Holy shit, where did this record come from?
I've heard Fab Four Suture described as both Stereolab's latest LP since Margerine Eclipse and as a collection of singles and/or EPs. I think I will, at least until told otherwise, assume it's the latter: "Suture," the cover, which features bits and pieces, and the thin slice of cardboard that serves as a booklet convinces me thus.
Whatever it's supposed to be, this record is stunning. All the elements that make Stereolab great are present in abundance on Fab Four Suture. The vocals, as pretty as always, still manage to somehow deliver Sadier's poetic, gently reproving, gently moralising lyrics, and Gane's guitars are absolutely wonderful — he must truly be one of the best, most underrated guitarists in pop.
Stereolab, who already sounded revitalised by 2004's Margerine Eclipse, sound fresher than ever on this record. Fab Four Suture, with its melange — its veritable fucking melange — of horns, harpsichords, organs (moog and otherwise) and a dazzling brass section, sounds, to put it simply, like fun.
These arrangements, however, as sparkling and terrific as they are, would be wasted if they weren't moulded onto an excellent collection of songs, and, with Fab Four Suture Gane and Sadier have done just that, written a batch of songs that are punchy, short and exciting.
jigsaw, jigsaw youth
Reviewed on Monday, 2 October 2006