Of Montreal reveals Skeletal Lamping package details

lamping [lam-ping]:
-verb
1. Chilling, hanging, relaxing
2. A sonic bombardment of psych-pop from Kevin Barnes' darkest heart that might help change the way albums are packaged in the future

Despite (or maybe because of) the incessant doomsaying from armchair prophets that the album is a dead format, aficionados today have a wealth of options to choose from when they head down to their local music depository. Besides the usual CD, oftentimes there's a special edition of an album, as well as a vinyl release (usually with a goodie included, like a free download of the album or bonus tracks.) For Of Montreal, the past is a grotesque animal when it comes to album releases. Skeletal Lamping, the band's upcoming LP, is going to have seven (count 'em) different packaging options to satisfy even the most discerning critic:

Take a seat, dear reader, because the wealth of options might startle you. The different choices are as follows: a CD, 180 gram LP, tote bag, t-shirt, button set, paper lantern and wall decal set. But here's the kicker: each item in the set will come with a download of the album, as well as the unique packaging of the album art. No matter how you choose to get your fix, Of Montreal has you covered.

The album art merits a mention all on its own. The vinyl will come with the 3x4 foot (!!!) fold-out horse poster pictured above. For the CD, it'll be a foldout poster you can mount on the CD trays to form a delightfully morbid floral-and-fang diorama.

Of Montreal's stated mission with this ambitious release is to "expand the perception of music packaging beyond traditional flat, square artwork and to bring consumers back to record stores to get it." In other words, Of Montreal wants to save the record. Skeletal Lamping is out Oct. 7 on Polyvinyl.

Related links:
News: Of Montreal's Barnes talks Skeletal Lamping details
OfMontreal.net
Of Montreal on MySpace

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