There is a recording that exists in an alternate and vastly superior plane this year. The latest offering from Stereolab, the European oulipean pop geniuses, is The First of the Microbe Hunters which has no worthy competition in the musical arena. From its synth crankshaft opening through Laetitia Sadier’s soothing vocal meanderings until it’s melodic fading denoument, this seven track EP cements Stereolab’s already solid status as innovators, intellectuals and imperial lords of the audio realm. A classic, matched only by their previous and forthcoming releases.