On its fifth album in three years, Stereolab has stripped away most of the avant-garde ornament of its recent efforts and created a wondrous album of streamlined pop, recalling the simplicity of its early releases, but with a more mature poise and sophistication; the group has refined and integrated its overt Velvet Underground and Neu influences into a more individual sound. To its characteristic gorgeous melodies and unhurried Farfisa-organ driven chug, Stereolab has added subtle horn lines, more intricate vocal harmonies and antic Casio samba rhythms. The frequently wordless or French vocals make it easy to overlook the lyrical content, but the words are deserving of scrutiny. The single, "Ping Pong," with pseudo-'60s pop sappiness and "don't worry be happy" lyrics, ironically derides laissez-faire capitalism, and "International Colouring Contest" is a delightful paean to crackpot outer-space diva Lucia Pamela. As usual, Laetitia Sadier's lovely voice, the warm and bubbly synthesizers and the infectious toe-tapping beat make Stereolab's latest a joy to listen to again and again.

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