Stereolab

They are such an important group. 'Revox' is one of my fave songs ever (didn't they write a song called 'Sondek' too?) and I've heard at least two singles by 'new' bands which are clearly Stereolab rip-offs recently.

IIRC one of the singers was killed in a horrible accident on a bicycle in London a few months ago. I hope they're still going.

I've nearly bought a steriolab album a few times over recent years after seeing good reviews, just never taken the plunge though.

Go on then what are the ones to start with then, you know the ones with some tunes rather than just random noise.

Hi Greeny

I'm sure everyone will have a different favourite Stereolab album. I haven't listened to even close to all of them, but love "Cobra and phases group play voltage in the milky night"

Don't be put off by the first track, which is a bit "random noise" there are some great songs on it.

Anna

Greeny

Best place to start I think is Emperor Tomato Ketchup , which contains the mighty "Metronomic Underground", a kind of pop take on Can or Neu! at their most hypnotic. There are also some top tunes on it also.

Anna's right about Cora & Phases and Aluminium Tunes is another good place to start discovering the 'Lab.

Plus, if you have the chance to see them live, do so - they are awesome. They also look great, as they play a huge variety of instruments and everyone keeps swapping around.

Kevin

Didn't they do something together (sculpture/music) with artist Charles Long? Seems like I remember a colloboration maybe in the mid 90's.

Thanks Chaps,
Three titles added to my 'wanted' list, along with a couple from the Tangerine Dream Thread.

I really really really hope that they don't go down the mass market appeal route.. in my opinion Janes Addiction, another of my old faves, have done this with their last album.

'Hallucinex' by Stereolab and also 'The Noise of Carpet' are works of genius...

I saw Stereolab (with the late Mary Hansen) at the RFH last year - absolutely bluddy marvellous.

The 'Lab have a new album Margarine Eclipse out in January (1 Cd and 2-LP limited edition vinyl).

There may also be another album in the Spring.

Kevin

Sound Dust and Dots & Loops are the two most played 'Lab albums in our house, but I don't think any of them are duff.

As for the "hifi" connection, they profess a liking for old analogue synths and the like, and Tim Gane of the groop has been known to shop at Walrus Systems in London.

Regards,
Ed.