Stereolab Sound-Dust

Stereolab's 2001 Studio Album Sound-Dust on 2LP. Remastered from the Original 1/2" Tapes by Bo Kondren at Calyx Mastering and Overseen by Tim Gane.

On February 28, 2025, Stereolab are making seven of their studio albums available again as 2LP editions. These utilise the same remasters as the 2019 expanded album editions, cut from the original 1/2" tapes by Bo Kondren at Calyx Mastering and overseen by Tim Gane, but without any of the bonus material from the 3LP versions (which have now been discontinued), the idea being to make more cost-effective versions of these sought-after titles available to fans and shops. Each record comes housed in a single 5mm printed sleeve with printed inner sleeves, and a protective PVC outer bag.

Originally issued in late 2001, Sound-Dust found Stereolab firmly in the midst of their second phase. After taking a two year break, the band returned with a strong melodic focus and a highly evolved, sophisticated style of writing that further displayed their growing talents. Many fans and critics consider the album to be among the group's finest. ProducersJim O'Rourke (Sonic Youth, Gastr del Sol) and John McEntire (Tortoise, Sea and the Cake) returned to further Stereolab's continuing evolution. The group brings a lighter, almost orchestral touch to the set of songs with unpredictable shifts in tempo and melody; this new approach is especially apparent on the lead single "Captain Easychord" and its warped, country-tinged feel. The avant-garde and lounge textures still remain, but are balanced by sun-kissed harmonies and breezy Tropicalia.

Sound-Dust is another example of a pioneering band moving forward creatively. It's a full-color collage of sound bursting with catchy refrains and exuberant rhythms. Always a band to add new twists to their sound, the 12-song set returned Stereolab to its most playful and otherworldly.