Dots & Loops (remastered) vinyl

Their sixth album and most commercially successful at the time of release, this is widely considered a masterpiece of beautiful art pop. Argued to be heavily influenced by experimental film, the title of the album is said to have come from two films by the pioneer Norman McClaren. Sonically, they were pushing the boat out there and have audiophile's still obsessing over what they did in the studio for this and applying that to their art. Despite indulging in sonics that seem out-there, there is an aspect of the familiar that makes it engaging and it's why it managed to break the Billboard Charts in the U.S. when it came out. 'Refractions In The Plastic Pulse' is a case in point: It's avant easy-listening, influenced by bossa nova. And 'Rainbow Conversation' is similarly stunning, with a samba shuffle driving things along and conjuring images of sipping caipirinhas on a sandy shore. Who knew Stereolab could be this accessible?