"Private Party" at Mercury Lounge August 2, 1994 in New York
City.

Through the auspices of Cake Magazine, I found myself halfway into
Stereolab's gig at a "private party." I never did find out
who was giving the party, nor the "reason" for the party,
however, I did find in my head that Stereolab can
create the most awesome groove in a small club. I dunno how
well that groove will translate into a much bigger unenclosed
venue for you Lallapolooza-goers who happen to take in
Stereolab's set. However, if you are a fan of female-lead
drone pop which borrows from minimalism and bands like Neu
and Can, then I can guarentee you will go home with
either their latest "Mars Audiac Quintet" or "Transient
Random-Noise Bursts with Annoucements."

The lead singer Laetitia is very sensual. As she is not an
outright sex kitten as many of these "lead singers" attempt to
be, I think a big part of it is that she activly makes eye
contact with the audience during the live show. This immediate
contact combined with her beautiful voice adds up to something
more than mere physical beauty. In addition the sometimes dueling
and sometimes harmonizing female voices (with Mary Hanson) 
add up to this sensual quality. Last but not least, the basic
oft repeated synth and organ chords lead to a rhymth which
suggests the very act of sensuality. What does not make sense
however, is people either get it, or they don't. Half the
audience "got it" and were dancing madly, and the other half were
just there, observing the spectacle. The band is fun to watch,
making up about 6 or 7 people playing different guitars,
synthesizers and organs (Moog, Farfisa, etc), drums, etc etc.
Various members would switch from guitar to some syth and back.
The sound during the show was basically excellent, however some
speaker or amp did stop at least twice, this proved annoying.

Sadly I missed a little less than half of the show because
of a subway confusion. As such, I was sensitive to the groove
the band emitted, but never fully lost myself in it the way
I did the last time I saw the band play. However, the new
material was interesting, I look forward to locating a copy
of their latest single "??" and album "Mars Audiac Quintet".
During the second half of the show they played at least three
new songs that were not on "Transient..."

I probably will not see "the groop" at Lalapolooza, but I hope
to see Stereolab in a hopefully future gig with Sebadoh later in
the year here in New York City.

        Till then, Lab on!