Polyvinyl US Vinyl & CDs

Review: It's fair to say that "Ur Fun", the first album in years recorded by of Montreal frontman Kevin Barnes on his own, is less an album-proper and more a collection of very, very strong singles. Each vying for attention against some intimidating competition elsewhere on the track list, it's important to make clear that while all are individuals, the LP doesn't feel disjointed or cluttered. It's just a whole lot of, fun. "You've Had A Good Time" seems to summon the spirit of the Pet Shop Boys circa 1989. "Deliberate Self Harm Ha Ha" might remind some of Kasabian, and '"Gypsy That Remains" is a dreamy, deep-but-direct synth workout wearing heart firmly on sleeve. Sonically diverse, it's impossible to deny that to pull off something like this you really need a master songwriter and instrumental crafts-person.