Well it arrived yesterday. Importing from Japan meant I got some bonus tracks and a one-day head start on the official release (although this obviously doesn't compare to downloading a leaked copy or nabbing a promo).

This album really just did not grab me on the first listen. It felt very hit and miss. A few listens later and I'm loving it. I'm finding it almost takes another state of mind to enjoy Black Francis releases compared to Frank Black releases.

O My Tidy Sum and Cinema Star especially seem destined to be considered classic FBF. The bonus cover tracks are also rather enjoyable, especially 'Taint No Use. I've also warmed up to the lullaby rendition of Rabbits even if I still prefer the Demo #1 version.

I have to admit, when I first heard the album would be called NonStopErotik and would have a sex theme, I cringed. I thought it would end up being a bit immature for a middle-aged FBF. It's really not raunchy at all. The whole subject of sex was approached rather tastefully and naturally. When I Go Down on You is probably one of the better tracks.

The only real negative I can say is that I don't feel it's a landmark album in the same way FB, TOTY, DITS, HC, and The Golem are. That's not exactly a bad thing - it's always great to have another enjoyable FBF release. But you expect really big things when EDF is collaborating.

All in all, I still think The Golem is the highlight of the year, but NSE is a lot of icing on an already delicious cake.