Camera Obscura: My Maudlin Career

Label: 4AD

Scot-pop outfit Camera Obscura is one of the few bands to whom we’ll give a pass on making the same record a coupla-few times. Which is good, because My Maudlin Career, the group’s fourth record and first for 4AD, breaks no new ground whatsoever in a way you will probably love. If you’ve decided you’ll only ever need one Camera Obscura album then hold tight to Let’s Get Out of This Country—it’s better than this one. But only a little. And if you’re anything like me (and you should be), you’ll always keep a few inches clear in your record collection for more of Tracyanne Campbell‘s incredible vocals—leading scienticians have determined it is literally the sound of beautiful heartbreak—as well her group’s indie-pop, still the best thing for slow-dancing with that special someone. Except for the mid-tempo songs, which are best for mid-tempo dancing. You know. (M.L. Thrope)