Search - Stereolab :: Refried Ectoplasm (Switched On Volume 2)

Stereolab's best -- the utopian futurism of 1968!

R. Hutchinson | a world ruled by fossil fuels and fossil minds | 09/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"REFRIED ECTOPLASM is fantastic and propulsive, with the "motorik" Krautrock beat and French pop vocals that won't quit. This is high energy optimistic stuff -- simple Situationist garage-pop from 1968, perfect for dancing in that commune on the barricades. I think it's what Stereolab does best. Track 9, "Animal or Vegetable" is a long psychedelic jam that breaks up the flow in an interesting way, and "John Cage Bubblegum" is, indeed, a great pop song that in another dimension conquered the charts. Fascinating that a retro sound can sound more futuristic than the latest thing...



I don't like the turn Stereolab's music took after EMPEROR TOMATO KETCHUP ('96), starting with DOTS AND LOOPS ('97). My favorites are MARS AUDIAC QUINTET ('94) and this one, REFRIED ECTOPLASM ('95), with strong songs, beats and melodies. For more abstraction, I'll listen to avant jazz/improv or contemporary classical."

A Bootiful Mix

Justin M. Klotz | Philly, PA USA | 01/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While its important for fans of the Groop to have a good understanding of the development of their sound and styles and how their varioius songs evolved, this compilation (of sorts) is a rockin' album on its own. These songs can all be found elsewhere in one form or another, but its nice to have a single CD to pop in the car and drive around with. Plus, many of (IMHO) their best songs can be found on this album...John Cage Bubblegum has more lift and energy than any other Stereolab song and always gets the crowd goin' live. French Disko is the ultimate pep rally song for the masses and gets the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up. Eloge d'Eros is often overlooked, but even the proletariat need a poppy love song once and a while, oh yeah! Really, if you're already into Stereolab, this is a good album to have. If you're new to the Groop, this a great starting point to understanding the early years."

John Cage Bubblegum

Mantis Lake | Detroit, MI USA | 11/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"CD

This compilation of mostly non-LP tracks is from a phase of Stereolab's lengthy and diverse career that I am least familiar with. However, I love it and would highly recommend it, even to casual fans. This recording, along with "Mars Audiac Quintet", shows the evolution of their unique sound. The title of track #10, "John Cage Bubblegum" epitomizes that sound, from their Kraut-rock beginnings, to their lush, multi-layered, contemporary jams. No poor material here. Some standouts include, "French Disko", "Mountain", "Lo Boob Oscillator", track #10, and a countrified version of "Tone Burst". This disc has a little something for everyone, sans Joseph McCarthy."