Some albums are perfect for summer, and this is one of them. Reviews from longtime fans are mixed; it's somewhat of a departure from their earlier albums. I confess I've only recently come around to the band, but with this album they won me over quickly.
When you pop in the disc, the jangly guitars at the beginning of "Napoleon" let you know immediately what's in store. The sound is a bit like the first Strokes album, but with more competent musicianship. The disco-flavored first single "Long Distance Call" prompted me to buy the album, but there are two other standout tracks. "Sometimes In The Fall" is a five-plus minute jam that justifies its length by being straight damn catchy. "Consolation Prizes" is due to be the second single; you can imagine the band untucking their shirts and letting themselves get sloppy, but they can't quite escape the tight arrangements they're used to playing.
According to some reviews, It's Never Been Like That reflects a lot more of the energy of a live performance by this French band. Unfortunately, their upcoming US tour (with the French Kicks) is sponsored by Camel cigarettes and is supposedly "invite only," so it's been nearly impossible for anyone to actually get tickets. New and old fans are understandably pissed, though they're scheduled to swing through the states again in September. If I can get hooked up with tickets to the July 29th show at the Double Door, I'll let you know just how much more they rock live.
Listen:Phoenix - Sometimes In The FallPhoenix - Consolation Prizes
Dodge has more tracks (including a couple from their first two albums) at MOKB.