Of Montreal
Skeletal Lamping

Campus Correspondent CD Review By Kate Seesholtz
Belmont University

Of Montreal has been building a dedicated fan base across its past eight studio albums and the second song on its latest CD Skeletal Lamping (Polyvinyl) says it best: “I’m a motherf***ing headliner, b*****, you don’t even know it.” And with the release of its ninth CD, lead singer and songwriter Kevin Barnes hopes listeners will finally recognize the band for more than the catchy Outback Steakhouse theme song.

Of Montreal is known for being completely unabashed when it comes to the content of its songs. Barnes seems completely immersed with being as blatantly sexual as possible. It is the foremost theme of the album, with lyrics such as, “we can do it soft core if you want, but you should know that I go both ways.” Of Montreal explores everything from sex in unusual places (against the kitchen sink in “Women’s Studies Victims”) to hidden homosexuality in “Beware Our Nubile Miscreants”.

Skeletal Lamping,if nothing else, makes you want to feel it with your whole body. There’s a reason Of Montreal’s concerts are more of an intense dance party than a traditional show. The music gives the listener a feeling of exhilaration, transplanting them to the strange world that Barnes has created inside his mind. And as long as anyone’s willing to go there with him, it’s quite a ride.