Reprinted from Digitalcity.com
February 2001
by Bill Cohen

Gallons of Ink have been spilled in praise of the Elephant 6 collective and their sunny take on psychedelia. While bands like Neutral Milk Hotel and Olivia Tremor Control were hailed as the logical extension of The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour, most folks failed to see that Of Montreal may actually be the pick of the litter.

Earlier albums like The Gay Parade and The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy proided plenty of pop bliss, but never set Of Montreal apart from their cohorts. However, their upcoming release Coquelicot Asleep In the Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse nails it right on the head. They no longer rely on wacky arranyements and whimsical lyrics to create a surreal listening experience. It's a more intimate and personal record that rewards repeated listens and will be remembered long after the hype surrounding the Elephant 6 scene fades away. -- Bill Cohen