Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night
Stereolab · 1999
75 min · 15 tracks · indie rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of avant-pop and lounge music infused with playful experimentation and rich textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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People Do It All the Time — With its infectious groove and sardonic lyrics about modern life, this track exemplifies Stereolab's unique ability to blend catchy melodies with social commentary.
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Infinity Girl — This song showcases an intricate arrangement and lush instrumentation, highlighting the band’s talent for creating immersive soundscapes that invite repeated listens.
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Come and Play in the Milky Night — The closing track encapsulates the album's whimsical yet introspective nature, merging dreamy vocals with a mesmerizing instrumental backdrop that lingers long after it ends.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Stereolab's unique blend of avant-pop and lounge music with intricate arrangements and layered textures.
What we noticed
- Vocals are delivered in a conversational style, often overlapping or harmonizing in unexpected ways, contributing to the album's experimental feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic ebb and flow
- long, immersive listening sessions
- layered, dense sonic textures
- playful, exploratory soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1999, Stereolab was firmly established in the indie rock scene, following their acclaimed album 'Dots and Loops' from 1997. 'Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night' marked a continued exploration of their signature sound while also embracing more eclectic influences, showcasing their artistic evolution during this crucial period.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tortoise· The High Llamas· Broadcast
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 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
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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