Stereolab - Mars Audiac Quintet (Expanded Edition) (2019)

Stereolab's 7 album reissue campaign continues with 1994's Mars Audiac Quintet reissued, via Warp Records and Duophonic UHF Disks, as expanded and re-mastered editions. Each album has been re-mastered from the original 1/2" tapes by Bo Kondren at Calyx Mastering and overseen by Tim Gane. Bonus material includes alternate takes, 4 track demos and unreleased mixes.

In 1994, the 'lounge' revival was just barely getting underway, but much of Mars Audiac Quintet incorporated loungy elements, from the Peter Gunn twang of Sean O'Hagan's guitar in Ping-Pong to the exotic Martin Denny-Arthur Lyman feel of the closing marimba-and-vibes instrumental Fiery Yellow and the lyrical salute to exotica queen lucia pamela in International Colouring Contest. Otherwise, the album further refines Stereolab's talent for obsessive one-chord drones mated with krautrock-style rhythms, Astrud Gilberto-inspired vocals, marxist themes and analogue synthesizers. The synthesis of these elements is best exemplified by the overwhelming Nihilist Assault Group and the lovely Des Etoiles Electroniques. In large part because of the poppier elements, this album is an excellent introduction into Stereolab's unique and wonderful aesthetic.