Stereolab: ABC Music

Stereolab's ABC Music, just added to Rhapsody this week, was my personal favorite for record of the year in 2003. The 2-disc set compiles the band's live performances for the BBC between 1991 and 2001, chronicling in the process the evolution of their sound from drone-rock in the early and mid-1990s to futuristic laptop lounge in the early part of this decade. From their stunning take on the mellow "Changer" to the delightful "Heavenly Van Halen" (released as "Pinball" on their 1996 Fluorescences EP), ABC Music perfectly captures Stereolab's grooving live sound. If you're a fan of any of the band's music, this collection is a must-listen/must-own.