Reviews (page 3 of 7)
Solid 4, really cool, need more listens
Gostei do álbum. Celest Phoenixcall.
Rad vibe.
Odd at times, but I enjoyed it overall.
i feel like stereolab is one of those bands that all the coolest millennials love haha ... its really really good music, I have enjoyed everything ive ever heard from them.
Je dois avouer que pendant des années je ne comprenais pas l'engouement des gens pour Stereolab. Je les ai vu en première partie de Sonic Youth genre fin 90' (dans ces années aussi: Godspeed You + Sonic Youth = mamma mia!). Je trouvais que c'était vraiment trop clean pour cette période. Avec du recul, mon jugement s'est adouci. Tomorrow Is Already Here.
Pas eu beaucoup de temps hier mais j’ai aimé ça. J’ai aimé les sonorités un peu wierd et les rythme parfois répétitifs qui rappellent la musique électronique. Par contre le cover et le nom de l’album: dégueu!
8/10
More here than I expected. Sure there is plenty of untsts untsts untsts. But the songs have more to them than just that. Kind of liked this.
Began packing up my room to this album and it kept the mood light, which I appreciated. and those interlocking loops are mesmerising
++: Metronomic Underground, Percolator, Les Y-Per Sound, Spark Plug, OLV 26, The Noise of Carpet, Tomorrow Is Already Here, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Motoroller Scallotron +: Cybele's Reverie, Monster Sacre, Anonymous Collective +-: Slow Fast Hazel 8,8/10
4.2 - Interesting, was fun
Even though I hate ketchup I can find space in my heart for this album. Fave Tracks: Metronomic Underground, Cybele's Reverie, Les Yper-Sound, Olv 26, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Slow Fast Hazel 4.4/5
Motorik! A bit french! Links to Dunedin sound! Avant Garde! Left wing!
Love the vocal layering of the first track metronomic underground, almost minimalist feel. Last track has such a good vibe. Very low key fun minimalist electronic pop
I really liked this album! Awesome loops and lyrics!
Say what you will about the French, they make a good chill electronic album.
The first track (Metronomic Underground) really sparked my interest, and made me think this might be a 5-starrer for me, but it turned out to be my favourite track in the end. For that, I downgrade it one star (might regret it later...), but really happy to have become acquainted with the album, and the voices of stereolab that seemed to act as additional instruments from time to time.
Nice
honestly enjoyed way more than i thought super chill vibes and i like the mix of english and french, love the vocalists voice
That was surprisingly pleasant and fun. Good music to listen to while working.
I’d heard of Stereolab but this was my first listen to the band, and I loved it. Potential for 5 stars from me with more listens.
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Metronomic Underground I love the track names; bizarre and totally out there. The music is good, the lyrics less so. For several tracks, there's not so much singing as there is stating the same few phrases over and over again. Its inherently repetitive. The music is keeping the album afloat though. Its a good fusion of electronica, guitar rock, jazz, funk and some other stuff that I can't quantify. 3.5 Edit: Increased to 4. I have started adding this album to my rotation. I am listening to it a month later. I have also started listening to their new 2025 release "Instance Holograms On Metal Film". I am still not thrilled about the repetitiveness of the lyrics sometimes, but the beats and melodies are undeniably good.
I was in the mood for Stereolab, so I was very excited to this album pop up!
Cute and cool at the same time
Reminds me of good old days... in a good way
Enjoyed this a lot
I don’t know what they’re saying but it’s a vibe.
Nice and enjoyable listen. Didn't really get to pay attention to it but I liked what I heard. Bonus points for being sung in French too. Probably have to listen to this one again since I liked it but don't really recall that much from it.
can't wait to see them live for the first time this June...
Krautrock, twee-pop, and 90's alternative sounds collide on Emperor Tomato Ketchup. I'm not very familiar with Stereolab, but this was a fantastic (re?)introduction. "Olv 26" sounds like if Nico became the vocalist for Kraftwerk. "The Noise of Carpet" was a burst of energy I wasn't expecting! So many cool electronic additions elevate songs without being distracting. It feels so far ahead of its time, and the variety of styles Stereolab does well is impressive!
An Album I honestly would never have expected to be considering my thoughts on as much as I did, but took me a while to decide how I felt about. For something labeled as indie rock it is not exactly what I had in mind on my first listen but I had high hopes, my first listen had me a bit uncertain at first but with a pretty positive final impression with the last few tracks. subsequent listens really had me growing in appreciation for this one with a better understand of what to expect. Definitely not perfect and one that I would imagine leaves a pretty strong positive or negative reaction. I would say the middle chunk is the weakest seciton of the album
14 year old me would have ADORED this album. And usually that would rub me the wrong way, I ate so much of this type of shit up as a teen that as an adult I usually just find it tacky. This is kitsch though, in the best way possible, I enjoyed the vast majority of the tracks and will be returning, with a likely high score next time. 8/10
Complete (Good working music)
Wanted to love this so bad. Feels a little dull and dragging at times. Love anonymous collective though. Gonna give a couple more tries probably
Har længe gerne villet høre den her men bare aldrig fået det gjort, det var jo vildt fedt! Groovy og underligt
Not their best but pretty damn great.
I was expecting not to like it but really enjoyed it. Definitely think it'll grow on me more with additional listens as well. Rating: 4.1
Great find. Love the music. I feel the lyrics let the album down in a way.
I really enjoyed this!!
Well, not sure what i was expecting but it wasn't this! It was quite a revelation not being the sort of music I would listen to, I'm pleased to say I really enjoyed this album. I will listen to more!
Pretty enjoyable. I liked it.
I've listened to this probably 3-4 times now and for whatever reason (either due to work or something about the album itself) I've been unable to really focus at any point to the individual songs here. My gut feel is that this was an enjoyable, if not entirely captivating album. At no point was I turned away by it, and a few times I found myself tapping or bobbing along. So although I can't give any interesting thoughts or notes to support, this is a 4 in my mind.
Electro groooooove. This one had me in the pocket all the way through. I bet Kevin likes this cause it's French.
What in the absolute surprise of an album was that? Crazy chill French electronic music is right up my alley. I liked how it was in some English and some French as well. Some of the effects used in this were so unique an cool, specifically the start of Motoroller Scalatron. I could see this in the right situation being a 5 but I think for now it just missed out but is still a very high 4
Emperor Tomato Ketchup. lol The 90s were full of interesting random lyrics. Really broke the mold there as far as what was accepted in lyrics. Either way I don't know if i know these guys. But excited for a mid 90s album! The picture of the band on Spotify is hot, none of the girls are wearing bras :P. I've really like what I heard today. I only got to track 7 here at work but I'll listen to the rest and report back tomorrow.
Loving this even more than I thought I would. Love the way their songs build up with layers. Deceptively complicated. There’s clear, sophisticated music education. Overall, this is really excellent.
Wacky French shit. Nice.
Somehow I thought they were the Stereo MCs. They're not. What a pleasant surprise. This is more like a danceable indie version of Air. Yesterday I got the Talking Heads, which was too repetitive. This is as repetitive, but it makes more sense. The middle part of the album is the best. Favorite song: OLV 26
Really enjoy what this is going for. bleep bloop bleep
Great album, reminded me of so many different sounds. I like the style a lot.
Ganz interessant, kann man nochmal höre
Stereolab rule. Never entirely connected with this one, however it sure has some belters. One of my favourite gigs in recent memory.
French Indie Rock. Cute and very French. Vibey French electronic.
This was pretty great. So easy to listen to and some good variety throughout the album. I liked it and see why it's here. Fighting between a high three and low four but it got me on a good day for it.
Know of the band name, never listened. I find myself digging this opening track. Great composition. Some really good melodies. This engages my synapses with its drones. Good layering, a lot going on but it's not muddy. I kind of want to listen to this more. I like this album art and I'm not sure why. The album title sucks, but this is an album. I'd say it could lose one or two tracks to be a bit tighter. A couple feel redundant.
Super chill. Need to relisten
Emperor Tomato Ketchup was actually our nickname for Len’s 8th wife. Can you believe she actually used to ration the ketchup in his house? Madness considering Len was once sponsored by Daddies Sauce! 4.0
The first track is quite experimental, the minimalism style. The rests are also pretty fun, "Les Yper-Sound" has quite a few interesting lyrics (others as well). It's overall enjoyable especially when you're bored and really want to dive into music. I'd give it a 3.5/5, probably.
Very very cool. Definitely influential. Unique. Novel. Great style, cool tunes, good grooves. But there’s *something* holding me back from giving it 5 stars. Maybe it’s just how understated it is. I’d rather be an underrater than an overrater though, so yeah, it’s just 4 stars. This might be one of the ones whose score I’ll raise at the end of the project. We’ll see. It’s still a must-listen! #57
Rating: 7.5/10 Very good mix of indie rock and electronic, overall very enjoyable.
4/5 Really fucked with it
Enjoyed this! Really fun to listen to. Avant Garde and bubblegum pop at the same time. Not sure it would elevate anything past 'great to have on in the background' but will definitely come back
Groovy space lounge. A type of poppy French krautrock. Repetitive but never boring. A peaceful sound that’s fun to listen to and very pleasant on the ears. Infectious looping hooks with strong, prominent basslines and squirmy synths to flesh out the sound along with female vocals that out the icing on the cake. They maintain a consistent sound and vibe throughout the album with enough diversity to keep things interesting and make certain songs pop out.
Different sounding album. Never listened to this before. She sounds like the guy from Yes but it works better here
Kind of interesting background music, maybe European techno ish
Pretty good, perhaps a bit repetitive, but it was nice background music to have on while working
had to space this out over multiple listens, as it is a bit sonically overwhelming, but i like this! reminded me a bit of like, if belle and sebastian got real noisy and experimental with it. 3.5/5
4 stars
Another album that defies easy classification. I guess I’d call it euro electro pop. Starts out with some mostly instrumental stuff that is nice as background music but evolves into fuller songs as the album progresses. I enjoyed it.
This is a nice find and pleasantly surprised this album is so good despite having such a terrible name.
Familiar at once As sonic eras collide With joyful French rock
Love some Stereolab.
Man, I really need to get into Stereolab more. I’ve heard this album before quite a while ago, as well as its follow-up Dots and Loops, and they’re both great records. The dreamy vocals inspired by French 60s pop songs float over the metronomic krautrock grooves so nicely, giving a sense of melodic freedom to otherwise quite rigid song structures. There’s some fun use of electronics at play, but the backbone of the songs are always quite organic, and it feels more inspired by Can than Kraftwerk though an updated and original twist on their sound Overall a great listen, and easily a top 5 condiment album (alongside a couple of salsa records and Kick Out the Jams)
**Album Review: *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* by Stereolab** **Overview** *Emperor Tomato Ketchup*, released in 1996 by Stereolab, marks a pivotal moment in the band's career as they blend electronic experimentation with accessible pop sounds. This fourth studio album is recognized for pushing the boundaries of indie rock and post-rock, with its intricate blend of jazz, krautrock, lounge music, and 1960s-style avant-garde influences. Consisting of 13 tracks, *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* exhibits complex lyrical themes and sonic layering, adding new depth to the burgeoning genre of “post-rock.” The album quickly gained attention for its politically charged lyrics, lush soundscapes, and refined production, establishing Stereolab as a significant influence on alternative and experimental rock. **Lyrics and Themes** The lyrics in *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* lean heavily toward the politically infused and socially conscious, often cryptic in their delivery yet open-ended in their meanings. Laetitia Sadier’s vocals float through a mixture of French and English, embodying Marxist and Situationist philosophies that critique capitalism, consumerism, and media influence. The title track, “Emperor Tomato Ketchup,” itself refers to a provocative Japanese film by Shūji Terayama, setting the stage for the album’s subversive tones. Notable tracks like “Metronomic Underground” explore themes of control and conformity, with lyrics that dissect power structures and consumer culture. Meanwhile, “Percolator” and “Slow Fast Hazel” delve into the concept of human agency, freedom, and individual thought, reflecting the album’s overarching critique of societal constraints. While some may find the lyrics opaque, their ambiguity allows listeners to project their own interpretations, amplifying the thematic depth. Pros: - Intriguing, intellectually stimulating lyrics - A balance between abstract social critique and accessible pop sensibilities - Multilingual approach that enhances the album’s cosmopolitan feel Cons: - Abstractness of lyrics can feel inaccessible - Heavy political themes may not resonate with all listeners **Musical Composition** Musically, *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* shines through its fusion of electronic elements with analog sounds, creating a rich, textural landscape. Drawing inspiration from German krautrock, particularly bands like Neu! and Can, the album utilizes repetitive, motorik beats that enhance its hypnotic qualities. The opening track, “Metronomic Underground,” immediately showcases this influence with its relentless groove, combining drums, bass, and electronic loops that build a mesmeric foundation. The band’s use of vintage synthesizers, organs, and Moog keyboards further defines its futuristic yet retro feel. Tracks like “Cybele’s Reverie” demonstrate Stereolab’s ability to balance complexity with melody, providing an almost cinematic sense that is as soothing as it is stimulating. Harmonically, Stereolab play with minimalist patterns, employing polyrhythms and syncopation in ways that are both progressive and unconventional. Guitarist Tim Gane’s style is subdued yet assertive, allowing for the bass and keyboard melodies to shine. The organic blend of analog and digital instrumentation fosters a warm, cohesive sound that is unmistakably Stereolab. Pros: - Unique blend of analog and electronic instrumentation - Engaging polyrhythms and intricate musical arrangements - Hypnotic, trance-inducing qualities inspired by krautrock - Cinematic soundscapes with emotional and rhythmic depth Cons: - Some tracks may feel repetitive for listeners seeking variety - Lack of overt dynamic shifts may feel monotonous to some **Production** The production on *Emperor Tomato Ketchup*, handled by the band and Paul Tipler, is meticulously crafted, emphasizing clarity and balance among the many layers of sound. The mixing allows each instrument to sit comfortably within the sonic space, enhancing the album’s warmth. There’s a unique analog quality to the production that aligns with Stereolab’s aesthetic, lending a timeless quality that separates it from other mid-90s indie releases. Notably, the production relies on subtle changes within songs rather than drastic shifts, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in the texture rather than waiting for climactic moments. “Les Yper-Sound” and “The Noise of Carpet” showcase the album’s effective use of layering, as loops and harmonies build organically, adding depth without overwhelming the listener. This minimalist approach may, however, alienate listeners who crave more pronounced production shifts. Overall, the production complements Stereolab’s minimalist, loop-driven style, providing a tactile experience that enhances the album’s immersive qualities. Pros: - Rich, analog-driven production that suits the album’s aesthetic - Effective use of layering and texture - Subtle dynamics that enhance the immersive quality of the album Cons: - Lack of pronounced dynamic shifts may feel static to some - Could feel underwhelming for listeners seeking more prominent production choices **Influence and Legacy** *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* is considered a landmark in alternative music, influencing a range of genres, including post-rock, indie-pop, and electronic music. Its impact on the late 90s and early 2000s music scenes is substantial, paving the way for bands like Broadcast, Tortoise, and even Radiohead’s later experimental work. Stereolab’s emphasis on looping structures and electronic elements helped redefine indie rock, infusing it with intellectual rigor and expanding its sonic potential. The album’s legacy is evident in its ability to bridge the gap between experimental and accessible music, appealing to both indie rock fans and lovers of electronic music. Its influence can also be seen in contemporary artists like Animal Collective, who adopt Stereolab’s penchant for layered textures and melodic repetition. *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* not only solidified Stereolab’s reputation but also helped establish post-rock as a genre that thrives on subtle, textural innovation rather than traditional rock structures. Pros: - Pioneering approach that influenced genres like post-rock and electronic music - Inspired future artists to blend electronic elements with rock - Elevated indie music with intellectually challenging themes and sounds Cons: - Some listeners may find its impact difficult to perceive without context - The album’s subtleties may be overshadowed by flashier, more dynamic records from the era **Conclusion: Pros and Cons** *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* is a testament to Stereolab’s innovation, establishing them as frontrunners in the experimental and indie rock scenes. The album’s blend of avant-garde and pop elements, along with its seamless integration of electronic and analog sounds, make it an essential listening experience for fans of boundary-pushing music. However, its lyrical ambiguity and subtle production choices may deter listeners who prefer more immediate, accessible albums. **Pros:** 1. Rich, analog-inspired production that captures Stereolab’s unique aesthetic. 2. Thought-provoking, socially conscious lyrics that reward close listening. 3. Innovative musical blend of krautrock, lounge, and electronic elements. 4. Minimalist structure with hypnotic qualities, aided by polyrhythmic instrumentation. 5. Pioneering influence on post-rock and indie-electronic music, inspiring future artists. **Cons:** 1. Repetitive structures may feel monotonous to some listeners. 2. Abstract lyrics may alienate those seeking direct narratives. 3. Subtle production shifts that may lack immediacy. 4. Heavy political themes that may not resonate universally. 5. The album’s innovations may feel understated compared to more mainstream records. In summary, *Emperor Tomato Ketchup* stands as a masterpiece of sonic and thematic ambition. Its deliberate, minimalist approach and the melding of diverse musical styles result in an album that is challenging yet rewarding. While not without its limitations, Stereolab’s opus remains a cornerstone in alternative music, embodying a unique fusion of thought-provoking themes and avant-garde aesthetics that continue to inspire.
Strange but cool, hard to explain. Good tho!
Enjoyed this way more than I expected to. Undemanding, dynamic, happy, I think I'll be listening again.
This is such a cool album, and it must have sounded even cooler to listeners in 1996 when this style of mixing and music-making was much more labor-intensive and rarer to come across, especially outside of hip-hop. It’s experimental yet catchy, glitchy yet polished, and so fun to listen to. It’s really just a vibe and a half. 8.5/10
It was fun and unique
the only bad thing with this is that my french to english friends aren't willing to translate for me
Grunge? Indie? Gangsta Rap? Or how about this other sound of the 90s that builds upon the electronic and rhythmic pop of the 80s? I’m not even sure this is my style, so why do I keep listening? Why is it so good? I guess I’m a fan.
This was good mix of styles that made total sense to me. Really good music
This was nice, fun, and whimsical. Couldn’t discern too much range, but there was some. Also, was 57 minutes necessary? I think not. I enjoyed it thoroughly, though. 4/5
4☆/5 10.11.2024
I really liked this one. More than I expected to.
This was interesting. It was like a mix of Brian Eno, Nico, and indie. Depending on my mood, I'd give it between 3.5-4 stars.
Never heard of this album, and I think had only really heard of this band in passing. I had no idea what to expect. I was blow away by it's interesting electronic sound. 8/10
Very interesting. Can meets experimental vocal music in French. I like it. First listen 8/10.
Psychedelic commie lounge music at it's finest
this is so weird and funky but still very fun. I didnt get annoyed like I do with experimental stuff like this. It's great background music!
Not at all what I expected. Sounded like the OTHER music from Katamari Damacy. Just funky lounge music in another language. Good stuff!
Interesting. I like it
Not bad, very different from anything I’ve heard so far.
Viehettävä levy! Jotenkin hyvässä balanssissa sellainen keveys ja sitten sellainen eteenpäinenevä fiilis. 4/5
It caught me at a moment where it worked for me, could have been different.
Nice background noise 3.8
Though I’d heard Metronomic Underground, I’ve never really heard anything like this before. The sounds feel super unique to me and it’s really refreshing. I particularly liked Cybele’s Reverie, it was delightful. Only critique is most of the songs are a bit monotonous, I can imagine getting sick of them.
Wacky. Soft. Entertaining. Beautiful vocals. This is what I was hoping to find.
I like it. It's modern pop-rock and makes me want to listen to their other albums. I thought some of the songs blended together but I'll give it another shot sometime.
Great chilled background sounds, with something more interesting happening to grab my attention every now and then
Delightful Frenchy swooshes. It has the familiarity of a mother encouraging their child to eat vegetables with a tinky tonk made up song. I imagine the lyrics are quite proper and a bit Poppins, but I haven't made a single word out and I'm on my second listen.
A very pleasant listen :)
Hadn't listened to Stereolab before and judging from their name, which sounds like an upscale, hi-fidelity stereo review magazine, I was expecting a sterile electronica, drone noise sound. Instead, the music is full of life, with hoppy beats, mixed with vocals from French singer, Lætitia Sadier. I'm a big fan of 60's French pop music, so this retro-ish music is updated with modern electronica, that reminds me of similar sounding bands, Ivy and the Postmarks. It took me a couple of listens to fully appreciate their beautiful sound and I'm glad this list "forced" me to listen to something I would have otherwise ignored.
Krautrock beats, lush orchestral arrangements, and upbeat woozy spacey electro psych sounds make for a fun trance inducing, very chilled out, atmospheric album. For the most part - there are a few more fuzz guitar and swirling organ driving garage rock inspired songs too, but they're at their best in the more patient relaxed sprawling mode, letting the groove carry them along. But when the beat drops out they get pretty listless and dull (monster scare). It's the 90s idea of the 60s, and it's mellow vibez. Favorites: metronomic underground, percolator, yper sound, tomorrow is already here
7.5/10
This was a good album. Had no idea what to expect going in, and enjoyed it!
I liked this one. We will see if I’ll revisit this but I liked the mix of genres
This is great. Sad I missed hearing them in the 90s when this came out.
Wonderful. The songs with the female vocal were better.
cool and weird. very colorful music
Weirdly hypnotic loops and amazing vocals, creates a simultaneously lo-fi and highly curated sound
at first I was like “ehhhh” but it grew on me!!
Mid 90s French music really was something. Glorious stuff.
Mjög huggulegt og fínt.
Love that relentless start. Then Cybele's Reverie invites you to pay attention more closely to the incoming dynamics. It is easy to get lost in Stereolab's looping recursiveness (is that the cover talking?), but focusing on the interpolated bursts of song or keyboard or cymbal is rewarding. Slow Fast Haze! indeed.
Boy did I love this album when it came out. I found its grooves thrilling, the juicy, bubbly synths captivating, and the repetitive, layered vocals definitely influenced my own band. But at some point I stopped listening to this one and never really looked back. There are a couple of tracks on here that I enjoy, but nowadays I find it too sterile. I still enjoy the occasional Stereolab song (and their album Sound-Dust is a better listen, IMO), but overall, I've kind of moved on. Still 4 stars for how much this meant to me. P.S. I saw them on this tour. You might not know it from the album, but they were ferocious live. One of the best shows I ever saw.
I dig the journey on which Stereolab takes me. Soothing.
I liked it
El sonido de este álbum fue toda una sorpresa y me ha gustado mucho. Sobre todo disfruté el aire onírico y cinemático. Las que más me gustaron: Les Yper-Sound The Noise Carpet Tomorrow is Already Here Emperor Tomato ketchup Monstre Sacre
This is very cool. I have no idea why I never listened to this. It's like in between my Portishead and Pavement of that time. Gah!
Pop-Rock alternativo bastante curioso. Un 4.
Bonico.
This is a win. Who honestly thinks this is repetitive and boring? The beats are layered about every 4 bars and something is added/dropped constantly throughout tracks. Each track is remains unique as well even if the formula remains. I had Dark Side of the Moon last album amd that all timer has excellent tracks but it REALLY works as a whole. This record, while not nearly the artistic pinnacle that Darkside is, also equals greater than it's parts.
A hodge podge of genres, mainly electronic, with French lyrics. The vibes were good and the album was very unique. Sometimes the sound felt like it was underwater. Standouts: Cybele’s Reverie, Percolator, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Monstre Sacre, and Slow Fast Hazel.
This was great, defo worth another listen
the silly pink bunny who lives by absorbing the anxiety in my brain like a sponge and spreading it all over the nerves and blood vessels is dancing to the beeps and boops and wrangs and yahoos, the music. she absolutely loves the rythm and voice of its tentative whisper, holding it close to her beating heart. she looks around to see if anyone is watching before jumping up and down and shaking her head to the beat, but she lays down on the floor during the more mellow songs in the record. however, she never stops moving, for, if she were to do so, she would cry death of whimsy.
Was blindsided by this one! Maybe it's just that the name, album art, and first track set the bar so low, but I throughly enjoyed the rest of the album. This felt like early France Gall. Like if she didn't take the prog rock path and kept writing pop in the 90s. Dig it!
Very cool
Dots and Loops >. But still a nice vibe. 3.5/5
En positiv överraskning. Många bra låtar.
Reminiscent of April March and the Velvet Underground. Some great elements, though some ideas are repeated to the point of monotony, and singing is off-pitch at times...not sure if this is intentional.
Really enjoying this. The synth is not a musical choice I would have made, but it's not overused and doesn't take away from anything else. A bit of a strange album, but a very good weird album. Favorite Song(s): Cybele's Reverie, Tomorrow is Already Here, Monstre Sacre
I’ve never heard of this artist or album before, but this was a very good album. The overall sound was really unique, and I really loved the vocals. The way that the vocals were layered throughout the album was really fantastic. I really enjoyed that this album had a really cohesive sound and feel, even though the individual songs were really unique. Some songs had a more relaxed feel, while others had more of a traditional rock sound to them, but both styles were well executed. The musical arrangements were really fun, and it didn’t bother me at all that a lot of the vocals were in French. I loved that there were so many little things to take in while listening to this album; things like that really make an album enjoyable to re-listen to for me. Overall, this was a fun and unique album, and it’s on my list of works that I want to revisit.
I thought I knew who Sterolab was, but they were something different and better.
The droning repetitive groove of this album, mixed with the magical vocals of Laetitia Sadier, makes for a very soothing listen. It’s like stepping into the hippest Parisian cafe on a June afternoon, sunglasses and smirks, cool cocktail in hand. There are also some very big sounds, walls of sound, that build up like the best cinematic imagery. Favorites include Olv 26 and Percolator. Overall hypnotic and mesmerizing.
Oye pues me ha molado mucho
Super fun listen. Not every song hits. But what an eclectic range of tunes.
I very much enjoyed this. It passed me by originally and I regret that now. It is lovely floaty indie pop and the french add a certain je ne sais quoi
I used to listen to stereolab when I was in college, so this is nostalgia for me. You can definitely hear their influence on some modern bands.
7.5/10
Wow these guys really suffered from the "too many bands with similar names" problem
This was not what I expected but im kinda into it.
The album was fun. I'd never heard of the band before. I'll listen to it again more closely. 4/5
Bonico.
Loving this even more than I thought I would. Love the way their songs build up with layers. Deceptively complicated. There’s clear, sophisticated music education. Overall, this is really excellent.
Good! Weird…
Before listening: I don't know who these people area and with a title like Emperor Tomato Ketchup, it makes me fear the worst. From the cover and the era I'm guessing electro pop. But I find it hard to believe that any 90s electro pop albums would make this list. After listening: Goddamit, I liked this! First song was a bit shaky but after that it was thoroughly enjoyable. You can't even really fit them into an era - I can easily see this album being released in the early 00s and even today. Surprises are good sometimes...
What a lovely surprise! I heard of Stereolab back in the day but somehow never listened to any of their stuff. Also I always thought she is called Laetitia Sadler, oops. This chilled me out. Quirky and right up my street
I love this band. They can't do wrong for me. This is lovely (though I prefer the two previous albums) Its kitch and harmonic and French and Retro.
What a fun album.
Stereolab created an avant-garde version of alt-rock and dance music. They focused their creative process on looping, and by the time they recorded Emperor Tomato Ketchup, they had perfected their sound, and their process. The rich, well-produced tracks on the album use rhythms that are inspired by (or, inspiring to...) hip-hop, with arrangements and transitions that suggest jazz influences. Add some haunting vocals, and the combination yields a textured, engaging sound with the nature of complicated dance music.
6 / 10 Pop con buena instrumentación, partes en Ingles y partes en Francés. No molesta pero no aporta mucho.
This is probably one of my favorite rock-based records on the list so far. There are so many cool sounds and the mix between English and French is fun. I enjoy the experimental nature of the record.
The opening song was my least favorite on the record. I am surprised it is the most popular by such a large margin on Spotify, usually I like the same songs everyone else does. I found out that the a member of Tortoise (yesterday's band) produced the album. Quite a few of the other songs were bops, and I liked the vocals a lot. I've added a few songs to my liked songs playlist, and I'd be happy to hear them come on again. 7/10
Liked this one, interesting sound. Could be a little shorter.
it would be five stars but the songs were kinda repetitive
Another shameful gap in my musical knowledge and a rare "W" for the 1001 albums list, this is mesmerizing, hypnotic, gorgeous, futuristic, nostalgic, kinda high-brow artsy pop-rock, that remains incredibly accessible despite it's experimentation.
This was great. Something a bit different. I was all primed up for some easy to listen to Welsh pop rock but got this instead. Crazy 60's French vocals with repetitive rhythms and staccato beats. It's fun and it's interesting. Definitely not like anything else from the 90's that I've heard. Definitely worth a go. I can't imagine too many times that I'd want to put this on to listen to. If I was going out on my vespa to buy oranges in the middle of summer, in a small French village I'd reach for this every time.
so distinctive and many bangers but sometimes boring, too
fun album, its like francoise hardy and radiohead had a synthpop lovechild. 4/5
Pleasantly surprised how much I liked this, very catchy tunes! Bit overlong but still a 4/5
Bonico.
A really fun eclectic listen. Enjoyed!
A bit of an odd choice for the sole included Stereolab album (Not Dots & Loops? Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage In The Milky Night?) but really there is no bad choice! Great album, great band and great that they appear on this list
Nog jätteswag mycket svängigt
"....Ahhhhhhh...the French...." As a GenXer I shouldn't - but i do and did - dislike most of what passed as popular music in the 90s...snarky nihilistic attitude not just in lyrics but musical ability and talent. Ya know, it's ok to be good. ...ok it wasn't nearly all bad and this is a weird and notable exception - it's not like a lot of the others in structure or in sound. I'm not even sure if one can compress a description of it in a paragraph but it's melodic, modern, clear, and not necessarily rock, electronic, or pop. Lives a bit amongst all of it... Also I am realizing I do enjoy French pop music ("Air") and generally am annoyed by vocals...maybe it's English lyrics I don't like. I think I prefer when the singer is just one of the instruments at least in my brain mix. This isn't my favourite genre and I have gone back and forth a bit, but being a weekend album benefitted this as has happened in the past. Repeat listens reveal more layers. I also feel like it's probably an album I only will listen to solo. Not a bad thing - just different. Anyways ... ça me plaît. 7/10 4 stars
The looping repetition won’t be for everyone, but for those who are attuned to Stereolab’s certain brand of jamming this is a home run. Featuring instrumentals that are perfectly evocative of the era without feeling dated, this LP gently winds and unspools in a logical fashion that’s pleasing while packing a few surprises. Maybe it’s the Wurlitzer, maybe it’s Lætitia Sadier‘s assured vocals, but Stereolab has always been a band which evokes a sense of comfort and safety not unlike coming home to family after a long day.
Wow - those cheese eating surrender monkeys sure know how to use a synth! Jean-Michel Jarre, Air and now Stereolab throwing out some great electronic music. This was at times hypnotic - wild rhythms and fascinating keyboard lines. Musicianship is top notch - I have no idea what the songs are about even when sung in English but I don't really care. This is a whole lot of fun. C'est fantastique!!
One of the prog rock progenitors. Diverse if a bit rambly album.
I like how this album's sound. The creativity in it is lovely to see and boosts it up for me. There are too many boring albums and this one made me interested. The times it didn't I was encapsulated by the soundscape
Fun listen. I enjoyed the French lyrics and vibe of the album
Звучит любопытно, но для меня не очень "вкусно"
I liked this a lot. Great instrumentals, just got a little repetitive sometimes 4
This was a pleasant experience. I had never heard of them. It is quite a genre mix, a bit experimental, but I liked it. I will re-listen to this album and will check out other albums of Stereolab, too.
I quite enjoyed this.
Sounded unique, interesting production, enjoyed the vocals and the repetitive parts. I am not a fan of the album title inspiration though.
Pretty solid, I felt like it was entertaining every time I tuned in. Not just background music. A bit weird. 8/10
Oui oui baguette bonjour 8/10
Cool late 90's jazzy trip hop. 4/5
The French vocals didn't sit well to begin with, but I tuned them out and started to like the general vibe of this. Didn't sound like a 90s album particularly, maybe a little too sophisticated for my liking? Around the halfway mark I was starting to get a little bored, but then it picked up and got better and better until it rose to a weak 4 stars.
After two listens, even the tracks I first disliked seemed to grow on me. I've only ever listened to one French group before: Cortex. Like them, this album is perfect for listening to while at work. It's got great instrumentals, looped beats with jazzy and synth overlays, and (at times) beautiful French vocals -- none of which I can understand. Shame others didn't enjoy it. My one note after two listens? It should have ended with Slow Fast Hazel. Fav Tracks: Metronomic underground, Cybele's Reverie, Les Yper-Sound, Monstre Sacre, Slow Fast Hazel Least Fav Tracks: Anonymous Collective
This is my thing, it's kinda electronic rock synthwave nonsense and it's my jam. Reminds me slightly of Massive Attack and Portishead but arguably even more unobtrusive. I can see me playing this again after a long day at work with the lights off and a tall glass of apple tango
Relaxed melodic music. Very nice.
Lovely album - a record’s record - pleasant synth alt rock with a French accent.
Neat album. Was a lot of fun to listen to.
Cool and interesting!
This grew on me
This album was played at every party I was ever at in the late 90s, early 00s.
pretty good pop sound, overall light and airy.
Not quite Stereolab at their most majestic, but close enough.
This one’s a vibe, I liked it!
I enjoyed this! Kooky!
Interesting, I don't normally listen to foreign language albums, or French in this case, but I liked it. The riffs were sticky, the lyrics swung lightly, and some psychedelic to boot.
Découverte totale. C'était assez inattendu, sans être révolutionnaire ça faisait une bonne musique d'ambiance.
Late and brain-pleasing in contrast is the return to abstract space buoyed by soundscape design. It adds polish to the comparatively simple tunes in the middle of Emperor Tomato Ketchup, those loops backgrounded. The foreground's always-beautiful singing.
HL: "Cybele's Reverie", “Percolator”, "OLV 26", “Tomorrow Is Already Here” What to say about this weird, funky, fresh, French album? Track 1, “Metronomic Underground” tested my patience at first. It takes forever to go nowhere, I thought! Relistening after hearing the rest of the album, I can appreciate its subtle layer building, as well as admit I was listening too closely. Like the LCD Soundsystem I got a while back (which has grown on me), this is not the place to look for traditional song structures. By the time I got to the title track, which has the same elements that tested me in “Underground” (2 minutes of the same looped drums before anything happens!), I was ready for it and could more easily enjoy it. Rating: somewhere between a 1 and a 5 September 27, 2023
I don't really have strong feelings toward this album and wasn't super engaged the whole time but I thought that it was pretty unique and interesting in terms of vocals and its electronic alt-rock sound. Not something I'd listen to regularly aside from the first and last track but it has a cool title and was perfectly alright for an hour of listening.
I loved how it went from 70s French to soundscape and indie.
Had some bops in here for sure. Common 90s electronic music W
I wasn’t expecting this: I clicked play on this album expecting to be met with the most random almost comedic music but no. A French album by surprise with really good beats and kept me engaged throughout the length of the record. I felt myself really enjoying this so will definitely listen again.
uma viagem o som, um pouco repetitivo por vezes, mas criativo, diferentao sem ser xaropao
Really good. Alternative in a fun way. Mashing genres together and it stuck the landing
Much better than I expected, given the name, genre, description, and just about everything else. Surprised me. Best track: OLV 26
Les allees, les venues, labyrinthe, mais qu'y vois je? La sortie, je la voie, elle est la, on est peu, Bien trop peu, au travers, murs epais je peux le faire, Faire tomber, les ecrans, do trompage, do trompage Different from everything else, and in a really great way. 4/5
Very chill record. Easy to listen to but also contains strong vibes. Some moment / songs are really particular... Overall strong 4
Right on the fence between 3 & 4 for this one. Gonna go with the benefit of the doubt though. The tracks would be kinda slow on their own, but the whole thing was really groovy, and the lyrics were sharp. BT - Cybele's Reverie - Tomorrow is Already Here - Motoroller Scalatron - Slow Fast Hazel
Sweet trip/air/Cocteau twins vibe very nice
This is like a high 3/low 4. Pleasant listening but gets a bit stale and then it's almost like they know its got a bit stale and fails to really come up with something good but carries on anyway. I also know that I have a bit of a soft spot for the soft French sound which isn't to everyone's taste. If you're still reading and liked this, check out Saudade but Thievery Corporation
Really fun album. Nice vocals, fun riffs and beats. So nice, I listened twice.
Bon ptit album electro-psychedelique, mashup de plusieurs genre différent, très catchy et madame qui chante en français
Here's a fun one! I listened to this album years ago, not knowing anything about the artist or music, I was just intrigued by the cover and the name. I remember liking it, but I think this time I liked it even more. Some really fantastic grooves on here, a lot that you can sink your teeth into. Nice futuristic stuff. Still don't know anything about this band but I dig their sound, and that's really all that matters, isn't it? Favorite tracks: Cybele's Reverie, Les Yper-Sound, Olv 26, Tomorrow is Already Here, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Motoroller Scalatron. Album art: Awesome funky digital art. Some kind of bronze spring tornado, crusing through a desert into a setting sun, that's what it looks like to me. It's abstract though, that's half the fun. Font is funky, colors are great. Love this one. 4.5/5
I like it! Didn't know this. Early Arcade Fire vibes
Interesting...would definitely give them more of a listen. 3.5/5
A unique blend of prog rock, indie pop, and electronic accoutrement. The French female vocals are such a welcomed flair to the music. This record would not be a casual-listening choice, but it certainly has a place for making some food or chilling with friends and making some drinks. Pleasant vibe for this medium tempo jam. The instruments do not fight one another, and the music is very well mixed and arranged. Some songs are fuller than others, however the good ones shine!
Hypnotic and happy-making. Elegant and understated. Dreamy and delightful.
This is one of those albums that I’ve always wanted to like but that I’ve never quite clicked with. Well, yesterday, it clicked. A precursor to everything from Animal Collective, to Flaming Lips, to The Go! Team, and so much more of that indie-psych rock scene of the following decade. It just feels hugely influential to a scene I hold dear and just specifically weird enough to work. Like if it was just Emperor Tomato, or Emperor Ketchup, it would be surface level weird. But Emperor Tomato Ketchup is next-level weird and gives the impression that there’s a whole storybook world behind the decision to name this album such. And the transformation Stereolab underwent in the just 1 year between ETK and Dots and Loops is astounding. Not that what was to come with D&L is not present here. It’s just collaged in an entirely twee, bizzaro-indie fabric that simultaneously follows that very French urge to make indie music dance. Love this album. Easily 4 stars. Maybe 5.
Oh man, really really really good. Sterolab is hitting on this really specific set of sounds, in concert. If there’s one thing that will reliably get me going, it’s the mixing of influences like this… their music feels like a melting pot. Experimental but charming, and the lead vocals are really the glue. I had an amazing time listening. 4/5
Another band I was in on early thanks to my brother. I saw them twice in Minneapolis in the early 90s and both shows were amazing. This is a great album, though I am maybe a little fonder of the earlier more low-fi offerings.
What a weird album, which I strangely liked
Música experimental. Ideal para tener de fondo
4.5 - spotify was being lame but i really liked what i heard
A good mix of dance and upbeat songs with a soft vibe. Good for letting it play on the background or while doing your work.
Multi-layered rich experimental music combining rock instrumentation with complex synths that somewhat replicate horns, strings, industrial effects, and all sorts of strange alien sounds. But those replicated effects are distorted and twisted to sound otherworldly. There's a lot of krautrock influence too in its droning effects and beats, as I can certainly hear Neu in tracks like "Les Yper-Sound" and "Olv 26". The vocals are among my favorite part. Very bright and childlike with ominous undertones, utilizing a counter-melodic style with its multiple tracks. Often reminds me of Japanese city pop. It gets milder in the second side with less exciting hooks but just as interesting.
An extremely odd album with one of the most unique pop hooks you’ll ever hear on “Cybele’s Reverie”. Good but runs out of steam on side D. Could have been a whole lot worse (and industrial).
artsy, loopy, french situationist post-rock that grew on me big time
Really great. Don't think I've ever even listened to Stereolab before. Captivated immediately, could hear shades of them in so many artists I do like. An artist to explore more of for sure
Very cool
This is groovy as hell.
I've always thought that I _should_ like Stereolab, and I have checked in on some of their records in the past, but hadn't found the album that really grabbed me. And then I heard this. This is the shit. A mixture of krautrock, 60s French girl pop (having a French girl singer helps heighten that impression, but it is not a lazy comparison; they really sound like that), with inflections of jazz, easy listening, funk and the Velvet Underground. T his is the record I have been always been wanting from Stereolab. And I finally found it! yes, yes, yes. I knew this project would be worthwhile.
Never heard of these guys before and enjoyed this a lot. Will be exploring more of their back catalogue for sure.
Quirky and fun.
Trippy
Genres: Experimental pop, post-rock Formed: Run time: 13 songs, 57 min, 19 sec The fourth studio album by English-French rock band Stereolab. Some songs are sung in English, others in French and some contain both. The album is named after the 1971 experimental film Emperor Tomato Ketchup by Japanese author and director Shūji Terayama. Their song lyrics have been described as politically and philosophically charged. A deep philosophical idea delivered in a pop wrapper is an interesting juxtaposition. Spotify: Least popular song: 348k Most popular song: almost 1.3M I loved track 1, “Metronomic Underground”. The lyrics for most of the song are “Crazy, sturdy, a torpedo. Crazy, brutal, a torpedo”. Sounds great sung by a woman with a French accent. It is so hypnotic, you could listen to that one track on repeat for a whole day. My French is not good enough to follow the French songs, but it doesn't matter because again the lyrics are rhythmic and hypnotic and the music is ethereal. The rest of the album looks at heavy topics such as the meaning of life and the evolution of society and the effect individuals have on it, what holds it together and its fragility. Listen Again?: Possibly. I will look for other albums by Sterolab. My Rating: ****
Fijn plaatje. Af en toe wat dromerig. De mix van Franse en Engelse lyrics is tof gevonden
Love me some French Krautrock. Makes me want to furiously organize Excel spreadsheets. That first song was absolutely fantastic. The album kind of lost steam in the second half, but it's not a big deal - still a great experience. I'll definitely return to this. I've also had "Dots and Loops" by this band on my "Music to check out" list for about a year.
Magnificent in conception and delightful in execution. Totally inventive in renewing and contemporizing classic vibes and sounds and tonalities. Retrogressive (that is, nostalgic and forward-looking) in the best sense. And 25 years on, it sounds both dreamier and edgier than ever. A cultural import of great sophistication, like many other French luxury products. One might slightly prefer Dots and Loops, however.
Really fun tracks with driving rhythms and catchy melodies. The lyrics sometimes have a strange misalignment with the melodic structure that gives them a sort of mechanistic distance, adding to the futuristic feel of the songs. Really liked these overall.
Better than awesome. The definition of a pleasant surprise. I suspect I heard some of this during the late '90's and wish I would have sought it out further at the time. Better late than never!
Fun album, sometimes reminds me of Young marble Giants/Weekend, good discovery!
What a delight!
Really quality blend of genres and moods. Every track stand on its own quite well.
good shit 8/10
Striking combination of retro cadences and modern (at least for 1996) electronic sounds; like a funkier Air? Worth another listen at some point.
This album is a blast. Locks into a steady groove with the opening track and just rides that groove through every song. Just put it on and let it seep into your sub concsiousness. 4.5 stars
4.0 + Maybe more of an interesting record in theory than in execution. I remember reading a Pitchfork review a few years ago and being taken by the heady ideas cited - the references to Japanese sci-fi films, Marxist revolution, and "dialectics you could dance to." But returning to it after several years, I'm just not getting that same buzz. That wop-wop synth sound on "Percolator" grates on my nerves and "Metronomic Underground" is annoyingly repetitive. But there's still a lot I still love (e.g. the title track, "Les Yper Sound") and it generally provides a chic, hyper-mod backdrop for a party.
It gives me a feeling which is similar to but distinct from nostalgia. Like it's reminding me of something I didn't actually experience. As music, it's good. As an experience, its a lucid dream. Highlights: Spark Plug, Olv 26, Motoroller Scalatron.
I thought this album was really neat. The French influence on the music and lyrics makes it very distinctive 4/5
I had heard of this band but I had never listened to them... that was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed this album.
This would not normally be my cup of tea. Man did I like this though. This is some excellent Europop alternative. Enough real instruments here to work with the dance beats. The production is stellar and I loved the levels here.
Good background music this, perfect to listen to whilst working away.
Tasty jams, Krautrock-like progressions, and I like French when it's sung as well, so this ticks a lot of boxes. I knew the name but never what they sounded like.
A very enjoyable listening experience
Love a bit of Stereolab, knew quite a few of these but great to listen to an album in full. Fun!
I don't really know what I was expecting prior to listening to this album, but I did like it. It was a nice surprise, I guess you could say. Although I didn't enjoy all of the tracks, I think I'll be revisiting a few in the future. My favourite has to be Motoroller Scalatron.
Ah yes, Emperor Tomato Ketchup. Lead singer’s voice is way more in tune than it ever seems to be live.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Metronomic underground, Slow fast hazel
It's weird how sometimes I really like this style of music and sometimes it feels like a waste of time. I enjoyed this album but not really sure why. Cool mix of electronic music and lounge. Creative and fun. Loses a little steam in the 2nd half but still fine.
pretty guud
Very chill and calm, and also feels very warm.
Reminds me heavily of artists such as Beck, because this album is in the same genre of music. The instrumentation is odd, but nothing too overwhelming. An easy album to sit back and listen to on any given occasion.
Obviously, I can't assess the lyrical content, with it being mostly in French, but I like the groove
Love this album.
Pretty chill, interesting, kinda groovy album that reminded me of Broken Social Scene at times
Как хиппи
Ooooootro grupo que no conocía peor todo ok porque me gustó el mood, a ratos como que la voz me recordó a Dolores O’Riordan
Really enjoyed this one. Second half of the album falls off a little but still pretty solid album. Lots of vocal looping, which can be pretty tiresome but its done well here. I give it a Certified Bop™
European electronic burbling. Best tracks: Metronomic Underground, Emperor Tomato Ketchup and Motoroller Scalatron.
Ik kende dit alleen van naam, maar het was een aangename verrassing.
I enjoyed this. Great music to cook to. Found each track noticeably different. Will listen again. Starting to wish we could mark out of 10 or give half points though.
Stereolab form part of the holy trinity of my favourite bands beginning with the letter S (alongside Sonic Youth and Sebadoh for anyone who’s interested). It’s therefore quite hard to review this one objectively as I know it so well. It’s not my favourite Stereolab album though (that’s probably Dots and Loops) so I’ll give it 4 stars.
i really liked this, there are some weaker tracks that i think could've been cut though.
Great. Never got round to listening to this before
Pop-Rock alternativo bastante curioso.
Post-rock, eh? I’m here for it.
Everything I expected from stereolab, instrumental electronica, I like it, specially the few vocal segments
That was a lot of fun
Hell yeah, some good 90s electro funk. They are unique in their harmonizing/singing.
I thought this was a different band! Stereogum maybe? Pleasantly surprised - drum machines!
Heard of but never heard, but I dug it
I do love Stereolab, but this is not my favourite album (Refried Ectoplasm for those taking score). Still, Metronomic Underground is a classic!
Have loved it since it came out.
Cool vibes, liked it more than I expected. Great background music.
Really liked the layering of this project. There’s a lot going on and it all meshes really nicely, sick alb
Listened before
Fun! And interesting. But is it profound? 3.5?
i like a few tracks a lot but it does drag on a bit. not my fav stereolab album either
Not a bad album as such but really didn’t leave much of an impression
While I'm not a mad stereo lab fan, I have a couple of their albums, and this sounds similar. I like their vibe, but the other albums I own skins very similar.
Weird but ok
interesting
75
3 out of 5. There's fun to be had listening to this album.
This is a really good album. While listening I felt like I was floating through something both futuristic and warm at the same time. The music is the star here — it’s interesting, layered, and constantly shifting between groovy, hypnotic, almost industrial rhythms and beautiful melodic pop moments. The production is excellent, mixing motorik beats, funky basslines, spacey synths, loungey vibes, and noisy textures in a way that feels fresh and inventive. It has this cool, retro-futuristic charm that keeps things engaging. My only real issue is the lyrics. Laetitia Sadier sings a lot in French, and even though I read the translations, I just don’t connect with them the same way. They feel distant and I don’t fully get into the words. If I understood French better I’d probably rate this album even higher. Still, as a musical experience, Emperor Tomato Ketchup is strong and rewarding. It’s one of those records where the sound and atmosphere carry it.
Fun, but pretty forgettable
Emperor Tomato Ketchup gets high marks for WHEN it deftly blends its Krautrock-French pop into an enticing update of those two styles. However, several songs could not quite get the Motorik groove down to my liking or the breathy vocals of Lætitia Sadier took up to much space. The title track fell prey to these issues as did “Les Yper-Sound.” Ballads such as “Monster Sacre” and “Slow Fast Hazel” definitely depend on mood. Sometimes, I can feel the rain dripping down the window as a forlorn Jean Seberg stares out contemplating her existence. Other times I find them dreary with effects like wah-wah sounds that grate. The opener “Metronomic Underground” ranks with Neu’s “Hallogallo” as my top tunes with the Motorik sound. “Percolator” fully evoke the title and is the most fun song on the abum. I did not remember how “Motoroller Scalatron” and “The Noise of Carpet” feature great guitars that get fully supported with terrific drums. To hit great status, an album should not have this many tracks that draw a thumbs up or down depending on the day I listen.
I feel my first listen of it is what fits this album best, seems like a great one to have on in the background, but I don't feel much depth when it comes to an album I would intently listen to, except maybe the French stuff because I already don't understand it, which makes it feel sophisticated to listen in another language. "Slow Fast Hazel" was my favorite. I would jam along if it came on, especially the last minute or so. Sometimes repeating the same line over and over again can grit me, but here it is done in a way I want to chant along to, maybe it's Lætitia Sadier's voice, or just her name, which is a great name, unlike this album title.
Like listening to Air without the breathy vocals.
Cybele's Reverie, The Sound of Carpet, and Percolator (definitely heard it before, perhaps an advert) were the strongest. Slightly too repetitive for me, some droney vocals could have been livened up. Better than I expected going in, but no exquisite bloops.
Liked this, it was pleasant. Not one I would be rushing back to but I like a lot of stuff likely inspired by and adjacent to it.
All I can say about this album is that, like many Radiohead Lps, I find them more interesting than enjoyable. There is a lot of cool stuff going here I like the actual mix EDM and 90s modern rock, as well, as throwback 70's synth exploration. But I really found myself admiring the complexities and really getting into the actual Groove itself. I don't know if I would put this album on as a casual listen. (7.1) ★★★½