Of Montreal

Of Montreal's fourth effort is actually a collection of singles and songles ("songs released in some other form") spanning Kevin Barnes' recording career. Like many of the Elephant 6 troupe, Of Montreal refuse to initiate quality control and come up empty-handed with this unsubstantial release. Apart from "The Problem With April" and "Joseph and Alexander," these songs aren't worth the magnetic tape they were created on and leave fans wondering if Of Montreal have exercised their musical callisthenics to their full potential. Are there really no other formulae than singing about imaginary insects with monotonous three-chord progressions? We'll find out when their "most ambitious work to date," Coquelicot Asleep with the Poppies; A Variety of Whimsical Verse, is released.