Search - Stereolab :: Chemical Chords

Same Old, Same Old

Bryan M. MCNEELY | Fort Wayne, Indiana United States | 08/22/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of "the Groop" for, oh, eleven years now, I firmly believe now, after listening to "Chemical Chords" multiple times, that it's time for the gang to hang it up. ..or at least do SOMETHING different.



Those like myself who have been growing increasingly tired of the formula that used to be interesting may have been having trouble completely accepting "Margarine Eclipse" and "Fab Four Suture" as true Stereolab albums. Yes, they're just like anything else they've done, but at one time, this was a band of seemingly endless possibilities. "Emperor..." was considered a modern classic and "Dots..." improved on the sound. They took chances, they wanted us to be impressed. I don't feel that anymore.



Popping "...Chords" into the CD player initially, it took exactly seven seconds for me to yawn and think maybe it's "Margarine Eclipse" all over again. ..and really, I wasn't far off. It took four tracks for me to really become interested, as the title track is gorgeous.



"Chemical Chords," the song, is gentle, free of any discerning beat, yet is a glimmer of hope that was desperately needed. The strings are simply beautiful and flashes of old-time sophistication return, but only temporarily. Immediately afterwards comes "The Ecstatic Static," apparently the prior track's little sister.



The rest of the tracks have very small factors that make them unique, but any long-time fan of the group should be able to tell that they're neither improving their sound nor being adventurous with it. In fact, even Amazon's description mentions thirty-some-odd tracks being made with half of them or so being placed on this album. If it had read that these were leftovers from the "Margarine Eclipse" sessions, it would have made more sense. At least "Fab Four Suture" was downright weird in places, though still typical Mary-less Stereolab.



The album is a solid three, though maybe a half star should be granted further because it's hard not to like this group, even when they're being lazy.



Oh, 4AD is involved with Stereolab now. Just mentioning because it's true, though it probably would mean more if the album were released fifteen years ago.

"

Much much better

father o | armpitsville, ny | 08/31/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"something has been off for me with stereolab since marys death. i dont know why. i didnt know her, so it wasnt anything on a personal level. it was a certain charm, maybe?

after listening to this album multiple times, i do believe that the charm is back, there are still cerebral, challenging songs here, yes, but they are crisp, tight, short and amazing. yes, amazing. this is by FAR the most enjoyable stereolab release in years.

the strings, the hooks (all songs have at least one), the amazing sound, its all here. its all sterolab. this is a great album. i have been a fan for over a decade, and i do believe that this is the cd that i would recommend to beginners, and in time, might fall into my top choice myself. thanks, guys. love the cd."

Kaleidoscope Sound, Fresh & Delicious!

Rafael Cova | Caracas, Venezuela | 11/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another great Stereolab album.

Chemical Chords reminds of an old movie soundtrack. Practically each track on "Chemical Chords" sounds like a soundtrack to an old romantic comedy with the elements of a spy movie and the only thing that reminds of this being a XXI century album are the electronic noises and contemporary beats on some of the songs. The record opens with a funny song "Neon Beanbag" with no words that prepares us at once for something joyful, exciting and optimistic. A rhythmic composition "Three Women" pleases with wind instruments in the accompaniment and the vocal part sounding like a greeting from the 70's and "One Finger Symphony" is remarkable for an interesting electronic beat, stylish keyboards and a tune just perfect for a spy movie. The title composition is the longest on the album lasting over 5 minutes but it is far from a limit for "Stereolab" for one can find songs that are 7 or even 15 minutes long among the band's creations. A great orchestra composition "Ecstatic Static" pleases with a complicated tune and a beautiful "Valley Hi!" is refined with lyrics in French. A tangible mood change appears on "Pop Molecule (Molecular Pop 1)" this heavy composition is obviously placed here so that the listeners do not relax too much and remember that they are dealing with a rock band here but this is the only tough moment on "Chemical Chords", and as strange as it may seem it sounds quite appropriate here. All the rest of the tracks please again with merry melodies, colorful instrumental background and unobtrusive vocal parts.

Stereolab is an amazing and unique band."