Plutonium Blonde

Not much free time, so I'll keep this one short but sweet...Simply put, this is probably their best effort since the 2002 set(s) "All the King's Horses" and "All the King's Men" (the former "Horses" slightly superior to the latter "Men" mostly due to an overall more accessible sound). While for most bands that might seem a relatively short time frame (with releases often separated by many years), for these guys it is practically an entirely different era - and you can safely skip all the interim releases (unless you are a LPD junkie like me). This release is yet another departure of sorts from some recent offerings, with a greater emphasis on songwriting than has been evident of late. Eminently catchy but overwhelmingly weird, like all the finest LPD albums. Although perhaps not quite as grand as their best 1980's material, it still shows that there continues to be no shortage of inspiration from these Dots of the Legendary Pink variety. I was initially inclined to give this '4-stars' relative to their entire oeuvre, but reconsidered in light of the fact that a 4-star LPD rating is equivalent to a 5-star rating for most other bands. Thus, I consider their very best albums (e.g., "Any Day Now", "Asylum", "Curse", "Malachai", "Maria Dimension", the aforementioned "Horses") to really be deserving of a 6-star rating. In other words, I consider the Dots to be (no kidding) one of the finest groups to ever grace the Terran sphere, with this offering a semi-crucial release. So, maybe call this 4.5-ish stars. In any event, buy this NOW, cause it will be at least 6 months till their next CD!

I've heard SO many of Legendary Pink Dot's releases, it's a bit difficult for me to get all that wound up from anything they put out anymore. Have to admit though that 'Plutonium Blonde' is a pretty decent space rock effort nonetheless. Maybe not a title I'll end up listening to all the time but with tracks like "A World With No Mirrors", "My First Zonee", the beautifully-played "Oceans Blue" and "Cubie Caesar", it's hard not to fully appreciate Edward Ka-Spel and crew.

I'm fairly new to the world of The Legendary Pink Dots and I became a fan through Edward Ka-Spells other music project The Tear Garden with cEvin Key (Skinny Puppy/Download). While I've enjoyed two other LPD albums I have to say that Plutonium Blonde is a masterpiece and one of the best records of 2008. While this band has been around for years they manage to tap into something for everyone who loves dynamic music. In this day and age of "hit singles" it's good to know that there are bands out there that still make a good record. Also I would like to point out that The Legendary Pink Dots trascend age and genre. There is enough space rock on this record to make some old Pink Floyd fan happy just as much as some young electronic music lover. This is really a gem of original music that takes top notch eletronics, efx, keyboards and merges them into story telling songs that have a good fill of saxaphone and atmospheric guitar work as well. This isn't a band about image or cashing in on what's hot. This is a record that will take you to another realm and have you coming back time and time again. The most solid LPD record I've heard yet and I still can't get enought of it. The song "Faded Photograph" is perhaps one of the best songs released in this last year.

I was impressed greatly by this recent release. The artwork is great, and hearkens back to their handmade early career with the scratchy letters and collage styling. The music is certainly of their current period, which I would classify as all their post-millenial muzak, perfected to my ears in The Whispering Wall-- this one is pretty close to that.This album also embodies Ka-Spel's archival spirit, as he slips in some tapes and samples from old OLD works--- linking the webwork of his prolific oeuvre, one could say.It was excellent live music, and that essence translates well in the record. These guys are definitely experts at constructing an album after all the years. It's fun to listen to, best played at night, and surprisingly I think it will complement all the seasons-- usually albums are for one or two seasons at best for me, then they must lay dormant for next year. Miaow!

The Legendary Pink Dots, well into their third decade of recording and performing, continue to impress with Plutonium Blonde. Beginning with a haunting rock drone of "Torchsong", the usual kaleidoscope of Ka-Spel's imagination is on display here: the contemplative "Ocean Blue", whimsical "My First Zonee", and mad-carnival "Arm and a Leg". The album's highlight is "Rainbows Too?" (echoes of Waiting for the Clouds?), a driving synthesizer piece with a great moody break and fiery guitar at the end.The new material is also incredible live - well worth a night out if they're in your area!

I can't believe no one has reviewed this yet. To be short and fine about it, the way it is put together is very very succinct and sweet. Basically, they are using advanced sound techniques to put together their trippy-ness. Yes it is almost indescribable, but rest assured you would not be dissapointed by this release. I am going to see them when they come to my town for the Plutonium Blonde tour on November 8. Yeah!