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Rating: The latest idea from that genius Tim Gane to introduce novelties into the Stereolab project seems to be to refer to an aesthetic that I'll call collage. The effect achieved, however, is that of a mosaic! Let me explain better. Collage juxtaposes different pieces, cutouts to create a composition, while a mosaic is the union of small fragments aimed at achieving an effect of great harmonic power.
Well, Margerine Eclipse presents several songs that are (Tim Gane himself stated that he used fragments of compositions made years earlier alongside new ones) composed of different segments, yet the skill in sewing them together and closing the circle each time into small pop gems is amazing.
Compared to many Stereolab albums, this is one of the most accessible. It's obvious the intention to avoid any excess, starting with the very contained length of the tracks compared to the band's latest exploits. The intention is to say a lot, clearly and in a short time. The bet succeeds thanks to the supernatural sense of proportion and harmony in the composition by Tim Gane and, of course, thanks to the elegance of the vocal textures of the ever-sultry Laetitia Sadier.
This lightness is, in a sense, unexpected and contrasts with the mournful period experienced by the band following the accidental death of the other traditional Stereolab vocalist Mary Hansen (who was killed last year in a road accident while cycling in central London). Instead of producing a depressing album, their reaction was to release one of the brightest and poppiest works of their career.
Of course, the characteristic features of their music are present: lounge lightness, ethereal vocals in English and French by Laetitia, sudden krautrock accelerations, pop sensitivity, but to demonstrate the willingness to inject new elements into the recipe, the last track even has a tail in seventies disco style (duly Stereolab-ized)
In short, given its characteristics, this work might almost be the best way to approach the sound of this brilliant and long-lasting band.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 Vonal Declosion (03:33)
ah c'est un travail que cet
amour qui fait souffrir
Qui frustre quand on n'arrive
pas a s'ouvrir
Le carcan le control semblent
alors plus faciles
Ne reservent pourtant que des
temps difficiles
On le force on le crie
on cherche à l'exprimer, l'exorciser
Dans un effort de détente
de laisser aller, laisser aller
Quand l'amour prévaut il invite
à la transformation
La volonte de puissance n'est
que fait évanescent.
03 "...Sudden Stars" (04:41)
Sweet smelling essences hugs and smiles sweet kisses movements towards me embrace reverie tenderness velvet skin treasured dreams intimate silk and gold nuit d'amour naked soul After such distance Come to me, precious being, come to me After such ennui Come to me, delicious, enfold me After such a long drought Here a place for flowers to flourish But if you must, And if you must, If you must go, go-- The wind will take you It will lift you Across the ocean Into the sky Towards the sun It will take you, high-- So if you must, And if you must, If you must go, go-- Sweet smelling wind Announcing L'amour de ma vie When you're ready Mon bel amour Simply come to me.
09 Hillbilly Motobike (02:21)
Tout est finitude
et recommencement
la nature a des cycles
éternel changement
Ça c'est fini, c'est bien fini
oui c'est fini maintenant
C'est ça la vie qui continue
au travers du changement
Il a choisi la vie
la vitesse c'est fini
pourtant on s'aimait
mais on se déchirait
C'est bien fini, oui c'est fini
la vie avec mon amant
C'est ça la vie qui continue
au travers du changement
Tout est finitude et recommencement
Tout est finitude et recommencement
12 Bop Scotch (03:58)
On ne joue pas avec la liberté
Elle ne se divise pas tout comme l'égalité
Elle ne peut être achetée, négociée
Ni échangée contre de la sécurité
Au diable vos lois qui appriment nos peuples
Mettent en péril nos civilisations
Puissances despotiques
veulent codifier leur domination
La déguiser en ordre naturel
Maintenant c'est aux hommes de mener leur combat
De créer un idéal de liberté, de justice.
13 Dear Marge (06:54)
In this mess,
precious dust
Gather strength, softness
Guard the gods
guard the judges
Din of geometric chaos
The chaos
What a mess
The precious dust
Gather strength and softness
Guard the gods
guard the judges
And contort the geometric
The chaos
What a mess
The precious dust
Gather strength, the softness
Guard the gods
The judges
Contort the geometric chaos
The joy to love
To know to learn
Are the essence
Of existence,
And so couldn't they
Govern it too?
To open up,
face to a work
The joy to love
To know to learn
Are the essence
Of existence,
And so couldn't they
Govern it too?
The joy to love
To open up
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