LADYTRON - 604, LIGHT & MAGIC REISSUES

For me, listening to Ladytron is always like watching an episode of Doctor Who. I put on their albums and my stereo turns into a pint-sized Tardis. I step through the cassette deck door, only to discover that this cover-alled quartet has converted my meager Sony boom box into a dimension-hopping beat machine that\'s roomier than a prom queen on the inside. And with a single push of the \"play\" button, I\'m rocketed off into uncharted galaxies of sound and wonder.
Well, Ladytron has managed to expand even further on the boundless musical universe they shaped with their first two albums. July 2004 will mark the release of the 604 and Light & Magic reissue albums. These LPs are the entire original cuts of the interstellar albums. But each one also features four new tracks, including live performances in Sofia, Bulgaria, and some unreleased remixes. On a whole, these eight new tracks are a saucy addition. The live tracks capture the fine, thick experience of seeing a Ladytron show, especially since some of their live drum and bass action is on there. Likewise, the remixes prove to be fun, interesting plays on a few of their tracks, rather than repetitive dance club fodder.
Ladytron has an EP/DVD in the works for this upcoming September, and they\'re currently in the studio preparing their third album, under the working title Antimusic. In the meantime, though, these reissue albums-- much like last year\'s Softcore Jukebox-- are a more-than-adequate appetizer to tide us over until the main course.