Ursula 1000

When it comes to funky kitsch electronica, the line between charming and cloying is a very, very thin one. It's a mark of Alex Gimeno's genius that he's able to negotiate that line with such consistently good (if not always absolutely perfect) judgment. His third album continues his exploration of vintage rock and disco sounds, Latin dance music, early electronica, psychedelic goofiness, and ethnic exotica. Every track teeters precariously on the brink of precious over-cuteness, but none of them actually falls over, and the tension of waiting for that to happen only adds to the fun. The best thing about the album, though, is its incredible variety of sounds. You've got your T. Rex tribute (on the stomping "Hello! Let's Go to a Disco," featuring Dougie Dimensional from the Gentle People), your Austin Powers-on-ecstasy go-go workout ("Kaboom!"), your blues-mambo-bhangra mash-up ("Got Cha"), your token pseudo-mystical Indian track ("Ragnarock"), your organ-based weirdo funk ("Mirkin the Mystic"), your straight-up old-school electro-funk ("Electrik Boogie"), and even a celebration of the 2 Tone ska revival ("Two Tone Rocka"). And bongos, baby -- lots of bongos. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide