The only impossible thing is to delimit the impossible… First of three compilations collecting Stereolab’s 7” and 10” output from the 90s. Originally released in 1992 on Too Pure, a few months after Peng!, their debut album; Switched On sports a more stripped-down sound kit than their lauded synth-infused work, owing to classic krautrock sides by Faust, Neu! and the like. Contains the full tracklist from their first three singles: Super 45 (their first-ever release), Super-Electric and Stunning Debut Album, including both versions of “Au Grand Jour.” Also check out “Super-Electric,” “Brittle” and “Doubt.” The Switched On series is a great point of entry for anyone looking to explore beyond Laetitia Sadler & co’s studio albums; we suggest all three, but check out Switched On Vol. 1 if you’re partial to the sound of Peng! and Transient Random-Noise Bursts With Announcements. Official reissue on limited edition clear vinyl, available for the first time in nearly 20 years. Remastered at Calyx in Berlin and released on the band’s own Duophonic imprint, recommended.

• clear vinyl pressing
• remastered audio
• comes housed in plastic sleeve
• digital download included
• music label: Duophonic 2018

reviewed by sakura incident 05/2018