Spoon, an American indie rock band formed in Austin, Texas, in 1993, is known for its meticulous, minimalist sound that blends elements of rock, pop, and experimental music. The band was formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Britt Daniel and drummer Jim Eno. Spoon has released ten studio albums, each building on their distinct sound with a combination of precision and musical inventiveness. While not known for releasing live albums, the band has put out a compilation titled Everything Hits at Once: The Best of Spoon in 2019, which showcases their most notable tracks.
Spoon’s first album, Telephono, was released in 1996 and marked the band’s entry into the music world with a raw, punchy sound. Over the years, they have gained critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Their 2007 release, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, reached number 10 on the Billboard 200, marking their first top ten album. This album included the hit single “The Underdog,” which received significant attention for its vibrant brass arrangements. The band’s consistent ability to evolve while maintaining a high standard of artistic integrity has earned them several award nominations, including from the Independent Music Awards and more.
Spoon’s sound, often highlighted by Britt Daniel’s distinctive, gritty vocals and Jim Eno’s precise drumming, has allowed them to maintain a strong presence in the indie rock scene. Other members have included Rob Pope (bass guitar) and Alex Fischel (keyboard and guitar). The band is praised for its live performances and its ability to produce records that capture their unique sound, often with Eno’s involvement in production, ensuring that their studio work closely mirrors their live shows. Spoon has managed to achieve considerable success both critically and commercially, contributing significantly to the indie rock genre with a sound that is both innovative and unmistakably their own.
Telephono (1996)
Released: April 23, 1996
Telephono marked Spoon’s entry into the music scene with a robust garage rock and punk-influenced sound. This debut was characterized by its lo-fi aesthetic and vigorous energy, which set the tone for the band’s early style. The album was produced by John Croslin, known for his work with other indie bands, which helped shape the raw sound of the record. Despite its limited commercial success, Telephono laid the groundwork for Spoon’s future evolution and showcased Britt Daniel’s sharp, compelling songwriting.
CD Track Listings:
“Don’t Buy the Realistic” – 3:53
“Not Turning Off” – 3:06
“All the Negatives Have Been Destroyed” – 2:37
“Cvantez” – 2:44
“Nefarious” – 2:47
“Claws Tracking” – 2:34
“Dismember” – 1:45
“Idiot Driver” – 1:36
“Towner” – 3:05
“Wanted to Be Your” – 1:52
“Theme to Wendel Stivers” – 1:59
“Primary” – 1:26
“The Government Darling” – 2:24
“Plastic Mylar” – 3:29
A Series of Sneaks (1998)
Released: April 28, 1998
With A Series of Sneaks, Spoon began to integrate more elements of post-punk and experimental rock into their sound. This album featured a cleaner production compared to Telephono but maintained a sharp edge that would define the band’s approach moving forward. A Series of Sneaks did not achieve significant commercial success but received positive critical reception for its inventive sound and concise songwriting. The album’s standout track, “The Minor Tough,” demonstrated the band’s growing sophistication in both lyrical content and musical composition.
CD Track Listings:
“Utilitarian” – 1:50
“The Minor Tough” – 2:42
“The Guestlist/The Execution” – 2:03
“Reservations” – 2:35
“30 Gallon Tank” – 4:00
“Car Radio” – 1:30
“Metal Detektor” – 3:38
“June’s Foreign Spell” – 3:01
“Chloroform” – 1:08
“Metal School” – 2:53
“Staring at the Board” – 0:54
“No You’re Not” – 1:41
“Quincy Punk Episode” – 2:16
“Advance Cassette” – 2:51
Girls Can Tell (2001)
Released: February 20, 2001
Girls Can Tell represents a significant turning point in Spoon’s career, both critically and artistically. This album saw the band refining their sound with more melodious tracks and deeply personal lyrics. The addition of more diverse instrumentation, including keyboards and vibraphones, helped to create a richer sonic palette. Girls Can Tell was the first Spoon album to gain substantial critical acclaim and commercial attention, marking their emergence as a prominent force in the indie rock scene.
CD Track Listings:
“Everything Hits at Once” – 4:04
“Believing is Art” – 4:19
“Me and the Bean” – 3:34
“Lines in the Suit” – 3:47
“The Fitted Shirt” – 3:12
“Anything You Want” – 2:15
“Take a Walk” – 2:27
“1020 AM” – 2:10
“Take the Fifth” – 3:56
“This Book is a Movie” – 3:34
“Chicago at Night” – 2:47
Kill the Moonlight (2002)
Released: August 20, 2002
Kill the Moonlight is an album where Spoon refined their sound and production techniques, making it a critical milestone in their discography. This album’s minimalist approach paired with catchy hooks and sophisticated lyrics led to its recognition as one of the best indie rock albums of the early 2000s. Notable tracks like “The Way We Get By” gained popularity and were featured in various films and television shows, boosting Spoon’s visibility. The album was recorded at Public Hi-Fi in Austin, Texas, and produced by Mike McCarthy and Britt Daniel.
CD Track Listings:
“Small Stakes” – 3:00
“The Way We Get By” – 2:42
“Something to Look Forward To” – 2:19
“Stay Don’t Go” – 3:37
“Jonathan Fisk” – 3:15
“Paper Tiger” – 3:10
“Someone Something” – 2:50
“Don’t Let It Get You Down” – 3:31
“All the Pretty Girls Go to the City” – 3:14
“You Gotta Feel It” – 1:31
“Back to the Life” – 2:23
“Vittorio E.” – 3:40
Gimme Fiction (2005)
Released: May 10, 2005
Gimme Fiction dragged Spoon further into the spotlight with its bold and intricate production. The album showcases a broader range of musical styles and complexities that hint at a band reaching its creative peak. It includes the hit “I Turn My Camera On,” which stands out for its funky vibe and was a significant success. Gimme Fiction reached number 44 on the Billboard 200, marking it as a commercial breakthrough for Spoon. It was recorded at Public Hi-Fi in Austin, Texas, and produced by Mike McCarthy.
CD Track Listings:
“The Beast and Dragon, Adored” – 4:18
“The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine” – 2:58
“I Turn My Camera On” – 3:34
“My Mathematical Mind” – 5:02
“The Delicate Place” – 3:42
“Sister Jack” – 3:36
“I Summon You” – 3:55
“The Infinite Pet” – 3:56
“Was It You?” – 5:03
“They Never Got You” – 4:59
“Merchants of Soul” – 2:46
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007)
Released: July 10, 2007
Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga features one of Spoon’s most expansive sound palettes, from the brassy “The Underdog” to the melodic “Black Like Me.” This album reached number 10 on the Billboard 200, making it their highest-charting album to date at that time. It was widely praised for its inventive production and catchy compositions, solidifying Spoon’s place in the indie rock pantheon. The album was recorded at various studios including Public Hi-Fi in Austin and produced by Mike McCarthy and Britt Daniel.
CD Track Listings:
“Don’t Make Me a Target” – 3:55
“The Ghost of You Lingers” – 3:34
“You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” – 3:08
“Don’t You Evah” – 3:35
“Rhthm & Soul” – 3:30
“Eddie’s Ragga” – 3:39
“The Underdog” – 3:42
“My Little Japanese Cigarette Case” – 3:03
“Finer Feelings” – 4:54
“Black Like Me” – 3:25
Transference (2010)
Released: January 19, 2010
Transference showcases Spoon in a raw and unpolished state, intentionally stepping back from the more elaborate production of previous albums. It presents a collection of songs that focus on stripped-down arrangements and a spontaneous feel. Despite a more lo-fi approach, the album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, showcasing the band’s strong fanbase and critical appeal. It was largely self-produced and recorded in various locations, including Public Hi-Fi in Austin.
CD Track Listings:
“Before Destruction” – 3:17
“Is Love Forever?” – 2:07
“The Mystery Zone” – 4:59
“Who Makes Your Money” – 3:44
“Written in Reverse” – 4:18
“I Saw the Light” – 5:32
“Trouble Comes Running” – 3:09
“Goodnight Laura” – 2:28
“Out Go the Lights” – 4:36
“Got Nuffin” – 3:58
“Nobody Gets Me but You” – 4:56
They Want My Soul (2014)
Released: August 5, 2014
They Want My Soul, Spoon’s eighth studio album, marked a rejuvenation for the band with crisp production and a return to the more polished sound of earlier works. The album features hits like “Do You” and “Inside Out,” showcasing the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with thoughtful lyricism. It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200. This album was recorded at several studios including Joe Chiccarelli’s studio in Hollywood and was co-produced by Joe Chiccarelli and Dave Fridmann.
CD Track Listings:
“Rent I Pay” – 3:09
“Inside Out” – 5:02
“Rainy Taxi” – 3:58
“Do You” – 3:33
“Knock Knock Knock” – 4:39
“Outlier” – 4:22
“They Want My Soul” – 3:22
“I Just Don’t Understand” – 2:37
“Let Me Be Mine” – 3:25
“New York Kiss” – 3:26
Hot Thoughts (2017)
Released: March 17, 2017
Hot Thoughts is noted for its daring, danceable sound, blending elements of rock, electronic, and disco, marking another step in the band’s constant evolution. The title track “Hot Thoughts” and “Can I Sit Next to You” are standouts, reflecting the band’s embrace of new sonic territories. It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200. The album was recorded at Public Hi-Fi in Austin and Catacomb Recording Company in Los Angeles and produced by Dave Fridmann.
CD Track Listings:
“Hot Thoughts” – 3:49
“WhisperI’lllistentohearit” – 4:20
“Do I Have to Talk You Into It” – 4:20
“First Caress” – 2:48
“Pink Up” – 5:56
“Can I Sit Next to You” – 3:54
“I Ain’t the One” – 3:48
“Tear It Down” – 4:20
“Shotgun” – 3:38
“Us” – 4:58
Lucifer on the Sofa (2022)
Released: February 11, 2022
Lucifer on the Sofa is the most recent album by Spoon, featuring a return to their rock roots with a more guitar-driven sound. The album includes “Wild,” which captures the classic Spoon style with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics. It was praised for its cohesive sound and was recorded mainly at Public Hi-Fi in Austin, embodying the band’s live energy. The production was led by Britt Daniel and Alex Fischel.
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Janey Roberts lives in Chelsea, London. She has worked for various British musical publications writing album and concert reviews. Originally from Balboa Park, San Diego, Janey brings an international cross cultural perspective to rock journalism.