Stereolab perfects its science

By Nate Seltenrich

What do you say about a band that does everything right? It seems that London's indie poppers Stereolab approach the ultimate infallibility of artists like Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles with every release, and after 13 years in the game, they're pretty darn close.

Their latest, "Margerine Eclipse," comes on the tails of a disaster that could have torn lesser bands apart â€" the loss of singer and keyboardist Mary Hansen, whose contributions were instrumental to Stereolab's early success. Just over a year ago, after a decade in the band, Hansen died at the age of 36 when the bicycle she was riding was hit by a truck.

Stereolab charged on, with lead singer Laetitia Sadier's voice carrying a newfound significance and their music continuing to evolve, develop, and yes, improve. "Margerine Eclipse," Stereolab's first LP since 2001's "Sound Dust," may be one of their best. Drawing on new directions fleshed out in their 2002 EP, "Instant O in the Universe," as well as perfecting old themes, Stereolab's latest work is a fascinating look into the self-perfecting sonic and stylistic world in which they reside.

In fact, Stereolab have become so credible that if any of their material doesn't seem to please me as much as it could, I blame it on my own shortcomings. I'd sooner criticize myself than Stereolab.

There are a few tracks on "Margerine Eclipse" that do lack the luster of their finest work, such as the rhythmic rambling of "Le Demeure" and the hyperactive "Hillbilly Motorbike." But then again, if every moment were perfect, how would one recognize perfection?

I could call these tracks boring, but somehow feel inclined to blame that on my own lack of patience. I could also claim that many of the songs sound similar to one another, but instead imagine the subtle differences must be going over my head.

I could say the album starts strong and fizzles out toward the end, but the last song, "Dear Marge," which closes with an awesome disco jam borrowed from "Mass Riff" on the "Instant O" EP, is like a goodbye kiss that lingers for days.

The absolutely stunning opening track, "Vonal Declosion," reminds me how much trouble it'd be to pry my foot out of my mouth, while the aptly titled "Margerine Rock" rocks like a fat stick o' butter melting in a giant pot while an array of fireworks explode around it.

The echoing keyboards in "Need to be" would be right at home in an ATB song, but would probably much rather stay right where it is. And the persistent background synth of "Feel and Triple" evokes pleasant memories of fellow Londoners the Who's "Baba O'Riley."

A slightly revised version of "-sudden stars," which first appeared on "Instant O," still impresses and shows Sadier and the rest of Stereolab at their very best.

Any criticism I could extend toward Stereolab is preemptively rebuked by the longevity of their career and the intense creativity and beauty of their style. This is music that is to be enjoyed, not picked apart.

Grade: A

û Contact Nate Seltenrich at (408) 554-4546 or nseltenrich@scu.edu.