For a long time, Athens, Georgia was primarily known as the hometown of R.E.M. and The B-52’s. But contrary to their name, of Montreal call Athens home as well. In fact, they’re named after a failed romance between master mind Kevin Barnes and a woman ‘of Montreal’.

Ever since forming the band in 1996, Barnes has surrounded himself with an ever-changing group of collaborators. And with every new guise, they adopted a new musical direction. In 2019, of Montreal are an electronic indie-pop outfit, with a 16^th(!) album coming up. Ur Fun is due to be released on 17 January 2020. Like their last long-player, it’s inspired by Barnes’ relationship with his girlfriend, Locate S,1’s Christina Schneider. A press release also cites Janet Jackson and Cyndi Lauper as inspirations for the album’s up-tempo dance-party sound.

Peace Of All Freaks is the album’s synth-laden first single. A glorious pop moment.

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.