Popstar Researching Oblivion

Probably like many of you out there, I've felt kind of let down by post- Soft Bulletin Flaming Lips albums and post- Sophtware Slump Grandaddy efforts. For me, both of those albums seemed to be almost perfect in their melancholy reflections on the lost potential of 21st century post-industrial urban life. (Did I actually just write that crap?) On both albums, the bands sound as though they're trying to squeeze out every drop of organic sound and texture from electronic instruments, looking for ways to incorporate them into a standard rock song formula without making the music sound electronic and sterile. Also, using the advantages of modern recording technology, both bands manage to make lush and grandiose arrangements (that don't sound cheesy or overwrought) without having to hire the London Symphony Orchestra. Unfortunately, the epic qualities that were so central to both of these albums seemed to have been lost in later materials, with both bands moving away from the types of songs that made the albums work so well. (Not to say that I didn't like later efforts, but they were not good in the same way.)

When I first heard the song "Popstar Researching Oblivion" by the British band Flotation Toy Warning, I was immediately struck by it. Whatever it is that makes me long for sequels to the Sophtware Slump and the Soft Bulletin seems to be there in abundance. Maybe it has less to do with recording or instrumentation, and more to do with an attitude towards song writing. Whatever it is, this is a great song.

Floatation Toy Warning - Popstar Researching Oblivion

I haven't had the band's debut album - Bluffer's Guide to the Flight Deck - for long, but the rest of the songs seem to be very much in this vein and are quite enjoyable. If I could just stop playing this particular song over and over again I would actually get around to listening to the last half of the album in one sitting. The CD is being released in the US on August 16 by Misra Records, so watch your local record store for it.