What I gleaned from my first look at the tracklist for Transference was there is a track titled “The Mystery Zone.” I thought, “Wow. First, 88 Keys, now Spoon? Another love-limbo song, huh.” I was definitely had my reservations. Would the chorus sound cheesy? What would they sing about, really? Do people really still have these Michael Cera-esque situations after college? They might, but that’s not what the song is about.
Britt Daniel croons about a place where you’re “set up for good in a whole other life.” Where “all the trouble you look for all your life you’ll find it for sure”. This is many an adolescent’s fantasy, when “your dad’s not around.” Endless bliss.
The song’s idea is transmitted by way of an expertly crafted, trancing instrumental to imbue feelings overwhelming ebullience. It’s not only a great song to sing along or hum to; it really leaves you with the feel of an insouciant teenager. “The Mystery Zone” conjures up the same sort of feeling “Got Nuffin” does, only less aggressive and lighter on the drums.
Spoon wins again.
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