Louiza Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Found a few more Music Review - Mika “Life In Cartoon Motion” GRADE: A Mika is that rare European pop star that brings new life into the genre. These days Americans need to have their hip-hop, R&B influences fused in with their pop music in order for it to chart. But once again, Euro pop saves the day. “Life In Cartoon Motion” is a special find, chock full of smart, adult bubblegum pop music. This collection of tunes is accessible to the youngest of pop followers, to the dance crazy adult in your life. They will all get a kick out of the bouncy disco inspired music Mika has created, without getting that sugary empty feeling after multiple listenings. At the moment Mika has charted 3 top ten singles in the U.K. and abroad. His first single here in the USA is “Grace Kelly”, and it is the perfect example of the type of fun Mika has. His next single is even better, “Love Today” has an infectious hook and dance beat that will make you giddy. “Relax (Take It Easy) is Mika’s thrid single and my favorite tune on the c.d. His lightest confection is “Lollipop”, which is a true pop song if ever there was one. You can hear the many influences that are woven into Mika’s songs; a little bit of Queen, Elton John, The Scissor Sisters, Robbie Williams. I am really impressed by this c.d. it has all the elements of a perfect pop album. Mika also has that ambiguously sexy look and style that is trend setting. He is a sex symbol to say the least. The title of this disc is perfect, “Life In Cartoon Motion”. The feelings that swell up inside you from listening to this album create a bubbly, child like quality in your mood. You can’t help but sing along to the quirky lyrics and just have fun. I recommend this disc to any pop music fan that is looking for that next big thing. Link --> http://www.popculturebuzz.com/music-review-mika-life-in-cartoon-motion/ CD Review - Mika's Life In Cartoon Motion By Tom Patrick: 2007-03-30 20:04:57 Life In Cartoon Motion is the debut album of British singer Mika. Formally known as Mica Penniman, the singer and composer sounds like a cross between Freddie Mercury and George Michael. With an incredible range, reaching up into Alvin and the Chipmunks territory (seriously), Mika sensationalizes this jubilant album, making it strangely addictive. The album presents a balanced mix of pop, pop-rock and pop-glam rock--it’s really poppy! Put simply, it’s like children’s music on acid … actually, since all the songs are good for dancing, perhaps it’s more like children’s music on ecstasy. Life In Cartoon Motion is undeniably catchy, and walks a fine line between brilliance and utter annoyance. Two thoughts kept colliding in my head: that sounds cool and that sounds weird. The opening track "Grace Kelly," which is the current single, sets the mood for the album. Mika’s official Web site describes his music as combining "a heady euphoric rush with darker unexpected elements" and is a good way of describing songs like this one; within a few beats "Grace Kelly" swings from a goofy, juvenile romp to a sedated stroll through some thought-provoking emotions. "My Interpretation" provides a breather after the energetic opening tunes and allows the listener to cozy up to Mika’s sweet piano sound. "Love Today," the following song, with the swishy wah-wah guitar and disco beat, would be great for a ‘70s porno flick. It provides a Jamiroquai-Bee Gees feel and has a very European sound to it. "Relax. Take It Easy," Mika’s first single (a download release), is the type of tune you might hear in a club, but has enough intricacies and layers that a sophisticated musician wouldn’t necessarily feel like shooting himself after two minutes. "Ring Ring" is a classic example of how Mika mixes prototypical sounds. It has an up-on-your-feet dance beat backing up a clever piano line--only it’s not the same enervated piano sound commonly found in pop music. Instead, it’s one you can picture coming out of a grand Steinway being played by Beethoven. Frankly, his use of horns and strings--done in a classy way--is refreshing for someone like me who always marveled at the use of horns and strings on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. "Any Other World" and "Billy Brown" are good examples of this technique. If you’re still on the fence close to the end, "Stuck In The Middle" is just the tune to win you over. With a frolicking piano line reminiscent of Elton John, Mika musically stomps through this punchy song and produces one of the best tunes on the album. On his Web site, Mika explains his diverse sound saying that he "grew up listening to every thing from Joan Baez and Dylan, to Serge Gainsbourg and Flamenco." He goes on to say "Prince, Harry Nillson, Elton John, even Michael Jackson, these people make amazing pop records that couldn’t be performed by anybody else and that’s what I always wanted to do." Mika’s innovative yet familiar sound, along with his vocal range, suggests that he has accomplished just that. Link --> http://www.cinemablend.com/music/CD-Review-Mika-s-Life-In-Cartoon-Motion-3549.html great articles! thanks for posting keti:thumb_yello: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keti Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 great articles! thanks for posting keti:thumb_yello: You're welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 Found a few more Music Review - Mika “Life In Cartoon Motion” GRADE: A Mika is that rare European pop star that brings new life into the genre. These days Americans need to have their hip-hop, R&B influences fused in with their pop music in order for it to chart. But once again, Euro pop saves the day. “Life In Cartoon Motion” is a special find, chock full of smart, adult bubblegum pop music. This collection of tunes is accessible to the youngest of pop followers, to the dance crazy adult in your life. They will all get a kick out of the bouncy disco inspired music Mika has created, without getting that sugary empty feeling after multiple listenings. At the moment Mika has charted 3 top ten singles in the U.K. and abroad. His first single here in the USA is “Grace Kelly”, and it is the perfect example of the type of fun Mika has. His next single is even better, “Love Today” has an infectious hook and dance beat that will make you giddy. “Relax (Take It Easy) is Mika’s thrid single and my favorite tune on the c.d. His lightest confection is “Lollipop”, which is a true pop song if ever there was one. You can hear the many influences that are woven into Mika’s songs; a little bit of Queen, Elton John, The Scissor Sisters, Robbie Williams. I am really impressed by this c.d. it has all the elements of a perfect pop album. Mika also has that ambiguously sexy look and style that is trend setting. He is a sex symbol to say the least. The title of this disc is perfect, “Life In Cartoon Motion”. The feelings that swell up inside you from listening to this album create a bubbly, child like quality in your mood. You can’t help but sing along to the quirky lyrics and just have fun. I recommend this disc to any pop music fan that is looking for that next big thing. Link --> http://www.popculturebuzz.com/music-review-mika-life-in-cartoon-motion/ Nice one! so true! "You can’t help but sing along to the quirky lyrics and just have fun" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 CD Review - Mika's Life In Cartoon Motion By Tom Patrick: 2007-03-30 20:04:57 Life In Cartoon Motion is the debut album of British singer Mika. Formally known as Mica Penniman, the singer and composer sounds like a cross between Freddie Mercury and George Michael. With an incredible range, reaching up into Alvin and the Chipmunks territory (seriously), Mika sensationalizes this jubilant album, making it strangely addictive. The album presents a balanced mix of pop, pop-rock and pop-glam rock--it’s really poppy! Put simply, it’s like children’s music on acid … actually, since all the songs are good for dancing, perhaps it’s more like children’s music on ecstasy. Life In Cartoon Motion is undeniably catchy, and walks a fine line between brilliance and utter annoyance. Two thoughts kept colliding in my head: that sounds cool and that sounds weird. The opening track "Grace Kelly," which is the current single, sets the mood for the album. Mika’s official Web site describes his music as combining "a heady euphoric rush with darker unexpected elements" and is a good way of describing songs like this one; within a few beats "Grace Kelly" swings from a goofy, juvenile romp to a sedated stroll through some thought-provoking emotions. "My Interpretation" provides a breather after the energetic opening tunes and allows the listener to cozy up to Mika’s sweet piano sound. "Love Today," the following song, with the swishy wah-wah guitar and disco beat, would be great for a ‘70s porno flick. It provides a Jamiroquai-Bee Gees feel and has a very European sound to it. "Relax. Take It Easy," Mika’s first single (a download release), is the type of tune you might hear in a club, but has enough intricacies and layers that a sophisticated musician wouldn’t necessarily feel like shooting himself after two minutes. "Ring Ring" is a classic example of how Mika mixes prototypical sounds. It has an up-on-your-feet dance beat backing up a clever piano line--only it’s not the same enervated piano sound commonly found in pop music. Instead, it’s one you can picture coming out of a grand Steinway being played by Beethoven. Frankly, his use of horns and strings--done in a classy way--is refreshing for someone like me who always marveled at the use of horns and strings on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. "Any Other World" and "Billy Brown" are good examples of this technique. If you’re still on the fence close to the end, "Stuck In The Middle" is just the tune to win you over. With a frolicking piano line reminiscent of Elton John, Mika musically stomps through this punchy song and produces one of the best tunes on the album. On his Web site, Mika explains his diverse sound saying that he "grew up listening to every thing from Joan Baez and Dylan, to Serge Gainsbourg and Flamenco." He goes on to say "Prince, Harry Nillson, Elton John, even Michael Jackson, these people make amazing pop records that couldn’t be performed by anybody else and that’s what I always wanted to do." Mika’s innovative yet familiar sound, along with his vocal range, suggests that he has accomplished just that. Link --> http://www.cinemablend.com/music/CD-Review-Mika-s-Life-In-Cartoon-Motion-3549.html This one I was posting myself Another positive review Didn't know Steinway was a piano: "Steinway & Sons (often called Steinway) is a highly regarded piano maker" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinway_%26_Sons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keti Posted February 24, 2009 Share Posted February 24, 2009 Nice one! so true! "You can’t help but sing along to the quirky lyrics and just have fun" Thanks! Yes,it is very nice...very true This one I was posting myself Another positive review Didn't know Steinway was a piano: "Steinway & Sons (often called Steinway) is a highly regarded piano maker" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinway_%26_Sons Oh,sorry! I didn't see it.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 24, 2009 Author Share Posted February 24, 2009 Thanks!Yes,it is very nice...very true Oh,sorry! I didn't see it.. Actually I meant I was going to post it, you couldn't know it (now I realize "was posting" wasn't the correct verb form ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 Didn't know Steinway was a piano: "Steinway & Sons (often called Steinway) is a highly regarded piano maker" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinway_%26_Sons my piano teacher used to tell me that the steinway pianos are the best in the world Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 CD Review - Mika's Life In Cartoon Motion By Tom Patrick: 2007-03-30 20:04:57 Life In Cartoon Motion is the debut album of British singer Mika. Formally known as Mica Penniman, the singer and composer sounds like a cross between Freddie Mercury and George Michael. With an incredible range, reaching up into Alvin and the Chipmunks territory (seriously), Mika sensationalizes this jubilant album, making it strangely addictive. The album presents a balanced mix of pop, pop-rock and pop-glam rock--it’s really poppy! Put simply, it’s like children’s music on acid … actually, since all the songs are good for dancing, perhaps it’s more like children’s music on ecstasy. Life In Cartoon Motion is undeniably catchy, and walks a fine line between brilliance and utter annoyance. Two thoughts kept colliding in my head: that sounds cool and that sounds weird. The opening track "Grace Kelly," which is the current single, sets the mood for the album. Mika’s official Web site describes his music as combining "a heady euphoric rush with darker unexpected elements" and is a good way of describing songs like this one; within a few beats "Grace Kelly" swings from a goofy, juvenile romp to a sedated stroll through some thought-provoking emotions. "My Interpretation" provides a breather after the energetic opening tunes and allows the listener to cozy up to Mika’s sweet piano sound. "Love Today," the following song, with the swishy wah-wah guitar and disco beat, would be great for a ‘70s porno flick. It provides a Jamiroquai-Bee Gees feel and has a very European sound to it. "Relax. Take It Easy," Mika’s first single (a download release), is the type of tune you might hear in a club, but has enough intricacies and layers that a sophisticated musician wouldn’t necessarily feel like shooting himself after two minutes. "Ring Ring" is a classic example of how Mika mixes prototypical sounds. It has an up-on-your-feet dance beat backing up a clever piano line--only it’s not the same enervated piano sound commonly found in pop music. Instead, it’s one you can picture coming out of a grand Steinway being played by Beethoven. Frankly, his use of horns and strings--done in a classy way--is refreshing for someone like me who always marveled at the use of horns and strings on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. "Any Other World" and "Billy Brown" are good examples of this technique. If you’re still on the fence close to the end, "Stuck In The Middle" is just the tune to win you over. With a frolicking piano line reminiscent of Elton John, Mika musically stomps through this punchy song and produces one of the best tunes on the album. On his Web site, Mika explains his diverse sound saying that he "grew up listening to every thing from Joan Baez and Dylan, to Serge Gainsbourg and Flamenco." He goes on to say "Prince, Harry Nillson, Elton John, even Michael Jackson, these people make amazing pop records that couldn’t be performed by anybody else and that’s what I always wanted to do." Mika’s innovative yet familiar sound, along with his vocal range, suggests that he has accomplished just that. Link --> http://www.cinemablend.com/music/CD-Review-Mika-s-Life-In-Cartoon-Motion-3549.html Just found out it's already posted on MFC http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=108975&highlight=steinway#post108975 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 25, 2009 Author Share Posted February 25, 2009 my piano teacher used to tell me that the steinway pianos are the best in the world Do we know what kind of piano does Mika Play? (the white one) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeiRe Posted February 25, 2009 Share Posted February 25, 2009 I would like to know. No idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 Do we know what kind of piano does Mika Play? (the white one) no we dont. but i think the keyboards he plays at the gigs are yamaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 26, 2009 Author Share Posted February 26, 2009 no we dont. but i think the keyboards he plays at the gigs are yamahaYes, they are! you can clearly read it on the pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted February 26, 2009 Author Share Posted February 26, 2009 (edited) and here's another nice review I was going to post myself 2007 - Life in Cartoon Motion - review Popmatters.com http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2157900#post2157900 Edited March 1, 2009 by mari62 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted March 1, 2009 Author Share Posted March 1, 2009 Another nice old review: TIME - A Prejudice Goes Pop (23 JAN 2007) http://www.mikafanclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2162621#post2162621 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted March 7, 2009 Author Share Posted March 7, 2009 Positive and brillant review! And most comments are also enthusiastic ----------------------------------------------- Mika Life In Cartoon Motion [Casablanca] Artist: Mika Released: 05 February 2007 by Lizzie Ennever 01 February 2007 Despite the endless comparisons with the likes of Freddie Mercury and the Scissor Sisters due to his falsetto moments (and there are quite a few of them here), what becomes apparent when listening to Life In Cartoon Motion, is that Mika is very much his own person. Yes - the influences are clearly there, but there isn't a hint of an adopted sound or a stolen style anywhere - Mika is Mika, and that's all there is to it. Born in Beirut and having come to London via Paris, Mika is not only quirky in sound but also in background and style - in person he is kooky but instantly loveable, rather like his tunes. First single "Grace Kelly" is a great pop song - it's catchy, you can't help singing along and it grates on you after a few days when you can't get it out of your head but you still go back for more - flawless credentials. "Love Today" is another winner - truly funky disco-pop that has you shoulder-shimmying non-stop, and even though you hate yourself for enjoying it, you simply can't stop yourself having a great time whilst you listen. At the other end of the spectrum, "Any Other World" is a gently rousing ballad that wouldn't be out of place at the emotional zenith of an Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical - big cellos and lots of female 'aaaahs' supporting Mika's soft, warm tones. After this, the album heads back up a notch, back to what Mika does best - upbeat, poppy, all-singing, all-dancing, big-band tracks with "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" and "Stuck In The Middle", before finishing with the lovely, piano-led "Happy Ending". There's no doubt about it - Mika has a lovely voice and is a great musician. What’s more you feel that this album is exactly the way he intended it to be. He is in no way just another product of music industry bigwigs sitting around trying to come up with a new concept for a singer, but someone who is unique, true to himself and not afraid to show it. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/wh3n/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 Positive and brillant review! And most comments are also enthusiastic ----------------------------------------------- Mika Life In Cartoon Motion [Casablanca] Artist: Mika Released: 05 February 2007 by Lizzie Ennever 01 February 2007 Despite the endless comparisons with the likes of Freddie Mercury and the Scissor Sisters due to his falsetto moments (and there are quite a few of them here), what becomes apparent when listening to Life In Cartoon Motion, is that Mika is very much his own person. Yes - the influences are clearly there, but there isn't a hint of an adopted sound or a stolen style anywhere - Mika is Mika, and that's all there is to it. Born in Beirut and having come to London via Paris, Mika is not only quirky in sound but also in background and style - in person he is kooky but instantly loveable, rather like his tunes. First single "Grace Kelly" is a great pop song - it's catchy, you can't help singing along and it grates on you after a few days when you can't get it out of your head but you still go back for more - flawless credentials. "Love Today" is another winner - truly funky disco-pop that has you shoulder-shimmying non-stop, and even though you hate yourself for enjoying it, you simply can't stop yourself having a great time whilst you listen. At the other end of the spectrum, "Any Other World" is a gently rousing ballad that wouldn't be out of place at the emotional zenith of an Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical - big cellos and lots of female 'aaaahs' supporting Mika's soft, warm tones. After this, the album heads back up a notch, back to what Mika does best - upbeat, poppy, all-singing, all-dancing, big-band tracks with "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" and "Stuck In The Middle", before finishing with the lovely, piano-led "Happy Ending". There's no doubt about it - Mika has a lovely voice and is a great musician. What’s more you feel that this album is exactly the way he intended it to be. He is in no way just another product of music industry bigwigs sitting around trying to come up with a new concept for a singer, but someone who is unique, true to himself and not afraid to show it. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/wh3n/ this must be one of the post positive articles! enjoyed reading it so much! love how the writer says that mika is not a music industry product but a great musician who is true to himself! t4p marina:thumb_yello: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sariflor Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 no we dont. but i think the keyboards he plays at the gigs are yamaha They are indeed. And check this out: it looks like Luke was the Yamaha contact. http://uk.yamaha.com/en/news_events/artists/2009/lifeins90esmotion/ 22/01/2009 [Artists] The life of a Yamaha S90ES on tour Yamaha are proud to support the busiest musicians in the UK and non-more so than Luke Juby. Luke has been a life-long fan and player of Yamaha keys with his first experience being on a Yamaha home organ ME-50 which at 6 years old he struggled to reach the pedals! After graduating from LIPA in 2000, Luke has carved a solid career from live work and has the enviable position of touring the world and meeting and working with some of the most influential artists of today. Last year saw Luke gig on every continent barring Africa and South America with his Yamaha S90ES performance synth. 2007 and 2008 saw Luke tour extensively with Power-Pop act MIKA, promoting his award winning album ‘Life in Cartoon Motion’. This non-stop touring however has a twist; Luke may have been playing to packed out stadiums, festivals and live television audiences across the world, but some of these performances have seen him in a variety of costumes ranging from rabbits to bears and even a lion when stood behind the keys on stage! When artists travel the world it is sometimes necessary for Yamaha UK to loan gear to cover all their gigs. Luke took this extensive touring to the limit in May 2007 with an S90ES from our loan stock. Through charting one particular short promotional tour below, we can see exactly how hard both Luke and the S90ES worked! The start of the tour saw Luke travel with MIKA and the rest of the band from London to France and then immediately on to Italy and back in a short space of time. From there they hopped on a plane to Osaka Japan, gigged, and then took the bullet train with the same S90ES to Tokyo. After the Tokyo shows it was a short hop to Hong Kong for another performance before boarding a flight to Australia for gigs and TV programmes in Sydney and Melbourne. From the Melbourne gig they flew across the Pacific to America taking in a huge amount of TV spots and many high profile gigs in LA, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Minneapolis, Boston, NYC, Atlanta and Miami before flying back to Paris for the final gig! You would have thought this would be it after such an extensive and exhausting trip, however after just 2 days rest in London, a jet lagged Luke and his S90ES jumped back on a plane and headed around the world again, this time in the other direction for gigs and award shows in London – LA – Japan – London, around the world in just 6 days! Although the promotion of this particular album has finished, it is not the ‘end of the road’ for this particular S90ES; Luke himself spotted the very same synth unit whilst watching The X-Factor in a Will Young master class with the contestants by recognising the stickers he had plastered across the front! Although Luke was sad to see his old friend he travelled the world with go, he was definitely pleased to see the keyboard out on the road gigging again so quickly!! And some more: http://uk.yamaha.com/en/artists/music_production/luke_juby/ Seems like Luke was sponsored by Yamaha, hence the connection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robertina Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 very interesting sara, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted March 8, 2009 Author Share Posted March 8, 2009 (edited) this must be one of the post positive articles! enjoyed reading it so much! love how the writer says that mika is not a music industry product but a great musician who is true to himself! t4p marina:thumb_yello: My pleasure Netina "Mika is very much his own person" : she caught the true essence of Mika Edited March 8, 2009 by mari62 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted March 8, 2009 Author Share Posted March 8, 2009 (edited) Thanks for the interesting infos Sara! That S90ES is a first class keyboard Edited March 8, 2009 by mari62 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 They are indeed. And check this out: it looks like Luke was the Yamaha contact. http://uk.yamaha.com/en/news_events/artists/2009/lifeins90esmotion/ t4p sara:thumb_yello: i just remembered that the white piano in the pdp gig, the one played during GK in french is also yamaha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 My pleasure Netina "Mika is very much his own person" : she caught the true essence of Mika you're right, the writer really caught the true essence of mika:wub2: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 (edited) t4p sara:thumb_yello: i just remembered that the white piano in the pdp gig, the one played during GK in french is also yamaha! Really? didn't noticed that! *goes and watches* (Just kidding.. I trust you ) EDIT: now I recall it Edited March 9, 2009 by mari62 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Really? didn't noticed that! *goes and watches* (Just kidding.. I trust you ) EDIT: now I recall it i always notice everything about the pianos the black piano at pdp was a kawai Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 i always notice everything about the pianos the black piano at pdp was a kawai yeah, piano players surely notice that more than others Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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