By now, we know all about Carl “A.C.” Newman. With Together, his output over the last 10 years now stands at seven of the best pure power-pop albums that Canada has ever produced — two of them solo, five as the leader of The New Pornographers. Some would argue that consistent greatness starts to feel less and less like greatness, and they would have a point — Newman has set such a high standard for himself that brilliance is now simply good. And Together is good.

Openers "Moves" and "Crash Years" have a more orchestral feel than much of Newman's other work, as a prominent cello adds a nice dynamic. "Your Hands (Together)" and "Up in the Dark" are as anthemic as anything you'd find on Electric Version or Twin Cinema, the former being the obvious first single.

While you know what you're getting from Newman if you've paid attention to any of his past work, the X factor in any New Pornographers album is Dan Bejar, also known as Destroyer. The handful of songs he contributes usually dictate the difference between a really good Pornos album and a great Pornos album. And here, Bejar is great. His songs this time around are more melodic than previous efforts, with less vocal quirkiness —"If You Can't See My Mirrors" is particularly stunning, recalling Belle and Sebastien. And, of course, there's Neko Case, who adds punch to The New Pornographers, just as Newman's songs remain the best context for her siren voice. Everything's pretty much the same in the world of Pornos — another release, another album-of-the-year contender. Ho hum.