flyingcracker

The French band Phoenix' 2006 release It's Never Been Like That is the sort of lively pop-rock we play while experimenting in the flyingcracker test kitchen. Some of our musically finicky friends (are you listening, D.S.?) might want to give this a spin. Recommended by Mathew Barlow, the über-hip son of former CB residents Kimberly Schappert and Hank Barlow, this album made several "best music" lists in 2006. Our only complaint is that the album is too short (41 min) and we want more.

Recommended tracks: "Long Distance Call", "One Time Too Many".

Pitchfork Media review