Stereolab is a highly idiosynchratic band whose musical output has varied from droning post-Velvet Underground excursions to experimentations along the lines of early stereophonic sound tests, to organ-based easy listening, to last year's rather accessible Mars Audio Quintet album.
Their latest, Refried Ectoplasm, collects obscure singles from the period following their first singles collection, Switched On. No track appeared on any of their albums, and many are impossible to find anywhere else since they came out on flexi-discs, through collector's clubs, or on limited edition vinyl.
Since the material parrallels their recent career, it also varies a great deal. The riveting bubblegum organ of "lo boob oscillator," accompanied by easy listening-esque backing vocals is set against sluggish b-sides that ramble along on a single chord for ages. "French Disko" fits well alongside the best material on the first Switched On or the Peng! album: driving, throbbing, barely contained but for the sultry vocal chords of Laetitia Sadier, whose French pipes also have graced recent albums by Blur and Luna.
But since Refried Ectoplasm is a compilation of material that in some cases must have been selected because the release would be so limited, it can be difficult. B-sides from this material are things that would never see the light of day on one of their albums, and makes the new collection something for the converted fan rather than the curious newcomer. Despite some fantastic songs, Refried Ectoplasm should probably follow the purchase of another Stereolab record, probably the first Switched On album released by Too Pure, or the easier-to-find Mars Audio Quintet album.
