Turn On: A Review

Surrealism, my friends. Surrealism. Ah, yes! Surrealism in music is an interesting business, is it not? Who among you would disagree? Regardless, I do not care to listen, but rather, it is you who will be listening to me. I have something very interesting for you, a musical treasure, if you will. A splendid and fantastical blast of ear candy like no other. I am referring to Turn On. This is a self-titled EP (Which stands for Extended Play, mates!) by Tim Gane of Stereolab and Sean O'Hagan of the far inferior High Llamas. Of course, Sean O'Hagan is ultimately at his best when aiding in the production of material by The Groop, such as the amazing and quite unfortunately underrated "Sound-Dust" from 2001. Now dig, "Turn On" was released just a month or so before "Dots and Loops" in July or August of 1997, and it is almost a precursor or appetizer to that record, albeit, an appetizer that only contains a single vocal track by Lætitia Sadier, but regardless, musically speaking; you are in for something quite similar to the "Dots and Loops" experience. Usage of guitar and live percussion is nearly non-existent, as lightweight drum machine beats and bubbling synths take center stage on the musical enterprise that is Turn On. Now then, even longtime Stereolab drummer Andy Ramsay is along for the ride, but as to what he is doing exactly in terms of instrumentation on "Turn On" I am unaware of.

This unique little musical odyssey, and I say little because the CD version is rather light on information other than a basic track list, and the album artwork itself almost resembles some bizarre caution sign at a futuristic nuclear power plant, and I am like so not joking about that! Tim Gane, per usual, expresses his musical ears with a great deal of gusto in coming up with what one might almost go about referring to as "Dots and Loops" minimalism, as I can easily hear rough sketches that could no doubt be the skeletal structure for the more musically complex material that made "Dots and Loops" one of those defining albums of the previous decade. And I will gladly curse Air until my dying day, because Tim Gane of Stereolab, or in this instance, of Turn On, just makes it so much more substantial. While Air can often make for quality background music that can genuinely set the mood, in Tim Gane's hands, music of this variety is very much brought to the forefront and demands inspection.

This music is almost like the arcade game from Hell at times, and if you've ever seen Emilio Estevez in the "Nightmares" trilogy horror film of 1983, you'll know exactly what I mean (We're talking Bishop of Battle here people!). Electronica, if it can be referred to as such, never sounded more potent than when it was being tinkered with by the almighty Stereolab founder, as there's even a curious element of Eastern Folk present on "Triple Cause of Poetry," which is track number six on the EP. All is musical surrealism, as mentioned, as even track four is humorously referred to as the "United States of Surrealism." Quite good, really, every track on the EP, and you've got eleven to work with, buster. Of course, since this is an EP, all you get is thirty minutes, so my suggestion is to play the musical bliss that Turn On conjures up repeatedly, that is, if it's not too much trouble for you? Ten years ago now, and by no means does this Stereolab side project sound at all dated, as Stereolab in general have a rather unique ability to make what was once kitsch quite muscular from a musical perspective and indeed, timeless as Condi Rice on holiday. This is a sensual freak out, a majestic hair massage from Heaven. This is a little treasure for the latter day Stereolab fan that resides inside of you, and absolutely no question as well, "Turn On" will bring out the seafood lover in you like a Red Lobster employee who's simply had enough.

Please, oh please! Do indeed get your sensual and majestic purchase on, as Turn On is waiting real horrorshow and then some, and as always, I 100% shat you in a manner that which is not: Duophonic Shop.

(For the web site link...just click the artist search option on your right until you reach "Turn On," you dork).