The Con

The Con
It's hard to follow up the record that made you famous. For many artists, that's their first album, and the disappointing results are termed the "sophomore slump." Luckily, Tegan and Sara's star-making Juno-nominated album, So Jealous, was their fourth--and their fifth album, The Con, not only avoids any kind of slump but sets a new bar of quality quite high. While both a darker and quirkier album than the near-perfect heartbreak pop of So Jealous, The Con skillfully packs its instant hooks in so tight, virtually every line becomes the one you want to sing along to--and the twins' lyrics aren't your typical pop pabulum. Layer upon layer of tasty ear candy coat considered sentiments like "Nobody likes to but I really like to cry," "I felt you in my legs before I ever met you," and "Maybe I would have been something you'd be good at"--lyrics that feel honest and add an emotional urgency and depth rarely heard on the radio. However, the biggest leap Tegan and Sara made on this record was not the lyrical content, but how the album itself was created. The switch to coproducing with indie superstar Christopher Walla (Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie) is apparent, and part of what gives this record its distinctive and innovative touch. From the odd structure of "I Was Married" to the thumping electronica of "Are You Ten Years Ago," The Con reverberates with unabashed creativity, and it's a rare pleasure to hear it done so well. I would be surprised if another band this year made a better record--it's really that good. A special bonus for fans: don't shy away from the deluxe edition of this album--it includes a DVD with a feature-length intimate documentary on the making of the album, offering a lot of insight into their creative process. --Alan Wiley

Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0093624994084
Label: Sire / London/Rhino
Manufacturer: Sire / London/Rhino
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Sire / London/Rhino
Release Date: 2007-07-24
Studio: Sire / London/Rhino


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Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: This may be the best pop album ever.
Comment: I am serious. I have never heard an album so perfect and so hauntingly beautiful. This is what MANY genres should aspire to; to be the best at what they do.
In a way this album transcends many musical types, many emotions, and many expressions, but it never seems faked or false.
Many lines will touch you. Whether you're male or female. Gay, straight, or bi, you've been here; at least in some way.
If you think any of this sounds like something that would interest you, please don't hesitate. This group of songs will become a crush, and then a love affair.
This is the best of 2007. No second guessing on that for me.
Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
Summary: 2nd to So Jealous
Comment: A very good cd with very good songs. As per usual with T&S you're not going to get anything groundbreaking, but their songwriting is always quality and entertaining. Great to sing to for freaks like me who sing to everything.
Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: great
Comment: it's so fresh and they keep getting better and better!
It conveys emotions that you sometimes want to keep inside, but they let the world listen to them. This is great album!
Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: dynamic duo
Comment: Tegan and Sara are simply wonderful. Their music is straightforwared, engaging and tuneful. It's hard to know why they aren't better known.
Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: Tegan and Sara - The Singers and Songwriters for a New Generation
Comment: Everytime I think they've produced their best album, they prove me wrong. Tegan and Sara are amazing and versatile musicians. They are not afraid to try new sounds, or to take their music in new directions. I love Tegan and Sara because they are not afraid to grow. I think, though, what I love best about Tegan and Sara are their lyrics. How do they say what they say? It seems as if their hearts, ripped from their chests, serve as the pen they continue to use to write the most compelling songs.

My favorite song from this album is "Dark Come Soon". Dark, somber, and complex are words used to describe this song. Yet, I don't find this song depressing. The sheer honesty lifts it up till, it sings like a love song (it's actually and anti-love song). They somehow put into words exactly how I feel, and when you come across an album that speaks to you, or an artist that speaks FOR you, you can not walk away.

In addition to "The Con", there is also "So Jealous" (which was their previous release) and before it the brilliant "If It Was You" (**Please pick this album up first. This album is the start of the Tegan and Sara we know and love now. Their first album This Business of Art, is a little different, though it does have it's high points).

If you have an open ear, and are looking for something to drown out the white noise of today's popular music, pick up some Tegan and Sara. I sincerely feel that you will not be sorry!
Buy it now at Amazon.com!