Customer Reviews

Low Fi

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

 

 

I have to admit, I have a hard time remembering Stereolab's song titles. So with the many compilation discs this band has issued I had assumed that I had this wonderful EP pretty much covered. After purchasing the (highly recommended) ABC Music BBC recordings I fell in love with the song "Laisser-Faire", one of the most perfect and beautiful recordings the groop has ever recorded. Soon after that, I saw a used copy of this EP and picked it up to have the studio version of the song. To my happy surprise I soon discovered that NONE of the material on this EP has been compiled. (Actually the term "mini album" is slightly more appropriate. Although 4 songs are listed a couple of them are more like several different songs with one title and the whole thing clocks in at slightly under half an hour.)
The rest of the music is almost as wonderful as "Laisser-Faire". From the opening slow-motion "Roadrunner" style riffing of "Low Fi" to the last beautiful strains of "Electro" this entire disc is excellent. If you are a fan of the pre Dots and Loops groop you HAVE to have this in your collection.

It's a pity that one of the best Stereolab recordings is kept somewhat of a secret. Consider yourself lucky if you find this at a music store, like I did. It really does represent the original line-up at its peak. It features mostly the loud analog keyboard drones that early Stereolab is known for, but the last couple minutes of "Elektro" are possibly the most beautiful thing they have ever recorded. This is the recording I would play for someone (along with Emperor Tomato Ketchup and First Of the Microbe Hunters) if they asked me what Stereolab sounds like.

seeing as though there is no resemblence to past and present stereolab's i would determine this to be the original band's lineup at it's peak. the recording here is primitive at best but it definetly gets your attention. check out laisser-faire for some lyrics that are ringing true at this very moment. a must have for any fan of the band or politics in general.