Stereolab Switched On (Volume 1) LP

First Three Singles Remastered On Vinyl LP!

Remastered edition of a compilation of Stereolab's first three singles, first issued in 1992. Reissued alongside new vinyl editions of the companion volumes Refried Ectoplasm [Switched On Volume 2], Aluminum Tunes [Switched On Volume 3], and a CD anthology of all 3 volumes.

"Switched On collects Stereolab's earliest singles, capturing the group's hypnotic, driving sound in its infancy. Though they're more guitar-driven and rock-oriented than the band's later work, tracks like 'Super-Electric' and 'Au Grand Jour' prove that Stereolab's basic style -- Krautrock lock-grooves, bubbling analog synths, fuzzed-out guitars, and angelic vocals -- arrived fully formed. 'Doubt' and 'Brittle' are among the group's most vibrant pop songs, while the eight-minute 'Contact' is a warm-up for the epics the band would include on albums like Transient Random Noise-Bursts With Announcements. Reflective pieces like 'The Way Will Be Opening' and 'High Expectation' show off Laetitia Sadier's coolly sophisticated, Nico-meets-Francoise Hardy vocals, while 'The Light That Will Cease to Fail' manages to be poppy, kinetic, and bittersweet all at once. Though the group would go on to make even more impressive albums, the newness of Stereolab's sound is palpable on Switched On, giving the songs an added vitality. Obviously, it's an impressive debut, but it's captivating in its own right." - AllMusic

Dissatisfied with the 1972 label's CD-sourced reissues of their Elektra catalog, 90s avant-pop band Stereolab finally regained the rights to their music and properly reissued it. Indeed, it was worth the wait. While the master tapes are deteriorating, these digitally restored reissues nonetheless sound as great as they probably can given that these are'’t necessarily hi-fi recordings, and the bonus content (mostly demo and alternate mixes) gives listeners insight into the albums' creative processes. Compared to the 1972 pressings, these new ones sound like actual music rather than thick sludge. The packaging for each set, while not faithful to the originals' layouts, consists of a capacity gatefold to hold the three LPs as well as a double-sided 24"x24" poster with the album cover on one side and lyrics, notes, and credits on the other. Optimal's pressing of the LPs, whether on black or clear vinyl, as expected is dead quiet. As $30 3LP sets, these offer stunning value, good sound, carefully curated bonus discs, and thankfully makes the Stereolab catalog available on high quality vinyl once again.

Features:
• Black Vinyl LP
• Remastered by Calyx Mastering of Berlin
• Outer protective clear plastic sleeve
• Limited time download card

Musicians:
Seaya Sadier, vocals
Tim Gane, guitars, Moog, Farfisa
Martin Kean, bass
Joe Dilworth, drums
Gina Morris, second vocals on Tracks 1, 2 & 4

Selections:
Side 1:
1. Super-Electric
2. Doubt
3. Au Grand Jour'
4. The Way Will Be Opening
5. Brittle
Side 2:
1. Contact
2. Au Grand Jour
3. High Expectation
4. The Light That Will Cease To Fail
5. Changer