Sometimes sitting on an album a little bit longer makes all the difference. Electric Version makes this clear, as the fuzz of its spun-sugar power pop doesn't quite melt in your mouth as instantaneously as with the New Pornographers' prior effort, Mass Romantic. But what's an instant or two when the end result is such sweetness? Some initial reports from the field begrudgingly gave the Electric Version passing marks while simultaneously conveying a sense of being underwhelmed. However, this album shouldn't even remotely be considered a sophomore slump, and it's every bit as good, if not better, than their first.

Sure, Mass Romantic is exceptional. Yet, while its relentless red-lining pop was seen as its greatest asset, it also ended up being its weakest link. The treble-charging head rush that it provided didn't offer much chance to breathe, and if the trauma log at the local emergency ward can be counted on, there were more than a few listeners who passed out at the end of "Letter From an Occupant" only to regain consciousness as "Breakin' the Law" faded into the distance.

Electric Version remedies this problem by easing back on the throttle enough for us to suck in some oxygen while still feeling the wind in our hair. This is accomplished by staggering the three different singers (Carl Newman, Neko Case, and Dan Bejar-- yes, he is back as a "secret member") to take advantage of their inherent differences while also sequencing some slower tracks at strategic points throughout. So after charging out of the gates on the first four numbers, the band wisely inserts "Loose Translation," which touts chirping keyboards and Wilsonian harmonies. The infectious, eccentric Bejar tune, "Chump Change," follows as the band slowly ramps back up the power in their pop for the turbo-charged Neko-led "All For Swinging You Around."

And that is just the first half of the album. There is an embarrassment of riches that borders on the obscene in the second half with "Testament to Youth in Verse" and "It's Only Divine Right" being but two highlights. Once this album takes-- and it will take if you give it the time-- you'll want to hit the repeat button the moment it ends.

Sure, we could all use some more Neko on lead vocals, another Dan Bejar masterpiece or a quick-shifting Newman romp. But that's what ultimately makes this group super: they leave us thirsting for more. Electric Version proves that Mass Romantic wasn't a lucky streak through the park accidentally caught on tape or a quick flash from some trench-coated indie pranksters. Dear me, The New Pornographers are repeat offenders. And they're shockingly good!

Barin McGrath