Emperor Tomato Ketchup
by Stereolab

This is pleasant and enjoyable record, couple of catchy tunes especially in the first half but nothing really attention grabbing.

An album that shines in places but also trails off the further you get into the music with the last 4 songs being a real drag in my opinion. We start with an absolutely amazing song which sums up Stereolab perfectly. It has this groove and edge to it which makes it so unique and with that distinctive vocal on top it makes Metronomic Underground possibly the groups best ever song. The vocal and instrumental arrangements the whole way through are pretty great as well and with the slick production we get a smooth and cohesive listen. The sound this group can create is extremely impressive and they know the style of music they are going for and execute it very effectively. However, just like with most Stereolab records it starts out amazing and the quality slowly drifts away. You really do crave the end of the record by the time you get to track 10 or 11 and it doesn't pick back up after this point either. Overall, a lot of interesting sounds and experimentation on this record that make a fun listen for the most part.

From Jboy56 03/21/2022 12:21 | #283150

Not My Ketchap

It starts off as very promising, but somewhere I felt the energy was lost. There were moments I found myself waiting for the vocals to come in (which were fantastic by the way) and that can never be a good thing, especially in such an album.

From spigelwii 08/29/2020 14:12 | #257561

An absolutely marvelous record that is a shining example of why the 1990's are music's best decade. This Stereolab gem sounds like French aliens invaded Earth and decided to try their hand at pop music, and made a better album than anything that's been released in the last twenty years.

From TheDude85 11/16/2019 13:59 | #244916

The evolution of this ensemble to true individual identity. Great songs from the start to the finish. An all-time favorite.

From colonelchibbers 05/20/2015 05:00 | #142003

Most Stereolab albums are similarly groove-based and they're all great.

Who could of imagined that the missing ingredient to Kraftwerk’s Man-Machine was actually a French Woman? Those crazy Brits that’s who. Perhaps it took a little continental separation to realize that a chanteuse was the tonic to krautrock’s gin. Blend in secret weapon extraordinaire Mary Hansen’s bubbling champagne of background vocals, shake with the most famous Moog in rock history and voila - the cocktail Emperor Tomato Ketchup was born. Just perfect for any Space Age Bachelor Pad.

In fond memory to Mary Hansen from a fellow bicyclist. You were always the perfect Ying to Latetia’s Yang both on vocals and in spirit. You’ve been missed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Y8VpJHz7Y