Talking of 'parting company' with Warner Music, Stereolab have confirmed they are one of the first bands to be dropped by the major as part of the pending post-Bronfmann takeover roster cull.
US sales of the band's last album 'Margerine Eclipse' were not as good as expected, while a New York gig on the band's last American tour had to be cancelled because of poor ticket sales - so it was perhaps inevitable that they would be dropped as the Warner cull approaches, especially as they were signed to Warner division Elektra which was essentially closed down during post-takeover restructuring.
The band's manager Martin Pike has told Rolling Stone: "We were told that our services are going to be dispensed with. We've been with Elektra since 1993. That company doesn't exist anymore."
Jusitfying the pending roster cull - rumoured to be affecting up to half of the acts signed to what were formerly the Atlantic and Elektra divisions of Warner Music - the major's US boss has reportedly given the following genius line in silver lining PR: "Artists deserve a deep commitment from their labels. If that commitment doesn't exist, they should be given the freedom to pursue it elsewhere. The goal is to nurture artistic creativity and create successful careers."