CD Reviews

Of Montreal: Reissue

If He Is Protecting Our Nation, Then Who Will Protect Big Oil, Our Children | Polyvinyl

By GEORGIANA COHEN | January 7, 2008

3.0 Stars

Remember back when Of Montreal couldn’t be heard in commercials for Outback Steakhouse? You can relive those halcyon days through this reissue of a 2003 EP originally sold on tour. Of course, as the title and the cover art’s whacking of Dubya reminds us, maybe they weren’t so halcyon. (The original release arrived two months after “Mission Accomplished,” after all.) But with more than 30 minutes of the pleasantly trippy and buoyant folk pop that made you fall in love with the Athens band in the first place, it feels like something did get accomplished. “Inside a Room Full of Treasures . . . ” is a deliciously woozy circus anthem, and the poppy snarl of “There Is Nothing Wrong with Hating Rock Critics” makes forgiving its title easy. And with the holidays just past, we’re reminded through languid melodies and hypnotically layered vocals that “Christmas Is Only Good If You’re Not an Animal.” Ah, 2003. Who knew of the synth sensations to come?

Related: Of Montreal, Of Montreal | Skeletal Lamping, Slideshow: Of Montreal at the Paradise, More

Topics: CD Reviews , Media, Advertising, OF MONTREAL

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