LEMON JELLY

From their unusual but forgettable name to their information-free but visually stunning artwork (one half of Lemon Jelly, Fred Deakin, is a noted graphic designer). Lemon Jelly court a sort of smiley face anonymity, kind of like Boards of Canada without that act's darker impulses. Their second album, 2002's Lost Horizons, is a delightful but slightly faceless blend of lounge pop, subtle beats, found sound, with mellow jazz influences. The elements shift slightly from song to song, as in the odd, compressed vocal samples and watery keyboards of "Space Walk," compared to the coy, kicky jazz noir of the soundtrack-like "The Curse of Ka'Zar," but there's an overarching sense to Lost Horizons: the idea that this might even be a proper concept album if one put the work into deciphering it. But it's so summery, pretty, and enjoyable to chill out to that detective work simply sounds too hard. Highlights include the dreamy, acoustic guitar-based single "Nice Weather for Ducks," and the giggly, tongue-in-cheek "Ramblin' Man." [A Japanese version added a bonus track.] ~ Stewart Mason, AMG

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