The Early Four Track Recordings
Essentially of Montreal's first recordings, The Early Four Track Recordings compiles Kevin Barnes' work prior to Cherry Peel. Don't let the title mislead you -- this album contains some of the best of Montreal songs you will ever hear. The stripped down nature of the recordings allows Kevin's songwriting ability to shine through -- providing insight and depth into his early development and experimentation with the craft. From its artwork (which features images of psychotic children in chains, mole-birds and bizarre skull creatures) to song titles describing a story involving Dustin Hoffman that is never addressed within the songs themselves, The Early Four Track Recordings is one of of Montreal's more unusual albums -- and also one its most satisfying.
Of Montreal's The Early Four Track Recordings collects unreleased, lo-fi material from the archives of the band's vibrant and dynamic leader, Kevin Barnes.
Going back and re-reading the reviews of Of Montreal's The Sunlandic Twins a year after its release is a gently amusing pastime.