Artist Ghostland Observatory

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Ghostland Observatory

If nothing else, Ghostland Observatory proves that shtick, done well, has a certain poignancy all its own. The Texas duo’s dance-rock sound is a little cheesy and hyperbolic, with synthesizers, drums, chimes, and vocals borrowed from—or at least inspired by—the soundtracks of assorted ‘80s films. It’s the sort of thing that’d be great if you were training for a karate competition while also trying to woo the girl of your dreams, but it’s also a pretty thorough musical vision.Robotique Majestique, released in 2008, is Ghostland Observatory’s latest album, and it’s unapologetically, uncompromisingly hokey. Which is, of course, part of its charm.

Updated 11/24/2009