Stereolab's Oscillons from the Anti-Sun is the Perfect Introduction to the Band

The multi-national psych-pop "groop", Stereolab, are arguably one of the top bands to come out of the 90s. They effortlessly combine leader Tim Gane's musical and sonic adventurism with a strong melodic sensibility, featuring the beautiful intertwined singing of lead vocalist Laetitia Sadier and the late Mary Hansen.

I've always considered the Lab to be an almost perfect cross of pre-Rick Wakeman Yes and Neu! They effortlessly mix the driving motorik rhythms and analog synth-bubbling of the latter with the 5th Dimension influenced vocal influences of the former.

Oscillons from the Anti-Sun is the Lab's first boxset, combining three CDs of various singles, with album and EP tracks from 1993-2001 with a DVD featuring promo videos and a few TV performances. Their VW and Volvo commercials weren't included, unfortunately.

The tracks on the 3 music CDs aren't programmed chronologically; they are programmed for purposes of musical flow. Standout album tracks like "Les Yper Sound", "The Free Design" and "Cybele's Reverie" combine with EP nuggets like "Fluorescenses". The latter is one of the Lab's best songs ever and is a perfect boxset opener.

Most of the songs on the music CDs are taken from the aforementioned regular Stereolab album or EP releases. There are a few alternative tracks, like a hugely energetic version of the early lab hi", Jenny Ondioline, originally released as a tour single.

The fourth disc DVD is the highlight of the set. The eight promo videos mostly feature the interesting directorial style of Nick Abrahams and Mikey Tomkins, which ranges from the 1920's film style used in "Cybele's Reverie" to the retro-80s dumb-terminal-laded "Fluorescences".

The three UK TV performances are the star of the entire boxset. "French Disko" is taken from a UK Channel 4 show (The Word) from the mid 90s. There are also top-notch performances of "Cybele's Reverie" (with a string quartet) and "Les Yper Sound" from Later with Jools Holland. It really makes one hope for more live video from the Lab. What a brilliant, vibrant live band.

The boxset is topped off by the inclusion of stickers commerating the covers each of their EP/Single releases. At three CDs, one DVD, and stickers for about 20 bucks, this is a highly recommended to those interested in discovering Stereolab.