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Of Montreal
Eclectic. That is the best word to describe the Athens, GA band led by Kevin Barnes. On any given Tuesday Of Montreal might be playing psychedelic, twee pop (bubblegum Indie Rock), Electronica, Funk, Glam or Afrobeat - or any combination thereof.
The group, allegedly named after a failed romance Barnes had with a woman who was "of Montreal," there have been numerous band members with Barnes as the only constant.
After a handful of indie releases Of Montreal signed with Kindercore Records for '01's concept album "Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse" and '02's "Aldhils Arboretum."
Barnes married Oslo native Nina Grøttland in '03 and the couple's daughter was born in Oslo. Grøttland played some bass on the group's tour.
When Kindercore Records folded, Of Montreal landed with Polyvinyl Records issuing '04's 'Satanic Panic In The Attic." The next year saw "The Sunlandic Twins." Despite the title, only one song was laid down in Norway. The remaining tracks were the result of sessions in Athens. However, '07's "Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?" was recorded in both Athens and Norway. No doubt to promote the album (and draw attention) Barnes performed five songs nude during a performance in Las Vegas.
Not to leave anyone out, "Skeletal Lamping," was released in ten formats, including cassette, CD and vinyl. All sorts of promo items (t-shirts, buttons, etc.) accompanied the '08 set. "We feel that there's no reason to produce another object that just sits on a shelf," Barnes said of the integrated concept. "We only want to produce objects that have a function and that can be treasured for their singularness."
Jon Brion (Kanye West, Fiona Apple) produced "False Priest" which was recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood. Live drums, strings and pianos replaced the midi sounds and sequencers prevalent on previous albums.
"Paralytic Stalks" dropped in January '12. "Dour Percentage," was the lead single.
Albums:
1997 Cherry Peel
1998 The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy
1999 The Gay Parade
2001 Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse
2002 Aldhils Arboretum
2004 Satanic Panic In The Attic
2005 The Sunlandic Twins
2007 Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
2008 Skeletal Lamping
2010 False Priest
2012 Paralytic Stalks