Sometimes Spoon is just too cool. Britt Daniel bubbles over with swagger and a low-key sort of rock-star intelligence, capable of making you dance and, you know, making you think. 2007’s “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” somehow caught a lot of people by surprise for being as strong as it was—all the while the records Spoon crafted before that, especially the magnificent “Kill the Moonlight,” should’ve prepared the world just fine. Spoon’s new record, “Transference,” doesn’t have the catchy hooks of “Ga Ga,” but is powerful just the same, with killer tracks like lead single “Written in Reverse” (piano is back!) and deep cut “Got Nuffin.” Overall, the album’s a little all over the place, as if the band was just fine and comfortable with what it’s done so far and this time around relaxed and had a little bit of fun. Understandable, and a little scary, considering how good “Transference” becomes with repeated listens. Bonus: Deerhunter plays tonight as well. (Tom Lynch)
April 1 at Aragon, 1106 W. Lawrence, (773)561-9300, 6pm.
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