Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night
About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night' was released in January 1999, Stereolab had established themselves as innovators within the indie rock scene, following their acclaimed album 'Dots and Loops' from 1997. This release marked a continuation of their exploration into blending lounge music, krautrock, and avant-pop aesthetics, further solidifying their unique sound identity.
Why it matters
'Cobra and Phases...' received positive critical acclaim, with notable mentions in publications like Pitchfork and The Guardian for its innovative blend of genres. The album contributed to the band's cult status and influenced a wave of later experimental pop artists by pushing boundaries in arrangement and production techniques.
Essential tracks
- "Fuses" — Opening with a buoyant melody, 'Fuses' encapsulates the album's playful yet complex arrangement style, setting the tone for what follows.
- "People Do It All the Time" — 'People Do It All the Time' showcases Stereolab's signature mix of catchy hooks and intellectual lyrics, making it a standout track that exemplifies their fusion of pop sensibility with avant-garde experimentation.
- "Blue Milk" — At over eleven minutes long, 'Blue Milk' is a sprawling, hypnotic journey that highlights Stereolab's ability to create engaging soundscapes while maintaining lyrical depth.
Release Date
January 1, 1999
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Fuses 3:40
- 2 People Do It All the Time 3:42
- 3 The Free Design 3:47
- 4 Blips Drips and Strips 4:28
- 5 Italian Shoes Continuum 4:36
- 6 Infinity Girl 3:56
- 7 The Spiracles 3:40
- 8 Op Hop Detonation 3:32
- 9 Puncture in the Radax Permutation 5:48
- 10 Velvet Water 4:24
- 11 Blue Milk 11:29
- 12 Caleidoscopic Gaze 8:09
- 13 Strobo Acceleration 3:55
- 14 The Emergency Kisses 5:53
- 15 Come and Play in the Milky Night 4:38
