Customer Reviews

Absurdistan

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well, lets see... first of all this disc is similar to all previous L&TC discs in the most important fashion - finely tuned instrumental virtuosity and tight tight tight playing combine to produce a delightful silky smooth "surf" record light years ahead of it's time. So far ahead of it's time that it is also quite different from any previous L&TC effort... the addition of some scratchy samples and a tasty (if sparing) inclusion of a broader drum pallat elevate this disc far above most contemporary instrumental efforts available on the 'zon. Earlier L&TC offerings have been relatively straight forward Guitar/Drums/Bass with some limited use of other items, this disc goes further than any previous effort to the benefit of the sound and the listener. If you like surf, modern instrumental music generally, Los Straitjackets, Ozric Tentacles, etc, etc, etc... then do not hesitate to but this disc... the previous compilation Intruments of Terror is also an excellent starting location for the L&TC journey to begin.

Members of my beach house and I stumbled into the Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach where Laika and the Cosmonauts were playing. We all came out converts to the Cosmonaut cause. Two bought t-shirts and one bought a copy of "Absurdistan", which became our house theme music immediately. We play it on the porch, to the amazement of tourists and locals alike. Most always we get the thumbs up. Check out the free download of "Disconnected" and see for yourself!

To call this album "surf" is an injustice. It implies a childish, immature, carefree fun little record. This record is incredible, and while it does have that surf guitar influence, that's too narrow of a definition for it. I wouldn't dare call the Pixies surf, despite the fact that Joey Santiago was heavily influnced by it.
That quarrel aside.... this album is great. Some of the best tracks include: "Look! No Head!" "Syncophant" and "Boris the Conductor" buy it. now.