In It For The Money

Supergrass debut album, I Should Coco, rushed by at such a blinding speed that some listeners didnt notice the melodic complexity of its best songs. On their second album, the cleverly titled In It for the Money, the band brings the songs to the forefront, slowing the tempos considerably and constructing a varied, textured album that makes their ambition and skill abundantly clear. From the droning mantra of the opening title track, its apparent that the band has delved deeply into psychedelia; hints of Magical Mystery Tour are evident throughout the album, from swirling organs and gurgling wah-wahs to punchy horn charts and human beatboxes. Supergrass substitutes such sonic details for I Should Cocos punky rush, and while that means the band only occasionally touches upon the breakneck pace of their debut (the hard-driving Richard III), it also deepens their joyful exuberance with subtle songs and remarkably accomplished musicianship. There might not be a Caught by the Fuzz or Alright on In It for the Money, but thats not a problem, since the bright explosion of Sun Hits the Sky and the nervy Tonight are just as energetic, and the album features introspective numbers like the gorgeous Late in the Day and Its Not Me that give it substantial weight. Even with all this musical maturity, Supergrass havent sacrificed their good-natured humor, as proven by the detailed production and the bizarre closer, Sometimes I Make You Sad. Sometimes, maturity turns out to be everything its supposed to be. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine