I CAN’T KEEP ALL OF OUR SECRETS

Rae Spoon Killbeat Music

As with a much of Spoon’s fascinating backstory, news the Calgary- born singer- songwriter’s latest release was inspired by the death of a friend may provide context for the shadows of grief and guilt that creep into this stunning 10- song disc. But having this information is hardly essential for appreciating what is basically a brilliant electro- pop record. Now three albums into one of the more intriguing musical transformations in recent Canadian music, the transgender artist appears to be fully committed to the dance- electronic sounds that first began replacing the twang in 2008’ s

Superioryouareinferior. But Spoon always maintains a singer- songwriter sensibility that aims for connection without abandoning personal vision. Spoon returns to themes of loss, contrition and identity, wraps it all in memorable melodies and expertly balances expansive, radio- ready pop such as pulsing opener Ocean Blue and gorgeous ballad When I Said There Was An End to Love I Was Lying, with more off- kilter sounds and grooves.