chemical reaction

Just under a month from now, Stereolab will be releasing its latest platter of goodies, Chemical Chords. Not only is this the first album since the 2004 effort Margerine Eclipse (FYI: the 2006 release Fab Four Suture wasn't an album per se; it was a compilation of singles, a sidebar release of sorts); it's also a breath of fresh musical air. Not only are the songs shorter & more compact from what I've heard; it's also a little throwback to 1996's Emperor Tomato Ketchup. Add (High Llamas frontman) Sean O'Hagan's horn & string arrangements into the mix & we might have another winner on our hands. The first & foremost download off Chemical Chords, "Three Women," is perfect proof that the groop is still good at what it does best - quirky songcraft, quirky instrumentation... - & that my predictions of them releasing another awesome album might be right on the money after all.