Jaws dropped when Phoenix performed on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Part of the surprise was the fact that these cult French soft-rockers were on national TV, but the big shock came when this cult French soft-rock band positively nailed it with their impeccable performances of “1901” and “Lisztomania”.
The SNL appearance created a surge of hype for the group’s fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, which delivers plenty of their patented class and polish. “1901” and “Lisztomania” still soar and transfix. “Fences” recalls the sleek electronics of Daft Punk and Air, and the two-parts of “Love like a Sunset” (part II) find the band in krautrock space-out territory. “Lasso” provides the shortest song and builds to a fine britpop resolution. Plus, it rhymes “so pretty” and “diplomacy”.
I run to this song all the time. Not only does it get me amped up but it reminds me of driving back to Spain from France and listening to nothing but Phoenix and The Black Eyed Peas on the radio. (Sigh)
