Stereolab – Chemical Chords
I was starting to think that this summer was going to be a complete washout. After a never ending winter, a non-existent spring and constant rain in between, it didn’t look like we were going to get any time in the sun. So imagine my surprise when late in the season Stereolab releases an album that delivers on the promise of a summer we never quite had.
Bubbling over with tightly constructed, lounge pop soundscapes, “Chemical Chords” brings summer to you in vivid Technicolor.
They kick things off with the jangley feel good “Neon Beanbag”. Replete with bright horns, lush strings, Motown high-hat and chugging bass line, Stereolab seems determined to brighten the skies right from start. The rest of the menu follows suit by oozing good vibes.
I find it hard to really categorize this album. The track “Self Portrait with Electric Brain”, feels like early Motown. While “Silver Sands” & “Chemical Chords” seem to pull inspiration from Brian Wilson and his Pet Sounds. French pop, Hollywood soundtracks, Electro rhythms all permeate the album. Yet it doesn’t suffer from schizophrenia for a second. They some how fold all these various styles together and make them their own. The album is beautiful, cohesive piece.
Singer Laetitia Sadier’s voice is reminiscent of a Velvet Underground era Nico, without the heroin-induced aloofness. She sings in both French and English though I often wasn’t sure which was which. Her sometimes odd phrasing made it sound as though she were singing in a language all her own. To be honest, I didn’t really mind that. As much as I value really solid lyrics and loath really bad ones, I found myself indifferent here. It just didn’t seem to matter. Her voice becomes another instrument in the band. You might not know the exact notes being played but it sure sounds good. Her monotone delivery plays nice counter point to the otherwise lush orchestral sounds.
As happy and bubbly as things are, when it comes right down to it the album isn’t amazing. There’s nothing here that will floor you or change your perspectives on life. Don’t get me wrong though, it is a really good album. Fun, witty, playful and full of inventive hooks and pretty melodies. It gives you that summer time feeling even in the middle of a rainstorm. Stereolab is able to be inventive and sound fresh even when riffing on themes we’ve heard before. I’d recommend it as a pleasant way to spend 48 minutes. You may even be compelled to make a sandcastle or two.
Neon Beanbag by Stereolab
Self Portrait with "Electric Brain " by Stereolab
Tags: album
Awesome Review! You captured my exact feelings in much more detail. I would never describe the album as amazing, but I can’t help but enjoy it when I have it playing on long drives.