Super cool
alexander laurence | Los Angeles, CA | 02/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this band a few times in New York City in 1997 and 1998. They seemed to be playing every other month for a while. I used to go to the club Vampyros Lesbos all the time. They played there. I had a few of their albums at this time. I even saw them play a show at Brownies. It was a memorable show. The 1990s were all about kitsch, post-modernism and revivalism. This exploration into Serge Gainsbourg seemed very fresh. This album seems like their most accessible in a while. "My Melody" was sort of sad. This album is obsessed with films. "Cinemania" recalls the recent film "The Dreamers." There is homage to Clockwork Orange. Most of the songs are in French and German, and a few in English. Brezel Goring and Francoise Cactus are good at what they do. There are a few more electronic sounds, on songs like "Cannibale." Many people have been in this band. They seem to break up every few years after exhausting tours. In ten years, they have done six albums and a load of singles. They are ambitious. It's not as serious as Radiohead, but it's very entertaining. Kids seem to like this music too.
"
Eurotrash
D. A. Sumrall | New Haven, CT | 06/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"what's great about french pop music and german synth is that they are both entirely unafraid to be ridiculous and silly but not in that Southern California manner of idiocy that seems to pervade the US. these two (Francoise Cactus & Brezel Goring) have fun and do it with all the bells & whistles. whether it's writing catchy tunes about a lolita prostitute coveted by all men in passing cars (opener Babystrich) or the delightfully inane "I am naked" which reveals the stupidity of prudishness Stereo Total make you dance and smile AND NOT IRONICALLY.
seriously though, "La Douce Humanite," "Mars Rendez-vous" and their cover of "Chelsea Girls" should make this duo darlings. Even though Do The Bambi isn't as strong as Musique Automatique, their last american release, you could far worse than listening to "Das Erste Mal" until all the tired hipster party girls & boys go away.
don't be cool. listen & dance in the middle of your bedroom naked to this record"