Instant O in the Universe [Single, EP]

Stereolab | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, EP
• Label: Elektra / Ada
• ASIN: B0000CAOH7
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,421 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stereolab's like the energizer bunny, November 19, 2003

By 

"stereolabguy" (Va.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Instant O in the Universe (Audio CD)

Lead vocalist Laetitia Sadier is as infamously detached as ever, the band is still playing their groovy 60's influenced electronic lounge-pop, and was that disco on the last track?
It's become fashionable to attack Stereolab for not doing anything "new," for insisting that each new LP or EP is a "retread," so if you're one of those who thinks a band needs to break new ground with every release, perhaps this isn't the Stereolab EP for you. I am a huge fan of the groop, but I will attempt to review this CD as unbiasedly (is that a word?) as possible.
There's more to Instant 0 (zero, not "O") than meets the ear. First of all, the tragic death of Mary Hansen robbed the band of one of their most distinct musicians. Her backups were integral to Stereolab's sound. In Instant 0, while I could literally hear where Mary would've been singing, the band manages to keep their sound without her. Although I did notice a lack of backup on all tracks, which I personally see as a sign of respect to Mary. No one could do it like she could, so we'll give up on the heavier back up singing.
Secondly, after Sound Dust, which I liked, but thought the band sounded almost bored with themselves on, this EP goes back to a more funky mid to late 90's Stereolab sound. While this isn't as mind-blowing as Emperor Tomato Ketchup or Dots and Loops, it is still very, very good. Perhaps their best release post-2000. Unlike First of the Microbe Hunters, which was probably voted "Most Likely EP for Stereolab Fans To Pass Up On," this one will probably become quite essential for any fan of the groop. And for people who have never heard of Stereolab or are generally unfamiliar with their work, Instant 0 in the Universe is a wonderful introduction to Stereolab. It's not as esoteric as some of their other work (which I also love), but it's not dumbed-down Stereolab either.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant 0 in the stereo universe, December 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Instant O in the Universe (Audio CD)

I myself am a recording musician and I have known this band only since 1999. This EP blows me away. I actually closed my eyes while listening to this - something I haven't done in ten years or more. I was totally moved, I smiled the whole way, I felt good about music again in a way that I hadn't in such a long time. Believe me, this was quite an experience.

I picked up hints of *gasp* the band "Yes", circa "the Yes Album" and "Fragile". In a good way... and it's not the first time with them in their later releases.

Listen to this in headphones - the stereo separation is really intense and quite jarring at moments. Is instant 0 the begining of the stereo universe?

This is an ABSOLUTE must for stereolab fans, new and old.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The regathering of creative forces, November 24, 2003

By 

kaban43 "kaban43" (Somewhere over the rainbow.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Instant O in the Universe (Audio CD)

Instant 0 in the Universe is one of the most pivotal releases in Stereolab's musical career.

After the tragic death of Mary Hansen, such an important contributer to their sound and vision, I wondered what was going to happen to the groop. I was rapt when I heard they were going to release a new EP and the result is this.

What can I say? I think with "Instant 0" the remaining members of Stereolab made a collective decision to kick out the jams in tribute to Mary, and this EP is so strong it is almost defiantly stating to the Universe "we are here to stay!"

The loss of Mary is felt, but it isn't a depressing thing because there is a joy and celebration felt on these tracks which goes beyond her death and celebrates life instead. I have always thought Stereolab as a group tap into this collective conciousness all the time in their songs, and the melodies quite often make the hairs stand on the back of my neck.

This EP would be an excellent CD to slip to a friend to let them know why you love Stereolab so much... or a good starting point for those who have never took the plunge.

This band are never dull and are always playing creativally with their sound - I can compare this to past releases but there is no point. One last comment - this is also the first release where there has been a male voice in the mix! At the end of Microclimate.