Stereolab's catalog includes numerous independent-label singles, EPs and compilations, in addition to three full-length CDs on Elektra. The touring lineup consists of guitarists Gane and Hansen on guitars, Sadier on lead vocals and synthesizer, another Frenchwoman, organist Morgane Lhote, drummer Andy Ramsey and new addition Richard Harrison, bass.
Simon Holiday, the band's sound engineer since its early days, has creative input as well: The band leaves it to him to run the instruments through a synthesizer at the sound desk as he sees fit.
Stereolab isn't set up to concoct hits, Gane says: "I'm surprised we're as popular in certain places as we are," including the United States, where, he says, the band has always been gratified by the enthusiastic response of its cult following.
But, he added, "at times I feel slightly aggrieved that we've been kind of marginalized for the goofy sounds and the French. I think there are some semi-accessible songs comparable with [successful tunes by] other bands that are more traditional. It's overlooked. I guess it comes from messing around too much."
* Stereolab, Prolapse and Track Star play Thursday at the University Center Pub at Cal State Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd. 8 p.m. $6-$10. (714) 773-3501. Also: Friday at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego. 9 p.m. $9. (619) 275-5483; Saturday at the Glass House, 200 W. 2nd St., Pomona. $10. (714) 665-7739 or (909) 872-6181; and Sunday and Monday at the Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. 8 p.m. $15. Monday's show is sold out. (310) 276-6168.
