As a kid who was familiar with The New Pornographers before she even known what the word meant, it is needless to say that the day I found out frontman Allan Carl Newman had emerged with a solo act was a great one. While a few years late in this discovery (A.C. Newman released his first album in 2004 and I put the pieces together circa 2008), Shut Down the Streets, scheduled for release October 9, is nevertheless long overdue.
In the single “I’m Not Talking,” Newman delivers a track reminiscent of his familiar lounging rock style with a certain level of modernity mixed in. With lyrics that are far more direct than metaphorical, the Newman croons about holding on to what you have rather than striving for what you do not. With a new baby, a new home, and a tour in the making, for Newman it is a message that is very clearly close to the heart. Consisting of rich harmonies and engaging drum line, this is pop rock in the most pure form possible.