THINK LIKE A KEY MUSIC

He rang Derek Taylor’s doorbell, charmed his way into Warner Bros., and came out with one of the classiest unsung records of ’76.

Recorded with the dream team of Ricotti, Moran, Morgan & Halsall, Stalking the Sleeper finds former ELO man Michael de Albuquerque trading stadium glare for studio glow — all shimmering strings, sly funk grooves, and late-night lyricism. Think Steely Dan on the Thames, with a touch of Schopenhauer. First time back on CD (and digital) since its brief run in 1976, lovingly restored by Prof. Stoned and dressed up with new notes, and the same quiet elegance that’s always been Michael’s trademark.

File under: Blue-eyed Soul meets British Brains.