Stereolab's 1997 Studio Album Dots and Loops on 2LP. Remastered from the Original 1/2" Tapes by Bo Kondren at Calyx Mastering and Overseen by Tim Gane.

On February 28, 2025, Stereolab are making seven of their studio albums available again as 2LP editions. These utilise the same remasters as the 2019 expanded album editions, cut from the original 1/2" tapes by Bo Kondren at Calyx Mastering and overseen by Tim Gane, but without any of the bonus material from the 3LP versions (which have now been discontinued), the idea being to make more cost-effective versions of these sought-after titles available to fans and shops. Each record comes housed in a single 5mm printed sleeve with printed inner sleeves, and a protective PVC outer bag.

1997's Dots and Loops is Stereolab's fifth studio album and the first to completely ditch the motorik drone that had been a trademark since their inception. Predominated by lush lounge and jazz textures, it showcases the band's most complex set of rhythms yet. Stereolab is aided by members of The High Llamas (like-minded travelers in the production of whimsical '60s sounds), Jan St. Werner and Andi Toma of Mouse on Mars, and John McEntire of post-rock pioneers Tortoise. The album was recorded in Chicago and Düsseldorf and bridges a unique American-Euro influence.

The new rhythmic approach separates the LP from the band's previous output, as does a Beach Boys influence which adds to the band's standard brand. Bossa nova and '60s Euro pop are still major touchstones and give the album a deceptively light vibe; however, further listens reveal an elaborate work, with almost every track featuring odd time-signatures and more complicated and layered arrangements. "Parsec" is space-rock meets drum and bass; "Brakhage" marries a minor key bass line to clinking vibes and a shuffling beat; the segmented, 20-minute "Refractions in the Plastic Pulse" is sunny and appealing, yet intricately constructed. The dividing line between the band's first phase and what would be its more experimental latter period, Dots and Loops is the type of album that reveals its charms over many listens and is one Stereolab aficionados point to as among their best work!