As evidenced by the album title, Augustus Watkins (he who is Tulip Tiger) doesn't take himself too seriously. Song titles like "Gender Conceal Party" and (my personal fave) "The Frickening" are just as frothy and fun as the songs themselves.

Tulip Tiger Thrilling and Robust Vegan Theremin Solos from Beyond the Grave (Give/Take)

But Watkins makes sure to keep a solid structure underneath the shards of joy that are his songs. This is eclecticism on steroids. Watkins pilfers from just about every electronic movement of the past five decades, often mashing up seeming incongruous ideas in thrilling ways.

And not just electronic music, either. Watkins is well-versed in recent (and ancient) pop trends, and he's all too happy to throw in a bit of this and that into his bounding works. These songs are always in motion, and they always sound like someone is having a good time. I'm pretty sure Watkins was, and it's hard to avoid that infectious spirit as a listener.

How can someone make experimental electronic music so damned insouciant and incessantly pleasing? Watkins pushes the envelope in terms of ideas, but he always keeps a veneer of accessibility on the surface. That's a neat trick. And he's been doing it for some time. Let's hope he keeps it up for the long haul.

Jon Worley