Mika: Pure Ear Candy
PERFORMER: Mika
THE CD: “Life in Cartoon Motion”
London-based Mica Penniman, who performs as Mika, has delivered a debut album that is pure rock/pop ear candy. Imagine Queen, Ben Folds, and Scissor Sisters tossed in a musical blender. There are tracks on this album that are some of brightest moments in pop music in recent memory.
The opening cut, “Grace Kelly,” shows off the classically-trained Mika’s vocal resemblance to the late Freddie Mercury. The tune is a satire on the culture of celebrity reinvention that dominates the music business these days. With a melody swiped from Mozart’s “The Marriage Of Figaro,” the first track on this CD is an opening salvo that lets you know there’s some brains behind the music.
There are a few lightweight tunes on the album, too. “Lollipop” sounds like a throw-away pop hit. Well done, but not memorable. “Love Today,” which has turned up on a Verizon Wireless commercial, sounds like a lesser collaboration between Falco and Queen. It’s catchy, but could get annoying real quick. Yet even on the less impressive songs, the production (by Greg Wells) is impeccable. Mika, only 23, obviously has a lot of room to grow as a songwriter, but that’s not to say he isn’t off to a great start. There are some stunning tunes on this CD.
“My Interpretation” is a wonderful ballad with Beatlesque production and a piano line that that recalls Coldplay. Lyrically, this break-up song is sure to strike a chord with many listeners. “Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)” is a hilarious disco romp that sings the praises of larger women:
“You take your skinny girl
I feel like I’m gonna die
Coz a real woman needs a (real man has why)
You take your girl and multiply about four
Now a whole lot of woman needs a whole lot more”
Mika’s sense of humor is MIA when he’s working a serious topic, but when he’s trying to be funny, he hits on all cylinders. The piano-driven “Stuck In The Middle” is another standout, with lead vocals that vamp like Freddie Mercury and backing vocals that sound like The Bee Gees in their prime. “Happy Ending” is a remarkable gospel-tinged pastiche that sounds like Prince at his most ambitious.
“Life In Cartoon Motion” is yet another in a long line of strong debut albums released by young British artists over the last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re in for another British Invasion. The album is officially released today (March 26). Target Stores are selling an exclusive version with two additional songs.
– Rudy Panucci
