| Product: |
Life In Cartoon Motion - Mika |
| Date: |
30/08/07 (191 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Good mix of styles
Disadvantages: Doesn't flow well
Mika burst into the charts earlier this year with the amazing track "Grace Kelly" his style seems unique yet as you listen to his album you can pick up influences of many different bands. When I first heard "Grace Kelly" I thought it was the band Orson, until I made a point of finding the single. Now, I'm a stay at home mum more used to knowing what the Tweenies are up to rather than the music charts so I'd never heard of Mika, but his fun filled music, and voice that at times only dogs can hear, captured my interest and I found myself listening out for his next release, I was even more impressed with the fantastic "Love today" and decided I'd treat myself and buy his album "Life in cartoon motion" I don't usually write albums reviews as they're notoriously tricky however I am so in love with the album I wanted to write about it.
You are caught straight away by the psycadellic album cover, almost 1950's in it's design with bold pattern and bright colour it could be something by the Beatles in their Sgt Pepper days. Looking within the folds of the album insert you are greeted by more bold design, the occasional photograph of the striking looking singer and even some song lyrics for you to sing along to as you enjoy the album. What struck me the most though was seeing the song credits at the end of the book. Mika is credited with not only singing the main and backing vocals but also wrote, co-produced and played the instruments on all of the tracks, yes all of the tracks! Now there's a talent.
Months after the albums release it is still at number 6 in the album charts proving how good it really is. It is a real fun album, with many upbeat eccentric tracks yet there is also some substance in the few ballads included. If you like fun music, the type you can sing along to (in front of a mirror with a hair brush is highly recommended!) or dance to (the crazy style of dancing you never want your friends to see. Perhaps, like me, while you do the housework) then this is a great album to go for however if you prefer more serious, dark music then perhaps you want to give Mika a miss, I can certainly see how his high tones and the erratic pace could be a bit much for some people. I have a very eclectic taste in music and have everything in my collection from Detroit Spinners to Guns N Roses, Boyzone to Marilyn Manson, so Mika just fits in perfectly in the middle.
The mix of influences in the tracks is incredible. Now whether they were deliberate influences or simply my interpretation I cannot say however there's everything in there Queen, Scissor sisters, Robbie Williams, Orson……..even a spot of Erasure, the track "Billy Brown" has hints of the Beatles (think "Penny Lane" era) and "Say goodbye" could be James Blunt with added oomph! I know it's not for everyone but i find the colourful mix fits perfectly with its cover art and certainly keeps you entertained, guessing what style could possibly come next.
The one thing I will say against the album, and to be honest it's not something I consider a problem, is that is doesn't flow well, individually the tracks are good(some are great) but they don't always blend together well jumping from one style and influence to another, I suppose in a way though that is what this album is all about "cartoon motion" I find I prefer to skip back and forth between the songs I want to listen to rather than listen to it in one go. The album hasn't left my stereo since I bought it and I find it perfect for putting on first thing on a morning, it's gets you ready for the day and in a great mood, it's also fabulous if you're feeling a little down, just put on "Love today" or "Big girl" and your spirits are lifted straight away, you simply can't feel down listening to those tracks. Oh, I should also point out there are a few interesting sound effects between some of the songs, you all know of the "kerching" noise at the end of "Grace Kelly" well there's a whole host of different noises/phrases to keep you entertained through the rest of the album.
The track listing goes as follows-
Grace Kelly
Lollipop
My interpretation
Love today
Relax (take it easy)
Any other world
Billy brown
Big girl (you are beautiful)
Stuck in the middle
Happy ending
Ring ring
And there's also a bonus track called "over my shoulder" this featured as a B side to "Grace Kelly" and is one of my favourite tracks on the album. It's is easily the best of Mika's ballads, a beautiful and haunting song with a simple melody but sang so beautifully (if a little high pitched) it can make you cry, instruments are limited to a piano and there are very few voices that make up the harmonies which makes the song wonderfully simple. You have to listen to the whole of "Happy ending" and wait until a brief silence has passed before you get the track but it's worth the wait, it's not selectable separately.
There are many great songs that I absolutely love but I won't go through every track, I'll just tell you about some of my favourites. I've already mentioned "Over my shoulder" and I would never play the album without several listens to "Love today" which I completely adore and have to play extra loud (I've played it so often my 3 year old knows the words) Other than those 2 there is "Relax" and "Big girl" which really stand out
-Relax (take it easy)
This is one of my favourite tracks. It starts with a gentle piano melody that sounds like "I just died in your arms tonight" this is soon joined by a throbbing beat, almost heartbeat like in its pulsating. Robbie Williams's style vocals start the first verse but the vocals are Mika's famous high notes, singing in an almost hypnotising way, as he sings the chorus. The tempo picks up a little with the first chorus but the song never loses the rhythmic pulsing beat which makes it so great to dance and sing along to.
-Big Girl (you are beautiful)
This is not only a great track but it delivers a good message. In today's image and diet obsessed world this song stands out describing the love for "Big girls" lyrics such as "curves in all the right places" and "big girls you are beautiful" can only be positive and uplifting for larger ladies, and tells the younger girls out there that you don't need to be twiglet thin to be beautiful and appreciated. Of course there is a sense of fun with the song as well with such lyrics as "take your girl and multiply her by 4" and "diet coke and a pizza please" I love this song, it's another track with a great dance beat and sing along chorus that everyone will end up singing along to.
"Ring Ring" is probably the closest the album gets to 'edgy' with a thumping drum beat and electric guitars it brings the CD to a powerful end. "My Interpretation" could have been borrowed from Robbie Williams, it's strange how Mika's voice sounds so different from track to track, at least he can't be accused of sticking to one safe formula.
The album runs for just under 48 minutes and with 11 tracks it's your typical debut album which is a shame, I could happily have listened to more tracks by this unusual but talented singer. I will certainly be keeping an eye on Mika and his future releases, I just hope he can follow up with something as good as "life in cartoon motion"
The album is widely available in entertainment stores, supermarkets and online and prices vary. my copy from Asda cost just under £10 and is worth every penny. I highly recommend the album as a little something different.
Summary: Not for everyone but i love it.
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