Stereolab…The Concert Lecture

Whether it be Soop Grooves or Metronomic Undergrounds, dada was born to shake tush with the undies all up around the ankles. Stereolab in a live setting is greatly different from their polished Pop efforts that appear on disc and LP, and sometimes even the rare cassette tape. What would one call it in a live setting? Trance Rock? No doubt a hint of German experimentalism, but Stereolab has always been their own deal regardless of the obvious influences, part of this stems from their trademark sing-song vocal stylings.

Now I know that I have already written ten thousand Stereolab blog entries, but I want to rap with you about the complex nature of the Stereolab live experience. Because the jams indeed get extended and the party atmosphere is even sophisticated enough to include your grandmother, and I don’t lie. A repetitive mixture of light, color and sound….the noise is impressively musical and not dissimilar to Boredoms at times, if I don’t mind saying so.

The band could be making some rounds later next year, and even if their recent material may not compete with their heyday jams, as Stereolab exists as a slightly different beast today and for various involved reasons, but don’t let this stop your stinky little tush from checking these foreigners out in concert, as you’d be glad you did. The crowd is usually pleasant at a Stereolab gig and the band is absolutely guaranteed not to fall into Jim Morrison theatrics.

I think that is all that needs to be said.

Groove on this Jazz and Blues…





And now something short and tasty, just for the sake of variety…

Stereolab is still a band...

Cool news! For those of us who dig the awesome Stereolab-side project Monade, there is indeed an epic treat all up in the works! Listen close, my precious little bundles and I will tell a tale! Monade will be releasing a follow-up to their kick-nipple 2005 album “A Few Steps More.” Lætitia Sadier is going to be in great voice, absolutely no question about it. The new Monade release will be called “Monstre Cosmic.” YES! (Expected release date: September 10, 2007!!!).

What of that other co-founder of Stereolab; Mr. Timothy Gane? He done scored a French film! About time, wouldn’t you say? The late Mr. Henry Mancini and Mr. Ennio Morricone are going to have to take a backseat and like it! It should be made clear that the title of said film in question is thusly dubbed “La Vie D'artiste,” and the soundtrack of which should also see a September 10, 2007 release date! Get your wallets ready lads, because this is that real good kind of extra tasty shit! Yummy-yum-yum, chili dog!

You want to know about the new Stereolab album in the works, don’t you? Fess up now! No need to be shy. Rumor has it that the new album will be out early next year (Which would be the year 2008). A tour would no doubt follow. I am excited, as beats and keyboard parts are being laid down somewhere in France presumably as I type this very sentence. Who cares about Stereo Total or Broadcast when you get the real deal tinkering with ideas around the effin’ clock? Huh? Fuck you! I’m excited! I’m excited!

This isn’t exactly news, but is arguably the origins of Stereolab. Take a gander and you will see what I mean…



Finally, for those of you living in Ireland, which would include me; Laetitia’s groovy minimalist Lounge Rock outfit Monade will greet our great Island nation for the following series of gigs:

2007
june 29 Cork
monade live at the liquid lounge ireland
30 Dublin
monade live at whelans ireland
july 01 Galway
monade live at roisin dubh ireland

Be there! (So, that recent Air album was crap, no?). Tee-hee! Later guys…I’m so sexy!

Disclaimer: All information robbed from the following Communist lair; The Roy Cohn Institute

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).

Stereolab - "Aluminum Tunes"

This is not so much an album, mates. It is a collection, or what Stereolab refer to as their "Switched On" series, and then looking at it from that perspective "Aluminum Tunes" would be volume three. This music can't be beat, and the "Switched On" series is a unique gesture on Stereolab's part, as it collects rare tour-only singles and other bizarre and obscure hard to find Stereolab recorded bits, now then, with the "Switched On" series you have it all in one convenient place, which is quite convenient indeed, no? This collection starts with a rare item referred to as "Music for the Amorphous Body Center." Quite obscure, no? The tunes contained on the "Music for the Amorphous Body Center" portion of "Aluminum Tunes" contain lovely and precious melodies like on the album opener "Pop Quiz." The first three or four cuts on the record were apparently inspired by the work of a furniture designer, but I could be wrong, mate.

To break it down for you, buster. What you are really working with here is a deluxe variation of "Dots & Loops," so we're pretty much talking Easy-Listening as all fucking get out and then some. Delicious and heavenly ear candy just primed to be crammed up your buttocks, me old darling bastards. What you are also in for are cuts that did not make it on "Emperor Tomato Ketchup," including an awesome and trippy alternate mix of "Metronomic Underground" appropriately given the title of "Wagon Christ" (The bloke who mixed it). My personal favorite song is a true show-stopper in the Stereolab catalog, which is a little number that features the amazingly talented late Mary Hansen on the primary vocal, the song in question is "Seeperbold," and it may very well be Stereolab's finest.

This collection is large, two discs or three records, depending upon your preference. And rumor has it that a fourth edition of the epic "Switched On" series is in the works. Oh, and going back to what I was discussing in the previous paragraph, let me make clear that an awesome live version of Stereolab's "Seeperbold" is featured on the "ABC Music" collection, which is another item you'll want to get your filthy fingers on, such dreamy and enchanting sounds! Now then, another standout tune is "Speedy Car," and bandleader Tim Gane really cooks up something sweet on this track, ever heard of Klezmer James Bond Rock? Well, in my mind, "Speedy Car" is just that. I love this Stereolab business, this Stereolab way of life. Needless to say, "Aluminum Tunes" collects quite a few songs that feature Stereolab at their most precious and dainty. If you are like me and love "Dots & Loops" and "Sound-Dust," then grab up this collection of catchy Bubblegum Pop numbers that was released between those two gems in the year of our Lord 1998.

Also, be sure to give "Cobra and Phases Groop Play Voltage in The Milky Night" a shot (Unrelated, but important information).

Speaking of unrelated but IMPORTANT information, check out Miss Sadier and Mary Hansen of The Lab on this groovy jam by Mouse On Mars, it's got that "Aluminum Tunes" vibe to be sure:

Thoughts on "Fab Four Suture"

Interesting, Stereolab follow the more so stripped down approach of the Disco influenced Margerine Eclipse and give it a delightfully mellow twist. Fab Four Suture is wonderfully delicious little slices of ear candy, and quite obviously, fun for the whole La Familia. The album begins with the funky robotic trance sounds of "Kyberneticka Babicka Part 1," which is then followed by the groovy and assured sass of "Interlock." The beats are tight, the bass lines are splendid and the horn arrangements are to die for. The very song structure of "Plastic Mile" is the very definition of a song within a song, truly one of the best songs on the record, and a song that shows Tim Gane's song writing prowess in great detail. The lyrics greet the listener with warning, and the frequent use of keyboards often have a menacing quality. There is a dark humor and melancholy throughout that appropriately displays a highly mature vocal and emotional quality coming from Lætitia Sadier's pipes. The mingling of tiny drum machine beats mingled with the more so reliable live percussive Jazz vibes is truly curious, but somehow works and makes a great deal of sense musically.

Appropriately, the album closes with "Kyberneticka Babicka Part 2," as if the demonic robot spirit that the song summons is somehow waving good-bye. Indeed, Fab Four Suture is a good place to be at musically, and while the tour for which wasn't quite as potent or solid as that of Margerine Eclipse, this awkwardness, if it can be referred to as such, is a clear indication that Stereolab are taking things in a new direction. Of course, the trademark sound is always intact, but what they are beginning to do with it and where they have taken it on this record is simply undeniably good. Think of early Stereolab but with the inclusion of some new unexplainable element that will hopefully more so take focus when they release new material possibly by the end of the year.

The interesting thing about this album is that it is compiled from a series of 45" singles that Stereolab released in late 2005 and in early 2006 just months prior to the release of Fab Four Suture. Of course, it is interesting to note that very few bands specifically go out of their way to compose material for the obscure 45" single format in mind, and that is at least in part why Stereolab is Da Man! I must say that this album is best heard on delicious double 10" vinyl, if you can find it. I will leave you with a great little music video a fan made that looks absolutely 100% legit. This is a sad number the church elders refer to as "Whisper Pitch," so do keep some hankies handy...

It Is By Will Alone I Set My Mind In Motion: Stereolab In 2007 And Other Related Information Important To The Collective Conscience.

2007 may be a fantastical and amazing year for Stereolab. Clearly, Stereolab is a focus of mine, much like a delicious mug of Root Beer, oh my brothers. What wonderful treats are in store for us exactly? Well, let us go about taking a look-see then, shall we? I believe we shall. Firstly, it would appear that Stereolab bandleader and hormone guru Tim Gane is finally working on a film score, appropriately enough, and perhaps even more appropriately the film is in fact French. Being a music fan primarily, my knowledge of the film is quite minimal, but the title being advertised is as such: La Vie D'artiste. Wonderful, no? Say, speaking of new French films, there is now one being developed about bitchy 19th century poet Arthur Rimbaud entitled Les Jours fragiles. Can you imagine? Anyhow, perhaps the Internet Movie Database could better clue you in about these specific film projects, because like I say, I am a music fan, so I hope you understand...

Back to the Lab, the soundtrack to the above mentioned film La Vie D'artiste may quite possibly be released via the Too Pure label here in Tha States. Stereolab are collectively tinkering in the studio as we speak and their new LP could quite potentially be released say by...October? No guarantees, but let's hope that this is the case. And for those addicted to sweaty live performance venues, Lab tour dates may very well begin by the end of the fucking year, dork. Sorry, my tourettes has been acting up like mad as of late. The Lætitia Sadier side project known in the hippest of circles as Monade will apparently have a split 45" single released hopefully in a few months time alongside an unimportant band not worth mentioning. Material by Monade is also available on the Too Pure label and more information can be found on the official Too Pure web site.

So, there you have the look ahead for our friends in Stereolab, and indeed, their related projects as well. All information is clearly subject to change, much like the sleeping position of the corpse of John Cage. As always, remember to stay clear of the band Air, and I am especially serious about this in the year of our Lord 2007 because those ultra creepy bon vivants will want to juice your wallet of its precious cash flow with their hideously drab new effort "Pocket Symphony," so yep, you heard it from me first. Allow me to leave you in bliss with the comic stylings of Monade, and to all a good night...



Oh, and the most recent record by Monade is 2005's "A Few Steps More." Please purchase it, I beg of thee. Cheerio, and may the world go well with thee...

Stereolab Give Me Nothing But Sound-Dust

You know, I was just thinking about Stereolab's "Sound-Dust" quite recently. I'm just that kind of ho, you know? It is the kind of record that just captures your mood and puts you to sleep forever. I believe it to be Stereolab's greatest achievement, there is no question. You are living in a dream during the duration of this record; and it is the kind of record I suggest listening to completely through in one sitting. Ideal options are on CD with your finest pair of headphones or if you happen to nab up the limited edition vinyl, if this is the case, crank it on a decent pair of speakers. There is something about the record that is magical and mystical, almost cinematic in its way. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Stereolab were violently beaten by the worst reviews in their career with their previous effort released two years earlier in 1999 and entitled "Cobra and Phases Groop Play Voltage in The Milky Night."

Jazz cuts worthy of a Peter Sellers Pink Panther film were not what the critics were eating up in 1999, and indeed, Stereolab was made to suffer. Their "The First of The Microbe Hunters" EP released in 2000 went by with little fan fair, and even amongst hardcore Stereolab enthusiasts it is viewed upon as one of their lesser efforts. The Groop licked their collective wounds in 2001 and narrowed down the number of producers they made use of, and in essence, essentially produced the album themselves, as was often their custom in the early days. However, "Sound-Dust" is far from sounding like early Stereolab, which was a sort of sound very close to what the Velvet Underground were offering up on "White Light/White Heat." On "Sound-Dust" Stereolab provide the soundtrack to an intense and thought provoking Mystery film on the album opener, a song called "Black Ants in Sound Dust." The second cut on the record has a similar flair for the dramatic and is entitled "Spacemoth."

The Groop that we know and love fully blossoms on the sing-song harmony of "Captain Easychord," which proved to be the album's only single and was very far away from being a chart-topper, the simple fact that Stereolab ceased making music videos at this point didn't help things much either. While "Cobra and Phases..." had complaints waged at it for being a bit too lengthy in spots, as even the album title itself can attest to. Things were nicely brought into focus on "Sound-Dust." They honestly haven't had an album constructed this successfully since "Dots & Loops," which indeed is their second best effort. A few cuts thankfully feature the late great Mary Hansen on lead vocal, as the darkly humorous Pop jingle "Nothing to Do with Me" is an album highlight. Lætitia Sadier is in fine vocal performance as well and shows just a hint of human emotion on the longing and introspective "The Black Arts."

This is the record that is essentially the end of an era for Stereolab, at least in my mind. As fate would cause their music to ultimately take a more stripped down approach, arguably. But on "Sound-Dust" Stereolab somehow amazingly made Easy Listening music interesting, almost ideal. Easy Listening being a sort of sound that they began to explore as early as "Mars Audiac Quintet." Band leader Tim Gane keeps the focus on melody and nothing drags on for too long before an appropriate fade out introduces us to the next infectious piece of ear candy. The final cut on the record is wonderfully dreamlike, and while Stereolab would go on to make some amazing music as the 2000's drug on, nothing at all compares to "Sound-Dust" and I highly doubt it ever will. The strangest thing of all about this record, at least from a highly personal perspective, is that I don't happen to own it...

Cheerio!

Ten Years of Dots & Loops: Stereolab's Mastery Takes Full Effect.

Later this year, the brilliant English Experimental Pop outfit known as Stereolab will celebrate the tenth anniversary of their immortal 1997 epic "Dots & Loops." It is unclear or possibly unlikely that there will be any sort of bloated deluxe edition of this catchy technological achievement in melody, especially considering the fact that The Groop were unceremoniously dropped from major label Elektra shortly after the release of the Disco-influenced "Margerine Eclipse." Regardless, "Dots & Loops" is Stereolab's greatest achievement.

"Emperor Tomato Ketchup" only hinted at the full blown Psychedelic Lounge that came together on this record, as on "Emperor Tomato Ketchup" it is still rather clear that The Groop had a little bit of Kraut Rock left to get out of their systems. Rarely has the use of drum machine or the use of the computer recording software Pro Tools been put to better use. A record that enlisted the help of Mouse On Mars for those tracks recorded in Germany, and members of Tortoise for those tracks recorded in Chicago. Stereolab removed any significant element of Rock on this record and replaced it with Easy Listening Bliss. The horn arrangements were simple yet effective. The vocal arrangements, while possibly complex at times, cascaded along quite nicely and were often accompanied by a Bossa Nova beat. This was music suited for all occasions, including a Volkswagen commercial.

The "Miss Modular" single was featured heavily in music video form on the short-lived Electronica leaning AMP, before MTV switched their focus in the late '90's to Teen Pop. Such lovely pieces of ear candy like the brilliant "Diagonals" are still featured in concert, and are equally as effective in a live setting. Stereolab's success of "playing the studio" has never been so potent as on this record. Each song is an example of musical timelessness and a sort of music that is naturally trippy, without requiring the listener to partake in indulgences in order to enhance the experience. Nowhere is Tim Gane or any other member of The Lab featured anywhere in the album artwork, and the listener is just left with a series of shapes and design patterns, while the music itself leaves the listener with nothing but "Dots & Loops."

Finally, controversy still very much surrounds this record as Stereolab's turning point, in which they ceased to be a band writing songs, but rather, were composers working on film scores, but the critical drama did not take full effect until 1999's experimental Jazz fusion effort "Cobra and Phases Groop Play Voltage in The Milky Night." While many early fans of Stereolab saw "Dots & Loops" as the end, for me, it was very much the beginnings of what I enjoy most of all about this particular band's musical output, and that is: The absolute mastery of ear candy.