Living Life In Cartoon Motion

While browsing though other blogs, I stumbled upon the gloriousness known as Mika. Labeled as an ideal opener for Scissor Sisters, I was graced with an euphoria of vibrant sound with the actual album. A wonderful recipe, part Freddy Mercury and part BeeGees with a pop abound, that makes me wish I lived life in cartoon motion. He uses cartoon imagery for his songs cos he feels its easier to say things through cartoons; people are more welcome to what it is since its all a bit of silliness, right?

1. "Grace Kelly"-If this track doesn't scream Freddy Mercury, I don't know what will. Even the direct mention of his name during the pre-chorus. A definite song screaming for acceptance bursting with a flourish of rainbow colors.
2. "Lollipop"-At first this track turned me off with its bubblegum pop feel to it. But it will quickly grow on you and becomes a fun little diddy you'll find yourself humming one day without even realizing it.
3. "My Interpretation"-The verse sort of reminds me of the generic song writing you hear on the radio (aka James Blunt, Maroon 5, etc.) and even the chorus sounds too radio friendly for my taste. Still a good song just not quite feeling it with the rest of the album.
4. "Love Today"-The opening makes me hum the theme to Bonanza. But this song is so addictive. Not to mention there's a Motorola commercial using this song with Chris Kattan reenacting his Night At The Roxbury days. Everbody's gonna love this song today!
5. "Relax (Take It Easy)"-This is my favorite track off the album. He sounds exactly like Jake Shears during their take of "Comfortably Numb" when he sings "Relax...." It's got a solid backing beat followed by a high pitched chorus that will melt your mind. Then it launches into shear modern disco magnificance. I just wish they didn't tag the little speaking part onto the end of the track.
6. "Any Other World"-This song is the slow ballad number, and I almost lost it when he sings "Smile like you mean it", thinking oh no no more killers. But it keeps its beautiful tone going strong through the whole track.
7. "Billy Brown"-A very narrative track much like the Decemberists stuff. Not much else to say on this one.
8. "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)"-A glorious disco track. The lyrics are great! And the Butterfly Lounge is a real place. The perfect ode to the bigger girls in our lives.
9. "Stuck In The Middle"-The opening reminded me of Scissor Sister's "Laura". It's an ok song, not one of my preferred ones on the album.
10. "Happy Ending"-Another ballad-esque track, leaning more towards the side of ABBA. Also i you listen closely to the lyrics, it's a very sad song ironically titled "Happy Ending". A perfect finish to a great sounding album.


Grace Kelly music video:



and now some sheer fun with Mr. Kattan: