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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Groop are back!, August 31, 2001
This review is from: Sound-Dust (Audio CD)
After "First of the Microbe Hunters," I thought the groop had hit a stylistic block. There were a few good songs on that release, but overall the band was treading water. However, Stereolab have completely redeemed themselves with "Sound-Dust," which is IMHO their best since "Emperor Tomato Ketchup." Fans of their earlier stuff may be disappointed - the primitive, analog synths have entirely disappeared. Their new sound is much lighter, almost orchestral, with great vocals and lots of horns, flute, and electric piano. As usual, they plunder melodies from the 60s and 70s, combined with minimalist percussion reminiscent of Steve Reich. The album is extremely diverse while at the same time completely coherent. However, what most strikes me about this album is the song-writing - there are lots of great, unpredictable song shifts, catchy lyrics, and weird melodies that worm their way into your brain and won't get out. For example, check out the way "Space Moth" begins like a movie soundtrack before abruptly shifting into a disco number, or the country guitar that suddenly intrudes into "Captain Easychord," or the way Laetitia manages to sound earnest while singing the lyrics: "You're not a doctor, you're a wanker." And is that emotion creeping into Laetitia's voice on "The Black Arts?" Lots of fun and highly recommended.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the effort it might take, June 15, 2005
This review is from: Sound-Dust (Audio CD)
Ever have one of those albums?
An album where you spin it a few times and a few songs might sink-in, but the majority seem wrapped in gauze? Then-- ONE DAY -- it hits you, the genius behind the songs, the hidden melodies, the amazing musicianship?
That was my experience with this album. It took 2 years of (very) sporadic listenings to suddenly be hit in the head with just how flat-out AMAZING this album is. A few songs are easy and accessible (ie. "Captain Easychord"), while others may take a few listens to *really* appreciate--- but it's worth the effort. (as a comparison, I found "Margerine Eclipse" very easy to get-into, while it took a while for "Dots & Loops" and "Cobra & Phases" to really sink-in).
Very highly recommended, once it hits you, it will stay with you and grow-stronger with repeat-listens.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must for Sereolabers, March 7, 2005
This review is from: Sound-Dust (Audio CD)
Not sure what some of the reviewer's here are talking about. This is simply put, a fantastic album. If you consider yourself one of those who can see the rich brilliance of stereolab's offerings throughout the years, then you've got to get it. It flows, it's moody, funky, and lovely.
Baby Lulu is currently my fav, but they're all complex and original enough that it takes me a while to realize each songs awesomeness. Newbies can try Emperor Tk or Dots and Loops, but real fans shouldn't miss this.
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