together. Lets hope they keep it together and continue to keep us bopping our heads for years to come!

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