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3 Albums That Still Sound so Good, You Won’t Believe They Came Out 30 Years Ago

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01.07.2026

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3 Albums That Still Sound so Good, You Won’t Believe They Came Out 30 Years Ago

These albums are so good, they don’t sound a day over 15.

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These albums were all released in 1996, but they have a timeless sound that brings them up to date. The following albums sound so fresh, you’d never believe they came out 30 years ago.

‘Emperor Tomato Ketchup’ by Stereolab

Stereolab’s fourth album, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, was destined to be experimental right from the title. Released in March 1996, the name comes from a controversial 1971 Japanese arthouse film about an empire controlled by children. The album features Stereolab exploring alternative techniques, such as building upon loops instead of riffs.

The result is an album that still sounds new and innovative 30 years later. Emperor Tomato Ketchup is often lauded by fans as one of Stereolab’s best works. It innovated with their existing style, but kept the elements that were distinctly Stereolab. For that, this album aged extremely........

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