Europa 51 Abstractions

[Lo Recordings; 2003]

Rating: 3.5/5

Styles: experimental folk, bluegrass
Others: Stereolab, the High Llamas, Laika


The value in this record is that it’s made by several obviously accomplished musicians that seem to be having fun making good music. Europa 51 is a supergroup of sorts, featuring Stereolab members Andy Ramsay, Simon Johns, Dominic Murcott, and the late Mary Hansen. Guitarist John Bennett of the High Llamas also appears on the record.

While not breaking new ground musically, Abstractions is fun to listen to. The first track, “Radio Rodeo,” would have been an apt addition to one of my favorite childhood shows, The Dukes of Hazzard. That brings me to two problems with this record. First of all, it’s dangerous to listen to when I’m driving my car because it makes me feel carefree and invincible. Secondly, and most importantly, the music doesn’t really seem to fit... anything! As a movie soundtrack it would be somewhat appropriate, but as an album on its own it feels out of place. From the first track it explores several songs with a lazy swing feel, and it progresses on to “Free Range Corona,” which eventually sounds appropriate for a New Orleans street party, complete with a full assortment of strings, oomph pah pah drums playing a waltz rhythm, and horns. It’s a full-on Dixieland jazz-sounding song, rousing trombone solo included. Oh yeah, and there’s that red-light district tinny piano in there, too.

I find this record an enjoyable listen, but while the copious “la las” from the now deceased Mary Hansen are fine at first, successive listens render them pretty tried and, well, annoying. If you’re a big Stereolab fan, or if you’re planning on making a Dukes of Hazzard/New Orleans-themed movie, this “soundtrack” of sorts is what you need. Otherwise, I saw borrow it from a friend and enjoy it for a few weeks. It won’t take more than that to tire you and get you ready to send it back home to its mommy.

1. Radio Rode
2. Europa 51
3. Realism of the Illusion
4. Voyeurism
5. Four Steps in the Sun
6. Golden Age of Gameshows
7. Free Range Corona
8. The Society for the Prevention of New
9. Folkmaster Flex
10. Top Ten of Everything