Of Montreal, The Gay Parade (Bar/None) 9
Of Montreal's mastermind Kevin Barnes is associated with the Elephant 6 collective - a largish group of friends (including Olivia Tremor Control, Apples In Stereo and Neutral Milk Hotel) who grew up together and happened to all share a love of sixties pyschedelic music. Of Montreal Presents The Gay Parade is a musical equivalent to a Fellini movie in which clowns, widowers, animals and robots march past in a surreal procession. Similar to XTC's cloyingly quirky side project Dukes Of Stratosphere, this over-the-[big] top production appeals to very specific tastes. If the words bouncy, whimsical and loopy make you want to run for the hills then by all means run, quick-like-a-bunny, run far and fast! If it is your cup of tea, then this exuberantly melodic everything-and-the-kitchen-sink production is the most elaborate psychedelic album you'll ever hear . . . until you get Black Foliage-Animation Music.
