November 12, 2010

Album Review: Stereolab - Not Music (Duophonic UHF Disks)

They may be a one trick pony, but these 2008 recordings show that Stereolab are good at what they do

7 / 10 “Hallmarked by a unique, carefully evolving but instantly recognisable sonic signature” is one way (ie, their label’s website’s) of describing 20 years of Stereolab music. “All sounds the fucking same” would be many other people’s, which may well be true, but also should not be a problem. Other acts in the same box include: AC/DC, The Cramps, Chuck Berry, Mogwai, Dinosaur Jr. That’s good, enduring company. This album is made up of the other half of songs recorded three years ago in the same sessions for 2008’s ‘Chemical Chords’, just before Stereolab went on indefinite hiatus. And as good a reminder as any that their one trick is a good one.

Hamish MacBain

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