Telephono is the debut studio album by the indie rock band Spoon. It was released on April 23, 1996, by Matador, then re-released in a two-disc package with the Soft Effects EP in 2006 by Merge Records. The album was produced by John Croslin, who had been one of the leaders of Austin's the Reivers, recording in Croslin's garage studio on a budget of $3,000.Raoul Hernandez, "Drake Tungsten and His Boy Skellington", The Austin Chronicle, January 22, 1999.
"Idiot Driver" had previously appeared in an "alternate mix" form on the Peek-A-Boo Records November 1995 compilation album Bicycle Rodeo.
Reception
The album drew mainly positive critical attention, and in particular many comparisons to the Pixies.Brad Jones, "Spoon Tunes" , Westword, April 25, 1996.Perry Gettelman, "The Word Has Gotten Around About Spoon", Orlando Sentinel, June 7, 1996.Shannon Zimmerman, "Lone Stars", Washington City Paper, February 16, 2001. Texas Monthly called it "a snarling, devious suite of ultra-catchy songs that are simultaneously vivid and opaque." Initially, Telephono sold only a few thousand copies on LP, but later interest prompted a CD reissue.
Track listing
Personnel Spoon Britt Daniel Jim Eno Andy Maguire
Additional personnel John Croslin – production Greg Calbi – mastering Spoon – design Mark Ohe – design Frank Longo – design
Charts Chart (2006) Peakposition Billboard Top Independent Albums 35
References