Stereolab

Editor's Review:

Some wondered what would happen with Stereolab after longtime vocalist / keyboardist Mary Hansen was killed in a bicycle accident in the winter of 2002. An integral member of the collective, Hansen had helped develop the group's unique sound; a female-fronted throwback to the 1960s' not-too-distant-future, souped-up with retro electronics and a twist of cocktail lounge jazz. Yet, since their inception, Stereolab has operated as a collective, with members periodically entering and exiting the fold, and so expectedly, not a whole lot has changed with the release of Margerine Eclipse. Their general aesthetic is still intact; wafting fumes of bossa nova, disco and lounge, finessed mechanical drumming, a few off-kilter time signatures here and there, French- and English-sung lyrics, a dreamy coating of tremolo guitars and sepia-toned analog keyboards and dance-y, muted optimism. It took until Margerine Eclipse's bittersweet closer, "Dear Marge," to fully realize the void left by Hansen's untimely demise. The song (in three movements) features two intertwining lead vocal tracks, Laetitia Sadler's handling of both of these serving as a memorial for those moments when Hansen shined. Yet, the most notable (if not readily apparent) change in their approach seems to be in their arrangements. Hidden beneath the groovy bass work and pocket drumming are deceptively intricate key and guitar parts, nuance electronic effects and well-placed and unobtrusive accents. On the surface, save a few more key changes, this is the same Martini-sipping, Marx-fellating indie rock, but through digging into the subtle and supple moments napping in the bed of the tracks, you'll find just exactly why Stereolab remains relevant years after their "peak." Just don't listen to this while riding your bike. Please.
- Maurice S. Teilmann
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Record Label Elektra Released February 2004

Tracks Vonal Diclosion Listen Need to Be ...Sudden Stars Cosmic Country Noir La Demeure Margerine Rock The Man With 100 Cells Margerine Melodie Hillbilly Motorbike Feel and Triple Bop Scotch Dear Marge

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