And The Adjacent Possible

“And The Adjacent Possible” OK Go
Fifth studio album from the band originally from Chicago, now based in L.A. The title refers to a concept from complexity theory, which suggests that current conditions create the potential for whatever will come next. The album is true to OK Go’s style over the years: Lyrically challenging, sprinkled with high-brow ideas and language. Musically interesting, with layers of instrumentation fleshing out the appealing melodies. And of course, clever videos accompanying the biggest hits, such as the lead single “A Stone Only Rolls Downhill,” created with 64 videos on 64 iPhones. Excellent! RIYL: Jukebox The Ghost, The Happy Fits, The Shins, They Might Be Giants.
— Francis

Recommended: 2, 7, 6, 3, 11, 4. No FCCs noted.

1. (2:40) Impulse Purchase — Bouncy, electronic psych rock. Futuristic vibe, like it was created for AI life forms. Lots of fuzz and synthesizer, with bright vocals overlaid.
2. (3:21) A Stone Only Rolls Downhill — Perfect swaying, sliding pop rock. Somewhat reassuring lyrics and vocals, “I wish I could say it would all be all right.” Catchy. Very reminiscent of Vampire Weekend. ****
3. (3:51) Love — High-energy, theatrical power pop. Driving, hooky, lots of changes in dynamics and time signatures. Big harmonies. ***
4. (2:59) A Good, Good Day At Last — Funky rock revival sing-along anthem. Wild rhythms. Features lead vocals from Ben Harper and Shalyah Fearing — with an edgy guitar solo near the end. **
5. (4:06) Fantasy Vs. Fantasy — Throwback to the early to mid-60s, with a bossa nova vibe and silky lead vocals like a laid-back Gene Vincent from that long-ago era.
6. (4:06) This Is How It Ends — Slow dance, with couples clinging to one another on the dance floor. Deliberate tempo. Swelling chords with ‘plucked’ notes and a slapped backbeat. Some brass trappings as well. ****
7. (4:17) Take Me With You — Really fun, disco-influenced 80s dream pop that harkens back to New Order or David Bowie. Great bounce. Three drum sets in use, plus handclaps. ****
8. (4:04) Better Than This — Punchy pop with a skittering beat and rolling choruses. All about gratitude.
9. (4:51) Golden Devils — Another theatrical number. Mid-tempo shuffle that quickly builds into a brass-embellished standard.
10. (3:14) Once More With Feeling — Soulful pop rock. Very reminiscent of Jean Knight’s Stax hit “Mr. Big Stuff” from 1971.
11. (3:30) Going Home — Wistful and retro. Sweet vocals over an early 70s drum track and organ. Guitar work that sounds like George Harrison from the late Beatles era or his early solo albums. ***
12. (4:49) Don’t Give Up Now — Slow, sad closer written for a friend who was battling cancer. Keyboards plus raw, breathy vocals, supported by hymn-like harmonies. Lengthy synth chamber pop trail-out.