Of Montreal – Satanic Panic in the Attic (Polyvinyl)
Brian Wilson was once asked if he knew that he’d inspired a new generation of musicians, specifically the Elephant 6 collective. He responded, “Who? I only listen to oldies but goodies.”
For anyone wondering, the Elephant 6 collective is a group of bands that had personal ties to each other and usually collaborated in both recording and touring. Neutral Milk Hotel, Beulah, The Ladybug Transistor, and The Apples in Stereo (amongst others) are all associated with Elephant 6 in varying degrees. Recently the collective decided to call it quits and Of Montreal, another group associated with Elephant 6, signed with Polyvinyl Records to release Satanic Panic in the Attic, the group’s sixth album.
Panic is a dizzying effort, sounds erupt from every angle, disorienting the listener. Of Montreal evokes the same indie-pop stylings of all their earlier work, but now infuses a more world-music influence along with hints of new-wave. Panic, really, isn’t too far from a freeze headache. There are moments where Panic becomes too much—so much saccharine attacking the taste buds that you feel like you need a breather. You rarely get it, however, and the unrelenting energy on Panic, once you become accustomed to it, is part of the record’s charm.
Despite occasional moments of excess, Satanic Panic in the Attic is a wonderful mushroom-trip of a record. While trippy indie-pop isn’t anything new right now, Panic is interesting enough to demand a listen. Mr. Wilson, wake up to the new millennium. Pet Sounds may be the best, but somewhere a high-school student might listen to Satanic Panic in the Attic and discover the timelessness of classic pop for the first time. If it happens to lead them back towards the “oldies but goodies,” more power to ’em.
Free MP3 of “Disconnect the Dots” via Polyvinyl.
Yes! Hooray for Of Montreal! These guys are keeping it so real, come out and see them. They’re doing a big time tour behind this album.
I’ve seen them live once, an all-covers New Year’s Eve show, ringing in 2003 at the famous 40 Watt Club in their hometown of Athens, GA. They whipped out everything from the Buzzcocks, to the Breeders’ Cannonball, to a deliciously late 80’s sounding Wild Wild Life. But what blew my mind was when they brought the thunder with a straight up version of War Pigs!
They can do anything. They’re that talented, but it’s great to hear them doing what they do best: chasing psychedelic dreams, hopping over rainbows, and setting your heart free.
Nice!!! Athens, GA baby!
There drummer Jamie is a bad mofo on the skins.
Yes he is. Seems like he’s as creative as the rest of the band.
Athens, GA is such a fun town to visit. The live music is almost endless and the venues rule- the 40 Watt, the Caledonia, Tasty World, and so on and so on.
And roasted octopus vendors on every corner! Wearing clouds for hats! You wouldn’t believe it. But it believes you.
Hmm, I need to hear this – didn’t know they were even back in the studio.
Athens and it’s music scene never cease to amaze me. Five Eight just put out a new one too!!
This album clearly rules. Of Montreal will be hittin’ Chicago on the 24th, with the fabulous Like Young opening. Anyone who likes to waste his/her life at rock shows like I do should go.
die, wouldnt that make ones ears bleed and skin pale? especially if you sleep in during the days and dont do anything (stupid day jobs) with your life.