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Track Listings
| 1. Animal |
| 2. Burial |
| 3. Silvia |
| 4. Song for No One |
| 5. Black & Blue |
| 6. Sans Soleil |
| 7. A Horse Is Not a Home |
| 8. Cult Logic |
| 9. Plastic Jungle |
| 10. In Search Of |
| 11. Faker |
Editorial Reviews
Having, until now, remaining completely anonymous - with their only visual representationbeing the mysterious "jackalope" silhouette - MIIKE SNOW are a band that produceinfectious and intelligent pop, and consist of Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg &Andrew Wyatt. Under the name BLOODSHY & AVANT, Karlsson & Winnberg have written and producedhits for the likes of BRITNEY SPEARS (which culminated in a Grammy for "Toxic"),MADONNA, KYLIE MINOGUE (three tracks on 'X'), JENNIFER LOPEZ, MS. DYNAMITE,KELIS & JORDIN SPARKS.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Maybe they've been putting something in the water these past few decades, but it seems like ever since ABBA took over the world in the `70s Sweden has been a hotbed of wildly addictive pop music, no more so than in this new millennium. From the Cardigans, Robyn, and the Concretes, to Peter Bjorn & John, the Hives, the Shout Out Louds and now production "supergroup" Miike Snow, Sweden's been assaulting the rest of the world's charts in their own charming way for years. A little late to the coming-out party but still retaining all the trademarks of Swedish indie pop, Miike Snow combines the songwriting and production talents of Bloodshy & Avant (Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg) with American producer and lead singer Andrew Wyatt. With such an impressive hit-making resumé behind them, it should come as little surprise that Miike Snow is the kind of brain-imprinting electro that gets in your head and refuses to go away.
Given Bloodshy & Avant's history, working with acts like Britney Spears, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue, the slick beats and sparkling production are par for the course - rather, it's when the duo turn their talents in the direction of elegantly simple indie ditties that Miike Snow reveals itself as more of a legitimate musical experimentation rather than a producers' vanity project. Single "Animal" sounds like a mix between Vampire Weekend's staccato synths and MGMT's layered electronica, bouncing along a deceptively catchy progression to a jangly chorus that hits immediate pop pay dirt. Wyatt's chameleonic vocals are a highlight from the beginning, imbuing lyrics like "but I'm still trying to make my mind up, am I free or am I tied up?" with unassuming cheeriness. Even on a track like the morbid "Burial," Wyatt's expressive vocals never seem to betray a song's emotion, transforming a piece of immediately accessible pop into a double-sided coin once you take a look at the lyric sheet.
It's a trick the group pulls of masterfully throughout the record. Songs like the falsetto four-on-the-floor thump of "A Horse Is Not A Home" and the gorgeously grimy techno whirl of "Black & Blue" nail the juxtaposition between Wyatt's moody lyrics and the irrepressible production. Indeed, much of Miike Snow strikes at the core of what makes pop music great: the ability to tell stories of melancholy and grief while making it sound as joyous and palatable as the most common love song.
For all of Miike Snow's clear mission to make light, agreeable electro pop, there are more than enough songs that demand closer attention. The most obvious is the six-and-a-half-minute-long haunting ballad "Silvia," where swirling pools of atmospheric synths, bubbling bass, galloping drums, and Wyatt's echoing vocals paint a picture of palpable longing. It's the kind of climactic tune that makes everything after it seem lesser (something not helped by its odd placement as the 3rd song on the album), the undeniable centerpiece of a smart, effective pop record. It's a testament to the group's consistency that they follow it up with the exuberant "Song for No One," with its trebly guitar motif and anthemic chorus, and the aforementioned piano/electronica combo "Black & Blue."
The second half of the album confines itself more to standard electronica-pop than the fusion of styles in the beginning of the record, and as such suffers from an occasional feeling of "sameness" and songs that never really achieve the kind of affirming lift-off their earlier songs hit with ease. "Cult Logic" and "In Search Of" do have some hard-nosed beats in them, but Wyatt's falsetto and the song's contrived faux-disco chorus undo "Cult", while "In Search Of" comes off as no different from the product of dozens of synth-blaring DJs at any given rave. "Sans Soleil," on the other hand, takes the slower route to little effect, meandering about a gurgling electro rhythm and indistinct piano chords and leaving no lasting impression.
But Miike Snow finishes strong, particularly the threatening Spoon-esque "Plastic Jungle," which drenches itself in reverb and shotgun drum blasts, and the tender piano closer "Faker." Wyatt does his best Beatles croon while the harmonies gently pile up, and the driving piano melody and shimmery synths weave a beautiful lullaby. The song stops on a dime and Miike Snow close the album while in top form, fitting for a trio of men who know the pulse of a pop song as if it was their own and, better yet, know how to resolve all that came before without a hitch. Miike Snow accomplishes everything it sets out to do, creating an intelligent pop record that's immediately fetching and stacked with hooks, yet ultimately reveals itself as the best kind of pop: the kind with layers.
Given Bloodshy & Avant's history, working with acts like Britney Spears, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue, the slick beats and sparkling production are par for the course - rather, it's when the duo turn their talents in the direction of elegantly simple indie ditties that Miike Snow reveals itself as more of a legitimate musical experimentation rather than a producers' vanity project. Single "Animal" sounds like a mix between Vampire Weekend's staccato synths and MGMT's layered electronica, bouncing along a deceptively catchy progression to a jangly chorus that hits immediate pop pay dirt. Wyatt's chameleonic vocals are a highlight from the beginning, imbuing lyrics like "but I'm still trying to make my mind up, am I free or am I tied up?" with unassuming cheeriness. Even on a track like the morbid "Burial," Wyatt's expressive vocals never seem to betray a song's emotion, transforming a piece of immediately accessible pop into a double-sided coin once you take a look at the lyric sheet.
It's a trick the group pulls of masterfully throughout the record. Songs like the falsetto four-on-the-floor thump of "A Horse Is Not A Home" and the gorgeously grimy techno whirl of "Black & Blue" nail the juxtaposition between Wyatt's moody lyrics and the irrepressible production. Indeed, much of Miike Snow strikes at the core of what makes pop music great: the ability to tell stories of melancholy and grief while making it sound as joyous and palatable as the most common love song.
For all of Miike Snow's clear mission to make light, agreeable electro pop, there are more than enough songs that demand closer attention. The most obvious is the six-and-a-half-minute-long haunting ballad "Silvia," where swirling pools of atmospheric synths, bubbling bass, galloping drums, and Wyatt's echoing vocals paint a picture of palpable longing. It's the kind of climactic tune that makes everything after it seem lesser (something not helped by its odd placement as the 3rd song on the album), the undeniable centerpiece of a smart, effective pop record. It's a testament to the group's consistency that they follow it up with the exuberant "Song for No One," with its trebly guitar motif and anthemic chorus, and the aforementioned piano/electronica combo "Black & Blue."
The second half of the album confines itself more to standard electronica-pop than the fusion of styles in the beginning of the record, and as such suffers from an occasional feeling of "sameness" and songs that never really achieve the kind of affirming lift-off their earlier songs hit with ease. "Cult Logic" and "In Search Of" do have some hard-nosed beats in them, but Wyatt's falsetto and the song's contrived faux-disco chorus undo "Cult", while "In Search Of" comes off as no different from the product of dozens of synth-blaring DJs at any given rave. "Sans Soleil," on the other hand, takes the slower route to little effect, meandering about a gurgling electro rhythm and indistinct piano chords and leaving no lasting impression.
But Miike Snow finishes strong, particularly the threatening Spoon-esque "Plastic Jungle," which drenches itself in reverb and shotgun drum blasts, and the tender piano closer "Faker." Wyatt does his best Beatles croon while the harmonies gently pile up, and the driving piano melody and shimmery synths weave a beautiful lullaby. The song stops on a dime and Miike Snow close the album while in top form, fitting for a trio of men who know the pulse of a pop song as if it was their own and, better yet, know how to resolve all that came before without a hitch. Miike Snow accomplishes everything it sets out to do, creating an intelligent pop record that's immediately fetching and stacked with hooks, yet ultimately reveals itself as the best kind of pop: the kind with layers.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Madam Atom
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Whoa. I picked up the first song "Animal" on the KEXP Song of the Day podcast and knew I had to have this CD RIGHT NOW. This is the best I've picked up for some time. This whole playlist is easy on your ears and I haven't been able to be still for hours. Load this into your MP3 and drift away. Awesome for walking or workout. Animal, Black and Blue, Sans Soleil, A Horse is Not a Home, Faker... What a great set of songs... I believe this is a Swedish trio. Irregardless, this is the best of 2009. It'll take you way high.
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
Miike Snow, a Swedish band that formed in 2007 has a solid album here. First let me tell you that if you are a fan of 80's progressive: Depeche Mode, New Order, Peter Gabriel this would be a strong buy. Although they borrow from the past this album has a fresh sound with really crisp vocals and very good instrumentation. One of the few newer albums I've heard that has very little guitar. Andrew Wyatt does a good job disguising his vocals from song to song; so as not to sound repetitive. Although heavily laden with effects, Andrew is a true vocalist and that is the one distinguishable thing that separates Miike Snow from other indie/electro/syth/pop outfits. From the first to last song the production is excellent. Karlsson and Winnberg give you this, and the sonic arsenal of beats and colors that guide the albums vibe. Animal is their single and it is a toe tapping hit with a fresh upbeat groove. If Passion Pit and Vampire Weekend strike your fancy don't hesitate to buy this album. Miike Snow has remixed both artists. I look forward to their sophomore release and the 2010 US tour.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
I bought this album after falling in love with the song Black and Blue, this album does not let you down. Animal is a highlight and to this day I still am not tired of hearing it. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Steve
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not My Style
There are couple of songs I liked but his cd is not my style of music, but I like a couple of songs and he has good taste
Published 21 days ago by Annesia Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars
All good stuff throughout
Fun poppy stuff. Every song on the album is solid (no duds here).
Only, wish I had bought it sooner.
Only, wish I had bought it sooner.
Published 28 days ago by Marty Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars
So catchy and fun!
I love this album! It is so catchy and fun! Buying the regular 11 track cd would be fine, but I would highly recommend the deluxe version for the extra songs and fun remixes.
Published 1 month ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great music
This cd is filled with great music. I bought it as a gift, but spent most of the day listening to it myself.
Published 1 month ago by bc
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Album
Great beats, interesting vocals, catchy songs altogether. I am very pleased with the album and am ambitious to hear more from Miike Snow. This album is very good. Buy it.
Published 4 months ago by Paul G. Ferrin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Miike Snow is awesome.
This is a great album, especially cult logic, silvia and the rabbit. Miike Snow is so different from all that poppy crap you hear on the radio.
Published 4 months ago by Grace Rako
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not bad
There's only about 3 songs on this album that I really like. The others are just okay and kind of alike so it gets kind of redundant. Read more
Published 4 months ago by S. Wells
5.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing
This album is just absolutely refreshing. I can't really compare it to anything in the market now days because it is just quality music. Every track is amazing.
Published 4 months ago by Renee Usher
5.0 out of 5 stars
love me some miike snow
i cannot get enough of this album. i teach a dance class and have already used 2 songs in my choreography. also, this is a standard car cd for sure.
Published 4 months ago by Tanya Fairfoot
