Lord only knows what's happening in Rick Rubin's neck of the woods, but I can assure you, things are not well on the American Recordings tip. The label hasn't completely gone under, but if its recent activity is any indication, it must be very, very close. I don't know, I'm not following it. I'm not even interested. My point is, they quit carrying music from the ultra- snappy British label, Too Pure. Not that it's a big deal or anything 'cause Too Pure is now fully supported by our friends over at Beggars Banquet, who are reissuing everything.

Now, Peng!, for those of you who aren't familiar with it, is not Stereolab's best record. See, unlike the majority of Stereolab's records, this one doesn't pull you in. It seems more focused on rocking out than drinking up. For most fans, Stereolab's appeal lies in their crazy keyboard flourishes and ladies- nite loungery. Peng! isn't exactly rich in either of those catagories. The record's also a little repetitive. It's not really something you want to have trapped in your disc player.

See, I'm a fan. I'm into the 'Lab. I love the 'Lab. But to me, Peng! doesn't seem like the 'Lab, man. It just doesn't seem like the 'Lab.

-Ryan Schreiber