This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
After the death of longtime bandmember Mary Hansen in a cycling accident last year, fans were left wondering what, when — or even whether — Stereolab would record again.
Instant O In The Universe, their first release since 2001’s warmly received Sound-Dust album, will likely be the answer most folks wanted to hear. With five tracks of their bubbly jazz-pop grooves, Morse Code synth lines and breathy ooh-la-la vocals from Laetitia Sadier, this EP is both a welcome return and something of a return to form for the regrouped outfit. Granted, it doesn’t quite match the majesty of 1996’s Emperor Tomato Ketchup. But considering what they’ve been through lately, it’s only right to cut them some slack.
