Destroyer: Kaputt

Label: Merge

Such an unglamorous title for such a smooth, sparkling and deep record. On first listen I didn't notice all the musical nods to New Order on Destroyer's ninth (holy...!) album, which just proves that Kaputt can be enjoyed on more than one level: as the sumptuous, heartbreaking, advanced-'70s pop it is on the ear, and also as a set of somewhat opaque references, both sonic and lyrical—including to New Pornographer Dan Bejar's own past work. Let's concentrate on the former, since we'll still be finding Easter-egg-like surprises within this record's folds weeks from now. "Suicide Demo for Kara Walker" (an amazing silhouette artist—look her up!), despite the weighty title, is a soft and sweet-toned hip-swinger that everyone born in the '80s will associate with the '70s, while "Blue Eyes"—despite the aforementioned New Order refs—is lifted right out of the Steely Dan playbook in the best of ways (think an updated "Deacon Blues"). There's so much pillowy funk-pop here that it's hard to take in at once; good thing it'll still be fresh months down the line (it might even take on new meanings once the snow has melted!). Note that the double-vinyl includes not only a full download but 20 minutes more music!