Stereolab - Mars Audiac Quintet

In 1994, the 'lounge' revival was just barely getting underway, but much of Stereolab's 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 synthesisers. 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.

Remastered from original tapes. Available on 2LP standard and deluxe 3LP, which comes with a Bonus album of unreleased demos, outtakes and alternate mixes. Fold-out poster insert with lyrics and sleevenotes from Laetitia Sadier and Tim Gane.

Tracklisting
A1 Three-Dee Melodie
A2 Wow And Flutter
A3 Transona Five
A4 Des Etoiles Electroniques
B1 Ping Pong
B2 Anamorphose
B3 Three Longers Later
C1 Nihilist Assault Group
C2 International Colouring Contest
C3 The Stars Our Destination
C4 Transporte Sans Bouger
D1 L'Enfer Des Formes
D2 Outer Accelerator
D3 New Orthophony
D4 Fiery Yellow


3LP Demos And Alternate Version
E1 Ulan Bator
E2 Klang Tone
E3 Melochord Seventy-Five (Original Pulse Version)
E4 Outer Accelerator - (Original Mix)
F1 Nihilist Assault Group - Part 6
F2 Wow And Flutter (7"/EP Version - Alternative Mix)
F3 Des Etoile Electroniques - Demo
F4 Ping Pong - Demo
F5 The Stars Our Destination - Demo
F6 Three Longers Later - Demo
F7 Transona Five - Demo
F8 Transporté Sans Bouger - Demo