Akim Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?z=y&EAN=602517205871&itm=1 The links above but heres the content: Reviews All Music Guide Mika's vivid, aptly named debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion, borrows and builds on the glittery, glamorous, and not-so-secretly sentimental musical territory carved out by Elton John and Freddie Mercury, or more recently, Rufus Wainwright and the Scissor Sisters. Fortunately, his name-dropping, shape-shifting pop is usually good, and genuine, enough to come across as eloquent homage rather than blatant thievery or a tired rehash. Mika's singles are his most charming moments, especially the instant sunshine of "Grace Kelly," which crams tap-dancing rhythms, filmic dialogue, Elton's pianos, Freddie's vocal harmonies, and Brian May's guitars into just over three minutes. "Relax (Take It Easy)" is in the same vein of hypnotic, danceable melancholy as the Scissor Sisters' reworking of "Comfortably Numb," albeit less showy, while "Billy Brown"'s brass arrangement, flowing melody, and soft-shoe rhythms give it the feel of an unusually witty show tune about pre-life crises and living in the closet. As Life in Cartoon Motion unfolds, it reveals more of Mika's musical identity, both for better and worse. His classical piano training gives the album an appealing fluidity, especially on "Any Other World," and lilting, Afro-pop-inspired guitars and harmonies pop up here and there, most effectively on "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)." However, while Life in Cartoon Motion has lots of enthusiasm and creativity, it doesn't have a lot of nuance. On songs like "Lollipop" and "Love Today," Mika straddles the line between adorable and annoying. And as the overly long, overwrought "Erase" shows, he also doesn't have quite the masterful touch with gentler songs that his influences possess. As admirable as Life in Cartoon Motion's eclecticism is, it could use more focus -- something that songs like the jaunty breakup song "Stuck in the Middle" and angry rocker "Ring Ring" suggest Mika is developing. While more restraint could've taken the album from good to great, its Technicolor, everything-at-once, borderline overdone feel makes it a fitting portrait of Mika as a young artist. Heather Phares Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatagordinha Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thanks Akim:biggrin2: In my opinion, a fair review! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
violet_sky Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thank you Akim That review is quite favourable, isn' it? The instant sunshine of "Grace Kelly" ...I particularly like that bit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beryl Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 "adorable and annoying" Thanks Akim! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatagordinha Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 "adorable and annoying" I agree! I think provocative would have been a better word to use! Mika not annoying he is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 As admirable as Life in Cartoon Motion's eclecticism is, it could use more focus -- something that songs like breakup song "Stuck in the Middle" and angry rocker "Ring Ring" suggest Mika is developing. Hmm, breakup song...? Anyway, i think it is quite a nice review in general! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackViolet Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 I actually quite love "Erase" though. And it's the perfect breather segue into the more operatic and also ultimately more melancholy "Happy Ending." I guess in my opinion, Mika's all adorable and zero annoying! --Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akim Posted May 31, 2007 Author Share Posted May 31, 2007 Ok this is what I posted back to them... Fortunately, his name-dropping, shape-shifting pop is usually good, and genuine, enough to come across as eloquent homage rather than blatant thievery or a tired rehash. Grace Kelly is about being told to be like someone else for the sake of making it in the music industry to the extent that Mika has become confused of who he really his- name dropping here is about being someone else because he has been told to be like that and is NOT “blatant thievery” neither is he paying “homage…”. “Tired rehash”- have you heard anything like it? I haven’t. However, while Life in Cartoon Motion has lots of enthusiasm and creativity, it doesn't have a lot of nuance. On songs like "Lollipop" and "Love Today," Mika straddles the line between adorable and annoying. I think they’re meant to be like that…obvious. Its meant to have a touch of innuendo. And as the overly long, overwrought "Erase" shows, he also doesn't have quite the masterful touch with gentler songs that his influences possess. Have you heard, Happy Ending, Over my shoulder and Any other world? As admirable as Life in Cartoon Motion's eclecticism is, it could use more focus -- something that songs like the jaunty breakup song "Stuck in the Middle" Stuck in the middle is about Mika being the middle child in his family. While more restraint could've taken the album from good to great, its Technicolor, everything-at-once, borderline overdone feel makes it a fitting portrait of Mika as a young artist. Heather Phares I agree that Mika is “everything at once”- Over the top? Why not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mariposa Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 "However, while Life in Cartoon Motion has lots of enthusiasm and creativity, it doesn't have a lot of nuance. On songs like "Lollipop" and "Love Today," Mika straddles the line between adorable and annoying. And as the overly long, overwrought "Erase" shows, he also doesn't have quite the masterful touch with gentler songs that his influences possess." Hmmm...well, I guess all in all it's a good review...Altough I have to say that I LOVE "Love today" and "Lollipop"....And "Erase" is one of my fave songs ever!!!!....Hmmm, anyway, I guess we have to accept that not everybody likes Mika's music...That's just the way it is... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esperia75 Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 "adorable and annoying" Thanks Akim! Oh yes...strange combination... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gracekelly2007 Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Thanks Akim. I completely agree with your review I think it is so right. P.S. oh by the way, Kerchinga!!!!!!! Cheers, gracekelly2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akim Posted June 1, 2007 Author Share Posted June 1, 2007 Thanks Akim. I completely agree with your review I think it is so right. P.S. oh by the way, Kerchinga!!!!!!! Cheers, gracekelly2007 Cheers!! I know there were some good points about Heathers review, but for some reason the points I addressed were just too glaringly not right...I couldn't understand where she got them from...having said that I am overly biased!! Anyway...lets keep spreading the Mika love!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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