MD's Picks of the Week

In Rotation: Shakarchi & Stranéus- Steal Chickens From Men And The Future From God

I’ve never been to Sweden but I imagine that underneath all the snow and discarded pieces of IKEA furniture lies the unmistakable warmth and hospitality found on the debut album from Swedish production duo Shakarchi & Stranéus. Steal Chickens From Men And The Future From God is undeniably a house album but it is definitely far removed from the dance floor. With its breezy beats and lush arrangements, it’s more suited for chilling out indoors on a Sunday afternoon or taking a nice stroll on a sunny day. Don’t get the impression that this is just background music as it’s definitely a meaty album chock full of choice rhythms and interesting ideas. Most notably is the fact that it’s a very cosmopolitan album with overt African and Caribbean influences intermingling with the classic disco house sound to make for a listen that’s as satisfying as it is sunny.
 

Classic Album of the Week: Stereolab- Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Technically an English band but sounding undeniably Francophone, Stereolab is one of the most effortlessly cool bands in history. Their sound is the stuff of hyper-eclectic record store employees’ dreams: equal parts alternative rock, ‘60s French pop, post-rock, and experimental electronic. Their 1996 album Emperor Tomato Ketchup might be their greatest achievement in effectively balancing all of their many musical elements into a tight set of irresistible avant-garde pop tunes. It has all the hallmarks of the Stereolab sound: crunchy guitars, combo organs, bleeps and bloops and lead singer Lætitia Sadier’s nonchalant singing delivering lightly Marxist lyrics in French. If it’s tuneful pop you’re looking for listen to “Cybele’s Reverie,” if you want to rock out go for “The Noise of Carpet” and if you’re like me and like a little bit of everything check out the groovy “Spark Plug” and electronic opener “Metronomic Underground.”

Other Adds This Week:

Lune Rouge Remixed - Tokimonsta
Game Winner - Joey Dosik
Boarding House Reach - Jack White
Take It Off - Zombies in Miami
Freedom - Amen Dunes
Panic Blooms - Black Moth Super Rainbow
All That Must Be - George Fitzgerald
In the Comfort Of - Sango
Flow - Phoboz