2x****
"Venus" is just not as smooth as I was expecting, and neither the words nor the new wave feel help, and the way that "Run" emulates a computer is jarring. "Cheery Blossom Girl"**** at least has the smooth, gauzy sound that Air perfects. "Another Day" is the only true throwback to the earlier sound, though with a strange eastern-sounding vocal delivery. "Mike Mills" is based on a pretty if baroque keyboard part, but is ultimately one-dimensional. Unfortunately "Surfing On A Rocket" and "Alpha Beta Gaga" are twee and come off as jokey, and "Universal Traveler" and "Biological" are interesting but have no real hook. "Alone In Kyoto"**** is available on the Lost In Translation soundtrack, which doesn't make it less awesome, but it's just a further reminder of the amazing sound that has been left behind.
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