Get this!

I'm fairly new to their music, but I am absolutely loving their new material.

Originally pressed as 6 separate 7" records, this serves as part compilation, part new album. I've heard it likened to what Roisin Murphy did with her last one.

The general concensus about the band is that they kinda lost the plot after "Dots & Loops" and "Aluminum Tunes". I don't necessarily agree, but the new album will definitely turn that around. It benefits from the carefree, fun spirit of their singles, but still has the cohesiveness of an album. The songs are very tight, energetic, and made to be played live. I just saw them a couple nights ago and the crowd was eating the new songs up!

If you're into checking out samples or downloading individual tracks, check out "Vodiak", "Whisper Pitch", "Excursions into oh-a-oh", and "Eye of the Volcano". But it's all good! And check them out live if you get the chance. They're making the rounds right now.

Peppermint Patty would be pleased!

It sounded cool, but I can't really remember much in the state I was in.

Moonbeam said:

I know. Scenes of dancing Peanuts characters are easily conjured up when listening to the Lab.

And it's perfect music for when you're totally out of it.

i was thinking about checking their chicago show, but the last time i saw them i was doing a lot of so i wasn't really amped to see them this time around. if they come to my city i'll check 'em out, but i doubt they'd make their way here. i do want to hear their latest material.

sinisterpentatonic said:

i agree with you. i saw 'em in new york back when they were touring the milky phase cobra album thingie, and they sounded great but they were a little bit of a bore to watch live...i think i like listening to them on CD more than i like seeing them perform, which may explain a lil' bit why there's never been a stereolab live album (unless you count the BBC album, which i don't).

i don't think they pooped out after dots and loops at all...i think there's something amazing on every album they've ever released, including their latest compilation of e.p.s - money spent on a new stereolab album is never wasted, in my opinion.

Anx said:

that's the same tour i saw them on. did you see that show at the vic? 'cuz that was a chicago show i saw them at. maybe it was the same one.

sinisterpentatonic said:

no sir, i saw them in new york...i can't even remember the name of the venue...it's right off union square around 14th street. great venue - i saw saint etienne there and had a blast.

Anx said:

you're just soo much cool than me, anx!

Anx said:

I could see how they have the potential to be boring. They're really not an image-based band, other than their record sleeves. And their music is so intricate and they're so focused on what they're creating live, that I can see how they might come off as detached or distant on stage. I guess I just happened to luck out, because the Detroit crowd was VERY into it. Nearly everyone was dancing. Of course, they rarely slowed the tempo down and mostly focused on their tighter, faster, more driving stuff. And watching Laetitia switch from vocals to trombone to Moog was quite a sight as well. I had a great virgin experience.

Anx said:

I don't think they pooped out either, but it seems like many do. I can't find any fault with this new stuff though.

So I'm taking it that you picked it up? What are your first impressions?

It’s not quite right to say I think they took a dive after Emperor Tomato Ketchup, but I do think their records started to sound a lot less thrilling to me after that point. That might be due to a deficiency in judgment on my part cuz I did get pretty burned out on the band around that time, and I don’t think I’ve ever quite recovered.

The Stereolab record that never fails to get my adrenaline going is Transient Random Noisebursts…when I listen to Jenny Ondioline and Golden Ball with the lights out I swear I can see sparks coming out of my speakers.

I may have to pick this up. I'm prolly due to buy some Stereolab.

Glad you enjoyed the show, ps! It sounds like a blast. I will have to see them again some day, but this tour was just poor timing for me.

damosuzuki said:

I figured their early stuff would be right up your alley.

endorphin74 said:

Yeah, I used to have a thing against going to a show by myself if I couldn't get anyone to go with me. But lately, I've really enjoyed it.