Stereolab

Stereolab emerged as one of the most innovative bands of the ’90s, predating dance-rock’s merging of Krautrock, experimental noise, and retro-futurism by at least a decade with its propulsive motorik rhythms and vintage keyboards. The new millennium hasn’t been so kind: Vocalist Mary Hansen was killed in 2002, and 2004’s quasi-eulogy Margerine Eclipse was all but ignored. 2008's Chemical Chords doesn’t try rewriting the by-now signature Stereolab formula, but it does add exciting hints of ’60s pop and even Motown soul for the band’s liveliest release in years.

Updated 10/30/2009