Transference (studio album) by Spoon

I've downloaded a collection of Spoon's best songs and have listened to them for about 8 months. I've recently started to dive into their full albums. Transference may not be the catchiest, nor most raucous, collection of songs, but it's probably the most consistent. Most of the songs I gave a 75, 80, or 85. Only Trouble Comes Running blew me away with how tight the overall tune is, but most of the songs I either enjoyed the songwriting or enjoyed the grooves.
This album has the very unfortunate position of existing between arguably Spoon's two best albums, so it's easily tossed to the side, but there are some good things here. First off, the more lo-fi sound is consistent across the album. The guitars are more fuzzy and the bass stands out a ton. Nothing too flashy, just a very consistent album.

From sssvnnn 02/18/2019 01:58

nothing special.
more or lesss boring alternative rock as heard 1000 times before.
just OK.

From Meowtopia 03/18/2018 22:40

When I first heard this album, I thought it was pretty bad compared to the rest of Spoon's other albums. Through time, though, this album sure grew on me and I can finally grasp it for the true album it is; a really great and consistent album, with no really shining song, but all songs fit well into the album, and form a cohesive unit that is Transference. Another great album by one of the most consistent bands ever.

I was under the impression that "Transference" was the dud of Spoon's 21st century output, and was compelled to skip it, but I'm so glad I didn't because it genuinely is an impressive record.

Although Spoon may have ditched the multi-layered atmosphere that really takes most of their other albums to the next level, this works in Transference's favour since it forms a more direct statement, where the skilful lyrics and the vocal delivery are highlighted more.

Sparse and gloomy, but also strong and cohesive, this is a very good piece of work that has proved itself to be underrated, despite its commercial success.

So disappointing for Spoon. Every song is either barely good or completely forgettable.

Underrated in the Spoon catalogue. I rank it 3rd best Spoon behind Ga Ga Ga and Gimme Fiction.

Mystery Zone, I Saw The Light, Written in Reverse and Out Go The Lights are standout tracks.

A little uneven with sub-par tracks like Trouble Comes Running. It also closes out with a whimper with Got Nuffin and Nobody Gets Me Like You

This band overall should be appreciated more for their quality and longevity

From junodog4 10/28/2014 01:53

Nice sound, but nothing stands out like it does on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I support Spoon, but not this album.

From paladisiac 02/13/2012 18:22

So they dropped their horns and their poppy delivery and returned to their early complicated indie rock mess. While not instantly-catchy like "ga ga ga ga ga", this album is still about as good as the others in their arsenal.

From ShaneSpear 02/07/2012 03:49

This is one of those albums that I really enjoy when I'm listening to it, but often tend to forget about when I'm not going out of my way to listen to it. If that makes any sense. That being said, the production effort is pretty quality throughout the entire album and it keeps me guessing enough so that it's never too boring. My favorite part of the album is the outro on I Saw the Light. That outro might be the best I've moment I've heard from Spoon.

I can not remember what this sounds like but I have Who Makes Your Money rated 2/10 and I saw the light rated 9/10! Not a lot of albums get songs rated like that. Will have to make another listen