Annie (From Norway)

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ihttp://www.anniemusic.co.uk/chewing_gum_pack.jpg

The Greatest Hit. Heartbeat. Chewing Gum.

I'm anticipating this album quite ridiculously right now.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:46 (twenty years ago) link

Right, so we cannot use images as links anymore, then?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:49 (twenty years ago) link

Anyway - sort of Richard X's protege (of sorts), in so far as he seems to have produced more than one thing for her. Quite soft voice without ever being underwhelming... Nordic Isobel Campbell? Probably not quite, but still... all the stuff I've heard so far has been amazing. Heartbeat's slightly-out-of-sync disco rushing possibly the pick, although Chewing Gum is unbearably catchy...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:51 (twenty years ago) link

― Avi (Avi), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:53 (twenty years ago) link

I hadn't heard this one before, but it sounds like great stuff. Love the 80s revival (at least the part of it that does not involve hair metal ;) )

And I guess it will be easier to find in the record shop racks here in Norway than in most of the rest of the world :-)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:53 (twenty years ago) link

wtf?
I apologize in advance for the huge size of this image

― Avi (Avi), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:54 (twenty years ago) link

ah, fuck it:
http://www.bpop.no/images/Annie-NME.jpg

― Avi (Avi), Friday, 30 July 2004 18:54 (twenty years ago) link

Theer hasn't been a better record than Chewing Gum EVER. And I haven't even been able to hear the other ones yet. I am assuming this will be an/The album of year, 2004 is SO GREAT.

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:01 (twenty years ago) link

Oddly enough, I'm not so keen on "Chewing Gum". "Heartbeat" is one of my favorite songs of the year, and "Greatest Hit" is unbearably sexy.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:04 (twenty years ago) link

'Heartbeat' is gorgeous. I haven't heard anything else. Is she expected to make it big in the UK? I hope so.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:04 (twenty years ago) link

She does sound curiously like the lady from Melys, at times anyway. I don't really see the Isobel Campbell thing other than in terms of what she looks like, she is super-soaraway in comparison and far more gleamingly universal and stuff.

What was the whole thing with her boyfriend dying on eve of release of The Greatest Hit? I am aware of some kind of Situation there but am sketchy on the details.

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:07 (twenty years ago) link

alba, i have the same connection w/ annie that i did with m.i.a., so maybe in six months or so i can get you some music.

― lauren (laurenp), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:12 (twenty years ago) link

Love The Greatest Hit. Have to find heartbeat now don't I?

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:12 (twenty years ago) link

It was on Fluxblog, but I don't know if it still is.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:33 (twenty years ago) link

on fluxblog, matt said he thought royksopp was involved somehow - true? i've only heard heartbeat, but i like.

― m. (mitchlnw), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:42 (twenty years ago) link

heartbeat is crap, "the greatest hit" was immense at the time but i listened to it too much and went right off it.. also i must congratulate her on looking like Dido on the chewing gum sleeve.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............

― jed_ (jed), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:47 (twenty years ago) link

You have no heart, jed.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 30 July 2004 19:49 (twenty years ago) link

not only am i heartless i'm also full of shit. Heatrbeat was so-so but i only listened to it once then deleted it. i was in a temporary bad mood 5 minutes ago.

― jed_ (jed), Friday, 30 July 2004 20:01 (twenty years ago) link

Check it out again, it's the most sugary track I've heard in ages (if you like that kind of thing).

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Friday, 30 July 2004 20:08 (twenty years ago) link

It starts out kind of sugary, but by the end it's 4 REAL.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 30 July 2004 20:40 (twenty years ago) link

(I think of it as the penultimate track on a compilation that's taken you all over the place and it's time for some sweet, straightforward purity)

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 30 July 2004 20:43 (twenty years ago) link

What was the whole thing with her boyfriend dying on eve of release of The Greatest Hit? I am aware of some kind of Situation there but am sketchy on the details.

His name was Tore Kroknes, but he produced as Erot. Brain complications. You people should find 'I Will Get On' - it's Annie's dedication/goodbye record about him and was released on both Telle and Loaded.

In fact, just find the Richard X thread, I have done this twice now.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Friday, 30 July 2004 21:15 (twenty years ago) link

The extended 'Greatest Hit' and 'The Greatest Dub' are genius, pure and simple. I keep trying to write about 'Chewing Gum' for NYLPM and get hopelessly sidetracked every time.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Friday, 30 July 2004 21:16 (twenty years ago) link

pics

http://fredag.dagbladet.no/fredag/2004/06/18/400870.html

http://forums.ukmix.net/forums/viewtopic.php?p=330995

― manuel (manuel), Sunday, 1 August 2004 09:12 (twenty years ago) link

she's nobody's protege!

her boyfriend timo (from opel bastards) did far more of the production but she's a very talented (and lovely) person in her own right. not really my cuppa (well, what i've heard so far) but i wish her global success. go annie!

― stirmonster, Sunday, 1 August 2004 13:45 (twenty years ago) link

The pink swirls on the cover unfortunately make me think of Pepto-Bismol.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Sunday, 1 August 2004 15:37 (twenty years ago) link

I've just listened to Chewing Gum twice, I definately don't like it as much as Greatest Hit, but it's pretty hot. I think the retro-ness of Greatest Hit is part of what makes it timeless, like it doesn't sound dated because it's such combination of 80s/90s sounds/styles/samples. I don't like lots of new stuff because it sounds so obviously of the moment, with the latest techniques/sounds/trends. Chewing Gum just misses this, I think.

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Sunday, 1 August 2004 16:37 (twenty years ago) link

also check out DIsko Anne + Karveopelit who i thin is Annie plus the Op:l bastards guy (not sure) they do a great version of George McRaes Rock your baby called "Rokkibaby"

I want to hear CHewing gum and Heartbeat !
Can someone contact privatearmies on soulseek thats me.

― heroes + villains, Sunday, 1 August 2004 20:46 (twenty years ago) link

This song is mindnumbingly dreadful.

― dean? (deangulberry), Sunday, 1 August 2004 20:51 (twenty years ago) link

This song is mindblowingly awesome.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Sunday, 1 August 2004 20:53 (twenty years ago) link

It probably helps if you're driving around in a Miata listening to it.

― dean? (deangulberry), Sunday, 1 August 2004 21:01 (twenty years ago) link

it also helps if you like good music.

― Ronan (Ronan), Sunday, 1 August 2004 23:38 (twenty years ago) link

It also helps if you realise you're not chocolate but you're chewing gum.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Monday, 2 August 2004 13:22 (twenty years ago) link

Crike, Heartbeat is perfect.

― Fergal (Ferg), Thursday, 5 August 2004 20:40 (twenty years ago) link

ha I was listening to "Chewing Gum" on www.679recordings.com earlier today
& now saw this thread
as I scrolled down and read I began to remember how "Heartbeat" goes
just from hearing another snippet once on site a couple months back

that says something for how lovely the chorus is
(btw thanks Ian)

― Paul (scifisoul), Friday, 6 August 2004 01:19 (twenty years ago) link

chewing gum is not bad at all. sounding like the tom tom club if they were produced by telex. or lio if she'd joined the tom tom club and was produced by telex. actually, on another listen i'm quite liking this.

― frenchbloke (frenchbloke), Friday, 6 August 2004 06:41 (twenty years ago) link

I listened to Heartbeat once and I thought it sounded like Dubstar. I may give it another go.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Friday, 6 August 2004 12:14 (twenty years ago) link

Apparently, her album might be titled "Anniemal"

― manuel (manuel), Friday, 6 August 2004 17:33 (twenty years ago) link

MIC Norway profile story posted today: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2004080614235779394827

― Avi (Avi), Friday, 6 August 2004 18:06 (twenty years ago) link

Ooh, she's going to be huge with that Anniemal and that eye liner.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 6 August 2004 18:09 (twenty years ago) link

Chewing Gum is rocking me and my girldfriend's world right now. Pop so perfect it is only comprimised by its intensely saccharine sweetness. It might rot your teeth if you have too much of it.

Please let the album be called Anniemal.

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 08:30 (twenty years ago) link

Annie POV:

The Greatest Hit (Extended Disco Mix/Dub)
I Will Get On
Just Friends (Richard X feat. Annie)
Chewing Gum
I Will Always Remember You (Fredrik Saroea feat. Annie)

No 'Heartbeat', you say? Waiting for a full length, mate.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 12:57 (twenty years ago) link

Right, how exactly does one go about finding the older stuff ('Greatest Hit' era)? Cos searching for 'Annie' ain't exactly much use.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 14:11 (twenty years ago) link

Dear Santa

Can i please have an Annie and M.I.A collaboration?

Love Myke

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 14:36 (twenty years ago) link

Dear Myke

Fuck you, you didn't leave cookies out last time.

Santa

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 14:42 (twenty years ago) link

Dear Ned,

Are you Santa?

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 14:55 (twenty years ago) link

You psycho.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 August 2004 15:06 (twenty years ago) link

I just heard that the lp looks like being delayed til next year. :(

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:09 (twenty years ago) link

I don't like 'Chewing Gum' much. At least not nearly as much as 'Heartbeat'. Am I ill?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:12 (twenty years ago) link

You are not ill, I completely agree. It's decent though, maybe it will grow on us...

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:14 (twenty years ago) link

All of Annie's songs grew on me - on first listening they're pleasant candyfloss-type sweet nothings, and then after you hear them five or six times the hooks burrow inside your brain and never ever leave.

No LP til next year? Oh no!

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 15:24 (twenty years ago) link

"Heartbeat" destroyed me on first listen!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 16:53 (twenty years ago) link

"The Greatest Hit," "Heartbeat," and "Chewing Gum" all blew me away the first time I heard them. If I had to pick a favorite, it's probably "Heartbeat," though I'm heavy into "Chewing Gum" lately. I like the subtle melancholy in "Heartbeat" a lot.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 17:02 (twenty years ago) link

Right, how exactly does one go about finding the older stuff ('Greatest Hit' era)? Cos searching for 'Annie' ain't exactly much use.

Ebay. Record shops, especially those of the 2nd hand variety. Or travelling to Norway with the express purpose of offering Royksopp and the rest of Telle Records a blowjob. Each.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 17:14 (twenty years ago) link

And obviously add the track title to the search...

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 17:15 (twenty years ago) link

http://db6.gemm.com/ddc/search.pl?&disp_ad_format_mode=0&artist=ANNIE&NNIE&&title=GREATEST+HIT&NNIE&

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 17:19 (twenty years ago) link

I don't like 'Chewing Gum' much. At least not nearly as much as 'Heartbeat'. Am I ill?

No I agree. Well I got into "Chewing Gum" alot more after repeated listens but it doesn't have the twee feel sorry for yourself factor of "Heartbeat".

― Ronan (Ronan), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 17:35 (twenty years ago) link

I haven't heard a full length 'Heartbeat' yet, but I reckon it will better 'Chewing Gum' in the long run (much as I'm frustrated by Royksopp).

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Wednesday, 18 August 2004 21:25 (twenty years ago) link

i sample "heartbeat" on my new rap track. itsa banger!

― juiceboxxx (juiceboxxx), Thursday, 19 August 2004 02:18 (twenty years ago) link

melancholic? feel-sorry-for-yourself?

I don't think it makes me feel like this.

― RJG (RJG), Thursday, 19 August 2004 02:23 (twenty years ago) link

I think it's sweetly melancholic too - she seems to be talking about a sweet experience in the past "there was a time...", and also the "making me ashamed to feel the way that I do".

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Thursday, 19 August 2004 02:30 (twenty years ago) link

i just downloaded these from reading this thread, and i must say that "chewing gum" is quite darling.

interest has been sparked.

― reo, Thursday, 19 August 2004 05:44 (twenty years ago) link

that artwork's like *way* ahead of it's time.
everything looks like that now.

― piscesboy, Thursday, 19 August 2004 13:12 (twenty years ago) link

Holding over could help it, actually - that's what happened to Milkshake, and that didn't exactly hurt it...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Monday, 23 August 2004 18:46 (twenty years ago) link

Annie is the current pick of the week over at MTVE.com: http://www.nordic.mtve.com/features/cms/index.asp?id=1006000000000304&type=1&page=1

― Avi (Avi), Monday, 23 August 2004 18:49 (twenty years ago) link

Arthur played "Chewing Gum" during his DJ shift at the LA FAP and it was good stuff!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 23 August 2004 18:56 (twenty years ago) link

the promo is here!
the promo is here!!

ANNIE - ALBUM SAMPLER (679)

1 chewing gum (3:59)
2 heartbeat (3:15)
3 its too late (4:16)*
4 no easy love (4:09)
5 gretest hit (4:22)

* not a cover surely?!!

― piscesboy, Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:53 (twenty years ago) link

who has info on UK release date for this album?

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Thursday, 26 August 2004 10:57 (twenty years ago) link

The pr people I spoke to last week said it looks v much like being held over til next year. Though that could still change if 'Chewing Gum' is a monster hit, I suppose.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:24 (twenty years ago) link

HMV has Chewing Gum as being out September 13th. Against:

Razorlight
Interpol
Fatboy Slim
Girls Aloud
Status Quo
3T
Dido
Skinnyman
Mark B ft. Tommy Evans
13 Senses
Cassidy
Eric Prydz
Green Day
The Corrs
22-20's

If Chewing Gum can manage to be a monster hit among that lot...

Nah, it's probably held back till next year and 'The New Milkshake!!!' status will hopefully follow. Ideally without being kept off number one by Michelle McManus and LMC.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:33 (twenty years ago) link

anyone know wh's doing the promo on this sampler and can give definitive details of when the album will be out? is reply and i'll mail you off list. help will be much appreciated, possibly in the form of pints if you're in london.

― stelfox, Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:38 (twenty years ago) link

9 are doing the pr, Dave.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:39 (twenty years ago) link

great cheers. track me down and there's a can of tennent super with yer name on it.

― stelfox, Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:47 (twenty years ago) link

Thanks also for the info, Jerry.
I don't know about 9. Do they have a website, or do you know a way to contact them ?
That's a opportunity for you to get another xtra pint if you come to Paris...

― snowballing (snowballing), Thursday, 26 August 2004 11:59 (twenty years ago) link

got the album (has anyone else?)
and f-ck me if this isn't the best pop lp
since forever. people are going to *lose it*
over this in time.

ANNIE : 'ANNIEMAL' :

intro/chewing gum
always too late
me + one
heartbeat
helpless fool for love
anniemal
no easy love
happy without you
greatest hit
come together
my best friend

there isn't a bad track on it (although the 7 minute-long 'come together' is like a generic early 90's rave pop anthem from the title down) i managed to actually *dance at a party* to chewing gum on sunday!

gonna be mega.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 31 August 2004 11:20 (twenty years ago) link

Thankyou for taunting us while we die of envy. Want want want!

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 11:24 (twenty years ago) link

Hey Pisc, was this party in Manc? And you fancy splooging Anniemal all over Ssk and in my face eh?

― Affectian (Affectian), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 11:30 (twenty years ago) link

yes it was in manc funnily enough. it was in like, some crackhouse.

getting it up on slsk might be a hassle at any point before the wknd, but after th@ cest possible.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:15 (twenty years ago) link

1. Is Manc finally good for a party, then?

2. Where the hell is 'I Will Get On'?

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:26 (twenty years ago) link

Good grief is it REALLY called Anniemal?!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:28 (twenty years ago) link

Thank God she didn't bottle it.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:38 (twenty years ago) link

(what was that intentionally awful title that LCD Soundsystem have supposedly picked for their album?)

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:39 (twenty years ago) link

Eclectic Warrior?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:46 (twenty years ago) link

That's it!

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:50 (twenty years ago) link

"My name is Cupid Valentino, and I am...THE ECLECTIC WARRIOR!"

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 12:58 (twenty years ago) link

ah, Pisc was it a crackhouse in Didsbury/Withington? If so, you were dancing to Annie in the room I was djing in and so big pats on the back for me! My bud Stewart (TVOD) said he was talking to some guy in a striped top about Annie so I'm assuming that was you. (btw my Pop room RULED that party, people still dancing at 7am until I bowed out with 'stand on the world' by celestial choir and some guy who'd taken too many drugs stood watching with a single tear rolling down his cheek. splendid)

And if you're heading to Ssk with Anniemal give me a shout at username: Ian SPACK, cheers

― Affectian (Affectian), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 13:03 (twenty years ago) link

a ha! yeah that was me, stripy top and all. he seemed like a nice fella! typical isn't it, i dance 2 annie and it turns out 2b ilx-ers
in the house!
i kind of got dragged there, didn't really know where i was.
the 'rock' room was playing patti smith at the wrong speed thru a dodgy speaker. there was no-one in there.

god what *was* that in the bathroom?

kind of expected the libertines 2 show any minute.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 31 August 2004 13:11 (twenty years ago) link

Oi, you 2! Next time I'm in Manc, I'm demanding that you show me the entertainment!

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 13:22 (twenty years ago) link

I am disturbed at all these ILMers hanging out in crack dens. I miss Manchester, kind of.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 13:52 (twenty years ago) link

Crack dens would've made me hate Manchester less. See, I wasn't really having fun.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 13:58 (twenty years ago) link

Regardless of these dens of crack, I am looking forward to this album.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 14:58 (twenty years ago) link

MIC Norway
http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/home/forsiden?opendocument&url=http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2004083014402241466697

In Focus: Annie

30.08.2004

Fans of stylish tongue-in-cheek pop delivered with confidence and an unbeatable ability to charm are in for an autumn of spiky electro with infectious choruses as Annie's debut album "Anniemal" hits the shelves.

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 15:06 (twenty years ago) link

poptasm!

― Paul (scifisoul), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 16:17 (twenty years ago) link

It has to be pointed out that Manc has received Annie the best out of the UK - 'The Greatest Hit' was/is a Homoelectric anthem and a guy I DJ'd with back in 2001 exposed me to it when it was still the general preserve of her countrymen (pop-culture magpie that I am, I'd actually read a bit about it somehow, perhaps due to the Royksopp crossover). Mind you, it didn't always work, but I hardly expected anything from the grooveless student twats I played it to in most of my sets.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 16:33 (twenty years ago) link

BTW, does the 7inch have a b-side?

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 16:34 (twenty years ago) link

The b-side of the 7" is the instrumental, for KARAOKE GOODTIMES

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 16:56 (twenty years ago) link

Should I bother mail-ordering it? I'm thinking of awaiting the 12" with a MYLO REMIX instead.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 17:15 (twenty years ago) link

ha, that in the bathroom was art and pretty shitty art if you ask me. think it was something to do with manc's latest greatest whitest hopes performance (who're supporting bryan ferry sometime soon and yup they'll BOMB). the ipod room was a cute idea but they ruined it by playing shite - you play obscurist neo-undie hip hop and you're gonna get fat bald bearded blokes AND NO ONE ELSE. the house was getting renovated post-party, hence all the staircase smashing and chair-throwing but yeah, it was a real dive of a place.

Rima, where did you DJ in Manc? Homoelectric was ace on Fri but Fierce Girl were (for the 2nd time) well lame. Bit worried about the near-future of Manc as the best club-runners are jumping ship to London to work in advertising and sales, meaning I'm trying to gather a hitsquad of pop ppl to set up a decent club to house all the homeless art students and journalists.

ANYWAY big apologies for the derailment so I'll offer Annie's 'I will get on' and 'I will always remember you' and various Annie remixes to anyone on Ssk.

― Affectian (Affectian), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 17:51 (twenty years ago) link

i can confirm that anniemal is terrific

― stelfox, Tuesday, 31 August 2004 20:41 (twenty years ago) link

WHAT is the whole release-date situation, has anything been confirmed for propers yet, are we going to have to wait until 2005 to own it in Actual Real form? I will come and live in your pop-soup-kitchen Ian

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 21:39 (twenty years ago) link

I love it when ILM gets all excited and behind something.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 21:42 (twenty years ago) link

It's like Euro 2004, only with Internet dudes and Norwegian synthpop instead of the Nation and football, and we might actually Win.

I really, really want this album.

― Fergal (Ferg), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 21:58 (twenty years ago) link

Damn it. I Dl'd a couple of the tracks everyone keeps talking about and I didn't get it at all. I hate it when that happens.

― Softly Weeping at the Oki Dog (Ben Boyer), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 22:11 (twenty years ago) link

"I won't forget, the greatest times I had when I was dancing with you"

I love it so.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 31 August 2004 22:16 (twenty years ago) link

I've gone from being a bit 'meh' on Chewing Gum to listening to it eight times in a row on the way into work this morning. Best moment = the close harmonies during the 'I don't want to settle down' bit. I'm suddenly very excited about the album.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 08:47 (twenty years ago) link

Yeah it's a real slow grower that track isn't it. "Heartbeat" is a lot more immediate, but I like both awfully.

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 08:49 (twenty years ago) link

i got home to be greeted by the album on my doorstep at 10 last night. i've now listened to it 4 times. only one track i'm not sure about on it, the rest are all uniformly great. can't remember what it's called but track three is an absolute corker. another thing that's great about it is that it's actually quite a short record - about 50 minutes of concentrated, girly pink, fizzy pop sparkle.

― stelfox, Wednesday, 1 September 2004 08:51 (twenty years ago) link

50 mins is short these days? I'm so out of touch.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 08:53 (twenty years ago) link

'no easy love' makes me feel like i'm on somethin.

the history of this record is tinged with sadness isn't it?
her ex boyfriend (dj erot?) died apprntly while she was putting it
together? is that right?

either way i still can't get over how good this is.

― piscesboy, Wednesday, 1 September 2004 10:38 (twenty years ago) link

is that true about erot? if so it makes songs like heartbeat really touching as opposed to glibly pop.

― stelfox, Wednesday, 1 September 2004 10:43 (twenty years ago) link

It was mentioned upthread, too.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 11:00 (twenty years ago) link

By me. It does make 'The Greatest Hit' pretty sad as well - if you listen to the dub, you can hear her speaking the verses, which is obscured partly by her singing on the vocal and it's almost exactly the same disaffectation she used on 'Just Friends'. Also, on Telle's first release, a split 7", Erot's side was called 'Song For Annie'. What a tale these two have weaved.

Rima, where did you DJ in Manc?

Eh, I weren't that special. I ran around with a Heavenly Social tribute crew named Good Vibrations for 2 years (Big Hands/Kro Bar), helped out at Sofa (Fallowfield) on odd Sundays, did Dirty Soul at Sofa Central once, which was the night I first discovered Annie as mentioned upthread, and did random nights at Essential, Retrospect (Berlin's) and house parties in Fallowfield and Withington. I always wanted to do a bit better in that although I went without decks, I loved music too much and pushed myself to learn mixing, how best to deploy my 'eclecticism' and how to work a crowd - I had some success and some frustrations but I'd be so happy to do it regularly. I've never played at home in London - way less opportunity.

Bit worried about the near-future of Manc as the best club-runners are jumping ship to London to work in advertising and sales, meaning I'm trying to gather a hitsquad of pop ppl to set up a decent club to house all the homeless art students and journalists.

Friends of mine with pretty good taste and skill are still around if you want to get in touch. I was the most pop to be honest, but I won't move back to England before next year I think.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 11:34 (twenty years ago) link

He died a few years ago when Heartbeat the single was coming out, not this record.

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 14:27 (twenty years ago) link

I just saw the 'Chewing Gum' video on the telly. Nice. A bit like a low-budget version of the 'Let Forever Be' video, but Annie is cool.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 16:19 (twenty years ago) link

I can't wait to hear the remixes.

― Ronan (Ronan), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 17:20 (twenty years ago) link

Further to the above about Manc+Annie: first heard 'Greatest Hit' about two years ago, when Danny Webb (of Music Is Better) spoke in hushed tones about it one night. I was under the impression it was some mid 80s dance-pop track, loved it immediately and loving it more over time. Still not seeing the mad love for Heartbeat though. But yeah, looks like Manchester's been giving Annie love for some time now.

Alex, I'm handcarving you a podium out of marble as we speak - I'll let you know when I get something sorted so you can come over from Barnsley to wiggle to Jamelia.

Cheers for the help Rima, I might mail you off board to quiz about some likely venues, but it'll be a few months before I set anything up. Heard good things about Berlins but never been.

Another Annie track seemingly not on the album but essential listening is the George McRae cover, 'Rokkibaby'. See Ssk, see Ian SPACK (disko anne & karvaopelit - rokkibaby [rock your baby].mp3)

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 19:18 (twenty years ago) link

Sounds good, maybe I'll even come over for a set, haha.

― R.I.M.A. (Barima), Thursday, 2 September 2004 09:11 (twenty years ago) link

I can't wait to hear the remixes.

YES

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 2 September 2004 15:12 (twenty years ago) link

I just caught the tail end of the Chewing Gum video today. Damn, I hate it when that happens. Is the album out this year then?

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 2 September 2004 16:14 (twenty years ago) link

I just grabbed Anniemal off slsk. My first impression is that it doesn't live up to expectations, but it's not terrible either.

― Johnny Fever (johnny fever), Thursday, 9 September 2004 05:06 (twenty years ago) link

ah, so it's on soulseek then? i was going
2 put it up there @ the wknd. ace.

"start de rekkid..."

― piscesboy, Thursday, 9 September 2004 09:58 (twenty years ago) link

Johnny and pisces, don't forget to come back and gives us a review.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 9 September 2004 10:07 (twenty years ago) link

well you'll get no review as such from me but it's
the 2nd best pop album of the century so far* and at points genuinely gives me the feeling of being on aswell as in ecstasy.
other than that i'll leave it 2 the experts.

2 b honest i think that, having read the streets p/reviews on here pre-release, also on pitchfork and elsewhere, that i'll not read one again cause it kind of spoils it, like with movies.

* after daft punk obv.

― piscesboy, Thursday, 9 September 2004 10:34 (twenty years ago) link

I'm not sure I trust these Scandinavians.

― Tag (Tag), Thursday, 9 September 2004 10:46 (twenty years ago) link

My god, Me Plus One! It's like an even jauntier version of Rip It Up! I had Heartbeat next to Rip It Up on a mix I was listening to last weekend, and this song's kind of like smooshing them together anyway.

― Michael Philip Philip Philip Annoyman (Ferg), Thursday, 9 September 2004 11:13 (twenty years ago) link

That's Scandinous!

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 9 September 2004 11:25 (twenty years ago) link

Annoyman appears to ruin my joke like the pesky supervillain he is! HAVE AT THEE, FOUL VARMINT! I SMITE THEE IN THE ASS ON TUESDAY AND I SMITE THEE IN THE ASS ON SATURDAY!

― B.I.G. B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 9 September 2004 11:27 (twenty years ago) link

this is fantastic.

― toby (tsg20), Thursday, 9 September 2004 11:32 (twenty years ago) link

Come to(fucking)gether!!!!!!!!

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Thursday, 9 September 2004 11:55 (twenty years ago) link

SO does this mean it WILL be out this year? maybe

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Thursday, 9 September 2004 17:17 (twenty years ago) link

Sorry Barms. My superpower appears to be disrupting message board quips with overenthusiastic remarks about synthpop records.

― Michael Philip Philip Philip Annoyman (Ferg), Thursday, 9 September 2004 17:44 (twenty years ago) link

I am incredibly impressed by the album as a whole. I need to spend more time with it, but my gut feeling is that this will be one of my top favorite albums for the year. No matter what, "Chewing Gum" and "Heartbeat" are top 10 singles for me.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Thursday, 9 September 2004 19:12 (twenty years ago) link

Even the INTRO is genius.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 10 September 2004 00:18 (twenty years ago) link

my gut feeling is that this is the album of decade and I haven't heard it yet.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 10 September 2004 00:25 (twenty years ago) link

yep, it's a winner!

― manuel (manuel), Friday, 10 September 2004 03:47 (twenty years ago) link

It's good, but I don't think it's great. Chewing gum HAS rocked my walkman about 5 times so far today though.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Friday, 10 September 2004 08:38 (twenty years ago) link

I got to hear 10 seconds of 'Chewing Gum' during MTV's Christian Slater spot yesterday. I've been listening to 'The Greatest Dub' to keep my anticipation up.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Friday, 10 September 2004 08:51 (twenty years ago) link

I downloaded it overnight, burned to cd this morning, played to and from work (and also throughout lunch hour quite a lot, and also when i snuck out to the car for 20 minutes to have a bit of a sit down and things), on maybe my eighth listen now ish and I can't quite shake the impression that this is sort of the best album ever made, it feels like it is totally completely Up There with all my very very very favouritest records of all time and I can find absolutely nothing about it that is less than superbly perfect really. I do hope I maintain this level of enthusiasm, it is a tremendously excellent thing to have happened.

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Friday, 10 September 2004 15:07 (twenty years ago) link

Tomorrow: Alex is embarrassed to find out that he has actually been listening to a mistitled set of Norah Jones tracks.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 10 September 2004 15:10 (twenty years ago) link

Haha.

Yo, this best be some sort of *genius* record, my thoughts on the best pop album of all time (well, 2) hold them in ridiculously high esteem.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Friday, 10 September 2004 15:19 (twenty years ago) link

It is totally up there with BOOMANIA in so many ways. If that helps.

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Friday, 10 September 2004 15:21 (twenty years ago) link

has somebody got it? I can't find it unqueued on slsk

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 10 September 2004 15:52 (twenty years ago) link

(i am alexfack on slsk have at it dude)

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Friday, 10 September 2004 15:54 (twenty years ago) link

brilliant. if you want to get anything off me I've added you.

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 10 September 2004 16:08 (twenty years ago) link

I think about 90% of the copies of this on Slsk are in the ILM chatroom

― Michael Philip Philip Philip Annoyman (Ferg), Friday, 10 September 2004 18:14 (twenty years ago) link

apparently she's DJing at Trash at that club The End in London in October. i went to see Erase Errata when they played at Trash - the crowd were the worst snotty corny indie types this side of a Vice editorial meeting. avoid avoid avoid.

― Dave M. (rotten03), Friday, 10 September 2004 18:36 (twenty years ago) link

haha I just saw these for the first time on popworld's repeat. yeah, ok.

― cºzen (Cozen), Friday, 10 September 2004 23:14 (twenty years ago) link

It is totally up there with BOOMANIA in so many ways. If that helps.

I have a bigger crush on Betty than Annie, if that doesn't help.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Saturday, 11 September 2004 14:03 (twenty years ago) link

But Grr! It's Betty Boo >>>> Boomania.
Anniemal seems like it's somewhere in the middle.

― edward o (edwardo), Saturday, 11 September 2004 14:05 (twenty years ago) link

Bits of this aren't so great. However, 'Me Plus One' makes up for them to a really quite ridiculous extent.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 11 September 2004 20:37 (twenty years ago) link

Basically, this album could be 11.5 tracks of dead air, but it would be worth buying just for:

This is D. This is I. This is F.F.I. This is C. This is U.L.T.
If ever there's a girl that could rock your world then that girl sure is me.

Best spelling out of a word... ever? Eats Diamonds and Pearls and FEELING CALLED LOVE for breakfast, it does.

― edward o (edwardo), Saturday, 11 September 2004 23:47 (twenty years ago) link

What do you think the chances of Annie marrying me are?

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:33 (twenty years ago) link

Get in the queue!

― edward o (edwardo), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:36 (twenty years ago) link

I'm not sure that is the way marriage works, but it is true that I have little experience of these matters.

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:41 (twenty years ago) link

Okay, we won't have a queue. All in ILM-brawl, last man standing wins Annie.

― edward o (edwardo), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:41 (twenty years ago) link

I'm a lover not a fighter.

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:43 (twenty years ago) link

(I will review this policy if needs must)

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:46 (twenty years ago) link

YOU ARE CHEWING GUM! I AM CHOCOLATE!

― edward o (edwardo), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:49 (twenty years ago) link

You have made me realise that I have yet to appreciate the message of that song. I shall withdraw from the race until I have worked out what Annie wants in a man.

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:57 (twenty years ago) link

This record fills me with joy. The good kind.

― adam (adam), Sunday, 12 September 2004 00:58 (twenty years ago) link

it's a very good pop album.
as was boomania.

― frenchbloke (frenchbloke), Sunday, 12 September 2004 07:47 (twenty years ago) link

Headman remix also terrific!

― JoB (JoB), Sunday, 12 September 2004 10:30 (twenty years ago) link

The single (out tomorrow) has a b-side named 'Kiss Me', so London ILM, get on the slsk case.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Sunday, 12 September 2004 11:34 (twenty years ago) link

She's such a tease!

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 11:39 (twenty years ago) link

Her next b-sides will be named 'Can You Taste My Love?' and 'Come To Me', a cover of the JC Chasez track (with the line about masturbating intact and added moans and dirty talk).

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Sunday, 12 September 2004 12:17 (twenty years ago) link

Now Barima is such a tease.
(Dear God. Please make this happen)

― edward o (edwardo), Sunday, 12 September 2004 13:27 (twenty years ago) link

I so rarely buy "new" records that I don't know where to shop...where in NYC does one find a copy of this on vinyl import? I've been rocking The Greatest Hit for years...

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Sunday, 12 September 2004 16:40 (twenty years ago) link

I don't think its out at all yet.

The first half of this is great - just hearing the into ratcheted up my anticipation levels. Not so sure about the second half yet.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Sunday, 12 September 2004 18:11 (twenty years ago) link

I assume Dan is talking about the 'Chewing Gum' 12".

― Alba (Alba), Sunday, 12 September 2004 18:12 (twenty years ago) link

Chewing Gum came out as a seven-inch in the summer, but it was a limited release thing. Good luck finding one...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 12 September 2004 18:18 (twenty years ago) link

from Rough Trade Shops weekly e-mail newsletter:

annie chewing gum 12 3.99
one of this years big tunes from annie with an inspiring richard x production gets a full release. the music is a dayglo hommage to 80's punk funk and especially the tom tom club and could fit on the coolest dancefloors or in the cd uk studio. it's a perfect mix of booty pinching basslines, clattering percussion and breathy vocals. the 12" features the vocal and mylo mixes plus the headman dub

annie chewing gum cd one cds 2.50
one of this years big tunes from annie with an inspiring richard x production gets a full release. the music is a dayglo hommage to 80's punk funk and especially the tom tom club and could fit on the coolest dancefloors or in the cd uk studio. it's a perfect mix of booty pinching basslines, clattering percussion and breathy vocals. cd one features the original version and new track 'kiss me'

annie chewing gum cd two cds 2.99
one of this years big tunes from annie with an inspiring richard x production gets a full release. the music is a dayglo hommage to 80's punk funk and especially the tom tom club and could fit on the coolest dancefloors or in the cd uk studio. it's a perfect mix of booty pinching basslines, clattering percussion and breathy vocals. cd two features the original version plus the mylo and headman mixes, the headman dub and video

What chart position is WBS predicting for this single?

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Sunday, 12 September 2004 18:33 (twenty years ago) link

I dare not think. It really could go anywhere between 1 and 40, maybe even lower... I'd like to think outside shot at the ten, most likely somewhere between 15 and 25.

But I've always been shit at predicting.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 12 September 2004 18:35 (twenty years ago) link

Plus I managed to condemn the 'gados to #67 in a piss-quiet week for singles (as will be shown by Barima's rundown later). Though they did beat the 5678's new single, which is something, I suppose.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 12 September 2004 18:47 (twenty years ago) link

It's not been playlisted by BBC Radio 1, unfathomably, so I wouldn't expect a very big hit.

― JoB (JoB), Sunday, 12 September 2004 19:54 (twenty years ago) link

For God's sake, why? It's catchier than real chewing gum! Looks like I'll have to either d/l or buy all the formats, though the 12" is probably a lock.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Sunday, 12 September 2004 21:01 (twenty years ago) link

Oh god I'm going to have to buy all the formats, I want the Mylo mix and the new song and I can't download. This is on top of the Girls Aloud single... and there are albums that I really want coming out at a rate of one per week, and I still haven't got Showtime yet. Oh god.

― The Lex (The Lex), Sunday, 12 September 2004 21:05 (twenty years ago) link

Oh, 'Love Machine' is alright from what I heard on the top 40. Not essential and definitely not better than our lovely Annie!

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Sunday, 12 September 2004 21:12 (twenty years ago) link

"Love Machine" is essential, I've heard it like four times ever and every time was sheer unadulterated joy, and this whole non-downloading thing is like the worst kind of delayed gratification ever... at least I got an mp3 of Chewing Gum before the home internet connection ceased.

― The Lex (The Lex), Sunday, 12 September 2004 21:16 (twenty years ago) link

EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW EAT IT NOW

(Except, where it says "EAT", insert "BUY")

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:03 (twenty years ago) link

it isn't on the playlist?!!!!!

not for the first time (or even the 100th) i wonder aloud what the heck could be going on over at fab fm towers.

― piscesboy, Monday, 13 September 2004 12:08 (twenty years ago) link

She is in the METRO today. No, not the Metro, but Q?

― the bellefox, Monday, 13 September 2004 12:12 (twenty years ago) link

I don't quite get the excitement surrounding this record from those that have heard it. It's pretty good and all that but there's very very little that matches Chewing Gum or Heartbeat - perhaps only Me Plus One.

What really hit me with Chewing Gum was that after years of trying the whole indie-dance-electro scene had finally come up with a pop song that was every bit as great as the best Proper Chart Singles - to the extent that it could've been given to Kylie and the world would've gone bonkers over it. Much of the rest of the album just lacks the fizz of Chewing Gum, or the whole plaintive mournful nostalgic comedown feel of Heartbeat and instead sits in an uneasy middle ground.

Also Come Together = k-rub.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:27 (twenty years ago) link

Do you hate fun, Matt?

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:35 (twenty years ago) link

He's bound to change his mind, it happens every time. Just speak to his ex-fiancee.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:41 (twenty years ago) link

It's not fun enough, thats my problem!

(xpost, yes, that is probably the case, but still...)

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:41 (twenty years ago) link

I just bought the 12" (£2.99 in Virgin) as the first step in my new 'buy vinyl/fileshare for digital' policy. Is 'Kiss Me' (only on CD1) any good?

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 13 September 2004 12:51 (twenty years ago) link

Waiting on The Lex, I think. Thoughts of mail order are growing.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:08 (twenty years ago) link

I don't understand JtN's post, really.

I am bewildered to see N. say that he has bought a vinyl record, from HMV.

I don't think I have heard the singer you are on about.

― the bellefox, Monday, 13 September 2004 13:12 (twenty years ago) link

If anyone wants to hear "Music Plus One," but hasn't been able to get on p2p, I've got that song up on my blog today.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:14 (twenty years ago) link

Matthew! We did it again! We posted the same thing at the same time, or wanted to.

― edward o (edwardo), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:15 (twenty years ago) link

I put it up yesterday and you've gazumped me :)

― edward o (edwardo), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:16 (twenty years ago) link

Ah, "Me Plus One," that is.

"Music Plus One" is a Cornershop song.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:16 (twenty years ago) link

Virgin, not HMV, pinefox. HMV Sauchiehall St's vinyl section is poor.

Is the shock now reduced?

I think you would like Annie.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:18 (twenty years ago) link

Can you introduce us?

― the bellefox, Monday, 13 September 2004 13:21 (twenty years ago) link

I think I could, given the opportunity.

― RJG (RJG), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:35 (twenty years ago) link

Just been to Fluxblog and Matthew is now the second ILM'er to admit he owns and likes that Twitch track.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 13 September 2004 13:44 (twenty years ago) link

Our Twitch?

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 13 September 2004 14:02 (twenty years ago) link

"The first half of this is great - just hearing the into ratcheted up my anticipation levels. Not so sure about the second half yet."

I'm with matt here; first half is great, second is kinda bland. Too much royksopp-like, maybe?

― fernando, Monday, 13 September 2004 14:04 (twenty years ago) link

Maybe it is not the best album ever in fact but I think it is almost certainly going to be the best of whichever year it ends up being released in and it is still a thing of immaculate shivery-tickings. Kiss Me is orchestrated frostbite and suddenly AS IF BY MAGIC it is on soulseek, as are the Mylo/Headman-centric contents of CD2 also.

(I hope everyone is remembering to buy the Go! Team album today too)

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Monday, 13 September 2004 14:14 (twenty years ago) link

Orchestrated frostbite - yum! I hate buying singles on multiple formats, though.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 13 September 2004 14:18 (twenty years ago) link

I have no idea if it's our Twitch*.

*Thanks for making me have to write that, you bastard!

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 13 September 2004 14:19 (twenty years ago) link

Don't drag The Go! Team into this, they are not worthy.

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 13 September 2004 14:28 (twenty years ago) link

From what I understand, that Twitch is not Optimo/Stirmonster Twitch.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Monday, 13 September 2004 15:33 (twenty years ago) link

Yay, an electro-disco FITE

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 13 September 2004 15:43 (twenty years ago) link

I shall give this rival Twitch a listen.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 13 September 2004 16:01 (twenty years ago) link

"Kiss Me" is awesome, it feels like a scene from a movie - the warmest love scene ever in the middle of swirling arctic wind. I only bought that format (along with the Girls Aloud single), so if any kind person would like to gmail me the Mylo and Headman mixes that would be lovely!

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 13 September 2004 17:33 (twenty years ago) link

I can probably do that, check your mail in a few minutes!

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 13 September 2004 17:48 (twenty years ago) link

paging fun haters.

― cºzen (Cozen), Monday, 13 September 2004 18:08 (twenty years ago) link

gmail seems to be on the blink a bit but I'm sure it'll go through at some point.

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 13 September 2004 19:31 (twenty years ago) link

"Me Plus One" = "(Keep Feeling) Fascination"

― Mark (MarkR), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 02:47 (twenty years ago) link

i've got the first 3 annie 7"s plus the original red vinyl Telle 12"...had been a huge fan of Erot's productions and got The Greatest Hit 7" because he had produced it. Fell in love immediatly...i am dying to get this new album. what's the US release schedule?

― biz, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 05:59 (twenty years ago) link

When were her previous singles released? I know 'The Greatest Hit' was 1999, but after that?

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 07:21 (twenty years ago) link

Barms to the rescue (again):

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Annie

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 08:16 (twenty years ago) link

(WWW.TELLERECORDS.COM) CURRENT TELLÉ ARTISTS

Annie

Who are you?
A girl..called Annie

What kind of music do you make?
Pop muuuzzzik...rockin it!!

What's your excuse for being on Tellé Records?
Nice people, good music and loads of money....

What's your plan?
Conquer the world with peace love and happiness....give music to da people...in sweet harmony.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 08:31 (twenty years ago) link

Hang on - where did 'Heartbeat' first appear on then?

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:29 (twenty years ago) link

Are we talking Mint Music Twitch?

― Tag (Tag), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 09:57 (twenty years ago) link

Yeah, the Twitch from Mint Music.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 10:37 (twenty years ago) link

October 4 - mark in your diary - Annie plays at Trash.

― marianna lcl, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 11:04 (twenty years ago) link

I don't know anything whatsover about the Mint Music Twitch, beyond "Chup this up" being ace. Perhaps someone could enlighten me.

― Tag (Tag), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 11:10 (twenty years ago) link

Whoa, wait - this Trash? Or another place, somewhere else?

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 11:12 (twenty years ago) link

This place, Matthew.

Who will answer my 'Heartbeat' question?

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 11:13 (twenty years ago) link

The midweeks... are not encouraging. However, looking at the rest of them, I'm really quite happy that Lex is doing the rundown this week...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 11:38 (twenty years ago) link

OK, I'm getting the impression that 'Heartbeat' has never been officially released, despite floating around for ages. Is that right?

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 11:41 (twenty years ago) link

Is No Easy Love a cover? It sounds familiar...

― JoB (JoB), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 12:13 (twenty years ago) link

"Me Plus One" = "(Keep Feeling) Fascination"

thought that straight away too. nothing else to add to this thread really now that i'm finally hearing the album, except

sjrhfguiowsfjoajksnfoajnfojencvjuohcouuzufuawuoerhuwehdygdtsfdgdfgdgfhsdgfgsfgdsdhhfjewrgjlnmsndjnlsj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!&*(46976756376937684977265165211111111111111111112!"!!!!!!!!!

― the neurotic awakening of s (blueski), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:16 (twenty years ago) link

Mark's right about 'Keep Feeling Fascination,' the vocal melody in the verses is just way too similar, but who cares am I joining in the love and effusive praise for Annie. The rhythm on "Happy Without You" is fun.

― Dare, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:22 (twenty years ago) link

Expo.

― Dare, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:22 (twenty years ago) link

Ah! You're right, it does remind me of "Fascination" a bit.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:30 (twenty years ago) link

Also - the guitar bit on 'Me+1' sounds like it might have been sampled from Orange Juice's 'Rip it Up'. (Or Haircut 100 - the title might be a tip of the hat to 'Love+1'?)

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:35 (twenty years ago) link

'No Easy Love' IS a cover but who by i just can't for the life of me recall

― the neurotic awakening of s (blueski), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:35 (twenty years ago) link

'Me Plus One' is an RX-Hannah Robinson penned production too.

PS I envy all of you.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:39 (twenty years ago) link

Steve, maybe you could forego that dance disc for an Anniemal plus previous releases disc instead.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 13:40 (twenty years ago) link

"No Easy Love" sounds like something by Trembling Blue Stars

― the todster (the todster), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 15:15 (twenty years ago) link

i thought 'no easy love' is just very similar to something else though can't recall what. google-age turns up no other song with that title. it's really been bugging me though. it recalls a love unlimited tune i think (scratches head).

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 14 September 2004 15:34 (twenty years ago) link

Ronan - I haven't got those remixes yet. No hurry though! Gmail can be as shit as Hotmail sometimes.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 15:52 (twenty years ago) link

can i make a request for those too?

― the neurotic awakening of s (blueski), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 15:53 (twenty years ago) link

(this is only vaguely Annie-related but when I try to send mp3s via gmail it tells me that the document I am sending contains no data. What Am I Doing Wrong? Annie remixes totally up for grabs to anyone who can help)

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 15:57 (twenty years ago) link

I find I can only ever send one, maybe two mp3s at any one time. but it doesn't tell me stuff about no data, it just sits there vacantly and refuses to send.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 16:04 (twenty years ago) link

It is very much doing this too. If I bung it all in a zip file it does the same thing. THIS IS NOT VERY REVOLUTIONARY, GMAIL

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 16:08 (twenty years ago) link

Neither me nor my elderly, cantankerous computer can cope with zip files...

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 16:10 (twenty years ago) link

i'm having no problems sending or receiving mp3 via gmail

― the neurotic awakening of s (blueski), Tuesday, 14 September 2004 16:19 (twenty years ago) link

Heartbeat was (i think) originally released as "I Will Get On" on Telle 7". I have this 7" with foldout poster featuring the original version and a superb Doc L Junior Mix. Both versions are excellent. The discogs posting for this single says it contains elements of Heartbeat. I also have her collaboration with some bizarre male vocalist. Not her best effort but another piece of the story. I also have two copies of the Erot 12" on Discfunction titled Two Songs for Annie. Interestingly, neither feature Annie's voice but one samples that Pop Will Eat Itself song that goes "We Like The Music, We Like The Disco Sound". I'm dying to share my Annie collection for a copy of Anniemal. I have most everything encoded from original vinyl to trade. BTW, i have ordered both UK CD Singles and the 7" of Chewing Gum so i'm not STEALING MUSIC (as Mr. James Barth would say!)

Long Live Bergen, Norway!!!

― biznotic, Wednesday, 15 September 2004 01:32 (twenty years ago) link

Anyone on Slsk with Anniemal would let you leech till you die if you let 'em download those, I'd wager.

― edward o (edwardo), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 01:55 (twenty years ago) link

not on SLSK unfortunately.

― biznotic, Wednesday, 15 September 2004 03:39 (twenty years ago) link

GET ON IT!

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 08:17 (twenty years ago) link

like, uh, now

― frenchbloke (frenchbloke), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 08:22 (twenty years ago) link

Biznotic, the "bizarre male vocalist" collab. is the Fredrik Saroea single, which is also on the Discogs page and I also referenced it upthread. Didn't know 'Song For Annie' was also a 12", but seeing as they're technically songs for her by her then-boyfriend, it's no suprise she doesn't sing, y'know?

PS, Affectian/SPACK is sharing just about everything Annie's ever done on slsk already, suggest y'all have a word with him.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 08:41 (twenty years ago) link

Ah - thanks for that biznotic. I was wondering about 'I Will Get On'. So saying it contains "elements" of 'Heartbeat' is understating it, then?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 09:52 (twenty years ago) link

Saw Annie DJ at the Bestival on Saturday. She was fantastic, really. She played This is Radio Clash and (I think) Lopazz feat. Alex Cortex: "I Need Ya Hi Time" and a remix of Chewing Gum as well as looking fantastic and having loads of fun - singing along and so on. Lovely.

― Jamie (Jamie T Smith), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 10:12 (twenty years ago) link

Someone needs to find some dirt on Annie.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 10:18 (twenty years ago) link

i found some, just below her left elbow. did you know below is an anagram of elbow?

― the neurotic awakening of s (blueski), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 10:26 (twenty years ago) link

My sources tell me she's "lovely". Sorry, that's not dirt. Errr, she eats babies.

― Tag (Tag), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 10:35 (twenty years ago) link

Isn't 'Heartbeat' a Royksopp production tho'? 'I Will Get On' was produced by Erot etc.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 10:51 (twenty years ago) link

Barima, mail me

― the neurotic awakening of s (blueski), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 10:53 (twenty years ago) link

http://radiofetthode.no/pikkogpule/Pikk%20og%20Pule%20Bilde1.jpg

― the todster (the todster), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 13:28 (twenty years ago) link

Done, Ste.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 14:35 (twenty years ago) link

I didn't get what the fuss was about Chewing Gum till I saw the video last night and now I can't get the damn thing out of my head. It definitely takes a few listens to hit home.

― mms (mms), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 14:59 (twenty years ago) link

we like the music, we like the disco sound, riffs, yeah, can u dig it?

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Wednesday, 15 September 2004 17:22 (twenty years ago) link

www.annie.co.uk

MAJOR reworking...looks cool as fuck

― manuel (manuel), Thursday, 16 September 2004 00:43 (twenty years ago) link

You mean - http://www.anniemusic.co.uk

Just heard this album today btw - loving it!

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Thursday, 16 September 2004 01:24 (twenty years ago) link

Just listened to Heartbeat on the Annie website and can positively say it bears no resemblence to I Will Get On...not even close. Must be a diff. Heartbeat refered to on the discogs listing.

agree that the new site is cool...not cool as fuck but cool as a september evening.

― biznotic, Thursday, 16 September 2004 03:02 (twenty years ago) link

WHEN IS HER ALBUM COMING OUT IN THE STATES?????????

― reo, Thursday, 16 September 2004 03:30 (twenty years ago) link

I can't understand all the people on this thread who have said that Chewing Gum is a grower - it's like the most instantly catchy thing ever, I mean, that's kind of the point of it surely?! I think all these people might be joking.

― pete b. (pete b.), Thursday, 16 September 2004 08:21 (twenty years ago) link

It took a while to get under my skin. I heard it and thought "This is objectively catchy" (if that means anything) but I took a few listens to really appreciate it. I still don't love it nearly as much as 'Heartbeat', but 'Heartbeat' is rapidly becoming one of my favourite songs of all time, so that's not surprising,

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 16 September 2004 08:44 (twenty years ago) link

I can't understand all the people on this thread who have said that Chewing Gum is a grower

OTM.

The first things I thought - in order - where: This is good, sounds like The Tom Tom Club, This is REALLY catchy, who is it? Oh, so THAT'S the Annie that everyone's been talking about on ILM.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Thursday, 16 September 2004 08:45 (twenty years ago) link

I got it about the same time as Heartbeat and preferred that for a while. Alba otm, I thought "this sounds catchy but it's not catching". I was literally about to post on this thread and say "I'm not really feeling Chewing Gum" then I thought about it and thought "well maybe I'll listen to it again, I kind of have it in my head now".

And well, the rest is history.

― Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 16 September 2004 08:54 (twenty years ago) link

Ha cha cha - that 'Chewing Gum' video is quite a thing. It reminds me of one of those episodes of 'Bewitched' where Samantha's brunette minx of a sister showed up. With a kind of p-mod Busby Berkeley spirit, too.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 16 September 2004 09:16 (twenty years ago) link

yes I can see how Chewing Gum is almost so deliberately ('objectively') catchy that it's offputting - like it's too easy. some people said that about Some Girls too, which I also loved instantly. I'm such a sucker.

― pete b. (pete b.), Thursday, 16 September 2004 09:29 (twenty years ago) link

Despite the schaffel nods, it took me quite a long time to get 'Some Girls', I suppose the temporary diversion of 'The Show' may have had something to do with that.

Richard X's tracks often leave me a little cold to begin with, before growing on me, and I'm not sure why this one had such instant appeal to me. I'm wondering if seeing the video first made it make more sense? I don't have music channels and was around my girlfriend's parents house flicking through 50 channels of dross.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Thursday, 16 September 2004 10:03 (twenty years ago) link

no easy love = sampled from shakatak!!! so it's not a cover then?

yeah that site's ace.

― piscesboy, Thursday, 16 September 2004 11:04 (twenty years ago) link

what is that Shakatak song called? it has the line 'take your time away' at the end of the chorus doesn't it?

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Thursday, 16 September 2004 11:10 (twenty years ago) link

should've gone to the site in the first place. shocked to find 'The Greatest Hit' is as old as it is. like the 'Chewing Gum' video but she really shouldn't wave her ass in my face so much (i mean because it is awesome).

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Thursday, 16 September 2004 11:27 (twenty years ago) link

Can I just say I was wrong, so wrong, earlier on when I said "the album is good, but not great"?

It is GREAT! The last two tracks really lift the whole thing, Come Together is an Arthur Russell style retro-dancefloor stormer, and My Best Friend is a lovely, slightly odd, melancholic ballad (about her dead ex?) in the grand tradition of album closers.

GREAT!

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Thursday, 16 September 2004 11:51 (twenty years ago) link

I am so excited right now : Annie is going to call me tonight (I've asked her french label -warner- for an interview with her by telephone). Life seems suddenly much better.
Are there things you want me to ask her ?

― snowballing (snowballing), Thursday, 16 September 2004 12:58 (twenty years ago) link

SHE has to call YOU??? Being a popstar must be shit! Does she have to give you a spare c-90 and all?

― HKM, Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:01 (twenty years ago) link

That's the best part in it, isn't it ? I've called all my friends to tell them SHE is going to call... But I'm afraid that when the phone will ring tonight, I will first hear the voice of someone of the record company telling me that it'd better not take long....

― snowballing (snowballing), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:07 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her if she's finding it difficult tapping into the UK (or any other) market because she's not from there despite having songs as infectious as 'Some Girls' and 'The Show'.

Apparently 'Chewing Gum' was recorded at Moloko Studios in Old St which might be literally just round the corner from my work (if it's the same studio).

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:14 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her what her favourite colour is. That's always a good one.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:16 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her to read this thread if she is feeling unloved.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:16 (twenty years ago) link

ask if *she* thinks club popular is necessarily short-lived, and how FT-associated nights could be improved.

― HKM, Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:19 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her will she go out with Alba, if he pays for dinner?

― Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:20 (twenty years ago) link

I don't really fancy her after seeing that video by the way

― Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:21 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her if her butt will ever quit

(xpost - she's cute but in some shots looks almost like Pamela Anderson)

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:22 (twenty years ago) link

she has a stern face. she looks nicer on the record sleeve.

― Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:23 (twenty years ago) link

oh annie, you came and you saved me from something, but i sent you ben gay

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:25 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her if she'd ever consider washing a hat.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:32 (twenty years ago) link

ask 'dad or chips?'

― frenchbloke (frenchbloke), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:34 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her why she wants to be a singer.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 16 September 2004 13:39 (twenty years ago) link

Must be a diff. Heartbeat refered to on the discogs listing.

Yeah, I left the office yesterday before I could point out for everybody that that 'Heartbeat' IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT AND OLDER SONG.

Love, your resident Anniemal lover.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 16 September 2004 15:04 (twenty years ago) link

Ask her if she's going to party with her horde of adoring fans on Manchester's (C)anal Street someday.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 16 September 2004 15:10 (twenty years ago) link

Which 'Heartbeat' then? The Taana Gardner one?

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 16 September 2004 15:11 (twenty years ago) link

it's the Steps version

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Thursday, 16 September 2004 15:48 (twenty years ago) link

Here Comes the Hotstepper!

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Thursday, 16 September 2004 16:58 (twenty years ago) link

i'm not sure this has been really touched upon in this thread or others yet, but the song is effectively a duet with herself - i can't think of many other examples of that gimmick offhand tho i'm sure there are some

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Friday, 17 September 2004 10:32 (twenty years ago) link

oh, shit, there is one... possibly 'asylums in jerusalem' but there's a more clear-cut one too... bah

― HKM, Friday, 17 September 2004 10:34 (twenty years ago) link

I like that bit in Scritti's 'Overnite' where Green sings "When I was 17" and the massed choir of backingGreenvox croon back "Tell us about it, Green".

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Friday, 17 September 2004 10:45 (twenty years ago) link

i can't even think of many examples of this in hip-hop. Warren G's 'Do You See' maybe

― the neurotic rassafrassa of harrumph (blueski), Friday, 17 September 2004 10:47 (twenty years ago) link

Which 'Heartbeat' then? The Taana Gardner one?

Yeah. Annie's 'Heartbeat' is from 2004 and exclusive to Anniemal. Tahiti 80's 'Heartbeat' from 2000/1 is pretty good too.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Friday, 17 September 2004 10:50 (twenty years ago) link

I was wondering why 'Heartbeat' got circulated on mp3 before the rest of the album did. Was it orginally planned to be a single before 'Chewing Gum', or were there DJ promos of it going around?

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 17 September 2004 11:00 (twenty years ago) link

Because it was part of the album sampler maybe?

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Friday, 17 September 2004 12:07 (twenty years ago) link

Who's the Robinson that co-wrote the song with Richard X?

― JoB (JoB), Friday, 17 September 2004 13:26 (twenty years ago) link

Bjork, "Pagan Poetry" - "I love him, I love him!" "She loves him, she loves him!"

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 17 September 2004 14:10 (twenty years ago) link

yeh but she never said 'Hey Bjorky why is it so!'

― teh pow! (blueski), Friday, 17 September 2004 14:13 (twenty years ago) link

I second the call for more info on Hannah Robinson. Maybe she's X's girl?

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Friday, 17 September 2004 14:26 (twenty years ago) link

Does anyone know if a "Chewing Gum" MP3 is up anywhere right now? The track on Fluxblog is great, and now I want to revisit the "C.G."

― Taxi Dancing in the Soft Prison (Ben Boyer), Friday, 17 September 2004 15:44 (twenty years ago) link

I've finally made the interview with her (and actually I called her on her mobile). It was weird because I really felt like a 15 year old groupie, but she was very nice. The main thing I didn't know is that she wrote all the songs on the record (apart of Chewing-gum and Me Plus One) : I now feel a bit ashamed about the inconscient sexist prejudice I had - I always thought all the tracks were written by other people...
She also told me the record will be out in january (!)
And also she's reading ILM, so we'd better behave ourselves...

― snowballing (snowballing), Friday, 17 September 2004 20:32 (twenty years ago) link

haha hello annie, I didn't mean it!

― cºzen (Cozen), Friday, 17 September 2004 20:36 (twenty years ago) link

I apologise for my "stern face" comment.

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 17 September 2004 20:41 (twenty years ago) link

me too.

― cºzen (Cozen), Friday, 17 September 2004 20:48 (twenty years ago) link

Annie, are you a golf fan?

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 17 September 2004 21:01 (twenty years ago) link

"Chewing Gum" has definitely grown on me. The album is so dense with goodness, that I haven't been able to take it all in. I just keep listening to the singles.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Friday, 17 September 2004 21:20 (twenty years ago) link

The album is so dense with goodness, that I haven't been able to take it all in.

Yes, same thing here. I just keep playing 'Come Together' which is total godhead (Chewshabadoo OTM with that Russell ref).

― Omar (Omar), Friday, 17 September 2004 21:28 (twenty years ago) link

Annie, if you are reading this, your album is great. Please begin posting here under a fake name ASAP. k thx bye.

― edward o (edwardo), Saturday, 18 September 2004 00:58 (twenty years ago) link

This is hilarious.

― Alba (Alba), Saturday, 18 September 2004 10:59 (twenty years ago) link

hey let's tell annie that
we plan to buy the record even though
we all got the mp3s! sort of thing.

of course some of us were so mad for it that we ridiculously bought
promos for a fortune.

manchester, it has to be said, is the annie capital of the world i think it's safe 2 say.

― piscesboy, Saturday, 18 September 2004 11:52 (twenty years ago) link

who is putting this goddamn thing out in the US and when?

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Saturday, 18 September 2004 17:33 (twenty years ago) link

Matador, in 2006.

― JoB (JoB), Saturday, 18 September 2004 17:43 (twenty years ago) link

Pisces, please tell me you didn't let Vinyl Exchange rip you off?

PS. Thanks for the joy, Annie.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Saturday, 18 September 2004 18:18 (twenty years ago) link

Hi Annie!!!

― The Lex (The Lex), Saturday, 18 September 2004 20:27 (twenty years ago) link

annie will be djing at the social in little portland street (london) on october 5th.

― lauren (laurenp), Saturday, 18 September 2004 21:05 (twenty years ago) link

For Vice Magazine, I'm guessing. You going?

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Sunday, 19 September 2004 17:51 (twenty years ago) link

it's not vice as far as i'm aware. it's for the anniversary of the monthly night done by one of my best pals. i'll be there, celebrating the first day of my arrival. will you be around?

― lauren (laurenp), Sunday, 19 September 2004 17:54 (twenty years ago) link

Possibly, though I'm worried the circumstances may not be ideal (an ILE thread in the making, perhaps).

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 20 September 2004 08:59 (twenty years ago) link

HI ANNIE WHAT IS IT MADE

apparently Annie's playing at Trash soon as well

― teh pow! (blueski), Monday, 20 September 2004 09:34 (twenty years ago) link

straight into the uk chart with a bullet!

there's something sweeet about the fact that she has gone in higher than DIDO's new single.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/top40/

even girls aloud only went to 2!

― piscesboy, Monday, 20 September 2004 09:56 (twenty years ago) link

but it's DIdo's third (or even fourth single from that album. Annie not being on Popworld is a pop world of wrongness.

― teh pow! (blueski), Monday, 20 September 2004 10:38 (twenty years ago) link

I'm afraid to report that I dreamt about Annie last night.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 20 September 2004 10:38 (twenty years ago) link

Come on, baby, you're her greatest hit.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 20 September 2004 10:57 (twenty years ago) link

I really hope Anniemal gets released this year. January is a graveyard month for CDs...

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Monday, 20 September 2004 12:34 (twenty years ago) link

happy days! my local smack dealer (record shop) had both CD singles and the 12" in stock for Chewing Gum...too bad i ordered the 7" and both CD's from Rough Trade a week ago...bought the 12" anyway so now i'll have the complete collection. not that i wanted them all but it's tough being an addict.

nothing tops the 7" for Greatest Hit though...and i got it for less than 2 US dollars!

― biznotic, Saturday, 25 September 2004 03:34 (twenty years ago) link

Right, Amazon and HMV have the album as being out on the 4th of October. HMV will be selling it for... £15.99. Whoop.

This is yer sleeve:

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000632KWM.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 25 September 2004 15:21 (twenty years ago) link

Hooray!

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Saturday, 25 September 2004 16:19 (twenty years ago) link

play.com: Annie - Anniemal
http://www.play.com/play247.asp?searchtype=allproducts&searchstring=Anniemal&page=search
£ 9.99 including free UK delivery

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 25 September 2004 16:35 (twenty years ago) link

has anyone heard any of the other tracks??

― Magic City (ano ano), Saturday, 25 September 2004 16:43 (twenty years ago) link

I heard the intro.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Saturday, 25 September 2004 17:23 (twenty years ago) link

keep up magic (see, like, the whole thread).

― piscesboy, Saturday, 25 September 2004 20:45 (twenty years ago) link

http://www.hyperlaunch.com/annie/images/annie_n3.jpg

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 10:17 (twenty years ago) link

er that didnt' work the way i wanted it to.

try this:

http://www.indietorrents.com/bitbucket/annie.JPG

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 10:20 (twenty years ago) link

or this even

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 10:22 (twenty years ago) link

An ILM team anyone?

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 10:23 (twenty years ago) link

i fancy that, i plan on stalking the poor woman during her exploits in London for the rest of the year

― teh pow! (blueski), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 10:45 (twenty years ago) link

what's she doing apart from trash?

― toby (tsg20), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 11:25 (twenty years ago) link

see the above link posted by myke

and she's playing at the Social too apparently

― teh pow! (blueski), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 11:38 (twenty years ago) link

ooh that looks good, i'm probably up for that. when's the social?

― toby (tsg20), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 11:42 (twenty years ago) link

that's 3! we need 3 more!

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 12:11 (twenty years ago) link

I am so IN.

― marianna lcl (marianna lcl), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 15:43 (twenty years ago) link

I'm in.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 16:46 (twenty years ago) link

Wait, what did I sign up for? I hit end and only looked at the last message.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 16:47 (twenty years ago) link

Ooohh, I got that in my e-mail recently. Should be OK, though I do have a difficult time ahead. I'd love to do the Social too, which seems more plausible.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 16:52 (twenty years ago) link

Oh yeah, checked album reviews: 3 stars in Q (when will those losers learn?) and 4 and a half in DJ (losing out to Riton for album of the month, lame!). I have finally caught up with you lot and the album will comfortably sit in my top 5 this year.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 17:04 (twenty years ago) link

I'm listening to the album at the moment - it is a lot of fun, some great songs. (there is a torrent of it - don't know if it was mentioned upthread).

― Kevin Gilchrist (Mr Fusion), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 17:09 (twenty years ago) link

http://www.anniemusic.co.uk:88/data/images/5_gal4.jpg

My mom used to have a red jacket like that.

― djdee2005 (djdee2005), Tuesday, 28 September 2004 18:49 (twenty years ago) link

Does anyone know if the LP is coming out "auf vinyl"?

― Tag (Tag), Wednesday, 29 September 2004 14:31 (twenty years ago) link

Fopp are selling Anniemal for £12

This week's new releases @ Fopp
http://www.fopp.co.uk/fopp.asp?goTo=cd_newreleases

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:28 (twenty years ago) link

is anyone going to see her @ trash tonight?

― pete b. (pete b.), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:34 (twenty years ago) link

this isn't going to be in woolworths is it.

― Hari Ashurst (Toaster), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:36 (twenty years ago) link

yes, it's gonna be a busy one tho right?

― Brigadier Rainham Steele, Mrs (blueski), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:39 (twenty years ago) link

it could possibly scrape into the lower reaches of their album chart [new releases go in week of release] - worth checking.

their online store [that uses the same database as MVC, Audiostreet i.e same parent company] does stock it.

http://www.woolworths.co.uk/common/product.jhtml?pid=50281376

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:43 (twenty years ago) link

Great stuff anyway. "Chewing Gun" is kind of a flop in the UK. Too intelligent for the pop audiences, I guess (and, obviously, not "rock" enough for the indie audiences)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:46 (twenty years ago) link

re: trash - i'm sure it'll be rammed. i really want to go but am exhausted after the weekend. maybe i'll just sit in and listen to the album instead < sad old man />

― pete b. (pete b.), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:48 (twenty years ago) link

thanks DJ Martian, i'll go check it out later i think. It's one of those town woolies. Maybe if enough of you buy it then it will be there next week.

― Hari Ashurst (Toaster), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:48 (twenty years ago) link

i don't think 'Chewing Gum' is really a flop - #25 is a good position esp. given the seeming lack of coverage support from leading stores and tv/radio. granted it sounds like it should've been bigger, and i maintain if it had been Rachel Stevens new single then top 5 at least.

― Brigadier Rainham Steele, Mrs (blueski), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:50 (twenty years ago) link

Maybe. At least it has become a reasonable hit here in Norway. Hopefully, "Heartbeat" (which I suppose will be the next single) will perform better in the UK.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:53 (twenty years ago) link

From Manchester's Piccadilly Records weekly new releases e-mail:

Annie first gained praise in the UK for her debut single on Norway's ultra cool Telle label, the Madonna sampling Erot composed "Greatest Hit" back in 1999 / 2000, but it's taken until 2004, with the release of "Chewing Gum", for her to really take off big style. Now Annie releases her debut album, "Anniemal" which includes many cheeky, chirpy pop songs, some with an 80s vibe, others more with hints of disco-not-disco. It includes the aforementioned singles and forthcoming "Heartbeat".

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Monday, 4 October 2004 10:57 (twenty years ago) link

"disco-not-disco"

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Monday, 4 October 2004 11:36 (twenty years ago) link

can't be arsed with trash personally so i might just do that pub quiz - anyone else gonna go?

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Monday, 4 October 2004 11:40 (twenty years ago) link

At 14:03 +0100 01-10-2004, Pure Groove Newsletter wrote:
Annie, whose incredible album is on a very limited early run before its full release in 2005. And guess what? We‚ve got some. Production from Richard X and Royksopp among others, this is going to be one of the biggest albums over the next year.

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 4 October 2004 11:51 (twenty years ago) link

AHH

i just reccomended chewing gum to someone and she was like "oh no, that's the worst song ever i saw it on TV and it made me want to die".

i told her to stick with her maroon 5.

i will cease all contact with said friend.

― Hari Ashurst (Toaster), Monday, 4 October 2004 11:56 (twenty years ago) link

"maroon 5 are like 100 times better an fucking chewing gum girl"

WTF.

― Hari Ashurst (Toaster), Monday, 4 October 2004 11:58 (twenty years ago) link

i can understand, in a way, why some people would find 'Chewing Gum' annoying. the first time i heard 'Genius Of Love' i was all 'what the hell is this crap?!' or maybe it was just the video annoying me because that song grew on my very quickly. maybe Annie will grow on some people - i find her so instant tho.

― Brigadier Rainham Steele, Mrs (blueski), Monday, 4 October 2004 12:05 (twenty years ago) link

Oh, no way. 'Genius Of Love' is immediate. I first heard it as the (rewritten) for a fruit juice ad, like, 17 years ago, and I was hooked for life. And Mariah resold it to us barely 8 years ago.

I will probably ~~threaten~~beg the staff at Piccadilly to quit with that "disco-not-disco" crud.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 4 October 2004 12:33 (twenty years ago) link

"disco-not-disco"

Dance-pop-yes-dance-pop

― Andy (Andy K), Monday, 4 October 2004 12:39 (twenty years ago) link

"Many cheeky, chirpy pop songs" and no mention of Manc 'Greatest Hit' worship = dud.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 4 October 2004 12:43 (twenty years ago) link

yeah while we're on this, is this a manc only thing?
because the vinyl exchange have the same; a section called
'disco not disco' and that's filled with all the stuff used to be called future funk, or 'balearic'/'balearica' odd.

actually didn't ILM invent that 'x (not x)' thing with
the prince(not prince)thread. i'd like 2 think so!

― piscesboy, Monday, 4 October 2004 13:37 (twenty years ago) link

It def. seems to be the province of Manc. Vinyl Exchange are crazy, though. Piccadilly also think Erol Alkan runs Nag Nag Nag.

As for Annie, 'Me Plus One' MUST be the third single. It's the 2nd coming of 'Let's Hear It For The Boy'.

Hmm, that Prince (Not Prince) thread sounds like something I should revive.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 4 October 2004 13:41 (twenty years ago) link

http://stat.discogs.com/R/52841-001.jpg

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 4 October 2004 13:46 (twenty years ago) link

The credit goes to Don Was' son.

― Andy K (Andy K), Monday, 4 October 2004 13:48 (twenty years ago) link

They called the band Was (Not Was). The name came from young Anthony Fagenson (Don’s son) who had a habit of attempting to describe opposites by adding “Not". So you have “blue, not blue” and of course “was, not was".

― Andy K (Andy K), Monday, 4 October 2004 13:49 (twenty years ago) link

Given our, er, previews, who here's gonna buy it (I'd like vinyl)?

BTW, I watched this - http://www.johndokes.com/filmclips.htm - while listening to 'Come Together'. Try it.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Monday, 4 October 2004 13:51 (twenty years ago) link

I think maybe there was one copy to be had in all of doncaster and it was tucked away behind lots of other things in hmv and £15.99! seems a lot to pay for a new release album but had to be done (also the postage-stamp-sized singles section in our HMV unexpectedly had The Knife so today was comparative HAUL, criticisms of Piccadilly Records = You Don't Know You're Born)

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Monday, 4 October 2004 14:08 (twenty years ago) link

"Heartbeat" is nice. For a long time, I didn't click on this thread because I weirdly assumed that they were some metal act.

― jaymc (jaymc), Monday, 4 October 2004 14:13 (twenty years ago) link

The Knife or Annie?

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 4 October 2004 14:23 (twenty years ago) link

he must have thought annie was a female black metal singer from norway !

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Monday, 4 October 2004 14:27 (twenty years ago) link

Anniemal = 4 out of 10 from me, I'm afraid. The 3 singles are far and away the best tracks, and I'm not particularly enamoured with those either ("My Heartbeat" is perhaps the best). Not a complete dud, but a misfire, for sure.

― Jeff W (zebedee), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 09:43 (twenty years ago) link

There was only one copy in HMV Sauchiehall St - tucked away in the racks and £15.99 again - no way. I guess I'll order it online.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 09:51 (twenty years ago) link

is it just import copies on sale then?

― Brigadier Rainham Steele, Mrs (blueski), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 10:01 (twenty years ago) link

It didn't look like an import, and Amazon are selling it for £9.99. I think it's just HMV being wankers. I'm going to try Fopp at lunchtime and I have no luck there I'll get it online.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 10:07 (twenty years ago) link

It's the limited release innit - this is happening more and more - i'm not sure if it's just a profit making scheme - ie. getting the mad for it fans to pay an extra 5-6 quid to get it early - i dunno

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 10:09 (twenty years ago) link

But if Amazon are selling it as cheaply as they sell any other CD, that suggests that's not the case.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 10:11 (twenty years ago) link

Oh fuck - yesterday Amazon said delivery in 2-3 days, which was a bit suspicious for a new release. Now it says 1-2 weeks. Limited indeed.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 10:14 (twenty years ago) link

i ordered it when it said 2/3 days if they change my order to 1-2 weeks im gonna lose my shit.

my fucking spongebob squarepants jokebook still hasn't come either.

― Hari Ashurst (Toaster), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 12:00 (twenty years ago) link

I just panic-bought it from HMV for £15.99. It seemed to be the only copy in Glasgow - Virgin and Fopp didn't have it.

hmv.co.uk claim to have it avaliable for immediate dispatch at £12.99 plus postage.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 12:31 (twenty years ago) link

i wonder what sort of useless business practices/ strategies are 679 recordings are upto ?

a few weeks back it was slated to be delayed till 2005 in the UK, then all of a sudden it appears as an October 4th release.

now problems of limited supply, inadequate point of sale promotions, seemingly not offering a competitive wholesale unit price to some retailers to pass on a competitive price for customers, no coordinated marketing campaign.

do these people have any understanding of basic business/ marketing principles?

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 12:45 (twenty years ago) link

Maybe they're anticipating a PROPER marketing push for when Me Plus One is released early next year, and dropping the album proper right after that?

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 5 October 2004 12:55 (twenty years ago) link

Yes, the marketing tactic which worked so well for the Rob Dougan album...

― Marcello Carlin, Tuesday, 5 October 2004 12:57 (twenty years ago) link

This album is wonderful.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 01:12 (twenty years ago) link

I noticed the Mylo Mix of Chewing Gum is on the album - how does it differ from the single version? or IS IT the single version?

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 02:43 (twenty years ago) link

Yeah, it's a great album. No Easy Love has a genuinely lovely melody too, to go along with the perfect dance pop stuff. All of the tracks have such a strong character, not just the singles. There's so much to like about it I really can't understand a person who finds nothing to like on it.

― Kevin Gilchrist (Mr Fusion), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 02:50 (twenty years ago) link

the Mylo mix is faster and frankly, much better than the "album version" that was on the promo & singles.

― biznotic, Wednesday, 6 October 2004 03:42 (twenty years ago) link

It is kind of annoying not to have the original version of the song on the album though, no matter how good the remix is. I would be pissed if I bought the LP based on Chewing Gum and found the album version dramatically different.

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 05:23 (twenty years ago) link

I mean, what was the point of shelling out all the $ for a Richard X production when you aren't even going to put it on the album?

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 05:25 (twenty years ago) link

The version on the album is the normal regular single version, on my (stupidly overpriced, entirely perfect) copy anyway.

― Alex in Doncaster (Alex in Doncaster), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 07:55 (twenty years ago) link

i'm sure 679 have an internal logic which will explain all this but right now i'm off to order one special limited early album and one special chewing mylo remix version. And btw I've heard that there is going to be 8 different CD versions of Heartbeat plus a 7, 10 and 12'' AND a triple gatefold cassette all released at regular three and and half minute intervals from midnight on a wednesday.

― myke boomnoise (myke boomnoise), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 08:07 (twenty years ago) link

I think you might be mixing up "Heartbeat" by Annie with "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 6 October 2004 08:17 (twenty years ago) link

Also I reckon that Annie (From Norway) would have made a better artist name than Annie alone. Bit like when Moon Safari was credited to AIR: FRENCH BAND.

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 6 October 2004 08:19 (twenty years ago) link

Could anyone with a legit copy shed some light on the songwriting and production credits, please?

― JoB (JoB), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 12:01 (twenty years ago) link

She does not have a stern face (and she's very petite as it turns out). She was excellent last night. Marcello might have the right idea about the name, though.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 13:56 (twenty years ago) link

I have no mp3s of the other singles, being 'I Will Get On' and Disko Anne, plus 'Chewing Gum's' b-sides except the Mylo mix. Can anyone gmail me?

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 14:54 (twenty years ago) link

Why don't you ask Annie...?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:01 (twenty years ago) link

stand by bazima

― Senor Embargo (blueski), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:04 (twenty years ago) link

"She was excellent last night"

Yeah, but nobody was dancing or seemed that interested. A bit of a flat atmosphere. Maybe just 'cos it was a Tuesday. The mysterious Mr X was in attendence, though, holding a 7" all night. Maybe it was a request.

She was much better at the Bestival.

― Jamie (Jamie T Smith), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:10 (twenty years ago) link

BARMS, I'd mail you all her stuff but I don't have a gmail thingy. Hook me up and I'll make your dreams come true.

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:17 (twenty years ago) link

Jamie, did we meet you or not? Steve, thanks man, d/ling now. Ian, is that a real e-mail address? And Albs, I am not asking her! It's impolite!

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:41 (twenty years ago) link

No, I have no idea what you ILMers actually look like.

― Jamie T Smith (Jamie T Smith), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:55 (twenty years ago) link

We were closest to the DJ booth. I danced to 'Me Plus One' and 'I'm A Slave 4 U' (sort of). Stevem put a couple of photos on Barima in London.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:57 (twenty years ago) link

Also, RX is mondo camp and an awesome person. And he's probably gonna read this soon.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 15:59 (twenty years ago) link

i got all Affectian's old Annie stuff from him via slsk and i'll mail it to whoever wants it

― Senor Embargo (blueski), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 16:02 (twenty years ago) link

Like me! Nevertheless, Ian, I haff invited yoo.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 16:04 (twenty years ago) link

Could anyone with a legit copy shed some light on the songwriting and production credits, please?

'Intro' (Annie/X/Timo Kaukolampi) prod. Richard X & Timo Kaukolampi

'Chewing Gum' (X/Robinson) prod. Richard X

'Always Too Late' (Annie/Timo Kaukolampi/Yngave Saetre) prod. Timo Kaukolampi, add prod. Yngave Saetre

'Me Plus One' (X/Robinson) prod. Richard X

'My Heartbeat' (Annie/Svien Berge/Torbjørn Brundtland) prod. Svien Berge & Torbjørn Brundtland

'Helpless Fool For Love' (Annie/Timo Kaukolampi) prod. Timo Kaukolampi, add prod. Yngave Saetre

'Anniemal' (Annie/Timo Kaukolampi/Viekka Ercola) prod. Timo Kaukolampi & Viekka Ercola

'No Easy Love' (Annie/Torbjørn Brundtland) prod. Annie & Torbjørn Brundtland

'Happy Without You' (Annie/Timo Kaukolampi) prod. Annie & Timo Kaukolampi

'Greatest Hit' (Annie/Tore 'Erot' Kroknes) prod. Annie & Tore 'Erot' Kroknes

'Come Together' (Annie/Timo Kaukolampi) prod. Timo Kaukolampi & Annie

'My Best Friend' (Annie/Timo Kaukolampi/Torbjørn Brundtland) prod. Annie & Timo Kaukolampi & Torbjørn Brundtland

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 16:41 (twenty years ago) link

Cheers Barms, do you still need it or has Stevem stole my thunder? List what you've got on here, I might have some other Annie stuff lying around.

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 16:44 (twenty years ago) link

Steve sent me 'I Will Get On' before vanishing, so the race is on! I have most of the album, except the title track (and the edit of 'Greatest Hit' though I have the full length instead). That covers everything.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 16:51 (twenty years ago) link

Oh, I also have Mylo's mix.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 16:52 (twenty years ago) link

My 'Chewing Gum' is definitely not the Mylo mix. At least not the fast Mylo mix that I've heard. It sounds the same, or very similar, to the version that I saw the video for on TV. It's 3:56 in length, which is 8 seconds longer than the mp3 I found from before, but I've realised that's just cause the mp3 is missing the first 8 seconds.

My 12" (which I can't listen to at the moment and has no track timings) has one side marked 'Album Mix'. I seem to remember the CD singles having another main mix (the single mix?) marked separately to the album mix, which appeared on one of them. Anyway. Maybe some copies of the album got out with the Mylo mix on in error?

btw. 'My Heartbeat' is still my favourite track of all. I'm don't seem to be able to overdose on it.

But the title track is wonderfully infectious perfect pop, and 'Always Too Late' is a bit of a monster. I'm just getting into the other Torbjørn Brundtland collaboration, 'My Best Friend' too. I just love her voice.

Optimo gets a thanks on the dedications, which is cool.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:00 (twenty years ago) link

Oh, I wasn't reading properly. I thought you were backing up what Michael Gill was saying upthread about the Mylo mix being on the album.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:01 (twenty years ago) link

Steve just sent 'I Will Always Remember You'. Alab, you and Steve get ready for a reply.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:03 (twenty years ago) link

the Mylo mix is kinda meh to my ears.

― Senor Embargo (blueski), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:03 (twenty years ago) link

if anyone wants 'Kiss Me' then say so

― Senor Embargo (blueski), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:03 (twenty years ago) link

Agreed on Mylo mix, I'm guessing that new gmail I have is 'Kiss Me'.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:15 (twenty years ago) link

No, it's the Kaptein Kaliber mix of 'I Will Always...'. I think one day I will have to switch over to my alternate gmail account to handle all this (or get my own broadband/laptop/life).

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:32 (twenty years ago) link

that Cornelius track keeps bouncing back, received it three times now, steady on old chap

― Senor Embargo (blueski), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:32 (twenty years ago) link

Lots of Timo Kaukolampi then. Can anyone recommend some Op:l Bastards?

― JoB (JoB), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:52 (twenty years ago) link

GMail is going weird then, I didn't refresh the page at any point. I got the Kaptein Kaliber mix twice (but not the original of 'I Will Always yet), and I keep getting my own attachments returned to me in the conversations.

JoB, go to www.discogs.com. I recommend the 10", 'Spraybeat' on Rex Records, which has mysteriously/depressingly disappeared from my stash.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 17:56 (twenty years ago) link

My head hurts. Somehow, everything I've gotten off Steve has been changed to the Kaptein Kaliber thing, including the actual gmail attachments. WTF?

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 18:06 (twenty years ago) link

Can someone gmail me the non-album Annie stuff? ferg.or at gmail dot com?

― Michael Philip Philip Philip Philip Philip Annoyman (Ferg), Wednesday, 6 October 2004 23:13 (twenty years ago) link

where did my come from?

you could gmail me at RJG123, too, couldn't you? yes.

― RJG (RJG), Thursday, 7 October 2004 03:24 (twenty years ago) link

I lament the gmailrequestification of ILM, but I understand, yes.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 October 2004 06:26 (twenty years ago) link

why do you lament?

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Thursday, 7 October 2004 08:29 (twenty years ago) link

Because it's not very interesting to read.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 October 2004 08:45 (twenty years ago) link

But you make offers and get stuff in return too. And speaking of, Steve, you've fallen behind. Don't make me dump you for Ian ;-).

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 7 October 2004 10:03 (twenty years ago) link

I just prefer it if it stays on the mp3 request threads, but I guess that's unrealistic. Carry on.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 7 October 2004 10:15 (twenty years ago) link

no, I agree, actually.

don't send me anything, please.

― RJG (RJG), Thursday, 7 October 2004 10:48 (twenty years ago) link

to unsubscribe click here

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Thursday, 7 October 2004 10:49 (twenty years ago) link

Ok Barima, here's what I have:

Annie (Feat Fredrik Saroea) - I Will Always Remember You (Kaptein Kaliber Remix)
Annie (Feat Fredrik Saroea) - I Will Always Remember You
Annie - Chewing Gum (Headman Dub)
Annie - Chewing Gum (Headman Vocal Remix)
Annie - Chewing Gum (Mylo Remix)
Annie - Chewing Gum
Annie - Greatest Hit (Extended Disco Mix) (Bpm=127)
Annie - Heartbeat
Annie - I Will Get On (Doc Ls Remix By Kolbjorn Lyslo)
Annie - I Will Get On (Joshua Mix-Bpm House)
Annie - I Will Get On
Annie - Just Friends (With Richard X)
Annie - Kiss Me
Annie - The Greatest Dub
Annie - The Greatest Hit (Royksopp Remix)
Disko Anne & Karvaopelit - Rokkibaby [Rock Your Baby]

Any you want? I can't get my head round gmail though so it'll probably be Sunday before I suss it out. Am I missing any other non-album stuff here?

Ferg, get them off me on Ssk you cheeky tart. You're in my list so it shouldn't be a problem.

― Affectian (Affectian), Thursday, 7 October 2004 21:31 (twenty years ago) link

OK, I'll need everything but the Kaptein Kaliber mix, 'I WIll Get On', 'Just Friends', the Mylo mix, 'Chewing Gum', the extended 'Greatest Hit' and 'Heartbeat'. I also need 'Anniemal' (the track).

Nobody say nothing, I'm feeling the shame.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 7 October 2004 23:52 (twenty years ago) link

Annie, I'm so sorry.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 7 October 2004 23:53 (twenty years ago) link

well i jumped onboard. grabbed the proper release for a mind numbingly normal £11.99 which was placed over the outrageous £13.99 sticker.
value for money. yup.
fuckin' love this stuff ..
wonder if the full release then will feature lots of bonus extras (dvd/remixes etc) a la Poly Spree album on 679 .. thus making us grab another copy ?

― mark e (mark e), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 14:29 (twenty years ago) link

Yeah, very good album. It'll go in the VV poll if I get the invite this year (I hope?).

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 14:30 (twenty years ago) link

glad you like it ned, though i thought that if anyone would...

― stelfox, Wednesday, 13 October 2004 14:35 (twenty years ago) link

Pitchfork "We Are The World"ed 'Heartbeat' today.

― Matthew Perpetua (Matthew Perpetua), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 14:37 (twenty years ago) link

I'm glad it's so glowing, but I think it misses the bittersweetness inherent in the song.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 16:46 (twenty years ago) link

any word yet on a u.s. release?

― reo, Wednesday, 13 October 2004 17:14 (twenty years ago) link

I can't believe I still don't have this yeat. Far too broke to even contemplate it (and many others - it seems the threads on all of these albums I desperately want (this, Tom Waits, Dizzee, Stina Nordenstam, Interpol) but can't afford keep getting bumped back up to spite me) GRAR.

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 17:21 (twenty years ago) link

is the pitchfork site ever going to have a decent navigation menu together/NOT ugly squished graphic type for links?

― Freelance Webdesigner (blueski), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 17:23 (twenty years ago) link

annie underwhelms me a little, i like it in theory but it has yet to really win my heart.

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 17:40 (twenty years ago) link

me too, I've not given it a decent chance admittedly. also I've been listening to quite dark stuff lately.

― Ronan (Ronan), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 17:43 (twenty years ago) link

I love the singles obviously.

― Ronan (Ronan), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 17:43 (twenty years ago) link

cristina.

― cºzen (Cozen), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 19:30 (twenty years ago) link

Is it even going to be released in the US? Ive seen bigger groups/more anticipated records never get released over here..

― still bevens (bscrubbins), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 19:43 (twenty years ago) link

I don't understand cozen's cryptic cristina comment. Is he comparing the two in some way?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 19:46 (twenty years ago) link

Does she really say "schlepping" on "Me Plus One"?!?!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 19:51 (twenty years ago) link

No. 6 in Norway. Geir probably bought 10 copies to feed his melody habit.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 20:23 (twenty years ago) link

What's No.6? 'Chewing Gum'?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 20:27 (twenty years ago) link

Anniemal. Norwegian album chart!

― JoB (JoB), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 21:38 (twenty years ago) link

yeah ronan i like the singles too (but not quite love, i think... but maybe if it hits me at the right time, on the dancefloor or something, that will change)

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 13 October 2004 23:00 (twenty years ago) link

Last night I dreamt Annie was a fundamentalist Christian.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 14 October 2004 07:10 (twenty years ago) link

Haha, anybody fancy gmailing me the singles? (Sorry N.!)

― Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Thursday, 14 October 2004 07:13 (twenty years ago) link

she reminds me of a conservative cristina.

― cºzen (Cozen), Thursday, 14 October 2004 14:59 (twenty years ago) link

A fundamentalist cristina, surely.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 14 October 2004 15:12 (twenty years ago) link

These are serious times. No place for Cristina and her clever irony.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 14 October 2004 15:54 (twenty years ago) link

Barima, gmail is go (apologies for the delay).

― Affectian (Affectian), Thursday, 14 October 2004 18:17 (twenty years ago) link

the irony of the beholder.

― cºzen (Cozen), Thursday, 14 October 2004 18:47 (twenty years ago) link

Thx, Ian, will do later.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Thursday, 14 October 2004 19:22 (twenty years ago) link

Gnomicozen.

I wish we still had the gmail list system. It could be filled with Annie, whom I like, I think. (I've never heard Chewing Gum though!)

― Gravel Puzzleworth (Gregory Henry), Thursday, 14 October 2004 19:38 (twenty years ago) link

Could anyone gmail me Chewing gum. Thanx.

― jackthelad (daavid), Thursday, 14 October 2004 20:10 (twenty years ago) link

so i saw the import in tower records today, they had quite a few copies. i think it's something like $23 dollars.

is it worth the price?

should i go back and get it?

― reo, Sunday, 24 October 2004 04:52 (twenty years ago) link

yes

― Paul (scifisoul), Sunday, 24 October 2004 04:54 (twenty years ago) link

yes once more

― Johnny Fever (johnny fever), Sunday, 24 October 2004 11:19 (twenty years ago) link

23 dollars? Right, brief calculations reveal that to be less than I paid for it. Go there.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 24 October 2004 11:21 (twenty years ago) link

Paul, does Tower carry it on vinyl/have the singles? The only person in NY i know who has it got it at Rebel Rebel...

― Dan Selzer (Dan Selzer), Sunday, 24 October 2004 14:32 (twenty years ago) link

'this is D this is I this is F F I...' hook from Me+1 now officially my favourite thing of year, possibly ever

― Michael Philip Philip Philip Philip Philip Annoyman (Ferg), Sunday, 24 October 2004 16:15 (twenty years ago) link

isn't it '*mrs* d mrs i mrs f f i ' etc? sounds like it.
'this is..' doesn't make any sense.

anyone with the official version have the lyrix book?
indeed, does it *have one*?

― piscesboy, Friday, 29 October 2004 11:10 (twenty years ago) link

i wouldn't pay $23 for any CD, even tho Anniemal is probably my favourite album this year. isn't it cheaper o'er ye interweb?

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Friday, 29 October 2004 11:19 (twenty years ago) link

$23 = about £11.50; sounds a reasonable price to me.

hang on a minute, doesn't that lyrical schema spell "diffirent"?

― Marcello Carlin, Friday, 29 October 2004 11:21 (twenty years ago) link

i didn't think it really was 2 dollars to the pound, how lovely

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Friday, 29 October 2004 11:26 (twenty years ago) link

I think it's was "difficult"

― sleep (sleep), Friday, 29 October 2004 11:29 (twenty years ago) link

I can't type in the morning, you know.

― sleep (sleep), Friday, 29 October 2004 11:30 (twenty years ago) link

three weeks pass...

At 15:47 +0000 17-11-2004, Pure Groove Records wrote:
we managed to get advance 12" copies of "Heartbeat" the next single of new pop princess on the block Annie (679). Written and produced by Royksopp this track is a pure pop bomb (a la Zoot Woman/Phoenix). The A side contains the fabulous original mix whilst the B side offers Roysopp's Mindre Tilgjenglige own alternative rework.Watch out for more forthcoming remixes including Alan Braxe and more...

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 22 November 2004 22:38 (twenty years ago) link

Alan Braxe

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 22 November 2004 23:08 (twenty years ago) link

You know I posted this mainly for you, Ronan... :-)

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 22 November 2004 23:19 (twenty years ago) link

It's called 'Hearbeat' rather than 'My Heartbeat' again? I can't keep up.

Best single of the year anyway. Can't wait for the mixes.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 22 November 2004 23:36 (twenty years ago) link

Wowee!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 22 November 2004 23:51 (twenty years ago) link

The singles are great, but is the album a necessary purchase?

― Maxwell von Bismarck (maxwell von bismarck), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 00:46 (twenty years ago) link

Or rather, has this singles versions vs. possible album versions business been sorted out?

― Maxwell von Bismarck (maxwell von bismarck), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 00:59 (twenty years ago) link

Isn't it supposed to be a 2005 single?

― djdee2005 (djdee2005), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 01:04 (twenty years ago) link

Well the album is incredibly difficult to track down right now - it's either out of stock or like extortionately expensive wherever you look. Re-release date is apparently Feb 21 2005.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 01:17 (twenty years ago) link

Not releasing it 7 days earlier seems to me a grievous mistake.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 09:39 (twenty years ago) link

wasn't this all part of the so-called soft-release .. i managed to grab a copy when it came out. and it has indeed become a major part of my routine.

'heartbeat' is a lovely track.

hope we get more funky dance moves in the video.

― mark e (mark e), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 09:48 (twenty years ago) link

too minor bugbears i have with 'Heartbeat':

when she sings 'and have a drink there or two' - i'm not happy with that on a grammatical basis, it just sounds a bit awkward

the drums sound a bit duff

otherwise yes! single of the year

the news that Alan Braxe is doing a remix fills me with joy. for the last few weeks i have been thinking about how great it would be if the 'feel my hearbeat' line was just looped and looped over thudding disco shenanigans...i expect Braxe to do just this, altho maybe Lu Cont could do even better?

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 10:53 (twenty years ago) link

Grammatical errors are cute when foreigners do them though!

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 10:54 (twenty years ago) link

'sshhhhhh, let's start der record!'

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 10:55 (twenty years ago) link

it's like when Bjork says 'warmthest' on "Hidden Place"!

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 10:56 (twenty years ago) link

damn i thought she really did mean her warm vest

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:00 (twenty years ago) link

"too minor bugbears"

grammatician heal thyself

― Marcello Carlin, Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:03 (twenty years ago) link

or was that a subtle implication that such bugbears are indeed "too minor" to warrant serious consideration?

― Marcello Carlin, Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:04 (twenty years ago) link

Any 'Heratbeat' remixes would probably just resemble 'The Terrace'/'Stand Back' and the mixes thereof.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:10 (twenty years ago) link

my grammatical errors are not as important as Annie's

why so cynical/pessimistic Barms?

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:15 (twenty years ago) link

slavish observance of grammatical rules is a hindrance in pop lyricism

― Marcello Carlin, Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:18 (twenty years ago) link

I can't expect too much from the remixes either. Look at chewing gum - Mylo put a beat behind it and stretched it (very conservative) and Headman, well, ruined it. Remains a song I like but can't play out.

― 3underscore (___), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:20 (twenty years ago) link

why so cynical/pessimistic Barms?

It's my nature. But I meant to say "in my head" and besides, 'The Terrace' is awesome. Imagine 'The Terrace' keyed down to fit with 'Heartbeat's vocals - t'would be grand.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:25 (twenty years ago) link

'Heartbeat' needs a great remix to compliment the great original imo, ala 'silver screen shower scene' and 'what you waiting for' - both done by JLC! many would say his mixes outstrip the originals considerably but i'd disagree in that they just become a sibling, different yet the same rather than better/worse.

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:29 (twenty years ago) link

I'd have nominated ROCnelius for remix duties, but 'Heartbeat' is like a stunning companion to his remix of Mondo Grosso's 'Everything Needs Love'. I'd love for Chelonis to take it on.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:39 (twenty years ago) link

his remix of Mondo Grosso's 'Everything Needs Love'

sendit

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:46 (twenty years ago) link

X-Mastime.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:53 (twenty years ago) link

In terms of remixes, the less fannying around with the song itself the better. All that song needs is a kick drum and some nice fuzzy Braxe pads and possibly a really joyous buildup for the final chorus and thats it.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 11:59 (twenty years ago) link

Possibly some lovely French house chords as well (bit like ver Terrace really)

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:00 (twenty years ago) link

New one - put 'Heartbeat's vocals over Daft Punk's 'Superheroes'.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:04 (twenty years ago) link

that's one quick heartbeat

― Ronan (Ronan), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:23 (twenty years ago) link

New one - put 'Heartbeat's vocals over The Prodigy's 'Hyperspeed'.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:35 (twenty years ago) link

LEAVE HEARTBEAT ALONE

I LOVE IT THE WAY IT IS

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:36 (twenty years ago) link

maybe the drums sound better on the actual CD

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:38 (twenty years ago) link

I agree with Steve re: the drums. I don't know why they lumbered such an amazing song with some bogstandard Doves-style "lets bash them really hard four times in bar" nonsense.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:42 (twenty years ago) link

Club play (also you two are doing your mindmeld case-overstating).

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:44 (twenty years ago) link

i like the four snares per bar thing alright (maybe excessive use tho?), it's just they sound a bit too dense and muffled. probably just the mp3 all along tho, as i think Royksopp do drums quite well otherwise.

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:44 (twenty years ago) link

Gah! I've just listened to the album version of Heartbeat and the drums ARE really hard - I was about to say wtf, the drums are soft and gorgeous. I'm sure the version I downloaded ages ago has great drums.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:45 (twenty years ago) link

weak drums are a key aspect of the track

(and JoB - thanks for making my 24hrs!)

― Paul (scifisoul), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:45 (twenty years ago) link

takes me back to '75/'76 - pub glitter yay!

― Paul (scifisoul), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 12:55 (twenty years ago) link

wait, so i ordered this a week ago on amazon.co.uk, and it hasnt shipped yet - am i to believe from what i read that it wont be shipped anytime soon? damn it, if so.

― peter smith (plsmith), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 15:29 (twenty years ago) link

I think you may be waiting a while, yes.

Damn - I haven't been listening to this album enough. The title track is giddy as hell. It makes me want to be a DJ. Watch out.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 21:05 (twenty years ago) link

dammit fucking dammit.

― peter smith (plsmith), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 21:06 (twenty years ago) link

The thread for gmail offers and requests ...

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 21:08 (twenty years ago) link

no - i mean, i have it on my comp. i just want the actual thing. i know, i know - live in the now, pete...

― peter smith (plsmith), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 21:32 (twenty years ago) link

the bright side - when it's re-released next year there may be BONUS TRACKS and other such goodies added to it.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 21:39 (twenty years ago) link

There better not be.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 23 November 2004 21:42 (twenty years ago) link

Random question, but I couldn't find an answer anywhere else - does anyone know how old Annie is?

― Josh Love (screamapillar), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:28 (twenty years ago) link

I'm guessing mid-20s, but wasn't sure.

― Josh Love (screamapillar), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:28 (twenty years ago) link

She looks older than that to me.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:37 (twenty years ago) link

Given that she is/was reading this thread, I feel somewhat self-conscious guessing. But she looks about my age (31) to me.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:39 (twenty years ago) link

You didn't meet her. I'm betting it's a total suprise.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:40 (twenty years ago) link

50!

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:40 (twenty years ago) link

she's been around for a bit.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:44 (twenty years ago) link

64!

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:48 (twenty years ago) link

Annie, You're Not My Succubi.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:49 (twenty years ago) link

a dignified 48

― Ronan (Ronan), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:50 (twenty years ago) link

All I know is her late partner died in '01 at the age of 23, so unless she was a good bit older than him (not that it's impossible) she'd be mid-20s. But then I thought I remembered reading she was 30 earlier this year. Eh, it's pretty trivial, I just needed to know for an article.

― Josh Love (screamapillar), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:53 (twenty years ago) link

after the break, Guess Her Weight!

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:54 (twenty years ago) link

Joking aside, she struck me as mid-to-late-20s.

(98lbs!)

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 11:55 (twenty years ago) link

Random question, but I couldn't find an answer anywhere else - does anyone know how old Annie is?

Born in 1977

― the todster (the todster), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:12 (twenty years ago) link

I win.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:18 (twenty years ago) link

Two years older than me. Still, I suppose we'll find away around it.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:25 (twenty years ago) link

That's Matt off to the local cloning labs with that strand of Annie's hair he stole off the DJ booth when no one else was watching.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:31 (twenty years ago) link

aren't all Norweigan women that pretty anyway? have i been lied to all this time?

― Freelance Hiveminder (blueski), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:34 (twenty years ago) link

thanks todster

― Josh Love (screamapillar), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:35 (twenty years ago) link

http://www.orienteering.com/~wc2000jp/relay/photo_prize/women_norway_prize.jpg

― The Lex (The Lex), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:38 (twenty years ago) link

I feel bad now.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:40 (twenty years ago) link

that would have been my guess.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:41 (twenty years ago) link

What, mine or the right one?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:42 (twenty years ago) link

yours.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:48 (twenty years ago) link

we should both feel bad, i guess.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:48 (twenty years ago) link

You're EEEEEEEEEeeeevillllll!

― B.rian Dowling (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:51 (twenty years ago) link

RJG put me up to it.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 12:56 (twenty years ago) link

Shun him.

― B.A.R.M.S. I.N. N.Y.C. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:07 (twenty years ago) link

He's young. Everyone looks ancient to him.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:08 (twenty years ago) link

what's my excuse?

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:14 (twenty years ago) link

annie, you are ok.

― cºzen (Cozen), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:15 (twenty years ago) link

I don't know, lauren. You're a woman and so you're just being bitchy?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:17 (twenty years ago) link

Too many cocktails.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:24 (twenty years ago) link

I mean, I shouldn't have to say that.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:25 (twenty years ago) link

I would have guessed 18.

I haven't spoken to alba in months.

― RJG (RJG), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:28 (twenty years ago) link

But the last thing you said to me was "That Annie - she looks like an haggard old crow"

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:29 (twenty years ago) link

i'm a drunk gossipy old bitch, i guess.

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:30 (twenty years ago) link

I know 15 annies and I wasn't even talking to you.

― RJG (RJG), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 13:30 (twenty years ago) link

i'm a drunk gossipy old bitch, i guess.

Yeah, but you're *our* drunk gossipy old bitch, goldarnit.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 14:05 (twenty years ago) link

ps. hi lauren!

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 14:10 (twenty years ago) link

hi!

― lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 14:18 (twenty years ago) link

What's crackin'?

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 14:42 (twenty years ago) link

This thread has some competition now : http://www.anniemusic.co.uk/phpBB2/

http://www.spirit.no/images/magasinet/feat_annie.jpg

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 16:16 (twenty years ago) link

damn. thats a lot of catching up i gotta do ..

― mark e (mark e), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 16:22 (twenty years ago) link

ihttp://www.kongsberg-jazzfestival.no/2002/presse/highres/dj_annie1.jpg

best picture of all tiiiiiiime!

― peter smith (plsmith), Wednesday, 24 November 2004 16:27 (twenty years ago) link

Maurice Fulton remix!

― JoB (JoB), Thursday, 25 November 2004 20:20 (twenty years ago) link

I hate that but I love the vocal. is the original vocal as sleepy?

― cºzen (Cozen), Thursday, 25 November 2004 20:30 (twenty years ago) link

Oh dear - I think I must be far too attached to the song to hear that done to it.

― Alba (Alba), Thursday, 25 November 2004 20:42 (twenty years ago) link

This album is brilliant. That is all.

― Pears can just fuck right off. (kenan), Friday, 26 November 2004 16:32 (twenty years ago) link

ok, listening to 'heartbeat' for the first time I think I finally get it.

― cºzen (Cozen), Saturday, 27 November 2004 11:48 (twenty years ago) link

It's all about the "I won't forget the greatest times I had when I was dancing with you".

― Alba (Alba), Saturday, 27 November 2004 12:55 (twenty years ago) link

It's all about love, beauty and craft.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Saturday, 27 November 2004 13:23 (twenty years ago) link

Woodcraft?

― Alba (Alba), Saturday, 27 November 2004 13:26 (twenty years ago) link

It's a Trojan.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Saturday, 27 November 2004 13:35 (twenty years ago) link

Horse. Trojan Horse. Like, you admire the fine work and the mystery, not realising til it's too late that there are lots of beating hearts inside.

― B.A.R.M.S. (Barima), Saturday, 27 November 2004 13:36 (twenty years ago) link

I spotted them almost instantly. I should totally have been a Trojan horse inspector. History might have been so different.

― Alba (Alba), Saturday, 27 November 2004 13:39 (twenty years ago) link

Are there horse inspectors?

― Alba (Alba), Saturday, 27 November 2004 13:39 (twenty years ago) link

the maurice fulton remix is too snuffbox-porny for my tastes

― NBS, Saturday, 27 November 2004 17:05 (twenty years ago) link

Great fucking album.

― djdee2005 (djdee2005), Sunday, 28 November 2004 04:35 (twenty years ago) link

"Annie sounds so deliciously Norwegian you could use her to hunt whales"

so sayeth an Amazon.co.uk review!

― Riot Gear! (Gear!), Sunday, 28 November 2004 07:23 (twenty years ago) link

one month passes...

is this LP 'out' in the strictest sense? i saw it in fopp (£15) but never in hmv, and on amazon they say 7 march.

― Miles Finch, Thursday, 13 January 2005 09:53 (nineteen years ago) link

it snuck out last year with zero promotion, but when the single didn't conquer the known world (ie London and UK radio) 679 shelved all hopes of a sleeper hit and quietly withdrew it again. It's being replugged on the back of "Heartbeat" as of, uh, around now I guess.

Here's her producer Timo (no reason, just like the picture): http://www.radiohelsinki.fi/valokuvia/timocrop.JPG

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 13 January 2005 10:05 (nineteen years ago) link

the autumn 2004 issue seems to have been an extremely low-key and limited release (due to "chewing gum" only making #25) but 12"s of "my heartbeat" are circulating so it's likely that'll be out as a single first followed by the album release proper.

i suspect that all the copies in london record shops at the time of the first release were bought without exception by ilxors!

― Marcello Carlin, Thursday, 13 January 2005 10:08 (nineteen years ago) link

wot a lovely thread. so, this was ILM in 2004. not so bad.

― Jaunty Alan (Alan), Thursday, 13 January 2005 10:31 (nineteen years ago) link

Too little love for "Always Too Late"! BTW, the release phases of this album baffles me -- it's already been marked down by the chains here in Norway, actually.

Translation trivia: "mindre tilgjengelig" = "less accessible".

― OleM (OleM), Thursday, 13 January 2005 12:17 (nineteen years ago) link

That Fulton remix bites.

― Captain GRRRios' Giggletits (Barima), Thursday, 13 January 2005 14:03 (nineteen years ago) link

so is this where i get cheeky and ask someone to gmail me the whole damn album except for "chewing gum" and "heartbeat"?

yes, i think it is!

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Thursday, 13 January 2005 14:18 (nineteen years ago) link

I can do that.

xpost

― ana (ana), Thursday, 13 January 2005 14:43 (nineteen years ago) link

GIVE ME THE BRAXE REMIX ALREADY (anyone?)

― Stevem On X (blueski), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:18 (nineteen years ago) link

BTW, "Heartbeat" video is up on the official site.

http://www.anniemusic.co.uk/

― ana (ana), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:42 (nineteen years ago) link

David Fincher's gone back to basics, I see.

― Captain GRRRios' Giggletits (Barima), Thursday, 13 January 2005 15:51 (nineteen years ago) link

aw bless 'er, cool video - won't blow minds but fits the song just fine

― Stevem On X (blueski), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:11 (nineteen years ago) link

(chart prediction: twentyfuckingthree) - at the very least Radio 2 should be all over it if not 1

― Stevem On X (blueski), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:12 (nineteen years ago) link

is nice

― Jaunty Alan (Alan), Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:23 (nineteen years ago) link

Heartbeat should've been the single in the first place. This and Greatest Hit, er, bust Chewing Gum's bubble

― asl, Thursday, 13 January 2005 16:55 (nineteen years ago) link

I'm probably the only one who loves the Braxe and Royskopp mixes of "Heartbeat" more than the original. For some reason, I just feel the album version never takes off. I think the tight/stomping drums play a big part in why it feels so grounded to me, while both remixes frame the melody with this type of levity which makes me understand a little better why people love the song to death.

Also, I've just heard the original "I Will Get On" and it is excellent. Should have been on the album!

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Thursday, 13 January 2005 19:56 (nineteen years ago) link

somebody yousendit the braxe mix!

please

― Hari A$hur$t (Toaster), Thursday, 13 January 2005 20:01 (nineteen years ago) link

here it is:

http://s15.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0PLJ401QMTKZJ2GQW0ET3HKHOJ

― ana (ana), Friday, 14 January 2005 12:30 (nineteen years ago) link

that link won't work for me : (

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 14 January 2005 12:51 (nineteen years ago) link

yeah, yousendit seems to be down

should be working later on

― ana (ana), Friday, 14 January 2005 12:56 (nineteen years ago) link

That's quite an improvement on the Fulton - basically, it's the Daft Punk 'Take Me Out' mix for the tweemotional party set ie just enough tweaking and re-editing to work in a club, and deceptive for what it is. The drums have been softened for the Scots-indie fans way up top.

― Captain GRRRios' Giggletits (Barima), Friday, 14 January 2005 14:20 (nineteen years ago) link

I wasn't too keen on the Fulton or Royksopp remixes but this Braxe one gets it so right. Retains the bitter-sweetness but stretches it out into the daziness the original mix has to pull back on in the interests of pop.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 14 January 2005 16:34 (nineteen years ago) link

Actually - the Röyksopp one is pretty good. It just takes a bit of getting used to.

― Alba (Alba), Friday, 14 January 2005 16:36 (nineteen years ago) link

Missed this last year:

Chewing Gum (FakeID Juicy Fruit Mix).

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 00:40 (nineteen years ago) link

Ned OTM re: Chewing Gum > Heartbeat but both still godlike k thx bye.

― Richard C (avoid80), Tuesday, 18 January 2005 01:00 (nineteen years ago) link

why the fuck do i like this record so much?! someone please tell me cuz i think my senses are rotting with Annie's sugary goodness

― ken taylrr (ken taylrr), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 22:35 (nineteen years ago) link

Ana I kiss you! Whoever you are...

Good pop album innit? If you like Girls Aloud. Which I do.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Wednesday, 19 January 2005 23:27 (nineteen years ago) link

A short interview here.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 09:39 (nineteen years ago) link

can i ask someone from sweden/russia a question if it's off topic,annie from norway might be able to get army of lovers dvd when it's released in mayoff topic la camilla from army of lovers hosted 7th heaven and read french storeis - i would pay euro 50 for video of these night show stories

― la camilla bf, Tuesday, 25 January 2005 09:47 (nineteen years ago) link

I really do love that Braxe remix. I was listening to it yesterday and started dreaming that the new "Technique part ii" New Order album would sound like that but with more new ordery drum patterns.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 10:30 (nineteen years ago) link

She was checked as a hot new thing for 2005 by both OMM and Time Out, but both of them are calling the album Anniemal, but the copy I have is just called Annie.

― Anna (Anna), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 13:28 (nineteen years ago) link

Need to hear this Royksopp one.

Annamal, that's weeeeiirrd.

― Captain GRRRios' Giggletits (Barima), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 13:30 (nineteen years ago) link

i hear a version will be released in an ENAMEL case. with leopardskin trim.

― Stevem On X (blueski), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 13:37 (nineteen years ago) link

oooohhh.

The FakeID mix is so good!

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:02 (nineteen years ago) link

I don’t know. I guess the 80s was – there was a lot happening. There’s a very big difference between the 70s and the 80s: production changed very much, very suddenly. People were experimenting with electronic music, quite extremely. Even people like Duran Duran! I think that kind of extremism disappeared some time in the 90s. People got a little bit…

It's the Chorley FM DJ!

― Peter Stringbender (PJ Miller), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:10 (nineteen years ago) link

Shhhhh! We're trying to enjoy this while it lasts!

― why must we cut onions? (Lynskey), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:19 (nineteen years ago) link

I caught Chewing Gum on Popworld and thought it was amazing and haven't heard it since. Saw Heartbeat on that CH4 music video show that's on in the mornings and really liked that.

Can anyone get me the original Chewing Gum?

I've tried searching the record shops in my town and can't find it anywhere! No luck on the nerdnet either...!

Cheers, Louie

― Louie Strychnine, Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:22 (nineteen years ago) link

Louie - see here.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:27 (nineteen years ago) link

(gemm lists all prices in dollars but if you click through you'll probably find most of thost sellers are British)

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:28 (nineteen years ago) link

catchier than britney.

― Brad Seethe, Tuesday, 25 January 2005 16:48 (nineteen years ago) link

catchier than flu.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 25 January 2005 17:34 (nineteen years ago) link

catchier than herpes.

― ana (ana), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 17:42 (nineteen years ago) link

"rubber up"

― Stevem On X (blueski), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 17:42 (nineteen years ago) link

If you like Annie, you'll love Bertine Zetlitz.

I do.

― davidsim (davidsim), Tuesday, 25 January 2005 20:04 (nineteen years ago) link

who? tell all!

on another seperate thread maybe?

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 25 January 2005 20:10 (nineteen years ago) link

See new thread - Bertine Zetlitz (from Norway).

― davidsim (davidsim), Wednesday, 26 January 2005 10:29 (nineteen years ago) link

Press Release: Annie @ Fresh Air - Fabric, March 3rd

Sunkissed Live presents Fresh Air
http://www.sunkissed.no/liveindex2005.html

'Celebrating a hundred years of free air'.
The Centenary of Norway’s Independence.

Thursday 3rd March at Fabric in London

Sunkissed Live reclocates to London for a one off bamboozle to celebrate a hundred years of Norwegian independence. Or more potently the explosion of Norwegian underground music in the last decade and some. Taking over all three rooms at the world renowned club Fabric with 30 acts covering jazz, electronica jazz and house it will be one of the biggest gatherings of Norwegian acts outside norway ever.

The full line-up is now ready, including diverse acts such as Satyricon, Bugge Wesseltoft, Nils Petter Molvœr, WE, DJ Ralp Myerz, Annie, Kango's Stein Massive, Magne F, Bjørn Torske, Magnet, Nils Noa, g-HA, King Midas, spoecial guests acts and many many more

As in previous years Sunkissed Live will be recorded for Paul Thomas’ One World show on BBC Radio 1. Though expect some of the artists to pop up other places on the station too.

Also look out for the accompanying promotional CD featuring tracks by Annie, Wibutee, Nils Petter Molvœr, Prins Thomas, Frost, Xploding Plastix, Bugge Wesseltoft, Ralph Myerz and more. The CD will be availble free from selected record shops and shops, as well as to the first 500 to enter Fabric on the night.

For more info, about the event and where to get tickets, got to the information page or send an email to olanskii@sunkissed.no.

Sunkissed Live at Fabric is realised with the help of the Norwegian Embassy in London, The norwegian Foreign Ministry and Norwegian.no.

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Wednesday, 26 January 2005 22:34 (nineteen years ago) link

http://www.sunkissed.no/indexnews.html

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Wednesday, 26 January 2005 22:35 (nineteen years ago) link

This is a stupid idea. With all the Norwegians in Fabric, Sweden will take the opportunity to invade again.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 26 January 2005 22:43 (nineteen years ago) link

specific url:
http://www.sunkissed.no/liveindex2005.html

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Wednesday, 26 January 2005 22:43 (nineteen years ago) link

two weeks pass...

er, is this right about the good lady supporting her on the LCD soundsystem tour? like, in manchester on tuesday?

― piscesboy, Friday, 11 February 2005 14:17 (nineteen years ago) link

Wow. I might go then.

― hmmm (hmmm), Friday, 11 February 2005 14:33 (nineteen years ago) link

What about these LCD dates?

april
14 brussels domino festival @ a/b box belgium www.abconcerts.be
15 rotterdam motel mozaique @ nighttown holland www.motelmozaique.nl
16 milan tdk dance marathon italy
18 barcelona razzmatazz room 2 spain
20 paris elysee monmartre france www.elyseemontmartre.com
21 evreux l'abordage france www.abordage.net
22 dijon la vapeur (eurokeenes) france
23 bourges printemps de bourges @ phoenix france www.printemps-bourges.com
25 london hammersmith palais uk www.seetickets.com 08007837485 / 02072870932 / 02077348932
26 birmingham academy 2 uk www.seetickets.com 08707712000
27 bristol academy uk www.seetickets.com 0870772000
29 edinburgh trip tych festival @ the venue uk 08702201116
30 aberdeen trip tych festival @ the lemon tree uk 08702201116

may
1 glasgow trip tych festival @ tramway uk 08702201116

― hmmm (hmmm), Friday, 11 February 2005 14:45 (nineteen years ago) link

the word 'her' shouldn't be in that sentence i just posted.

― piscesboy, Friday, 11 February 2005 14:47 (nineteen years ago) link

Arse. I'm not in the country when LCD are in Bristol.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Friday, 11 February 2005 15:08 (nineteen years ago) link

I don't know anyhting about the other venues, but the scottish ones are all pretty small. The biggest room in the venue in edinburgh holds about 300-350 people. The lemon tree isn't much bigger.

― hmmm (hmmm), Friday, 11 February 2005 15:10 (nineteen years ago) link

30 aberdeen trip tych festival @ the lemon tree uk 08702201116

!!!

― cozen (Cozen), Friday, 11 February 2005 15:32 (nineteen years ago) link

Damnd straight. I reckon this'll be the last chance anyone gets to see them in venues this small.

― hmmm (hmmm), Friday, 11 February 2005 15:38 (nineteen years ago) link

'damn'

― hmmm (hmmm), Friday, 11 February 2005 15:39 (nineteen years ago) link

She was a total fucking pop flop though, wasn't she?

― Sick Mouthy (Nick Southall), Friday, 11 February 2005 15:44 (nineteen years ago) link

Err March 18th somewhere, Londoners. I forget where, but yeah, who's up for it?

― Sarah C, Friday, 11 February 2005 15:46 (nineteen years ago) link

fuckin' a. [lcd are at trash on monday -- she won't be there, tho?]

― Miles Finch, Friday, 11 February 2005 15:48 (nineteen years ago) link

Finally got my copy today of the album. It was $33 and I had to lick the postman's balls. What you get for coming late to the party, I suppose.

― TOMBOT, Friday, 11 February 2005 20:29 (nineteen years ago) link

Tramway is pretty big though - they'll probably have several bands on the bill. Last year it was Super Furries with Adem and two others. They also held mini-festivals with different stages on different nights last year.
My pal is doing the press for Triptych, so watch this space...

― stew, Friday, 11 February 2005 20:51 (nineteen years ago) link

This record is fucking brilliant.

― TOMBOT, Wednesday, 16 February 2005 02:33 (nineteen years ago) link

Haha, I still don't have it yet!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 03:27 (nineteen years ago) link

It's not as good as "Naughty Boys" by Yellow Magic Orchestra though. Drat.

― TOMBOT, Wednesday, 16 February 2005 06:21 (nineteen years ago) link

I love how completely miles ahead of everyone else she still is on the ILM audioscobbler listening chart. I try to give 'Anniemal' a rest but I just keep coming back to it, esp. when I'm walking around town. When the title track comes on I get the biggest spring in my step there is.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 07:30 (nineteen years ago) link

and no she wasnt at manc LCD last nite.

it was aces though.

― piscesboy, Wednesday, 16 February 2005 12:34 (nineteen years ago) link

Don't listen to Pisces, he'd dance to a car alarm. The LCD gig was pap until the last handful of songs. To be fair though, I only got tickets to see Annie and was sulky from her pulling out.

Anyone know when/where Annie's first uk gig will be? I hereby declare that it should be Manchester because Manchester been HEARTing Annie for years and we will arrange a parade down Canal St in her honour.

Ace interview with her in last Friday's MEN, final qu was 'what other popstar do you hate?'. Annie paused, ummd and ahd then went "Dannii Minogue! I hate everything she stands for!"

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 12:57 (nineteen years ago) link

!! Does she mean this?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 12:59 (nineteen years ago) link

Here's an old interview, from the version of history that has now been almost erased, in which Anniemal was released last year:

Seriously good times
Profile: Annie

18 July 2004
The Sunday Times, Culture Section

It's her disco and she'll cry if she wants to: Annie has made a truly affecting pop album, says DAN CAIRNS

If pop has traditionally been music's least valued relation, nobody told Annie.

The singer and DJ from the Norwegian port of Bergen is about to rally the pop faithful to the flag with an astonishing debut album. Anniemal sees the 25-year-old collaborate with Royksopp and Richard X to produce a sequence of at once utterly artless and brutally manipulative disco-pop.

Forests might have been felled in the quest to pin down exactly how pop manages to be both so beguiling and so disposable, but to Annie, refreshingly, such distinctions are meaningless.

"I guess it's like religion," she concedes. "People need to find a way to fit what they like and how they are into categories. And to say you make or you like pop music can be dangerous, because it seems naive and stupid. Of course, there is good pop music and bad pop music. But making depressing music, that can be easy.

To make intelligent pop with a melody, though, and without sounding stupid, is a lot more challenging."

Annie first proved she was up to the task five years ago, when, with her then boyfriend, Tore Kroknes (aka DJ Erot), she released The Greatest Hit, a sublime single that, despite its title, failed to chart anywhere. By splicing a loop of Madonna's Everybody to a snippet from the 1970s Philly-soul band First Choice (pap alongside cred), and running a deliciously ennui-heavy vocal over the top, Annie and Erot became immediate pin-ups with the clubbing cognoscenti -who like nothing better than to dance in inverted commas, relishing the irony even as they succumb to the beat.

"It's dumb, that whole DJ culture," she laughs. "Sometimes when I go to London, I feel almost sad for people; they're so much into categorising everything, it's like an obsession. What's right and what's wrong. What's good, what's bad. And they're never satisfied."

She's happy to burn a few bridges, then, but Annie is deadly serious about what she's trying to achieve, and her journey to completion of Anniemal has tested this resolve to its limits. Two years after The Greatest Hit, Kroknes died from the heart defect he had been born with. "Everything was good," she recalls. "We were going out, going to parties. He could dance, but he had to be careful." She pauses. "But he never was very careful." At the time, the couple had a deal with the dance label Loaded and were in the early stages of recording an album. "You can never let yourself think, 'Oh, he's so sick, this is not going to go away.' You have to be positive, to think he will get cured someday. But he didn't, of course. He died."

Annie had established a club, Pop Till You Drop, in Bergen, and it was a meeting with a DJ she'd booked for a night there that pulled her, eventually, out of her despair. The Finn Timo Kaukolampi, founder of the Helsinki electro-rockers Op:l Bastards, went on to helm seven of Anniemal's 12 tracks. They've nailed with absolute precision dance music's split personality: feelgood togetherness on the one hand, and desolate solitude on the other. Clubbing is ideally, they say, all about love across a crowded dancefloor; but, as Bryan Ferry put it on Dance Away, you're "all together, all alone".

Now, you should only take cultural populism so far (tempting though it is to shout: "You can stick your A la recherche, it's nostalgic three-minute disco distillations every time for me"). Yet the greatest and most enduring dance-pop songs -and Anniemal abounds with them -advance the genre's almost spooky ability to capture in a mere couplet human beings' need for euphoria and simultaneous dread of its passing. Heartbeat, produced by Royksopp and due to be Annie's next single but one, zooms in on this unblinkingly. "There was a time, everybody was around," she coos breathily, "and I was dancing with you. We all went down to the party Friday night, and had a drink there or two."

It's the past tense that's the killer here, as you suspect she well knows.

Disco-pop's greatest trick is to lure us into flailing around with mad abandon; never mind that the song we're flailing to is really a weepie about heartache and loss. If you can maintain a state of denial about this, you're fine. Acknowledge it while you're dancing, though, and you're finished. "Sometimes when I've been to a club, I would start to cry," Annie admits. "It's so good, but somehow so sad.

You're suddenly alone in this place, surrounded by people."

Long past the golden, analogue-only days of disco-pop as we are, fans of the form must now seek solace in music created chiefly by machines. To nonbelievers, the notion of emotive electronic music is an oxymoron. Annie will have none of it. "I remember when Bjork was in this discussion with a lot of journalists; they were saying things like, 'You can't make out of electronic music something beautiful and warm, it's impossible.' She was really upset," recalls Annie, sounding really upset. Pop's most exciting new discovery gives similarly short shrift to the school of thought that her chosen medium produces throwaway froth, unworthy of serious consideration.

"I know this guy who's in a rock band," she mocks, "and he's always talking about how rock is the only honest music; if you do pop, you can't be honest. I just hate that word -what is honesty? The good old Rolling Stones?"

The September release of Anniemal is preceded by the single Chewing Gum, produced and co-written by pop's greatest demolisher of meaningless barriers, Richard X.

Its first incarnation will be as a limited-edition vinyl single. The label 679, which has done such a convincing job of marketing the Streets, will be pushing Annie for all its worth (and so packed with potential hits is her album, it's probably worth scrapping for a rare vinyl copy pronto, before it's selling for a king's ransom on the net). Annie's photo-friendly image, all eye-linered Scando pop-princess beauty, won't harm this campaign. But in the long run, looks alone won't make us dance (or cry) to Anniemal now, let alone in a decade's time. Annie is cool about the photos "It helps," she sighs. "Everything helps" -and earnest about the songs. "It's easy for people to think, 'She's "just" making pop.' And I guess they will say, too, that it sounds like Tore, or it sounds like Timo." She pauses again. "Well, it doesn't. It sounds like Annie." Throwaway froth is safe in her hands.

Chewing Gum is released on July 26 on 679

www.tellerecords.com

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 13:04 (nineteen years ago) link

Well, that wasn't very good.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 13:43 (nineteen years ago) link

No, sorry. It was just there so I thought I'd post it. Still, I like it when she says "Well, it doesn't. It sounds like Annie." and just reading those lines from 'Heartbeat' almost makes me well up.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 14:26 (nineteen years ago) link

this + the danni minogue quotation ==>> annie is clearly a lurker.

― NRQ, Wednesday, 16 February 2005 16:04 (nineteen years ago) link

Well, she does read ILM, as mentioned way upthread.

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 16:13 (nineteen years ago) link

I think I prefer Neon Nights to Anniemal, however.

― Deerninja B4rim4, Plus-Tech Whizz Kid (Barima), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 17:12 (nineteen years ago) link

I figured the Dannii diss was more about posing on the front of FHM and having wads of botox injected into her face than any alleged Nazism. I'll try to get a copy of the interview to post on here.

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 17:30 (nineteen years ago) link

I was only joking about Nazism!

(a dangerous attitude, I realise)

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 17:49 (nineteen years ago) link

OP:1 are the producers?

hey how come i've never heard of them.

http://www.discogs.com/artist/OP:L+Bastards

― piscesboy, Wednesday, 16 February 2005 18:00 (nineteen years ago) link

Dude, because you suck.

I bet a Manc stole my OP:L 10" single like they did my Kid Koala and Major Force stuff when I was playing out once.

― Deerninja B4rim4, Plus-Tech Whizz Kid (Barima), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 18:24 (nineteen years ago) link

Watch it Barry or I'll smack you upside yer yed, yeah I nicked that OP:L 10" then I frisbeed it into the ship canal. And then I went and stole your girlfriend and we both laughed at you in your lameo Libertines/Sgt Pepper jacket. Recognise.

Pisces, OP:L had a track on one of those Soulwax bootleg mixes, surely you must know that un?

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 18:37 (nineteen years ago) link

I just heard them playing 'Heartbeat' on the BBC7 DAB station. Wasn't expecting that, I can tell you.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Friday, 18 February 2005 17:47 (nineteen years ago) link

Ian either has me confused with Markelby or the drummer out of the Libertines. That's some weird-ass racial profiling! DON'T MESS MOSS SIDE RENT BOY WANNABE, I'LL STRETCH YOUR ENTRAILS ACROSS THE FULL LENGTH OF THE CURRY MILE AND SAVE YOUR ASS FOR PRIDE OF PLACE ABOVE THE DJ BOOTH AT HOMOELECTRIC "THE BIG SMOKE" WILL CRUSH ALL YOU BITCHEZ EY OOPSIDE YER HEAD YA CHUBBY CHASING CRACK HO!

― Deerninja B4rim4, Plus-Tech Whizz Kid (Barima), Saturday, 19 February 2005 11:48 (nineteen years ago) link

haha i cant argue with that, looks like we'll have to settle this with a showdown in picadilly gardens. dont bring yer mam this time though you big fadge

― Affectian (Affectian), Saturday, 19 February 2005 18:16 (nineteen years ago) link

As long as you don't try to hide behind the kids in the fountain again, Jessie.

― Deerninja B4rim4, Plus-Tech Whizz Kid (Barima), Saturday, 19 February 2005 18:29 (nineteen years ago) link

"I was a New Kids On The Block obsessive."

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 21 February 2005 13:23 (nineteen years ago) link

I don't know anyhting about the other venues, but the scottish ones are all pretty small. The biggest room in the venue in edinburgh holds about 300-350 people. The lemon tree isn't much bigger.
-- hmmm (hmm...), February 11th, 2005.

The Lemon Tree takes 500-550 downstairs. It's just a funny shape.

The Tramway has, funnily enough, halls big enough to fit very many trams in. I think the whole venue can take 1,500 - maybe 700 in Area One?

― coco, Monday, 21 February 2005 14:27 (nineteen years ago) link

I just heard them playing 'Heartbeat' on the BBC7 DAB station. Wasn't expecting that, I can tell you.

Seeing as BBC7 is for comedy and drama serials, I wasn't either. Are you sure it wasn't 6?

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 21 February 2005 16:26 (nineteen years ago) link

is there any more info on whether she will actually be supporting LCDSS? My sole source on this is the post upthread.

― hmmm (hmmm), Monday, 21 February 2005 16:29 (nineteen years ago) link

the word I'm hearing for the Triptych dates is: probably not

― coco, Monday, 21 February 2005 16:31 (nineteen years ago) link

shit. The tickets are on sale and I just bought one. Probably would not have bothered if I had known. Thanks tho.

― hmmm (hmmm), Wednesday, 23 February 2005 14:41 (nineteen years ago) link

However, it's not like lcdss suck live, so I should be ok.

― hmmm (hmmm), Wednesday, 23 February 2005 14:50 (nineteen years ago) link

I hope I'm wrong, like.

Still, I'm suitably excited about lcd anyway.

― coco, Wednesday, 23 February 2005 15:24 (nineteen years ago) link

I hope so too.

― hmmm (hmmm), Wednesday, 23 February 2005 15:31 (nineteen years ago) link

Had this already been mentioned?

EAT YOUR OWN EARS AND DEDBEAT PRESENT
ESG (LIVE)
KOMPAKT PRESENTS SUPERPITCHER (LIVE) AND JAKE FAIRLEY
SOUL JAZZ SOUND SYSTEM PRESENTS 100% DYNAMITE
ANNIE (DJ SET)
plus special guests and DJs

Saturday 30th April
8pm - 4am
Koko 1A Camden High Street, London, NW1, Camden Tube
T. 0870 432 5527 www.koko.uk.com

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Wednesday, 23 February 2005 15:39 (nineteen years ago) link

So after the Kings of Convenience show in Chicago last night, Erlend Oye dropped an impromptu DJ set ... which included "Heartbeat," given a big intro by Erlend: "This is Annie! From Norway!" Nice.

― asl, Wednesday, 23 February 2005 16:37 (nineteen years ago) link

http://dmonick.com/
forums: music
scroll over to the second group of pics, run the cursor over the one that says annie, and behold. AMAZING homage to the famous Annie Liebovitz pic of Pete Townshend from '79

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 01:17 (nineteen years ago) link

(unless of course it's a different Annie, which it could well be--sorry if it is!)

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 01:17 (nineteen years ago) link

oh hell, it's not the same one at all. delete my posts plz mods! (though the pic I mention IS pretty great!)

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 01:19 (nineteen years ago) link

Seeing as BBC7 is for comedy and drama serials, I wasn't either. Are you sure it wasn't 6?

It was definitely BBC7. The station appears to have some kind of 'chat and music hour' for kids and their parents hosted by Jez Edwards and a bunch of others in the early evening.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 01:44 (nineteen years ago) link

When is the US release of Anniemal? I've been waiting for months...

― The Brainwasher (Twilight), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 02:29 (nineteen years ago) link

You, me and Spencer. Everybody else seems to have downloaded it long ago.

― Ken L (Ken L), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 02:31 (nineteen years ago) link

Oh I downloaded it ages ago, I just want a CD in my hands!!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 03:05 (nineteen years ago) link

May 29 or so, on Vice

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 03:06 (nineteen years ago) link

(two weeks after Vice release . . . Boredoms' Seadrum/House of Sun!)

― Matos-Webster Dictionary (M Matos), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 03:06 (nineteen years ago) link

May? That isn't fair. The UK gets it next week.

― The Brainwasher (Twilight), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 03:08 (nineteen years ago) link

We got it last year!

The station appears to have some kind of 'chat and music hour' for kids and their parents hosted by Jez Edwards and a bunch of others in the early evening.

This sounds so nice and old-fashioned.

― Alba (Alba), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 11:01 (nineteen years ago) link

that's something like "Little Toe Radio" I think

― Jaunty Alan (Alan), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 11:06 (nineteen years ago) link

we've had it since august la'.
as we lengthily waffled on about up there.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 1 March 2005 16:44 (nineteen years ago) link

Just so people know, the ACTUAL single release of Heartbeat over here was yesterday, and judging by the midweeks, it is BOMBING. In a bad sense.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 17:33 (nineteen years ago) link

it's okay William, the charts don't mean anything anymore anyway, hyuck hyuck...

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 17:36 (nineteen years ago) link

No, as in, BOMBING. As in, it's not in the top 40 and is being outsold by Hell Is For Heroes.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 17:40 (nineteen years ago) link

the constant updating of the release date cant have helped the record labels promo machine ..

― mark e (mark e), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 19:57 (nineteen years ago) link

Hahahaha.

(Because it's now actually funny watching something so theoretically simple get so royally messed up)

― Deerninja B4rim4, Plus-Tech Whizz Kid (Barima), Tuesday, 1 March 2005 20:02 (nineteen years ago) link

'Heartbeat' was the first Annie song I ever heard, on Fluxblog last summer. It's weird to finally be holding the 12" in my hand.

All go out and buy it this week, go on.

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 2 March 2005 13:45 (nineteen years ago) link

Show me the money, ho.

― BARMS, Wednesday, 2 March 2005 13:49 (nineteen years ago) link

it is the historic duty of ilm to make this uk no. 1.

― NRQ, Wednesday, 2 March 2005 13:51 (nineteen years ago) link

How is Heartbeat out this week? I have a heartbeat single! I bought it with money, and everything! Last year etc.

Plausibly that's what not helping sales etc.

― Gravel Puzzleworth (Gregory Henry), Wednesday, 2 March 2005 13:52 (nineteen years ago) link

What? When did you buy a Heartbeat single? Are you sure you're not thinking of Chewing Gum? Or the album? Or some Maltesers?

― Alba (Alba), Wednesday, 2 March 2005 13:55 (nineteen years ago) link

Because the promo juggernaut sure steamrollered resistance last time round, eh?

x-p

― BARMS, Wednesday, 2 March 2005 13:56 (nineteen years ago) link

Like "Chewing Gum", this was not playlisted by Radio 1.

― JoB (JoB), Wednesday, 2 March 2005 14:50 (nineteen years ago) link

The Daily Telegraph carries an interview with Annie tomorrow (Thursday). It's not online yet, but I'll provide a link when it is.

― davidsim (davidsim), Wednesday, 2 March 2005 22:21 (nineteen years ago) link

Wow, I kept clicking on this thread when there were new posts hoping there was something about a U.S. release and now there is.

― Tim Ellison (Tim Ellison), Wednesday, 2 March 2005 23:34 (nineteen years ago) link

It's not getting released at all in mainland Europe...

― JoB (JoB), Thursday, 3 March 2005 12:24 (nineteen years ago) link

From the Telegraph: A fjord fiesta with the Norwegian Kylie

"They gave me this very long script, to say how Norwegian hip hop is so amazing. But I can't say that, because I don't think it is," she says. "So I've chopped it down to one sentence: "And the winner is…!"

― davidsim (davidsim), Thursday, 3 March 2005 15:43 (nineteen years ago) link

I love the shout out from (and to) Norwegian black metal at the end of the feature.

― BARMS, Thursday, 3 March 2005 15:50 (nineteen years ago) link

she's ours and ours only

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Thursday, 3 March 2005 15:58 (nineteen years ago) link

like i've been saying, the telegraph is da realest, i wz speaking to one of their peeps and he was into all the hott jams, serious. guardian crix are laym.

― NRQ, Thursday, 3 March 2005 16:02 (nineteen years ago) link

Has the Telegraph given up on rockism, then?

― BARMS, Thursday, 3 March 2005 16:04 (nineteen years ago) link

BTW, I finally typed 'rockism'. Someone bookmark the date.

― BARMS, Thursday, 3 March 2005 16:05 (nineteen years ago) link

Hush That Fuss: Torrygraph Get Crunk

I'm so disappointed Annie hasn't blown up while a shit fucking travesty of Kate Bush is in the charts. Fuck it all.

― NRQ, Thursday, 3 March 2005 16:08 (nineteen years ago) link

How are the remixes on the Heartbeat single? I've heard the Maurice Fulton one and like it fine, but I'm curious about the Phones one.

Vice is putting this out? And the Boredoms E.P. too??

― Bent Over at the Arclight (Bent Over at the Arclight), Thursday, 3 March 2005 19:21 (nineteen years ago) link

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A3739142

“Madonna could make another great record but she’s stuck with [producer] Mirwais. She should get with someone new. Like me.”

.. be careful what you wish for ..

so.

answer Annie answers BBC Collective q's but not mine.

the pecking order is well defined.

one day though ..

ha.

― mark e (mark e), Friday, 4 March 2005 22:27 (nineteen years ago) link

surely William Orbit should be dissed before Mirwais!

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Friday, 4 March 2005 23:48 (nineteen years ago) link

An excellent album it is anyway. Has been out in Norway since last autumn, and Annie has won several best newcomer awards. All of them well-deserved.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Friday, 4 March 2005 23:57 (nineteen years ago) link

Annie was at the Run the Road night at Fabric last night! She walked past us as we were coming in, ie she left at about 1am and missed Kano :(

― The Lex (The Lex), Saturday, 5 March 2005 09:54 (nineteen years ago) link

For the record: new entry at no. 50 in UK chart.

― JoB (JoB), Tuesday, 8 March 2005 17:22 (nineteen years ago) link

Annie in dissing labelmate shockah!

― BARMS, Tuesday, 8 March 2005 17:27 (nineteen years ago) link

"why'd they rig his chart position and not mine?"

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Tuesday, 8 March 2005 17:35 (nineteen years ago) link

is stephen trousse an ILM-er?

either way he's given ANNIEMAL a
major big up in this month's UNCUT
-*****/***** too.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 8 March 2005 17:40 (nineteen years ago) link

hurrah, that's Jerry the Nipper

― pete b. (pete b.), Tuesday, 8 March 2005 17:45 (nineteen years ago) link

ah right i thought he must be One of Us ! brill-o!

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 8 March 2005 17:51 (nineteen years ago) link

Pad!

― Deerninja B4rim4, Plus-Tech Whizz Kid (Barima), Tuesday, 8 March 2005 18:17 (nineteen years ago) link

I still love Annie and I listen to "Heartbeat" all the time.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 8 March 2005 18:18 (nineteen years ago) link

'[my t-shirts]are going to be in Top Shop, so that's quite exciting!'

― zebedee (zebedee), Wednesday, 9 March 2005 14:05 (nineteen years ago) link

I think the designer is Peter Jensen.

― JoB (JoB), Wednesday, 9 March 2005 15:00 (nineteen years ago) link

Going out at 1am means Norway = Ghana.

Also, this:

I also think she's quite short. According to Richard, I'm a bit taller, so I don't think we have much in common.

Her thing with Rachel S is pretty funny considering who walked away with the better Richard X-ness (and chart placing).

― BARMS, Wednesday, 9 March 2005 15:09 (nineteen years ago) link

LOS ANGELES ALERT

Anniemal is available on import at Amoeba for $24.98

― Gear! (can Jung shill it, Mu?) (Gear!), Friday, 11 March 2005 05:02 (nineteen years ago) link

she has a 'thing' with rachel stevens?

― _NRQ, Friday, 11 March 2005 09:19 (nineteen years ago) link

Rowr.

Rachel S is shorter than Annie? Is she some sort of dwarf?!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Friday, 11 March 2005 09:25 (nineteen years ago) link

Annie is obsessed with the shortness that is common among pop princesses. She stood next to me on tippy toes after all. And she recently made sure to mention Kylie's height when talking about her, in very fond terms too.

― BARMS, Friday, 11 March 2005 09:50 (nineteen years ago) link

Has she not seen Kylie's new video?

― JoB (JoB), Friday, 11 March 2005 11:45 (nineteen years ago) link

I see HMV now have Anniemal for £5.99, which is pretty good considering they formerly priced at £17 or something ridiculous like that.

― Philip Alderman (Phil A), Friday, 11 March 2005 11:53 (nineteen years ago) link

Here's the Dannii-dissing Annie piece from the Manchester Evening News that I mentioned above, written by Gary Ryan:

Feature: Annie

Glittery, poptastic starlet Annie first Vogue-d her way onto the British scene with THE pop record of last year, Chewing Gum – penned by the “Long Live The New Synth!” duo of Richard X and Hannah Robinson, responsible for Rachel Stevens’ Some Girls. “I really liked her song,” says Annie. “But I think that it had more to do with Richard X than Rachel Stevens.”

Now we at Planetpop aren’t saying that Mother Nature has left an IOU note where Rachel’s personality should be (no, we’re IMPLYING it), but imagine a track as good as Some Girls fronted by somebody that doesn’t have the dead, remorseless eyes of a shark. That dream is realised with Chewing Gum, which has the girl power (feel free to make the V-for-victory sign now, readers) message of chewing up boys and spitting them out, featuring the insouciant lyric: “I don’t wanna settle down, I just wanna have fun/I don’t wanna settle down, I just wanna chew gum.”

It’s the best thing involving both pop and confectionary ever – at least until oldie Madonna records a Cadbury’s Flake commercial (“Chocolate as crumbly as…my body!”)

In her native Norway, Annie’s already a household name – and is followed by a retinue of fans. “Some guy used to write to me all the time”, she says. “He said he and his wife got together because of the song, Chewing Gum. Which I thought was a bit weird, because it’s all about promiscuity. I had to change my number a few months ago when I started getting all these sleazy messages on my phone.” The flaxon-haired Madonna-lover is faced with the daily occurrence of having twelve-year old girls scream at her in the street.

Somehow you can’t imagine Norway’s last export, World Idol Goblin Kurt Nielson causing children to scream uncontrollably. Unless they’re wielding flaming torches or he’s holding up a sign saying: “I’M YOUR REAL DAD”.

But then Annie’s an altogether different proposition. “There’s a shame in saying you like pop music”, she concedes. “But my album is a bit more challenging than what else is around. There’s so much boring music around – I’m the Britney Spears you can admit you enjoy.”

Despite her buoyant sunny dance-pop, Annie’s life hasn’t been all DoubleMint ’n’ double drops. Her tremendous debut album – called Anniemal – was recorded in the wake of severe personal tragedy. In 1999, she hooked up with a young producer, Tore Andreas Kroknes who was making inventive, cutting-edge electronic dance tracks under the name Erot. A leading light in Bergen’s thriving music scene (which spawned the Kings Of Convenience and Royksopp), he became her boyfriend, and together they penned the Madonna Everybody-sampling party anthem, The Greatest Hit. Tragically, at the peak of his powers, Tore was struck down with a rare heart complaint.

“Tore had a heart defect that he was born with. He went into hospital, and I was just visiting him every day for about a year.”

He passed away, with Annie at his bedside, aged 23.

“After he died, I didn’t want to do anything; I was so depressed. I stayed at home, away from everybody, just existing in my own world. After a while, I knew I had to go back to music; I knew that I had to finish the album. I wasn’t going to be beaten. Plus, I knew that Tore would be p***d off with me if I threw it all away.”

Eventually, she recruited Finnish producer Timo Kaukolampi of Op:l B*****ds and Royksopp (who’ve famously spurred offers to work with the lines of The Pet Shop Boys and Britney) to complete the album. There was a shadow cast over the recording sessions. “Sometimes when I was in the studio, I’d be there thinking what would Tore do?” she recalls. “Would he be happy with these drums? Would he do this differently? But I think deep down, he’d love it.”

The pop version of the Angel of Gabriel, Richard X, of course, completed the jigsaw. Aside from Chewing Gum, he contributes another track, Me Plus One to Anniemal.

“I’ve DJ-ed with so many of his tracks (at her own night, Pop ‘Til You Drop, a “pun on the Ramones song.”). He phoned me about two years ago and asked if I’d sing on his debut album. I ended up doing the vocals for one of his tracks…actually, I wasn’t singing but talking over the phone! But it turned out to be a great song. I love all the bootleg stuff he did as Girls On Top.”

As Annie prepares to unleash second single, the ace Heartbeat on these shores, she’s already “full of ideas” for album nummer to. Plus, she makes a rare appearance in Mcr on Tuesday when she supports LCD Soundsystem at their Academy gig. Really, there should be on-the-spot Asbos for those not attending.

So finally, Annie Lilia Berge Strand – to use her full name – who would you least like to be trapped in a lift with?

“Oh, there are so many pop people I dislike…give me 10 minutes, and I could reel off a list. Wait, it would have to be Dannii Minogue! I hate her. EVERYTHING about her.”

Annie supports LCD Soundsystem, Tuesday, the Academy. Heartbeat is released on February 21. Anniemal (679) is out in March.

― Afffectian, Thursday, 17 March 2005 11:02 (nineteen years ago) link

annie is such a rockist

― pete b. (pete b.), Thursday, 17 March 2005 11:15 (nineteen years ago) link

Gary lived down the corridor from me in halls and he's a decent enough writer and person, but still:

Gaz, old buddy, FUCK OFF.

(My thing here is that Rach has a lot more to do/do with the success of 'Some Girls' as a song than she did with 'Sweet Dreams'. RX gave her a role, Rach executed it PERFECTLY. Haters need to get over themselves)

This, though: Somehow you can’t imagine Norway’s last export, World Idol Goblin Kurt Nielson causing children to scream uncontrollably. Unless they’re wielding flaming torches or he’s holding up a sign saying: “I’M YOUR REAL DAD”.

The latter is possible if he's covering Richard X and Tiga.

But anyway, do I really need to trot out the TS: Neon Nights vs Anniemal again?

― BARMS, Thursday, 17 March 2005 11:34 (nineteen years ago) link

yeah, 'some girls' totally plays to rachel s's strengths, i can't imagine annie doing it better.

― NR_Q, Thursday, 17 March 2005 11:38 (nineteen years ago) link

Unfortunately Rachel Stevens has no strengths. "Some Girls" must be the most overrated single of the decade thus far.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 17 March 2005 12:55 (nineteen years ago) link

'Negotiate With Love' is really rather lovely

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Thursday, 17 March 2005 12:57 (nineteen years ago) link

Woah, Gary Ryan really is a shitty writer.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 17 March 2005 12:59 (nineteen years ago) link

"Negotiate With Love" has no release, it's just a load of foreplay with no penetration.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 17 March 2005 12:59 (nineteen years ago) link

Can't stand her. She can't sing and is about as sexy as Bernie Clifton without his ostrich.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 17 March 2005 13:01 (nineteen years ago) link

insightful, for all the wrong reasons

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Thursday, 17 March 2005 13:04 (nineteen years ago) link

The wrong reasons are always the right ones.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 17 March 2005 13:05 (nineteen years ago) link

it's just the idea that Bernie Clifton is somehow sexier WITH the ostrich that i can't fathom...

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Thursday, 17 March 2005 13:17 (nineteen years ago) link

dom you old grouch. i th0ught that was a fun article.

― N_RQ, Thursday, 17 March 2005 13:55 (nineteen years ago) link

Fun is overrated.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:02 (nineteen years ago) link

Gary is also 6'7 and works out so he can successfully scrap with Manc muggers and piscesboi.

'Negotiate With Love' is a dlightful little ditty - a lot like 'Wake Me Up' without relying on its "witty" lyrics and rock riff to coast it along. Solo Rachel's increasingly resembling a League without Phil O's vocals (she may yet do an electro ballad that scales the heights of 'One Man In My Heart').

― BARMS, Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:13 (nineteen years ago) link

For a moment I misread that first line as "Gary is 67" which would make sense in a creepy Ross Trueman Pop Gossip kind of way.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:22 (nineteen years ago) link

It doesn't matter. He has the height of a pre-teen girl and the physical capabilities of Steve Mannion.

― BARMS, Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:24 (nineteen years ago) link

I was about to say, Gary's certainly no brawler. I do think he's a good pop writer though, what don't you like about his piece, Dom?

― Affectian ., Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:37 (nineteen years ago) link

and i will kick any pre-teen girl's ass for real

― Sven Bastard (blueski), Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:39 (nineteen years ago) link

Yes, you probably would, wouldn't you?

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 17 March 2005 14:43 (nineteen years ago) link

The first time I met Stevem he put me in a headlock and paraded me around the nightclub we were in, laughing loudly and slapping my face. So yeah he probably would kick a pre-teen girl's ass wouldn't he? The big shit.

― Affectian (Affectian), Thursday, 17 March 2005 16:53 (nineteen years ago) link

A bit of a favour don't spose anyone knows how many copies of the album she's sold in the UK?

― secondhandnews, Thursday, 24 March 2005 15:48 (nineteen years ago) link

I heard she's on Vice now? Fuck! I think I'm still the only person in Vancouver to have written about her, and that was three months ago. World = FAGGOT.

― LeCoq (LeCoq), Thursday, 24 March 2005 20:56 (nineteen years ago) link

If you play the Royksopp remix of "Heartbeat" on 45 instead of 33 it sounds like an ace and insane piece of 'ardkore!

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Friday, 25 March 2005 00:00 (nineteen years ago) link

Does anyone have the Phones Remix of "Heartbeat" yet?

― Waking Up Onstage at Jumbo's (Bent Over at the Arclight), Friday, 25 March 2005 00:04 (nineteen years ago) link

Wow, I was about to nominate Annie as "next European artist most likely to be on Vice in the US" but I never thought it'd be true.

― mike h. (mike h.), Friday, 25 March 2005 02:16 (nineteen years ago) link

Does anybody else thinks that "Me Plus One" sounds a bit like "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama.

― daavid (daavid), Friday, 1 April 2005 17:39 (nineteen years ago) link

Apparently, "Me Plus One" is about Geri Halliwell.

― ana (ana), Friday, 1 April 2005 17:46 (nineteen years ago) link

And apparently, "Me + 1" is going to be the next single. YAY!

― daavid (daavid), Friday, 1 April 2005 20:15 (nineteen years ago) link

From the 679 newsletter:

"Annie is just about to embark on her Scandinavian tour and will soon be stateside where she has just been signed to Atlantic Records. Soon for the thousands of fans on her website will be an exclusive download of Always Too Late remixed by Y£$ of Lady Sovereign and M.I.A production fame."

Her top 10 chart over on her website is very ILM too.

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Friday, 8 April 2005 02:15 (nineteen years ago) link

Can anyone YSI the Phones mix of Heartbeat? Gmail perhaps. Point to a blog still hosting it? Deperado here. Contemplating buying it for 12bucks at Amazon for one stinking mix!

― biznotic, Friday, 8 April 2005 03:17 (nineteen years ago) link

It was recently posted here: The thread for requesting and offering mp3s to be gmailed, yousendited etc. (previously: 'The thread for gmail offers and requests')

― Plus-Tech Whiz Kid (Disco) (Barima), Friday, 8 April 2005 11:50 (nineteen years ago) link

at last :

http://www.ireallylovemusic.co.uk/q_and_a.htm

not got many responses back .. but hey ..

― mark e (mark e), Monday, 11 April 2005 14:19 (nineteen years ago) link

I guess Vice isn't putting the album out anymore, which I figured had something to do with Annie getting a more lucrative offer. But I saw this article, which says that (I guess) Vice ultimately passed on her?
The talk of the "Vice" brand is pretty funny:

"But despite all the good intentions, Vice does have one major obstacle in its attempts to sign artists: it’s part of the Vice empire. The problems of working with that group’s identity became clear when Shore wanted to court the Norwegian pop princess Annie.

“We love the Annie record. But this is a tough one, because I do feel like Vice Records is not just about music. It’s also all the different Vice entities, and for what Vice sort of means to people, having that incredibly cute Norwegian pop singer doesn’t really fit the mold, no matter how great she is.”"

― Waking Up Onstage at Jumbo's (Bent Over at the Arclight), Thursday, 14 April 2005 20:44 (nineteen years ago) link

AKA "Annie hurts our street cred" ?

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Friday, 15 April 2005 01:38 (nineteen years ago) link

Dude, Annie is ghetto as fuck.
Vice's loss.

― Forksclovetofu (Forksclovetofu), Friday, 15 April 2005 13:43 (nineteen years ago) link

I read that as them covering for their loss but who knows.

― dan. (dan.), Friday, 15 April 2005 13:46 (nineteen years ago) link

how did the album do in the end? did it get top 20? anywhere?

― Jaunty Alan (Alan), Friday, 15 April 2005 13:57 (nineteen years ago) link

In Norway it did

― the todster (the todster), Friday, 15 April 2005 15:06 (nineteen years ago) link

it's not even out yet in the US.

― fact checking cuz (fcc), Friday, 15 April 2005 15:32 (nineteen years ago) link

Free remix!

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 18 April 2005 21:23 (nineteen years ago) link

It seems Annie isn't DJing at the 'Dedbeat' ESG/Superpitcher/Jake Fairley event at Koko next Saturday after all.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Friday, 22 April 2005 08:57 (nineteen years ago) link

no, she definitely isn't.

― lauren (laurenp), Friday, 22 April 2005 09:15 (nineteen years ago) link

Which is a shame, but it would only have been the icing on the cake.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Friday, 22 April 2005 09:52 (nineteen years ago) link

"It seems Annie isn't DJing at the 'Dedbeat' ESG/Superpitcher/Jake Fairley event at Koko next Saturday after all. "

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Why not? I just bought my tickets (not that it won't be ace anyway).

― Jamie T Smith (Jamie T Smith), Friday, 22 April 2005 10:07 (nineteen years ago) link

I don't think I'm going anyway.

― Plus-Tech Whiz Kid (Disco) (Barima), Friday, 22 April 2005 10:18 (nineteen years ago) link

I noticed she had quietly slipped off the listings, went to her website and saw she was booked for somewhere else. I emailed Dedbeat asking for running times and also ask why they only gave me a provisional schedule but no reasons for Annie cancelling.

For what it's worth, they told me ESG are due on at 1am, with the Kompakt guys on afterwards.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Friday, 22 April 2005 10:31 (nineteen years ago) link

This seems odd to post on the Annie thread, since she's not playing anymore (sobs), but is anyone going to the ESG/superpitcher koko thing?

― Jamie T Smith (Jamie T Smith), Thursday, 28 April 2005 15:10 (nineteen years ago) link

Annie doesn't read mp3 blogs, but loves Pitchfork!

― Matthew C Perpetua (inca), Thursday, 28 April 2005 15:26 (nineteen years ago) link

Me and RickyT are goin', and so R our chums J&P and J&J - posse'n'krew representz innit!

― Lucretia My Reflection (Lucretia My Reflection), Thursday, 28 April 2005 15:29 (nineteen years ago) link

Pissing hell, I'm going to that but I only wanted to see Annie. Well rubbish.

― Affectian (Affectian), Thursday, 28 April 2005 16:11 (nineteen years ago) link

Any update on an American release? I'm not paying $30 for the import.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Thursday, 28 April 2005 16:25 (nineteen years ago) link

dude, i'll send you mine. seriously. it's definitely not worth $30.

― lauren (laurenp), Thursday, 28 April 2005 16:27 (nineteen years ago) link

It definitly is (says the guy who still hasn't bought it an just has it on MP3)

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Saturday, 30 April 2005 07:18 (nineteen years ago) link

I love the album and would pay the $30 if that was the only way, but I keep hearing about an American release, and I'm wondering if it will have bonus tracks etc. "Heartbeat" itself is worth more than that.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Saturday, 30 April 2005 10:42 (nineteen years ago) link

I'm wondering where this $30 figure is coming from. I ordered a handful of things from amazon.co.uk and while shipping was nasty, if it's spread around several items you're definitely not paying $30 for one album..

― mike h. (mike h.), Saturday, 30 April 2005 17:12 (nineteen years ago) link

It's $29.98 at Amoeba.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Saturday, 30 April 2005 17:28 (nineteen years ago) link

vs. around $12 if they release it domestically.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Saturday, 30 April 2005 17:29 (nineteen years ago) link

Pre-.mp3-era I would have plunked down, but then again, pre-.mp3-era I probably wouldn't have heard of her in the first place!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Saturday, 30 April 2005 17:30 (nineteen years ago) link

You can get it for about 17 from cdwow.com which isn't bad at all for an import.

http://www6.cd-wow.com/detail_results.php?product_code=15998

― svend (svend), Saturday, 30 April 2005 17:41 (nineteen years ago) link

"I'm seen as, you know, somehow cool. My music is the pop that they're allowed to like." She smiles. "At least for the moment."

― JoB (JoB), Sunday, 1 May 2005 09:30 (nineteen years ago) link

Also from the Times article:

"On June 7, her album, "Anniemal," will finally get a United States release (Big Beat/Atlantic)..."

― o. nate (onate), Sunday, 1 May 2005 23:17 (nineteen years ago) link

two weeks pass...

she's playing manchester in july. there's some debate as to where.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 17 May 2005 17:40 (nineteen years ago) link

Did you guys notice that the article Matthew C Perpetua linked gave ILM a link in return?

― Sarah McLusky (coco), Tuesday, 24 May 2005 12:41 (nineteen years ago) link

Yeah Annie's confirmed to play Chips With Everything on July 22nd. I'm not sure if it's part of a tour or a one-off.

― Affectian (Affectian), Tuesday, 24 May 2005 12:59 (nineteen years ago) link

Did you know that a lot of conservative rock critics are rooting for you…

Yeah, it is weird, but it is hard for me to comment on it, because I just do what I like and it is great that everybody seems to like it too.

what does this mean? it's from the interview that matthew linked. "conservative rock critics"?

― firstworldman (firstworldman), Tuesday, 24 May 2005 15:37 (nineteen years ago) link

Sarah, I think it was just a trackback. It linked to this thread automatically because this thread linked to it.

― jaymc (jaymc), Tuesday, 24 May 2005 15:42 (nineteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

She's apparently playing Barden's Boudoir, London on Thur 28th

Eat Your Own Ears presents - Annie (679 records) + supports w/DJs

http://www.bardensbar.co.uk/

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Monday, 20 June 2005 22:31 (nineteen years ago) link

July, eh? I can do it, you can do it, they can do it, we can do it.

― BARMS, Tuesday, 21 June 2005 07:39 (nineteen years ago) link

she wasn't that hot at Koko in the end but the beats were beefier/more electro and the DJ guy played the inquisitor on 'Chewing Gum' with a vocoder, which was nice. 'Wedding' and 'Kiss Me' sounded better live too.

― Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Tuesday, 21 June 2005 09:32 (nineteen years ago) link

what are 'wedding' and 'kiss me' ?

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 21 June 2005 11:50 (nineteen years ago) link

????? But she didn't play. I woz there.

― Jamie T Smith (Jamie T Smith), Tuesday, 21 June 2005 11:58 (nineteen years ago) link

what are 'wedding' and 'kiss me' ?

'Wedding' is one of her newer tracks, 'Kiss Me' is a bonus track on one of the 'Chewing Gum' CDs.

Jamie, are we talking about the same gig? (supporting St Etienne last Thursday). it would seem not.

― Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Tuesday, 21 June 2005 13:28 (nineteen years ago) link

Ah. Sorry. I was talking about the earlier Koko non-appearance.

I managed to be completely unaware of a gig I would have loved. How did I miss that one?

― Jamie T Smith (Jamie T Smith), Tuesday, 21 June 2005 13:52 (nineteen years ago) link

Apparently she was due to support St Etienne in Brighton last week - thank fuck she didn't actually perform because her equipment was on the wrong flight, I would have been soooo pissed-off to have missed that.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Tuesday, 21 June 2005 14:34 (nineteen years ago) link

so, i checked out Annie's SF show on Friday, and it wasn't terribly great. in fact, "heartbeat," her closer, really kinda sucked. totally fell apart like a band just giving up half-way through. worse tho, there were times when it kinda looked like she was lip synching. anyone else see her and have similar suspicions?

― ken taylrr (ken taylrr), Sunday, 3 July 2005 20:10 (nineteen years ago) link

I had a great time in Chicago! jaymc can attest it was quite a show. She wasnt playing with a band though, just singing with the DJ.

― deej.., Sunday, 3 July 2005 20:26 (nineteen years ago) link

yeah, chicago was nice, but underwhelming. i had one too many long island ice teas, but it seemed like the set was REALLY short as well.

― natedey (ndeyoung), Sunday, 3 July 2005 21:52 (nineteen years ago) link

yeah, i didn't mean to imply that she was performing with a band... she just had her dj/programmer dude. i guess it just sounded like a bad band because "heartbeat" sounded SO sloppy

― ken taylrr (ken taylrr), Sunday, 3 July 2005 22:28 (nineteen years ago) link

Ahh. yeah it was way too short. I had a good time anyway.

― deej.., Sunday, 3 July 2005 22:30 (nineteen years ago) link

I saw her in Chicago too and had a terrific time. I'm a "Heartbeat" guy all the way, but live, "Chewing Gum" was the jam. And she had the dance floor moving throughout.

― asl, Monday, 4 July 2005 01:19 (nineteen years ago) link

MTV is running a "You Heard It First" feature on this Swedish bird.
Lots of propaganda and Madonna comparisons.

She's pretty hot.

― ZionTrain (ZionTrain), Wednesday, 13 July 2005 22:10 (nineteen years ago) link

Next year they'll be discovering M.I.A. for us all!!

― fandango (fandango), Wednesday, 13 July 2005 22:17 (nineteen years ago) link

Um, the entire last episode of Real World Austin (my, uh, wife watches it) had little MIA bumpers (I forget what they call them) at the start and end of each commercial break.

― jeffery (jeffery), Thursday, 14 July 2005 00:29 (nineteen years ago) link

Her next b-sides will be named 'Can You Taste My Love?' and 'Come To Me', a cover of the JC Chasez track (with the line about masturbating intact and added moans and dirty talk).
-- B.A.R.M.S. (b4rim4_...), September 12th, 2004.

Still want this to happen.

Oh, 'Love Machine' is alright from what I heard on the top 40. Not essential and definitely not better than our lovely Annie!
-- B.A.R.M.S. (b4rim4_...), September 12th, 2004.

I'd like to take this back. I haven't been able to listen to Anniemal in full since December and only 'Me Plus One' has retained any genuine replay value, including my gleeful dancing to it in Camden last month. That, like 'The Greatest Hit', is better than 'Love Machine' and all 3 are easily the best of their respective (overrated) albums.

― BARMS, Thursday, 14 July 2005 07:57 (nineteen years ago) link

I miraculously managed to avoid, like, ANY exposure to Annie for quite some time before "Chewing Gum" and "Heartbeat" made it onto our local college radio station's airwaves. Anniemal is such a killer album. Every song on here is stronger than like every other pop single released in the past year.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Thursday, 14 July 2005 12:59 (nineteen years ago) link

I kinda wish "Helpless Fool For Love" was going to be the next single.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Thursday, 14 July 2005 13:00 (nineteen years ago) link

The remixes of "Happy Without You" are out now, but I missed out in the shop when they had come in. The digital downloads that are for sale are protected WMA's I can't play on the Mac. According to iTunes, Annie has DJ-Kicks album coming out on !K7 in October.

― JoB (JoB), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 12:41 (nineteen years ago) link

I think the Riton mix is still up at www.headphonesex.co.uk.

― brittle-lemon (brittle-lemon), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 12:57 (nineteen years ago) link

WOAH! annie dj kicks album?

who's heard her dj?

― piscesboy, Wednesday, 27 July 2005 13:17 (nineteen years ago) link

How exciting, october is going to be a great month; Annie, Tatu, Lady Sov....

― temeraire (r h), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 13:28 (nineteen years ago) link

i have. she just plays records as opposed to mixing but her choices are great. she'll play electro pop, liquid liquid, a bit of rock, disco etc. etc.

― stirmonster (stirmonster), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 13:28 (nineteen years ago) link

"Me Plus One" is the free download of the week on iTunes this week.

― Nostalgic for the Pre-Conservative Hendrie (Bent Over at the Arclight), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 14:04 (nineteen years ago) link

I can't tell you how good "The Wedding" is; go over to Fluxblog and see if you can still cop it.

― Forksclovetofu (Forksclovetofu), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 14:11 (nineteen years ago) link

can anybody post the rapture remix? ever since hearing their totally underappreciated, totally wonderful remix of rinocerose, i have longed to hear more remixes from them... anyone have the annie remix or any others i might not know about?

― firstworldman (firstworldman), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 15:07 (nineteen years ago) link

and/or where can i buy the vinyl that actually has it in stock?

― firstworldman (firstworldman), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 15:08 (nineteen years ago) link

(in the states [sorry for the many posts])

― firstworldman (firstworldman), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 15:08 (nineteen years ago) link

Greg, I'm glad you like that Rapture mix! Now go to my Shortwave Set thread ;-)!

― BARMS, Wednesday, 27 July 2005 16:09 (nineteen years ago) link

what's 'the wedding' ?

― piscesboy, Wednesday, 27 July 2005 16:32 (nineteen years ago) link

I told you before! 'Wedding' is one of her new(ish) tracks.

― Sociah T Azzahole (blueski), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 16:45 (nineteen years ago) link

Are there any other new tracks out there? It's a cracker this Wedding one, what's the deal with it, is it recorded live? Where was it done?

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 17:26 (nineteen years ago) link

Oops, just seen this:

This new unreleased song was recorded in NYC right around the time Annie and her band were in town for their show at the Tribeca Grand. "The Wedding" bodes well for Annie's eventual second album, boasting a bouncy and immediately catchy synth funk track that sounds like early Tom Tom Club or mid-period Talking Heads, and coy, spunky vocals reminiscent of Cristina on Sleep It Off in place of the wispiness that characterized most of Anniemal.

― Affectian (Affectian), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 17:33 (nineteen years ago) link

Wait! Isn't that the new Out Hud record?

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 27 July 2005 17:38 (nineteen years ago) link

Tracklisting for Annie's DJ Kicks:

01 Toy - "Rabbit Pushing Mover"
02 La Bionda - "I Wanna Be Your Lover"
03 Alan Vega - "Jukebox Babe"
04 Le Tigre - "Nanny Nanny Boo Boo (Junior Senior Mix)"
05 Zongamin - "Bongo Song"
06 Liquid Liquid - "Flextone (DJ Twitch Optimo Edit)"
07 Annie - "Wedding" (Live Mix)
08 Death From Above 1979 - "Black History Month (Alan Braxe & Fred Falke Remix)"
09 Motiivi - "1939"
10 Christer Audio - "TBA"
11 Bumblebee Unlimited - "Lady Bug (I Just Wanna Be Your)"
12 Annie - "Gimme Your Money"
13 Bow Wow Wow - "I Want Candy"
14 ESG - "My Love For You"
15 Gucci Crew II - "Sally (That Girl)"
16 Mu - "Paris Hilton"
17 Datarock - "Fa-Fa-Fa"

― Michael F Gill (Michael F Gill), Friday, 5 August 2005 19:46 (nineteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

OMG. i've only just realised this afternoon that "chewing gum" is about giving blowjobs!!! OMG

― ken c (ken c), Thursday, 1 September 2005 11:43 (nineteen years ago) link

making the reference to 'chocolate' a bit 'ew'.

― N_RQ, Thursday, 1 September 2005 11:51 (nineteen years ago) link

part 2 of the remix 12" is due out soon.

oh, and i have just (like 4 minutes ago !) turned down the chance to speak to annie on the phone. am i totally mad ? well i never do well with phoners it has to be said .. and its v.short notice and so i'm unprepared ..

unless there are a few q's ILM would like answered ?

― mark e (mark e), Thursday, 1 September 2005 13:35 (nineteen years ago) link

none, i imagine, that could be printed.

― N_RQ, Thursday, 1 September 2005 14:05 (nineteen years ago) link

ah ha

well there is that and the fact that i managed an email interview .. dont want her thinking i am some freaky net stalker ..

― mark e (mark e), Thursday, 1 September 2005 14:08 (nineteen years ago) link

ask her if she like my remix. :-)

― stirmonster (stirmonster), Thursday, 1 September 2005 16:36 (nineteen years ago) link

haha yes the chocolate bit! well sometimes i mishear it as "you had me CHOKING on your chewing gum" which would kind of fitted too!

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 2 September 2005 14:36 (nineteen years ago) link

sorry stir .. work swamped me over and so i never took up the opportunity ..

― mark e (mark e), Friday, 2 September 2005 15:20 (nineteen years ago) link

aw so you never got to ask her if she's ever accidentally swallowed the gum?

― ken c (ken c), Friday, 2 September 2005 15:50 (nineteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

saw her live in philly tonight. incredible, absolutely incredible.

― maria tessa sciarrino (theoreticalgirl), Sunday, 25 September 2005 05:20 (nineteen years ago) link

How so? She's never performed round where I live but it's hard to imagine her having much of a voice when it comes to live singing. Not that that is the be-all and end-all, obv.

― JoB (JoB), Sunday, 25 September 2005 11:41 (nineteen years ago) link

I saw Annie a couple of months ago at Horse Meat Disco (a Sunday afternoon south London gay club). It was a bit of a disaster.

Firstly, hardly anyone had ever heard of her, and the place doesn't really lend itself to live performances. The sound wasn't working properly, so you could hardly hear her - I mean she has a fragile enough voice at best, but over the buzzing of a malfunctioning sound desk, she was virtually inaudible.

She soldiered on through the sound problems and general indifference and the K'd guys staggering against the DJ booth, poor thing. But I don't think she won over any new converts. I'd hyped her to my friends as Norway's answer to Kylie, and they remained unconvinced.

Her sound guy was very annoying, making (hopefully) ironic RAWK gestures while fiddling with loose wires and only succeeding in making the sound worse.

She did six or seven of her own songs, alternating them with the sort of records you'll find on her DJ Kicks album.

I doubt she'll be rushing back to perform there, but she did stay and have a couple of drinks and a dance afterwards, so perhaps she enjoyed herself after all.

― davidsim (davidsim), Sunday, 25 September 2005 13:27 (nineteen years ago) link

seems like the show in philly was an anomaly. i had heard all the bad things said about her live -- the trouble with the monitors, etc etc -- none of that was an issue.

her "band", which consisted of a tall euro dude with dreads playing "percussion" [a really simple kit that only had snare and a couple cymbals] and guitar; the other guy was twiddling away on knobs and laptops.

everything worked perfectly, except at the beginning of "come together" where she had monitor issues and you could see how easily things fell apart; by the time the intro of the song was over, she was back in business. regardless of whatever technical issue she was having, the most amazing thing happened -- the audience was cheering her on to get it fixed. i dont think ive *ever* encountered that at a show in this city. if a band's having problems, the audience will more or less make fun of them as they try to tackle it.

i liked that the live performance treated the record as a guideline but didnt stray so far off the mark that the songs were unrecognizable. everything had this great party vibe that was accented by the crowd, who just wanted to have a good time.

and though i am a fan of "gimmick rock" the openers were these two hipster bands that were so not good for the billing. the only musically suitable local support i could think of is res -- its a shame they didnt try to get her. that would have been AWESOME.

― maria tessa sciarrino (theoreticalgirl), Sunday, 25 September 2005 13:45 (nineteen years ago) link

Pop music and K... interesting combination!

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Sunday, 25 September 2005 19:58 (nineteen years ago) link

four weeks pass...

Some news (to me, at least) tucked away in the back of the new issue of Attitude:

Who will you work with for your next album then?
I'm looking out for new people. I've already done three new songs with Richard X. We did one cover of a song called Two Of Hearts, a cover of that Status Quo record.

What's that like?
It's a dance version, quite poppy, definitely different. I'm not a big fan of Status Quo, but always liked that song -- it's great. (We think Annie actually means Two Of Hearts by 80s New York club ingenue Stacy Q -- silly cow! Ed)

What are the other two songs you did with Richard X like?
One is quite poppy -- a bit like what I've done before.

Did you ask to work with him?
He asked me actually.

― brittle-lemon (brittle-lemon), Monday, 24 October 2005 10:21 (nineteen years ago) link

haha Stacey Q and Status Quo, that's classic. The Stacey song is classic though, very Annie. Now Rachel Stevens needs to get herself a personality and cover some Suzy Q.

― Affectian (Affectian), Monday, 24 October 2005 11:17 (nineteen years ago) link

Also, don't forget new Wedding EP availble from iTMS. More of dance track than a song per se, love it.

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 24 October 2005 11:19 (nineteen years ago) link

yeah The Wedding is great

― Dominique (dleone), Monday, 24 October 2005 11:26 (nineteen years ago) link

"silly cow"? eersh

― tom west (thomp), Monday, 24 October 2005 12:16 (nineteen years ago) link

"ironic" camp culture.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Monday, 24 October 2005 12:24 (nineteen years ago) link

Hmm.. Is this the largest thread ever at ILM?

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 24 October 2005 14:48 (nineteen years ago) link

dave matthews, shurely?

― Theorry Henry (Enrique), Monday, 24 October 2005 14:56 (nineteen years ago) link

I saw Annie this week at the Magnet Club in Berlin, she was fun but a bit under the weather. She said that she almost pulled out of the gig because she was ill and she did look like she might pass out at any moment. Though this might have been because she had drunk too much Jagermeister.

― holojames (holojames), Friday, 28 October 2005 21:58 (nineteen years ago) link

five months pass...

New album news.

― JoB (JoB), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 12:36 (eighteen years ago) link

"madcap sessions" - Gawd 'elp us.

I'm surprised they've allowed her to make another album, given the record-breaking sales of the first one.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 12:40 (eighteen years ago) link

Anybody see her DC show the other night? How was it?

― curmudgeon (DC Steve), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 12:54 (eighteen years ago) link

Shit, I'd have tried to see that if I'd known.

― Naive Teen Idol (Naive Teen Idol), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 16:19 (eighteen years ago) link

annie in mtl last september: sold-out show way in advance at big 300-400 person theatre
annie in mtl last week: 25 tickets sold in advance

― s1ocki (slutsky), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 16:37 (eighteen years ago) link

Do you think "they" will allow M.I.A. another?

― file under cozy techno (fandango), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 16:48 (eighteen years ago) link

x-post

Annie was at Black Cat in DC Sunday night.

― curmudgeon (DC Steve), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 17:26 (eighteen years ago) link

her performance at sxsw was pretty abominable.

― that's so taylrr (ken taylrr), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 17:42 (eighteen years ago) link

I was at the Black Cat show. Started really late, and lasted shorter than I thought. When the artist has only one album, you expect to hear most of the songs on it. I think she played like five songs from it and then a few newer songs.

But she and the band were really into it (I think she said it was the last night of the tour?), and the crowd was too. I would have loved a longer set.

― Vinnie (vprabhu), Tuesday, 28 March 2006 19:00 (eighteen years ago) link

annie in mtl last september: sold-out show way in advance at big 300-400 person theatre
annie in mtl last week: 25 tickets sold in advance

I was there! The place was tiny and still wasn't even half full. But the Arctic Monkeys were playing the same night in another venue so maybe that didn't help.

― daavid (daavid), Wednesday, 29 March 2006 00:13 (eighteen years ago) link

Annie live at Manchester Lowry, April 22nd:

http://www.thelowry.com/WhatsOn/EventDetail.aspx?EventId=2192

― piscesboy, Wednesday, 29 March 2006 10:14 (eighteen years ago) link

I am salivating at the prospect of an Alan Braxe collaboration.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 29 March 2006 11:27 (eighteen years ago) link

in mtl that night, love is all where also playing elsewhere.
was the annie show good though?

alan braxe and annie will be huge.

― Daniel Gelfer (gelfball), Wednesday, 29 March 2006 11:31 (eighteen years ago) link

The Annie show was good but not spectacular. It was a pretty small thing with only Annie, Timo turning some knobs, and a guy I don't know on guitar/percussion.

― daavid (daavid), Thursday, 30 March 2006 01:41 (eighteen years ago) link

I'm surprised they've allowed her to make another album, given the record-breaking sales of the first one.

Top ten artist in her own country though, innit.

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Thursday, 30 March 2006 05:50 (eighteen years ago) link

three months pass...

I'm surprised they've allowed her to make another album, given the record-breaking sales of the first one.

Apparently, it turns out they haven't: Plateselskapet droppet Annie.

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 17 July 2006 07:31 (eighteen years ago) link

If this means the two Richard X tracks are doomed to go unheard by me, BOATS WILL FLOAT DOWN THE RIVER OF BLOOD FLOWING THROUGH THE STREETS.

― James.Cobo (jamescobo), Monday, 17 July 2006 07:44 (eighteen years ago) link

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Monday, 17 July 2006 07:54 (eighteen years ago) link

So what does Lily Allen have that Annie From Norway didn't, apart from famous parents, friends high up in the London media...

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 17 July 2006 07:58 (eighteen years ago) link

competent PR.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Monday, 17 July 2006 08:02 (eighteen years ago) link

she's not from the continent.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Monday, 17 July 2006 09:20 (eighteen years ago) link

So that's the reason she and Timo are supposedly roadies nowadays...

― mikko (mikko), Monday, 17 July 2006 09:46 (eighteen years ago) link

I saw her gig last year at the Koneisto festival, it was pretty lame. Even the Opel Bastards dudes (including the said Timo) lacked the usual spirit.

― Tuomas (Tuomas), Monday, 17 July 2006 09:51 (eighteen years ago) link

initial annie (from norway) hype: july '04
album (properly) released: march '05

initial lily allen hype: april '06
album released: july '06

GEE, I WONDER WHY ANNIE'S ALBUM DIDN'T SELL.

― finest quality internets beef (haitch), Monday, 17 July 2006 09:58 (eighteen years ago) link

Don't most electro acts struggle to sell well?
I mean, apart from Kylie Minogue and Madonna who are both already well-established names with roots in the same 80s the electro trend takes its main inspiration from.

"Anniemal" did sell well in Norway, although here she is a bit overshadowed by Bertine Zetlitz, another female Norwegian electro act who has been one of the most popular Norwegian artists of the past 3-4 years.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 17 July 2006 10:50 (eighteen years ago) link

nothing will ever, ever sell well if you release it nine months after everyone actually wants it!

― finest quality internets beef (haitch), Monday, 17 July 2006 10:59 (eighteen years ago) link

but 'chewing gum' didn't exactly set the charts on fire.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Monday, 17 July 2006 11:03 (eighteen years ago) link

wasn't it released in the same limited promo fashion as the album though? by the time it was out again, everyone had downloaded it.

it's the same reason no-one bought the rapture's album - anyone who cared had it six months earlier off p2p.

― finest quality internets beef (haitch), Monday, 17 July 2006 11:05 (eighteen years ago) link

in the uk 'chewing gum' came out september '04, so a couple of months after the big features, but a few weeks ahead of the planned lp launch. it was a regular release, but probably the hipster internet dudes already had it d/ld yeah.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Monday, 17 July 2006 11:11 (eighteen years ago) link

'Chewing Gum' did relatively well (#25 in the charts) with poor promotion and precious little airplay/Tv exposure. Presumably because many downloaders/net-buzz types also bought it (who else would've?).

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Monday, 17 July 2006 11:14 (eighteen years ago) link

i bought it. almost the last cd single i bought.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Monday, 17 July 2006 11:20 (eighteen years ago) link

Still, I mean, I love Annie and all. But if they want to market something even better than Annie, then they should go for Bertine Zetlitz.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 17 July 2006 18:34 (eighteen years ago) link

who says lily allen won't suffer teh same fate?

― s1ocki (slutsky), Monday, 17 July 2006 18:49 (eighteen years ago) link

you mean in the States? i doubt she'll have any success at all over there but she's already considerably more popular and successful than Annie in the UK (not hard).

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Monday, 17 July 2006 19:37 (eighteen years ago) link

There's been other Scandanavian songstresses who haven't hit big here when they could have, like Robyn and Lene Nystrom who at least had past UK recognition and surely in "It's Your Duty" a quirky enough song to score a novelty hit. Still not as good as "Chewing Gum" though.

― Nick H (Nick H), Wednesday, 19 July 2006 19:56 (eighteen years ago) link

I agree with Tom when he says there's a massive market for adult-orientated pop in the Kylie vein - it's just a matter of marketing to them effectively. Put Chewing Gum in an advert, release as single, put Heartbeat on Glamour magazine free CD, release album, watch people lap it up.

I reckon this album will still appear in one form or another somewhere. Problem is it will probably coincide with the return of BraveKylie, which will obviously obliterate everything in its path.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Wednesday, 19 July 2006 21:11 (eighteen years ago) link

Missing something, yes. Presumably Annie's UK and US branch thought they could break her with DJ shows, 12" singles and commissioning remixes from hipster-friendly types rather than focusing on the people who actually, you know, buy singles when they are in the stores.

UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT. Well, that new single "The Crush" or whatever it was certainly wasn't going to do anything, was it?

― edward o (edwardo), Wednesday, 19 July 2006 23:05 (eighteen years ago) link

no it's true that song was ass.

― jergins (jergins), Wednesday, 19 July 2006 23:35 (eighteen years ago) link

did you see her live ed? crush was pretty ace then.

― kit brash (kit brash), Thursday, 20 July 2006 05:06 (eighteen years ago) link

The live show was interesting in that her better songs didn't work so well and her not-so-good ones sounded much better - "The Wedding" was one of the highlights!

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Thursday, 20 July 2006 06:01 (eighteen years ago) link

"Chewing Gum" is currently being used in the background for the trailers for Rob Brydon's new show, although it is very much the background and just the instrumental part.

― Nick H (Nick H), Thursday, 20 July 2006 07:57 (eighteen years ago) link

the people who actually, you know, buy singles when they are in the stores

the trouble is that these people don't really exist!

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:00 (eighteen years ago) link

i guess empirical evidence would suggest that advert placing is a surefire way to at least get a song heard, which leaves me feeling v removed from the british public once again. who are these people who watch adverts? weirdos!

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:01 (eighteen years ago) link

That 'Crush' single is rubbish, like a really poor retred of 'A Stroke of Genie-us'. Why? Very disapointing

― Chewshabadoo (Chewshabadoo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:08 (eighteen years ago) link

the trouble is that these people don't really exist!

Yes they do, but they don't buy what you like, Lex! "The Wedding" was also rubbish, sorry, people! "Gimme Your MOney" was kind of amusing, though.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:10 (eighteen years ago) link

who are these people who buy these cd singles then? i mean we have established over the past five years that the number of singles keeps on dwindling, how many copies do you need to sell to get in the top 10 these days, 70?

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:33 (eighteen years ago) link

Depends what you mean by "sell" doesn't it? It incorporates ("legal") downloads as well now you see.

― Nick H (Nick H), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:41 (eighteen years ago) link

Who's buying the singles? ~~Indie kids~~. Who knows, but it ain't the kind of people who are impressed by this producer, this remixer, this hipster-friendly DJ tour.

Well, I don't know about in the UK. 10,000 would guarantee top 10 most weeks, I think.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:43 (eighteen years ago) link

CD singles are horrible.

― fandango (fandango), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:46 (eighteen years ago) link

I like CD singles when they have some B-sides, a remix that hasn't just been plunked out to fill the space and THIS VERY IMPORTANT, the video for the song in a NON QUICKTIME FORMAT.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:48 (eighteen years ago) link

actually it IS indie kids, isn't it - the kind of idiot who needs to be completist about everything, who cares about artwork and packaging and formats.

but those people tend to also care about producers and remixers and so on, so.

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:58 (eighteen years ago) link

whoever it is it's not Ver Kidz, and consumers of popular music who are not either a) Ver Kidz or b) me do not count!

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 08:58 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, Ver Kidz almost exclusively listen to music you detest, this is why the charts are full of things you hate, innit.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 09:10 (eighteen years ago) link

I bought 'Chewing Gum' CD single cos I wanted it to do better in the charts. More recently I bought GA's 'Biology' CD single mainly because I actually wanted to see the video (had missed it on TV) ha ha - the video was shit tho.

I don't think I've bought any other singles on CD in the last 12 months, other than old stuff I needed for '92 and '93 mixes.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Thursday, 20 July 2006 09:14 (eighteen years ago) link

no Ver Kidz listen to Sean Paul and Ciara (who are also in the charts when they release singles) whom I love

(btw - new Ciara single is omg brilliant)

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 09:14 (eighteen years ago) link

"Biology" was also the last single I bought.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 09:18 (eighteen years ago) link

x-post Lex you are deluding yourself quite a lot.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 09:19 (eighteen years ago) link

It isn't just the needing to be completist about formats thing - I think the "if I buy this it will get into the charts! let's break the top forty!" evangelist impulse is pretty important in buying singles from an indie-kid/Truu Fan/Street-Teamer standpoint.

― permanent revolution (cis), Thursday, 20 July 2006 09:31 (eighteen years ago) link

I bought GA's 'Biology' CD single mainly because I actually wanted to see the video (had missed it on TV) ha ha - the video was shit tho.

yes, yes, you wanted to see the girls aloud video, and why not.

cis otm

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:14 (eighteen years ago) link

ed what am I deluding myself about!

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:26 (eighteen years ago) link

That "the kids" only listen to things you like. Lots of them are also listening to things you hate, and you can't pretend they don't exist. These are the people who virtually decide whether artists get to keep their deals or not. And why Muse and The Feeling and Orson can go top 10 and Annie can't.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:28 (eighteen years ago) link

there just don't seem to be schoolkids on the bus in the morning playing music Lex hates tho.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:32 (eighteen years ago) link

on their phones, i mean.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:33 (eighteen years ago) link

there aren't! the day i hear muse on the bus is the day society crumbles. i STILL don't know who orson are and have never heard of the feeling!

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:34 (eighteen years ago) link

Maybe they are playing it but are nicely using earphones rather than force their listening preference on other people.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:44 (eighteen years ago) link

I imagine Lex listening to samplings of Teh Muse catalogue EVERY NIGHT at home, on headphones, so that he can correctly identify them on buses and get outraged

― Tracey Hand (tracerhand), Thursday, 20 July 2006 10:52 (eighteen years ago) link

I imagine that Alex does this to make me laugh my way out of my low moments.

PS: The Muse single floats not far behind 'Promiscuous' in my estimation right now.

― Headspin (Barima), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:06 (eighteen years ago) link

i thought you liked 'promiscuous' barima :(

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:08 (eighteen years ago) link

but Lex yr kids-on-bus-sample system is insufficiently scientifically rigorous! why you braek heart?

― permanent revolution (cis), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:13 (eighteen years ago) link

The Muse single is better than "Promiscuous", but it is not better than "Maneater".

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:19 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, buddy, I do like 'Promiscuous', but not as much as other things. If I have ranking, 'Supermassive Black Hole' would be right behind it, because it is a reasonably cool song.

x-p ed o semi-otm (this could change)

― Headspin (Barima), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:19 (eighteen years ago) link

no muse song will ever ever ever ever ever be anywhere near 'promiscuous' in terms of quality! what are you lot talking about.

('promiscuous' >>> 'maneater' btw, though 'no hay igual' is better than either)

(pop != scientific rigour! i hated science at school)

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:21 (eighteen years ago) link

(Not to derail, but 'Maneater'>'Glow'='No Hay Igual'>'Promiscuous')

― Headspin (Barima), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:21 (eighteen years ago) link

no hay igual > promiscuous > do it > maneater > glow > all good things come to an end > say it right > afraid > somebody to love > let my hair down > the remaining songs

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:24 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, stop deviating from your lines. You're supposed to accuse me of being either indie, or a goth.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:25 (eighteen years ago) link

Muse, eh, they're no Nine Black Alps.

― The Lex (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:25 (eighteen years ago) link

powerless (say what u want) > no hay igual LOL

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Thursday, 20 July 2006 11:33 (eighteen years ago) link

"explode" > "powerless".

"Turn On The Light" > everything, except maybe "Maneater".

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 12:15 (eighteen years ago) link

Ha poor Annie... Your thread has become a random TS : Nelly Furtado vs Muse
This is heartbreaking...

― snowballing (snowballing), Thursday, 20 July 2006 12:21 (eighteen years ago) link

i wonder if she still reads this.

― pisces (piscesx), Thursday, 20 July 2006 12:27 (eighteen years ago) link

Ha poor Annie... Your thread has become a random TS : Nelly Furtado vs Muse
This is heartbreaking...

OTM.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 20 July 2006 12:35 (eighteen years ago) link

not sure I've ever seen anyone celebrate "ignorance", in self-congratulation, as much as The Lex likes to

suppose other people do celebrate his ignorance, though

congratulations!!

― RJG (RJG), Thursday, 20 July 2006 12:41 (eighteen years ago) link

what am I deluding myself about!
-- The Lex

― Britain's Obtusest Shepherd (Alan), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:02 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, considering the last Muse single was basically a ket-rock remix of "Do Somethin'", how can it not be your #1 single of the year!

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:02 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, like Geir, is part of the markings on the pitch that help us all play the ILM game.

The Muse single really isn't that good, people. You just all like that vocoder bit near the end that reminds you of Styx.

I find it hard to believe that someone somewhere won't pick Annie up, unless she's already laid down a bunch of tracks and they're rub.

― i'll mitya halfway (mitya), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:19 (eighteen years ago) link

the muse love is like the 'dakota' love from last year redux. a bunch of people going "ooooh, we're going to say this hitherto terrible indie rock band has made a great single" just to be contrary (and led in both cases by that racistjustice site which keeps sinking to increasingly embarrassing depths to avoid mentioning all the great pop which is coming out now, like ciara or sean paul or cassie).

basically a ket-rock remix of "Do Somethin'"

condemned by your own words! 'do somethin' does not need to have any kind of 'rock' remix. that would RUIN it.

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:26 (eighteen years ago) link

I haven't heard the Muse single. I really want something called Supermassive Black Hole to be awesome, but not as much as I want a record by Muse to be rubbish.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:26 (eighteen years ago) link

"Supermassive Black Hole" just sounds like crappy Nine Inch Nails. It's not worth anyone getting excited about.

― Raw Patrick (Raw Patrick), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:33 (eighteen years ago) link

a bunch of people going "ooooh, we're going to say this hitherto terrible indie rock band has made a great single" just to be contrary

NOTHING like the furtado love then.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:34 (eighteen years ago) link

furtado wasn't terrible indie rock before - she was vaguely boring mor-folk. and she always seemed like she had potential. muse have always been abysmal, with nothing to suggest that they might ever not be abysmal (because no matter what directions they choose, they would always have that awful caterwauling voice over the top).

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:39 (eighteen years ago) link

Both Muse AND Nellie F are rubbish. Annie is great. Ergo worst thread derailment ever.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:41 (eighteen years ago) link

"Turn Out The Lights" > Annie and Muse's entire back catalogues combined. FACT.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:42 (eighteen years ago) link

best furtado song > best annie song >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> (&c &c &c) >>>> best muse song

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:43 (eighteen years ago) link

it's not 'turn out the lights', don't be silly dom

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:43 (eighteen years ago) link

Getting the names of songs correct: indie
Getting them wrong due to PASSION: pop

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:45 (eighteen years ago) link

Plus Vue cinemas still use "Turn Off The Light" as one of the songs they play between the cinema door opening and the trailers starting.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:45 (eighteen years ago) link

i actually have no idea what the correct title is! turn out or off? light or lights? who knows! whichever, it's not as good as 'no hay igual'

― The Lex (The Lex), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:47 (eighteen years ago) link

Everyhit says "Turn Off The Light", despite she fact she quite clearly sings "Turn Out The Lights". Maybe this distaste for style guiding was what attracted Timbo to her in the first place.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 20 July 2006 13:58 (eighteen years ago) link

MODS can we delete the last whatever x posts??

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Thursday, 20 July 2006 14:29 (eighteen years ago) link

I played "Maneater" and "Turn Off The Light" back to back, "Turn Off The Light" WINS. What a bloody tune.

Annie, then. Those last few tracks of her WERE rubbish, it wouldn't surprise me if that's why she's been dropped!

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 20 July 2006 15:01 (eighteen years ago) link

I got sent a free copy of the 'wedding' 12". even braxe/falke remix couldn't save that one.

― HPSTRKRFT (haitch), Thursday, 20 July 2006 15:04 (eighteen years ago) link

I still need to hear 'The Crush', 'Songs Remind Me Of You' and the other new one.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Thursday, 20 July 2006 15:11 (eighteen years ago) link

How the fuck does Nelly Furtado have a career nowadays? Her last album sank like a motherfucking stone!!

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Friday, 21 July 2006 01:10 (eighteen years ago) link

the Dom/Lex/Enrique kickaround here is hilarious!

and yeah the new Nellie F stuff - character & inspiration free PAP indeed

― fandango (fandango), Friday, 21 July 2006 01:29 (eighteen years ago) link

Steve, "The Crush" sounds like a particularly twee, retarded Go-Gos pastiche.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 21 July 2006 01:30 (eighteen years ago) link

ALSO the reason that Lex hates Muse is because Lex is indie as fuck and Muse are a popular, #1 album having rock band with actual fans, and indie kids hate that.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 21 July 2006 01:31 (eighteen years ago) link

hahahaha

― HPSTRKRFT (haitch), Friday, 21 July 2006 01:44 (eighteen years ago) link

"the muse love is like the 'dakota' love from last year redux. a bunch of people going "ooooh, we're going to say this hitherto terrible indie rock band has made a great single" just to be contrary"

:-(

Lex I think what's hindering your understanding of teh kidz is not understanding The O.C. soundtrack luv.

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Friday, 21 July 2006 02:16 (eighteen years ago) link

ALSO the reason that Lex hates Muse is because Lex is indie as fuck and Muse are a popular, #1 album having rock band with actual fans, and indie kids hate that.

I HATED THEM WHEN THEY WERE OBSCURE TOO! i hated muse before anyone else had heard of them. GRMPH.

Lex I think what's hindering your understanding of teh kidz is not understanding The O.C. soundtrack luv.

that's all stuff like hilarity duff and lindsay lohan though isn't it? and the odd coldplay song i assume. duff and lohan are ace, though no british teenager appears to like them.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:02 (eighteen years ago) link

no british teenager appears to like them.

so ver kidz have got it wrong?!

nb, no, i don't think duff or lohan are really o.c. staples.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:04 (eighteen years ago) link

oh, annie

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:04 (eighteen years ago) link

i seriously don't get the muse or 'dakota' love though? they're not even significantly better than anything else on those bands' back catalogues - they're as appalling and dreadful as ever and if anything more of an argument that that sort of thing should be STAMPED OUT.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:04 (eighteen years ago) link

i actually agree with lex here -- you just have to hate those bands on principle, and there wasn't anything special about 'dakota' (haven't heard the muse one but life is short).

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:07 (eighteen years ago) link

Love of "Supermassive Black Hole" isn't like loving "Dakota". "Dakota" is a gem from a band who usually deserve to be hurt very badly, melted down and used to coat roads. Muse actually have several very entertaining singles, especially "Bliss" and "Hysteria".

oh, annie

Quoted for truth.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:14 (eighteen years ago) link

how is 'dakota' a gem!!!

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:15 (eighteen years ago) link

It's affecting. I mean, to a human being rather than an other-fetishizing automaton like you Lex.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:17 (eighteen years ago) link

that's racist

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:18 (eighteen years ago) link

"Dakota" is good.

Honestly no agenda really, it is just a good song!

― Ronan (Ronan), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:19 (eighteen years ago) link

Ronan is racist too, clearly.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:22 (eighteen years ago) link

i'm speechless

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 08:23 (eighteen years ago) link

If we clink our wine glasses with our forks hard enough, will you give one though?

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 21 July 2006 09:07 (eighteen years ago) link

And, yeah, Stereophonics had always been an ENEMY OF POP (TM), so "Dakota" love comes form a different place than Muse loving, what with them being a BOMBAST POP ROCK act and never having sung "Mr Writer".

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 21 July 2006 09:07 (eighteen years ago) link

Mr Writer >>>>>>>>>> Dakota

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Friday, 21 July 2006 09:10 (eighteen years ago) link

worst derail ever

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 11:29 (eighteen years ago) link

I don't know, there's some quality Lexbot action here.

― stop moving. (cis), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:21 (eighteen years ago) link

"Dakota" is a gem from a band who usually deserve to be hurt very badly, melted down and used to coat roads.

Except that "Maybe Tomorrow" is also a genuinely good pop track.

― brittle-lemon (brittle-lemon), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:24 (eighteen years ago) link

http://www.thebubbleburst.co.uk/pics_people/the%20littlest%20hobo_before.jpg

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:26 (eighteen years ago) link

That was the 1000th answer. Go Annie!

― JoB (JoB), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:31 (eighteen years ago) link

loved dakota. brilliant tune. needs a JLC remix but then doesnt everything?

MEANWHILE to bring it back to Annie -

http://www.anniemusic.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=891

― pisces (piscesx), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:31 (eighteen years ago) link

i am becoming wary of the phrase "genuinely good pop track" to justify these horrifying contrarianisms. it seems to me to be but one step away from "proper songs with a decent tune that the milkman/the man in the street/your mum can whistle" or other such regressive, conservative, backwards-thinking nonsense.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:33 (eighteen years ago) link

can the 'dakota' lovers please justify how any song, no matter how good the tune or even arrangement, can possibly be listenable if it still has kelly jones's emphysematic walrus voice honking over the top of it?

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:33 (eighteen years ago) link

what's progressive or forward-thinking or non-conservative about paris hilton?

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:35 (eighteen years ago) link

postmodern, blank slate, cipher, fillintheblanks

(cis and i are currently engaged in a drawn-out study of exactly how and why these buzzwords are actually nowhere near sufficient to capture the immense importance of paris hilton to LIFE AS WE KNOW IT)

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:36 (eighteen years ago) link

postmodern, blank slate, cipher, fillintheblanks

that doesn't answer my question.

at all.

i mean 'postmodern'? wake me up when we get to, well, the '80s.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:37 (eighteen years ago) link

yes i know i was taking the piss out of naomi wolf! hence parenthetical stuff!

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:38 (eighteen years ago) link

ok, so what's progressive or forward-thinking or non-conservative about paris hilton?

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:40 (eighteen years ago) link

There is NO WAY IN THE WORLD Paris Hilton is REMOTELY "a blank slate" when you consider the GIGANTIC AMOUNTS OF CELEBRITY BAGGAGE that she's carrying around. Might as well give Jade Goody a multi-million pound production to sing over and make the same claim.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:40 (eighteen years ago) link

but then again, one could listen to 'Stars Are Blind' without knowing who it is and never guess in a million years that it would be Hilton. i like that aspect a lot.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:43 (eighteen years ago) link

I WAS TAKING THE PISS OUT OF NAOMI!

as i said nrq, cis and i are currently engaged in a study to determine what is so special about paris. we have not yet finished

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:44 (eighteen years ago) link

-- The Lex

Lily Allen AMIFUCKINGRITE??

ok, I've vented...

― fandango (fandango), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:44 (eighteen years ago) link

I think the new Jessica Simpson video does what I think the Lex thinks Paris does sooo much better.

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:45 (eighteen years ago) link

Erm, the xposts make that look a bit silly out of context.

Answer - there is nothing remotely progressive or forward-thinking or non-conservative about Paris Hilton and nor does there have to be. Lex is just being k-rockist in thinking he has to justify his taste with proof of her artistic worth. Like some other people I can think of.

xpost - Steve, but it's not intended to be listened to with no idea of who's making the record. It's meant to be consumed alongside the video and the mobile download and everything else. It's not meant to listened to like a Kompakt release or something equally faceless, so it's a bit off the mark to suggest there's much of a self-consious cipher element there.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:45 (eighteen years ago) link

I find myself nearly always 50% in total agreement with Lex about most things

and the other 50% of the time utterly baffled by his capacity for perverse wrongness :O

― fandango (fandango), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:49 (eighteen years ago) link

It's meant to be consumed alongside the video and the mobile download and everything else. It's not meant to listened to like a Kompakt release or something equally faceless, so it's a bit off the mark to suggest there's much of a self-consious cipher element there.

I don't think this is set in stone. Lots of people will hear the song on the radio for first time and be surprised it's Hilton. And I think that sort of impact may cause them to rethink her (as a product), which gives SOME credence to the 'blank slate' idea.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:52 (eighteen years ago) link

It's not meant to listened to like a Kompakt release or something equally faceless, so it's a bit off the mark to suggest there's much of a self-consious cipher element there.

you're right and you're wrong - on the one hand yes it is the whole package, the video and the image and the paris-hilton-ness of it all. but it's also exactly the kind of song you hear on the radio without realising who it is, esp if you are the kind of (weirdo) person who is automatically prejudiced against paris, and find yourself humming and so on, before discovering who's responsible.

i don't think all music needs to be progressive and fwd-thinking &c. but i do feel that one's overall approach to music should not be a conservative "oh that has a tune my mum can sing, it will do" one.

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:53 (eighteen years ago) link

haha xp

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:53 (eighteen years ago) link

"genuinely good pop track" to justify these horrifying contrarianisms. it seems to me to be but one step away from "proper songs with a decent tune that the milkman/the man in the street/your mum can whistle or other such regressive, conservative, backwards-thinking nonsense."

That's exactly what I meant by "genuinely good pop track, and I am exactly that conservative milkman-in-the-street, or perhaps I am even yo' mama.

― brittle-lemon (brittle-lemon), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:55 (eighteen years ago) link

paris hilton *does* have a catchy tune, it must be said.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:56 (eighteen years ago) link

you and your ilk are responsible for james blunt

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:57 (eighteen years ago) link

and oasis, and the beatles. YUCK

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 12:57 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, at what point do COOL POOR YOUNG PEOPLE ON BUSSES become UNCOOL POOR PEOPLE WITH JOBS, so we know at what point we should stop trusting their taste in music?

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:02 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex hates the Streets, hates Lily Allen, hates indie, hates Nelly Furtado. What the fuck DOES Lex like?

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:38 (eighteen years ago) link

yeah that about covers it for western pop music...

― fandango (fandango), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:40 (eighteen years ago) link

esp if you are the kind of (weirdo) person who is automatically prejudiced against paris

TS: Love for RacistParis vs. Hate for Racistjustice

― Headspin (Barima), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:42 (eighteen years ago) link

yeah that about covers it for ~~western pop music~~ILM...

Fixed.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:43 (eighteen years ago) link

lex loves indie. he calls things he doesn't like indie. which is unfortunate

― Britain's Obtusest Shepherd (Alan), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:44 (eighteen years ago) link

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/Juror8/lolindie.jpg

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:47 (eighteen years ago) link

i love nelly furtado, i just think nu-furtado >>>> old-furtado

i love ciara, that is who i love

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:47 (eighteen years ago) link

i like the idea that a picture of me is saved to everyone's computer :D

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:52 (eighteen years ago) link

he also hates Robyn.

― Tracey Hand (tracerhand), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:55 (eighteen years ago) link

BUT I LOVE CIARA

― The Lex (The Lex), Friday, 21 July 2006 13:56 (eighteen years ago) link

old-furtado >>> mid-furtado >>> nu-furtado

i see dead careers...

― fandango (fandango), Friday, 21 July 2006 14:58 (eighteen years ago) link

What's to hate about Robyn? I don't like her as much as Lene or Annie but still.

― Nick H (Nick H), Friday, 21 July 2006 20:31 (eighteen years ago) link

"Dakota": I don't much like the phrase "genuinely good pop song" b/c it seems like a bit of a cop-out. But I think it hints at what is likeable about "Dakota", and that is its perfect construction: the Interpolly verses with Kelly wosisname trying to sound all deep and reflective and melodromantic leading into the big guitar surge that sort of wobbles back into itself, and Kelly suddenly pulling out his Nickleback hoarse holler, except that where Nickleback always put these gruff restraint markers around their choruses (like screaming into a tin can), the chorus in "Dakota" just feels effortless, partly due to how fucking high it is. It drives itself home perfectly. One of the things that made most other Stereophonics so insufferable was that the songs sounded like they thought they'd gotten to that point, but in fact fell short sharply, like a track runner who think he's won the race b/c he accidently ran one less lap than everyoen else. The closest they ever got to actually connecting before was "Local Boy In The Photograph", and that still falls far short of "Dakota". Not that "Dakota" is brilliant or anything, it's just surprisingly good. I smile when it comes on the radio.

(Also Kelly looks vaguely hot in the video clip, which I would never have expected (esp. after that terry towelling hat disaster in one of the video clips from the second album). I think he knew it too, he wore the exact same outfit when he performed the song live on Oz TV and there I found it kind of annoying, also his voice didn't sound so good live, too much screaming I think)

In this sense it's a "genuinely good pop song" the way Jamelia's "Superstar" is - another song that many people found themselves liking enormously without necessarily being able to explain why. There's something quite inevitable and monolithic about both tunes.

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Sunday, 23 July 2006 23:41 (eighteen years ago) link

'superstar' is so underrated in that way though - i've seen it described as "just" a good pop song, implying that it does what it can with limited resources, but i think it's a genuine monster - the swells of bass are so inviting and she really nails the vocal. i can't think of any other song which sounds quite like it!

i don't hear any of what you hear in 'dakota' :(

― The Lex (The Lex), Monday, 24 July 2006 09:12 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex I wouldn't expect you to! Remember that I have a dodgy quasi-indie past circa 1996.

Yeah i agree "Superstar" is underrated, it and "Scandalous" by Mis-Teeq remind me of one another, and both have been singled out by friends of mine as being particularly cheesy. Many people are very suspicious of that poptastic Swedish R&B sound.

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Monday, 24 July 2006 22:54 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex is suspicious of it too, because all Scandinavians sound the same and are all bloodless!

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 01:45 (eighteen years ago) link

(also, Tim, your indie past is very similar to MY indie past and as such is not dodgy at all, unless you actually own "Free Peace Sweet" by Dodgy)

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 01:46 (eighteen years ago) link

where are our dodgy indie FUTURES, I ask you.

― HPSTRKRFT (haitch), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 01:53 (eighteen years ago) link

You are my dodgy indie future, haitch.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 01:56 (eighteen years ago) link

oh no. no-one deserves that!!

― HPSTRKRFT (haitch), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 02:05 (eighteen years ago) link

all Scandinavians sound the same and are all bloodless

only some, ed! i think i still love more scando-pop than i hate; max martin, annie, bertine zetlitz, the knife in the credit column, only really robyn, marit larsen and bwo on the debit side. i just don't like scando-fetishising, it is profoundly disturbing.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 09:06 (eighteen years ago) link

As opposed to black urban fetishising?

Marit Larsen and BWO are two of the best albums of the year.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 09:48 (eighteen years ago) link

Where do you stand on Veronica Maggio and Marion Raven?

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 09:57 (eighteen years ago) link

it's not so much black urban fetishising as acknowledging that the r&b which is so popular with consumers (ie fulfilling that central definition of POP as well as any other genre) is very good! and it's in response, as i'm sure you know, to various utterly baseless kneejerk anti-black urban stances.

i have heard neither veronica maggio or marion raven, i don't even know who they are!

marit larsen sounds like ryan adams and bwo have no basslines.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:01 (eighteen years ago) link

Well, the Swedish pop that is so popular with consumers, who get exposed to it, i.e. on European radio, is also very good!

Veronica Maggio is Swedish, and I think is a bit Annie-esque, except she sings in Swedish.

Marion Raven is the other one out of M2M, whose album is basically half Kelly Clarkson, half Evanescence ballads, and whose current single was co-written by Nikki Sixx, which will mean nothing to you.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:08 (eighteen years ago) link

BWO are so boring! I cannot understand what people see in them. They are not very Deleuzian.

(xpost - Nikki Sixx!)

― Raw Patrick (Raw Patrick), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:11 (eighteen years ago) link

various utterly baseless kneejerk anti-black urban stances.

in detail?

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:14 (eighteen years ago) link

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:15 (eighteen years ago) link

is the kelly clarkson album good btw? i love both of the first two singles but am not convinced i could take a whole album in the same vein. that said it is v cheap everywhere at the moment.

i don't like evanescence, and certainly not their ballads. i am no goth.

veronica maggio sounds interesting!

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:16 (eighteen years ago) link

nrq i am not going over this for the gazillionth time!

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:17 (eighteen years ago) link

you never explain anything!

the whole 'racistjustice' thing is based on people on another messageboard saying '50 cent is a bit rapey innit'.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:18 (eighteen years ago) link

Paris Hilton looks a bit Scandinavian mind you.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:19 (eighteen years ago) link

or maybe not. i dunno, she's a strange deer-like phenomenon.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:20 (eighteen years ago) link

paris hilton is beautiful.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:21 (eighteen years ago) link

nah.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:23 (eighteen years ago) link

annie > paris

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:23 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, the first five songs on the Clarkson album are all various shades of terrific, there are one or two other stormers after it. It's good. Marion's album is better (search "End Of Me" instantly).

(x-post, that's right. NIKKI SIXX!)

(more x-posts. Paris Hilton has lots of sex and doesn't have a job. Is that why gay men love her?)

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:24 (eighteen years ago) link

paris hilton has taken a vow of celibacy for a year!

i'll try to pick up the clarkson though i have yet to track down the new lohan album - i was disappointed with ashlee's i am me :(

i can pass no judgment on annie v paris until i hear the paris album. 'stars are blind' is better than any annie song, but only just.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:28 (eighteen years ago) link

You lose your critic's pass, boss. "I Am Me" is terrific!

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:28 (eighteen years ago) link

i really really really wanted and expected it to be terrific :(

as it is there is 'boyfriend' and then there is...not very much :(

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:30 (eighteen years ago) link

Lex, just out of interest, do you like UB40? They're cool and mixed race, which is a plus for you, and they also had their sound copied for "Stars Are Blind". May we see you bigging up "Rat In Mi Kitchen" over the next few weeks?

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:31 (eighteen years ago) link

"Boyfriend" >>>>>>>> "L.O.V.E." > "Dancing Alone"

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:31 (eighteen years ago) link

Ah, shit, wrong way.

Boyfriend < LOVE < Dancing Alone. FEH.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:32 (eighteen years ago) link

haha no, ed, you were totally right the first time!

dom ub40 are dreadful.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:33 (eighteen years ago) link

(re ashlee - i am going to give it some more tries, it may just not have grown on me yet. but really 'boyfriend' looms so magnificent that the rest just can't escape from under its shadow)

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:34 (eighteen years ago) link

But "Boyfriend" sounds like boys with guitars only with a girl on top, all the guitar elements you claim to hate are still there!

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:35 (eighteen years ago) link

Paris should rip off UB40 more. "I am a one in ten/statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care" etc.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:41 (eighteen years ago) link

'stars are blind' sounds no more like ub40 than it does like what ub40 were copying, surely: it sounds like the ub40 tracks that were their least original or least individual or however you want to put it, the ones which were just smoother carbon-copy covers of classic reggae tracks.

'strange deer-like phenomenon' is the most perfect description, I love it.

― stop moving. (cis), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:42 (eighteen years ago) link

"Stars Are Blind" sounds like ACE OF BASE and is therefore Quite Good.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:43 (eighteen years ago) link

actually to be accurate rather than flip it sounds like a few of the tracks off that Shaznay Lewis EP.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:44 (eighteen years ago) link

LP, rather.

― edward o (edwardo), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:44 (eighteen years ago) link

But "Boyfriend" sounds like boys with guitars only with a girl on top, all the guitar elements you claim to hate are still there!

i know but i have to have a token punk rock song innit. also, guitars counterbalanced by a) a girl, b) no indie boys, c) the girl being ASHLEE MOTHERFUCKING SIMPSON, d) fantastic lyrics

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:48 (eighteen years ago) link

the key to 'stars are blind' isn't "what the backing track sounds like" - most people have been correct so far - it's paris's voice which really makes the song. with a dodgy vocal the song would have been a bit crap.

― The Lex (The Lex), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:49 (eighteen years ago) link

hrrrmmm

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:52 (eighteen years ago) link

yerce.

― Roughage Crew (Enrique), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 10:56 (eighteen years ago) link

with a dodgy vocal the song would have been a bit crap.

And it's got one and it is.

― Raw Patrick (Raw Patrick), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 11:47 (eighteen years ago) link

No, lex is right on this one--it has no right to be a good song but it totally is. And, like "Dakota" I guess, I can't really explain why, because yeah it is Paris Hilton singing over a white-reggae song, and yet...

― Eppy (Eppy), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:06 (eighteen years ago) link

Most pop-reggae is pretty good, it's a sound that works well diluted, as producers have known since 1970 or so.

― Tom (Groke), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:12 (eighteen years ago) link

UB40 are kind of bad at it, though (probably because they're all proper reggae heads so they feel a bit guilty about what they're doing).

― Tom (Groke), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:13 (eighteen years ago) link

I guess I meant to say "I loathe pop-reggae but I still like this song." I think because the guitar is muted and there are pretty sparkly touches and she's not singing with any touch of a patois, thank god.

― Eppy (Eppy), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:16 (eighteen years ago) link

what was the tipping point for UB40 turning shit? i'm gonna say 'I Got You Babe'. everything before that is okay if not good.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:43 (eighteen years ago) link

altho i see 'Don't Break My Heart' immediately followed 'I Got You Babe' so that's that sketch knackered then.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:45 (eighteen years ago) link

I've made manful efforts to get into their early erm "post-punk" stuff but apart from "One In Ten" it's all a bit dreary.

― Tom (Groke), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:45 (eighteen years ago) link

I like 'Food For Thought's dreariness.

just to steer this back on track, I CAN see Annie doing pop-reggae quite well altho I'm not sure she should.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:46 (eighteen years ago) link

I think pop-reggae is close to foolproof, but then Annie is no fool so she might want to do something else.

The feeling I get from the Paris Hilton record is that they've given her something nice and easy to get her started.

― Tom (Groke), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 14:53 (eighteen years ago) link

it really is a total curveball tho!

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 15:21 (eighteen years ago) link

when i try and hear it in my head it turns into 'The Tide Is High' even tho they're hardly THAT similar.

― Konal Doddz (blueski), Tuesday, 25 July 2006 15:22 (eighteen years ago) link

one month passes...

I just heard 'Crush', and I really like it, even more than 'Heartbeat'. A good, simple pop song, seemingly it was made to annoy hipsters.

― zeus (zeus), Thursday, 7 September 2006 09:55 (eighteen years ago) link

Yes, whatever did happen to Jennifer Paige?

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Thursday, 7 September 2006 10:14 (eighteen years ago) link

does SONGS REMIND ME OF YOU actually exist or is it a prank by Popjustice?

― pisces (piscesx), Thursday, 7 September 2006 10:19 (eighteen years ago) link

Yes, whatever did happen to Jennifer Paige?
-- Marcello Carlin (marcellocarli...), September 7th, 2006.

Ask Lex, he must love it.

― zeus (zeus), Thursday, 7 September 2006 10:22 (eighteen years ago) link

STILL WAITING FOR "2 OF HEARTS" COVER PLZ KTHNX

― James.Cobo (jamescobo), Friday, 8 September 2006 00:51 (eighteen years ago) link

"Crush" is so ridiculously the best song she's ever done. Hopefully her new album will go into this rockin' guitar-sounding direction

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Friday, 8 September 2006 03:49 (eighteen years ago) link

― jergins (jergins), Friday, 8 September 2006 06:25 (eighteen years ago) link

nine months pass...

heartbeat just came up in my shuffle it made me smile!

― M@tt He1ges0n, Friday, 15 June 2007 22:21 (seventeen years ago) link

i was looking at my old emails today and saw one abt an mtv news item id read saying that annie was working with alan braxe and james iha among others on her new album. this was sent over a year ago. whats going on!

― nervous, Friday, 15 June 2007 23:38 (seventeen years ago) link

one month passes...

apparently she has a record deal.

― That one guy that hit it and quit it, Monday, 13 August 2007 10:35 (seventeen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

The site currently has a "coming soon" placeholder too: http://www.anniemusic.co.uk/

...but I'm getting impatient!

― Johnny Fever, Wednesday, 5 September 2007 09:42 (seventeen years ago) link

dude, chill. she's not coming to your house!

― latebloomer, Wednesday, 5 September 2007 09:47 (seventeen years ago) link

I'm not even asking for that much. I'll just take a new single, plz.

― Johnny Fever, Wednesday, 5 September 2007 09:54 (seventeen years ago) link

cannot wait for another album. i'm tracking down every b-side and bootleg track.

if the next album's supposed to come by the end of this year, shouldn't a leak come soon?

can't wait. love this pop babe.

― andi, Thursday, 6 September 2007 04:01 (seventeen years ago) link

one month passes...

Anyone waiting for the more Annie will probably enjoy Yelle's "A Cause Des Garçons" in the meantime:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=13001861

― Spencer Chow, Sunday, 28 October 2007 00:35 (seventeen years ago) link

two weeks pass...

dude, chill. she's not coming to your house!

If only!

(She's hott).

― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 11 November 2007 14:50 (seventeen years ago) link

(My wife wouldn't appreciate it, tho).

― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 11 November 2007 14:51 (seventeen years ago) link

why, this contains no news at all!

― o-ess, Sunday, 11 November 2007 23:26 (seventeen years ago) link

I guess there is nothing new.

― Geir Hongro, Monday, 12 November 2007 11:09 (seventeen years ago) link

I remember this chick.

― Dom Passantino, Monday, 12 November 2007 11:43 (seventeen years ago) link

Annie doing them pictures... 2 hours ago.

Mood: awake

Send Message - Add Comment

― DavidM, Monday, 12 November 2007 14:19 (seventeen years ago) link

two months pass...

Back soon, apparently! Hooray!

― I know, right?, Sunday, 20 January 2008 01:25 (sixteen years ago) link

I have heard one new song called "Loco."

― Savannah Smiles, Sunday, 20 January 2008 01:33 (sixteen years ago) link

Where?

― o-ess, Sunday, 20 January 2008 23:57 (sixteen years ago) link

yes, where?!

― NI, Monday, 21 January 2008 21:18 (sixteen years ago) link

On a Univ. Music "Upcoming in 2008" sampler CD.

― Savannah Smiles, Tuesday, 22 January 2008 17:42 (sixteen years ago) link

Any good?

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 22 January 2008 17:47 (sixteen years ago) link

It's even more bubblegummy and 80s than the Anniemal stuff, I think. She could pass for 12 years old on the vocals in the chorus. She sings "You're so loco, everybody says that you're a no-go. I know. Baby take me down before you go-go." The verse is mega-catchy. The vocals are mixed really high. There's a kind of spoken-word breakdown. It's super short, like 2:30 or something. It's no major departure, so if you liked that stuff...

― Savannah Smiles, Tuesday, 22 January 2008 18:01 (sixteen years ago) link

The vocals are mixed really high.

That's either a really good thing or a really bad thing..

― Tracer Hand, Tuesday, 22 January 2008 18:02 (sixteen years ago) link

sounds a bit like 'The Crush'. i STILL haven't heard 'Songs Remind Me Of You' - YZI?

― blueski, Tuesday, 22 January 2008 18:02 (sixteen years ago) link

From Popjustice:

«(...) Annie, whose as-yet untitled new album features collaborations with Franz Ferdinand, Girls Aloud and Datarock and kicks off with comeback single 'I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me' (produced by Richard X) in a few months.»

― ana, Tuesday, 22 January 2008 21:42 (sixteen years ago) link

features collaborations with Franz Ferdinand, Girls Aloud and Datarock

"Loco" definitely doesn't sound like it's one of these 3 collabs...

― Savannah Smiles, Wednesday, 23 January 2008 14:39 (sixteen years ago) link

one month passes...

http://www.myspace.com/anniemusic has the new single (linked offa Popjustice).

― William Bloody Swygart, Monday, 3 March 2008 19:18 (sixteen years ago) link

This is good. Smart, sharp lyics and catchy. Thanks, WBS.

― Daniel, Esq., Monday, 3 March 2008 19:26 (sixteen years ago) link

seems to have gone already

― blueski, Tuesday, 4 March 2008 12:06 (sixteen years ago) link

Weak.

― DavidM, Tuesday, 4 March 2008 15:05 (sixteen years ago) link

one month passes...

poptastic news:

according to teletext the new Annie album is titled: Don't Stop
due for release in July
http://tinyurl.com/6zuews

looks like an exclusive scoop for teletext

― djmartian, Friday, 4 April 2008 13:36 (sixteen years ago) link

u could've totally done a rickroll there

― blueski, Friday, 4 April 2008 13:48 (sixteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me video

― blueski, Friday, 25 April 2008 12:08 (sixteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

new 11 minute album sampler now available to mailing list people.

― mark e, Monday, 19 May 2008 09:54 (sixteen years ago) link

It sounds OK. A few nifty sounding things, and some that just sound like, um, Girls Aloud rejects ("Loco", especially). "Girlfriend" sounds a LOT better in high-quality (her vocals aren't so indistinct and overly covered by the production). One song sounds like it should be bootlegged with "Jailbreak" by AC/DC!

"My Love Is Better" sounds like a good single-in-waiting.

― edwardo, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 05:02 (sixteen years ago) link

Oh, I guess, "What Do You Want" sounds like it could be properly awesome but it's hard to tell jsut yet.

― edwardo, Tuesday, 20 May 2008 05:11 (sixteen years ago) link

I may be wrong but I hear a few more voices out there than just Annie's (eg "What do you want for breakfast"??). I agree, the sampler's sounds like an alternate version of "Chemistry".

― daavid, Friday, 23 May 2008 02:42 (sixteen years ago) link

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6849/picture4562yq0.png

I haven't decided how I feel about the album cover art yet.

― Johnny Fever, Friday, 6 June 2008 01:26 (sixteen years ago) link

I haven't decided how I feel about the album cover art yet.

I feel as though she is very cute on the album cover.

(OTOH, she looks as though she is weighlifting and/or sweeping the floor in those pictures).

― Daniel, Esq., Friday, 6 June 2008 01:48 (sixteen years ago) link

I listened to Anniemal again the other day and past the first four tracks or so it doesn't really stand up. Not particularly psyched for this one.

― Matt DC, Friday, 6 June 2008 09:05 (sixteen years ago) link

I've listened to the sampler mix about a million times now and boy is it awesome! I'm worried that when I finally get to listen to each song separately I'm gonna start missing the parts where the clips are mixed.

I have to say "Bad Times" is probably my fav since its got best chorus Xenomania has come up with since Biology (or maybe ever). "My Love is Better" is also amazing and impossible not to tap your feet to.

― daavid, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:17 (sixteen years ago) link

is this album actually coming out in the u.s.?

― Beatrix Kiddo, Monday, 16 June 2008 19:41 (sixteen years ago) link

I'm sure it will, but probably around the end of the year or later.

― daavid, Monday, 16 June 2008 20:26 (sixteen years ago) link

I listened to Anniemal again the other day and past the first four tracks or so it doesn't really stand up. Not particularly psyched for this one.

I actually think it holds up really well, Matt. In fact, I think Anniemal is notable for being one of the few recent discs that -- if not backloaded -- has songs towards the end that compare favorably to the songs toward the beginning (Obv., Chewing Gum stands above the others, but what disc these days doesn't have one or two towering songs, and a bunch of good-but-lesser-songs?).

― Daniel, Esq., Monday, 16 June 2008 20:31 (sixteen years ago) link

I've always thought Anniemal was a bit overrated/overhyped. I remember listening to it quite a few more times than I actually felt like just because it sounded like the kind of thing I should love ...but to be honest the only tracks I really liked were (still are) "Chewing Gum" and "Me Plus One". I like that the new album sounds a lot more pop. Hopefully, it'll disappoint her hipster fanbase.

― daavid, Tuesday, 17 June 2008 00:29 (sixteen years ago) link

does SONGS REMIND ME OF YOU actually exist or is it a prank by Popjustice?

-- pisces (piscesx), Thursday, September 7, 2006 10:19 AM (1 year ago) Bookmark Link

Popjustice song of the day!

― daavid, Thursday, 26 June 2008 20:44 (sixteen years ago) link

And "Loco" is floating around since it got sent to iTunes by accident.

― Keaney Tong, Thursday, 26 June 2008 21:03 (sixteen years ago) link

The new single is awesome, but when is the album release date?

― Geir Hongro, Thursday, 26 June 2008 22:40 (sixteen years ago) link

October :(

― daavid, Thursday, 26 June 2008 23:02 (sixteen years ago) link

When did it get pushed back? I thought it was the first week of August.

― Johnny Fever, Thursday, 26 June 2008 23:14 (sixteen years ago) link

It was September but I think Island are incompetent / waiting to drop her. My fear is it'll be shelved and that'll be that…

― Keaney Tong, Friday, 27 June 2008 03:05 (sixteen years ago) link

Not with the positive pre-release buzz it's generated (mild as it may be). And if she was released from her contract and the record shelved, I'd bet some enterprising label would sign her and buy the rights to the disc. So never fear.

― Daniel, Esq., Friday, 27 June 2008 03:08 (sixteen years ago) link

damnit, my hacking "skillz" only got me to an mp3 of the 30 sec. sample :(

― Tape Store, Friday, 27 June 2008 03:27 (sixteen years ago) link

Well, it hasn't leaked to my knowledge.

― daavid, Friday, 27 June 2008 04:03 (sixteen years ago) link

BTW I think "Loco" is also amazing, even if it sounds too Xenomania, as some people say. It's got a million things going on.

― daavid, Friday, 27 June 2008 04:10 (sixteen years ago) link

"Loco" really isn't as good as it should/could be. But I do like the production/instrumental track. There's a lot going on, many disparate elements, and it works. Who needs a Girl Talk album when you have Xenomania? (This probably doesn't make much sense, but anyway,)

Popjustice + Annie's MySpace have clips of "Songs Remind Me Of You" and MY GOD that chorus is the most beautiful thing I've heard in a while.

― ana, Friday, 27 June 2008 15:02 (sixteen years ago) link

loco is yawn

― caek, Friday, 27 June 2008 15:03 (sixteen years ago) link

Xenomania are past it. If Brian Higgins is Trevor Horn, then Gabriela Climi is his Seal.

― Dingbod Kesterson, Friday, 27 June 2008 15:04 (sixteen years ago) link

Gabriella Cilmi's album isn't the usual Xenomania business, but it's a good one and has at least 2 excellent songs.

I'll agree that the latest Xenomania rock-ier direction has been a bit dull, but I think they still have a lot to offer. Well, they better have, considering they're working with the Pet Shop Boys and all that.

― ana, Friday, 27 June 2008 16:01 (sixteen years ago) link

To me, the stuff we've heard from Annie so far is more than enough proof that Xenomania are still on top of their game.

― daavid, Friday, 27 June 2008 18:32 (sixteen years ago) link

everytime the boyfriend puts her on, i ask what it is.

― Surmounter, Friday, 27 June 2008 18:35 (sixteen years ago) link

This is retarded. Literally, this could be a perfect summer soundtrack.

― I know, right?, Friday, 27 June 2008 21:04 (sixteen years ago) link

I'm seeing suddenly how it could work for Autumn though.

― I know, right?, Friday, 27 June 2008 21:05 (sixteen years ago) link

Annie's music has always felt really chilly to me, it has something to do with the flimsiness of her voice. Eye dee kay though, give it to Rachel Stevens and I'd be screaming "put it out now so I can have it in August!" and her voice is almost as flimsy as Annie's so it could very well be just my association of Annie with Scandinavia in general.

― Keaney Tong, Friday, 27 June 2008 22:32 (sixteen years ago) link

Xenomania are past it. If Brian Higgins is Trevor Horn, then Gabriela Climi is his Seal.

Awesome, we've got his Fundamental and his Seduction Of Claude Debussy to look forward to!

― energy flash gordon, Saturday, 28 June 2008 05:10 (sixteen years ago) link

Ooh. A five-track promo of the album has leaked.

― ana, Saturday, 28 June 2008 18:41 (sixteen years ago) link

I really like "My Love is Better" - I wonder how it will sound with the Girls Aloud vocals stripped out though.

― Keaney Tong, Saturday, 28 June 2008 20:59 (sixteen years ago) link

They'll probably just add extra layers of Annie to it and ask Miranda Cooper to join in. It'll be fine.

― ana, Saturday, 28 June 2008 21:07 (sixteen years ago) link

Poor Moonbaby, always a bridesmaid etc.

― Keaney Tong, Saturday, 28 June 2008 22:08 (sixteen years ago) link

Hah. Yeah, but in her defense she is one of the best female songwriters out there.

― ana, Sunday, 29 June 2008 19:19 (sixteen years ago) link

"Loco" is still my favorite!

― daavid, Tuesday, 1 July 2008 01:14 (sixteen years ago) link

I don't know how many people know about this blog but it looks pretty essential for Xenomania fans.

― daavid, Tuesday, 1 July 2008 01:22 (sixteen years ago) link

two weeks pass...

So... "I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me" has been released.

How badly will it flop?

― ana, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 19:50 (sixteen years ago) link

― I know, right?, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 19:56 (sixteen years ago) link

How badly will it flop?

BADLY. I think it's currently #90-something in the midweeks.

There's already a heated debate at Popjustice on the reasons it's flopping: "Not being good enough", "Bad promotion", etc. LOL

― daavid, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:02 (sixteen years ago) link

I don't care if it commercially flops. It's a very good song.

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:06 (sixteen years ago) link

It's a very ~~good~~ song.

― daavid, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:07 (sixteen years ago) link

I predict the whole Don't Stop (album/singles) combo will be a major flop, though. And not for the reasons people are thinking.

― daavid, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:10 (sixteen years ago) link

major commercial flop that is.

― daavid, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:11 (sixteen years ago) link

Why do you think it will flop commercially?

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:15 (sixteen years ago) link

(I don't disagree, by the way, but I probably think it will fail for "the reasons people are thinking").

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:16 (sixteen years ago) link

It's not even in the top 75 yet? Eek.

I actually want her to do well. I don't usually care about chart placement, not even with my favourite artists, but I like this woman. This was actually the first song I've downloaded "legally". And I don't even like it that much. I mean, the ring-a-ding-a-ding part cracks me up every time, but "Chewing Gum" is 10x times better than this.

― ana, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:19 (sixteen years ago) link

I always have to lol at UKers discussing the commercial prospects of people like Annie and M.I.A. or Robyn, who are basically just hipster Internet phenomena in the US without a chance in hell at making any kind of chart.

― jaymc, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:27 (sixteen years ago) link

I just want the album to be released. I keep fearing that for some reason (i.e. singles flopping badly) it might be shelved... Knock on wood, etc.

― ana, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:31 (sixteen years ago) link

I never thought Annie's disc would do well commercially. Why would it? What I've heard is very catchy, but -- at least for the US market -- I think it lacks that bottom-heavy bass/drum sound (and a hip-hop edge, maybe) that's captured the public's imagination/dominates the pop charts.

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:35 (sixteen years ago) link

The only way it'll be a hit in the UK is if someone either gives it a ubiquitous Ibiza remix or puts it on an advert. Especially the former - Wiley and Robyn have already shown that the way to make the British public actually listen to you is to whack girly rising trancey chords under your song.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:38 (sixteen years ago) link

yeah, Matt's right. the remixes simply aren't as good as they were for the first record so presumably (although I haven't been out for a while) it's not getting played in the clubs. Mylo did one for Chewing Gum, as did (I think) Rex The Dog for Me Plus One but there's no-one of any decent profile showing this album some love.

― Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:48 (sixteen years ago) link

Isn't there still time? Album's not released for a while yet, no?

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:49 (sixteen years ago) link

Wiley and Robyn have already shown that the way to make the British public actually listen to you is to whack girly rising trancey chords under your song.

yeah - i have suspected for a while that this is why Robyn no longer uses interesting remixers like she once did (hello trentmoller remix !), but now uses generic trance shite.
or could it be that the good remixers are now charging over the odds making labels hold back and just throw tracks at generic payroll studio bods ?

same goes for this annie single. from the mailout :

"As well as 'Girlfriend' and my other track 'Danny, Danny', there are also loads of cool remixes available. There are mixes from the likes of Feel The Moog, Get Shakes, Deadly Weapons, Feadz, Timo and Soul Seekerz"

who ?

:: xpost ::

― mark e, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:50 (sixteen years ago) link

OMG FEEL THE MOOG!

― Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:51 (sixteen years ago) link

i mean, yeah, who?

― Upt0eleven, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 20:52 (sixteen years ago) link

What I've heard is very catchy, but -- at least for the US market -- I think it lacks that bottom-heavy bass/drum sound (and a hip-hop edge, maybe) that's captured the public's imagination/dominates the pop charts.

Annie will never appeal to the same audiences that buy hip-hop/contemporary R&B. If she can crack the "80s nostalgia" market she may have a chance, particularly in album sales. Coldplay's audience (although I realise they are very musically different from Annie) consist mainly of people who grew up with synth dominated 80s pop, and their audience has certainly proved large enough.

― Geir Hongro, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 21:01 (sixteen years ago) link

For Annie to catch on in the US, she needs to either have the theme song for some semi-popular tv show or get one of her songs place in an iPod commercial. There's no room on MTV or radio for her unless interest gets sparked elsewhere first (and I don't mean your friend's blog).

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 21:08 (sixteen years ago) link

Annie so obvs did not write that blog because the "Feel the Moog" remix is Richard fucking X's redo. Stupid Island.

― Keaney Tong, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 21:52 (sixteen years ago) link

Extensive touring is also a way to crack the US market, but I guess that is more sufficient for "rock" acts :)

― Geir Hongro, Tuesday, 15 July 2008 22:26 (sixteen years ago) link

Why are they making "I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me" the big single instead of "Songs Remind Me of You" which is 10000x better?

― Mr. Snrub, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 02:54 (sixteen years ago) link

There's a chance this album could be a hit because I can see it getting some crazy Pitchfork love and turning it into the Arcade Fire of 2008. Didn't they name "Heartbeat" their single of the year for 2004?

― Mr. Snrub, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 03:03 (sixteen years ago) link

The problem with that is that Annie's completely changed her sound for this album. A lot of the album is Xenomania- but not amazing experimental Xenomania like "If You Go" (SEB) and "Biology" (GA), like standard melting-pot Xenomania (the less memorable tracks on Tangled Up). It's still good-to-great but it isn't going to appeal to the same crowd because it doesn't have that wispy/frail keening quality to it anymore. Think "My Love is Better" and not "Songs Remind Me of You" (which apparently dates way back and is therefore more related to Anniemal than to Don't Stop).

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 03:38 (sixteen years ago) link

Am I the only person who's hearing the "amazing experimental" Xenomania side in "Loco"?

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 03:56 (sixteen years ago) link

But yeah, I agree with you Keaney, Annie's definitely going for a more straightforward pop sound on Don't Stop. I don't see it as a problem though. I'm quite happy with it.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 03:59 (sixteen years ago) link

I was in the middle writing of a long detailed post on why I though Annie was never gonna "make it" commercially when my stupid computer crashed. Damn!

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 04:02 (sixteen years ago) link

There's a chance this album could be a hit because I can see it getting some crazy Pitchfork love

Yeah but Anniemal also got some crazy Pitchfork love. Right? And it still flopped (kind of).

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 04:08 (sixteen years ago) link

Does Pitchfork ever give anyone crazy love for two albums in a row?

― mitya, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 04:14 (sixteen years ago) link

I have a feeling Pitchfork aren't like this one as much anyway, precisely for the reasons Keaney is stating.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 04:32 (sixteen years ago) link

^aren't going to like

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 04:35 (sixteen years ago) link

I can see the 6.3. I'd love to be proved wrong but I have a slightly sinking feeling. I don't know why, exactly, but I seriously think that the Annie album is going to be the first blood in what will lead to a Xenomania backlash (no I don't know what to make of Gabby Kill Me either so I'll just leave her out of it). Perhaps I am just the biggest pessimist of all time.

That said, haters to the LEFT because I like every song off the sampler and will be paying import prices to have this album sent to me in its week of release because I am a good little UK chart sheep, just like I did with all the other flop pop albums I've ever loved.

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 05:36 (sixteen years ago) link

Xenomania backlash already in full-swing. "Tangled Up" is awful compared to the other GA records, the Gabby Kill Me record is pretty terrible (except "Don't Wanna Go To Bed Now" which is properly amazing) and while "My Love Is Better" sounds terrific it STILL is doing that fucking "write half a verse and sing it twice" thing that marred so much of Tangled Up.

"Bad Times" is the song I'm most keen to hear.

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:22 (sixteen years ago) link

"Bad Times" has the most amazing chorus. I like it even more than "Songs Remind Me Of You"

edwardo, what do you mean by "write half a verse and sing it twice"
Can you give an example?

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:32 (sixteen years ago) link

Think "Can't Speak French". There's "half a melody" since the same melody is used twice to cover the single verse.

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:38 (sixteen years ago) link

Hmmm. for some strange reason I can't remember the verse part of Can't Speak French. Anyway, I guess to me the melody of the verse is like the lyrics: unless they're really good or really bad I don't pay much attention to them.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:46 (sixteen years ago) link

The second verse of "My Love Is Better" goes liek this

Once upon a time, you said you'd challenge me
I said alright I'll see you in my dreams
And for the last time, shake you up shake you up
Bet you'll have a fun time, waking up waking up
Once upon a time, you said you'd challenge me
I said alright I'll see you in my dreams
And for the last time, shake you up shake you up
Bet you'll have a fun time, waking up waking up

The second verse of "Close To Love" goes like this:

I've been wrestling in a real big mess
With the guy I love but I can't say yes
Now my only bet is take the pain my best
'cause I can't regret what I ain't done yet
I've been wrestling in a real big mess
With the guy I love but I can't say yes
Now my only bet is take the pain my best
'cause I can't regret what I ain't done yet

DO YOU NOTICE SOMETHING HERE. yes! Miranda Cooper has got lazy.

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:48 (sixteen years ago) link

LOL, I hadn't notice. But see, now you've just kind of ruined it for me!
(talking about my MLIB, I already didn't like "Close to Love" at all).
I know, I had to ask.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:55 (sixteen years ago) link

Poor Moonbaby, she can't catch a break.
(Poor Moonbaby, she can't catch a break.)

I would like to mention right now that of all the songs outselling "IKUGHM" on UK iTunes the one that makes me really despair for the future of humanity is "Iris."

…"Iris" and two versions of Kid Rock's "All Summer Long"…

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 07:57 (sixteen years ago) link

Going with a Richard X production as the first single was really the wrong tack. For better or worse, the Xenomania sound hits bigger with radio. X's fortunes waver with the popularity of who he's working with - he has absolutely no X factor chart-wise.

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:05 (sixteen years ago) link

In defense of Xenomania though, I challenge you all to carefully listen to "Loco" (this is the last time, I promise) once more and tell me it's not full of wonderful little tricks like bassline changes and dissonant background synths. The song's only fault is of course the ridiculous "loco/no-go" line. Again, Miranda's fault.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:07 (sixteen years ago) link

I like "Loco", mind you. I'm just saying that if you compare X's output, say, post-Chemistry to pre-Chemistry, there's a real dearth of top-draw material. Only "If You Go" really is the "No Good Advice" league.

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:10 (sixteen years ago) link

top-drawers ffs

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:10 (sixteen years ago) link

"I'm Falling" and "Control of The Knife" are even more crucial examples of that laziness. But I've got to admit that I never really pay much attention to lyrics anyway, so I don't mind.

But I do mind those compressed, flat-sounding guitars that Xenomania have been so fond of lately. More synthesizers, less guitars, please. I blame Franz Ferdinand. Bring on the Pet Shop Boys.

I've got love for "Loco", though. It's grown on me like crazy (err).

― ana, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:12 (sixteen years ago) link

The real mistake was going with "Chewing Gum" part 2, considering the fact that "Chewing Gum" was a flop!

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:15 (sixteen years ago) link

True dat!

"Control of the Knife" is probably the laziest thing in that they didn't even bother with a second verse! I just listed "Close To Love" as an example of how they repeat everything into the ground (that verse is, of course, followed by pre-chorus that's basically four lines sung twice!). Also, the preponderence of Xenomania songs that are basically verse-chorus-verse-chorus (i.e. "Sweet About Me") is a huge step back from something like "The Show" (chorus 1-verse-chorus 2-short bit with oohs-chorus 2-amazing middle eight bit-chorus 1). They're just not trying!

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:17 (sixteen years ago) link

Yeah, it's like they've just run out of songs to glue into one monster of a Frankenstein song like "Biology". So instead of using a few brilliant segments, they turn each of those brilliant segments into a not so brilliant song (by Xenomania's standards, obviously).

― ana, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:22 (sixteen years ago) link

Can you imagine what would happen if they intentionally tried to write odd structures, though? It would be diminishing returns off "Biology"- that is, variations on Sexy! No No No- to which the response should be, in fact, "NO NO NO".

With Annie, too, there is a real problem with the voice, or lack thereof- strong vocals can be coaxed out of at least two of the Girls, Sophie's one of my favorite voices ever, Kill Me's knockoff Winehouse… what's Annie? She sounds pinched AT BEST. All the excitement has to be pushed into the instrumental to keep the voice from being overworked.

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:25 (sixteen years ago) link

With Annie, too, there is a real problem with the voice, or lack thereof- strong vocals can be coaxed out of at least two of the Girls, Sophie's one of my favorite voices ever, Kill Me's knockoff Winehouse… what's Annie? She sounds pinched AT BEST. All the excitement has to be pushed into the instrumental to keep the voice from being overworked.

…which means that the vocal melody has to be both easy to sing and easy to work around.

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:26 (sixteen years ago) link

Incidentally, I just put on "Long Hot Summer", whihc LOTS of people said was crap and the beginning of the end, and fuck, it sounds fifty times better than every song off "Tangled Up" that isn't "Call The Shots".

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:26 (sixteen years ago) link

I dunno, I can't comment on the Gabby stuff cause I haven't listened to it carefully. I think she's probably the artist that has worked with Xeno whose style I like the least. But I think you guys are maybe being a bit too harsh. IMO Tangled Up was a solid album, just not an improvement upon Chemistry. The thing I'm worried about though is not liking the Pet Shop Boys stuff.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:29 (sixteen years ago) link

Most of the songs isolated from Tangled Up just sound weak and unfinished but I still think that that repetitiveness works quite well in the long form of the album.

― ana, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:31 (sixteen years ago) link

"Long Hot Summer" is amazing and has always been amazing! I was so surprised to read in an interview that Brian Higgins thought it was crap!

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:32 (sixteen years ago) link

I can't imagine liking the PSB stuff. "Fundamental" sounds well flimsy two years down the track - only four songs worth keeping.

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:35 (sixteen years ago) link

x-post obv "Long Hot Summer" is amazing,it sounds like Betty Boo.

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:35 (sixteen years ago) link

should we have a Xenomania backlash thread and leave this for Annie?

― edwardo, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:36 (sixteen years ago) link

"Long Hot Summer" is a wonderful record, yes.

― ana, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:38 (sixteen years ago) link

Yeah, a Xenomania-only thread would be a great idea. There's a lot more to Annie than Xenomania. And I mean A LOT MORE.

― ana, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:39 (sixteen years ago) link

I wish she had worked with Röyksopp again.

― ana, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:39 (sixteen years ago) link

So wait is this album Xenomania all the way through then?

She should have gone either for the real big budget and got Stuart Price in or have embraced the 'never going to sell any records so why bother?' and worked with Lindstrom & Prins Thomas or Alan Braxe or something. The live version of Heartbeat she played at Glasto was like its own Jacques Lu Cont mix and was transcendent.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:43 (sixteen years ago) link

So wait is this album Xenomania all the way through then?

Half Timo, half Xeno, split in the middle by "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me".

― Keaney Tong, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:44 (sixteen years ago) link

...and "Songs Remind Me Of You", also a Richard X track.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:45 (sixteen years ago) link

should we have a Xenomania backlash thread and leave this for Annie?

...or we could revive this thread or this one.

― daavid, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 08:50 (sixteen years ago) link

considering the fact that "Chewing Gum" was a flop!

#25 really not that bad all things considered (esp. when looking at how the later Anniemal singles did)

― blueski, Wednesday, 16 July 2008 13:44 (sixteen years ago) link

Does Pitchfork ever give anyone crazy love for two albums in a row?

Sure. Lots of acts have consecutive discs rated 8.0 or higher by Pitchfork, e.g., The New Pornographers (3 straight discs); The Hold Steady (3 straight discs); Arcade Fire (2 straight discs); Deerhoof (8k straight discs); Destroyer (2 straight discs); Dizzee Rascal (2 straight discs); M.I.A. (2 straight discs); Radiohead (maybe 3 -- 4 straight discs); Spoon (2 straight discs); Sun Kil Moon (2 straight discs); others. I'm being pretty conservative here, too: Lots of the albums I refer to above got much more than an 8.0 rating (8.0 is just an easy baseline).

― Daniel, Esq., Wednesday, 16 July 2008 13:54 (sixteen years ago) link

one month passes...

From http://xenomanianews.blogspot.com/:

There have been a few rumours floating around these past weeks regarding Annie's upcoming album and single. Supposedly, a source from her label claims that Don't Stop will suffer some changes, with Annie being sent back to a studio to record new songs. Because of this, her new album and single may be delayed until early 2009.

Last week Annie wrote a post on her blog which confirmed that she is indeed going to work on new songs: "This week I'm going to a studio in London, will be working some new songs....I'm really excited. Been writing some lyrics, and have lots of ideas bout the production..... yehaaaa...... will tell more later". Nothing else has yet been confirmed.

Annie's first single from Don't Stop, "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me", spent one week in the UK singles chart, reaching #54. The expected second single, "My Love Is Better", was originally a collaboration with Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos and Girls Aloud. However, Girls Aloud's label demanded their vocals to be removed, as they were "due to do promotion at the same time". Annie has since recorded all the backing vocals herself.

― Snowballing, Tuesday, 19 August 2008 22:58 (sixteen years ago) link

It doesn't sound good.

― daavid, Tuesday, 19 August 2008 23:13 (sixteen years ago) link

i think THE GUARDIAN curse was put on her via that big piece they ran in june; that whole '...and now ANNIE is becoming a proper pop star...' thing.
then the single went to number 54.

― piscesx, Tuesday, 19 August 2008 23:46 (sixteen years ago) link

Maybe she was set up for failure by that very early review that called the album a modern pop classic, or something like that. Sometimes that kind of high-praise is the worst thing that can happen to a disc.

― Daniel, Esq., Tuesday, 19 August 2008 23:51 (sixteen years ago) link

^OTM

― daavid, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 00:00 (sixteen years ago) link

Oh, I guess they should try to re-release it now. There seems to be some kind of Norway-fad in the UK right now, with two different Norwegian acts in the UK Top 13 at the same time. :)

― Geir Hongro, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 09:45 (sixteen years ago) link

Well, no, the worst thing that happened to that first album was the lack of promotion her record company gave to it. XL can't seem to be able to deal with any act who isn't called the Prodigy.

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:10 (sixteen years ago) link

Doesn't sound promising, though, the second one; I mean, Xenomania, Girls Aloud and FF have all basically gone down the pan now, haven't they?

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:11 (sixteen years ago) link

XL can't seem to be able to deal with any act who isn't called the Prodigy.

Adele? Dizzee? Basement Jaxx? Presumably Annie just isn't a priority for them.

― Matt DC, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:15 (sixteen years ago) link

tbh the album as it was isn't a huge loss

― lex pretend, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 10:21 (sixteen years ago) link

I'm half hoping for a Robyn-style out-of-nowhere hit, but otherwise does anyone really think she could be a Top Pop Star? It never seemed likely tbh.

― DavidM, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 11:02 (sixteen years ago) link

at least the new Xenomania-produced Alesha album will be a runaway success oh yeah...

― blueski, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 11:23 (sixteen years ago) link

Did you listen to the whole album, Lex ? or just the sampler ? Btw I absolutely hate the principle of promo samplers where you get about half of the album, it basically kills the envy for the full length for me.

― Snowballing, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 11:30 (sixteen years ago) link

Basement Jaxx - when were they last big?
Dizzee - does "Dance Wiv Me" indicate good handling of an artist ("they wanted a more commercial me")?
Adele - oh yeah, white BRIT totty's always going to get preferential treatment, I forgot.

― Marcello Carlin, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 11:40 (sixteen years ago) link

i've heard the whole album, alarmingly the sampler really did consist of its best songs

step away from xenomania, alesha :( i was just listening to mis-teeq this morning, they were so amazing.

― lex pretend, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 11:46 (sixteen years ago) link

step away from xenomania, alesha

'knock down' is excellent

― blueski, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 11:51 (sixteen years ago) link

'Loco' is climbing up my most played tracks list pretty fast

― Shin Oliva Suzuki, Wednesday, 20 August 2008 13:14 (sixteen years ago) link

The whole thing has leaked now. "Bad Times" is the standout track of the new bunch IMO. It would be almost perfect if it wasn't for a lazy transition from the wonderful interlude to the second verse.

― daavid, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 04:54 (sixteen years ago) link

Yep - "Bad Times" is the best song on the whole disc - glorious. A rejigging isn't the worst thing that could happen - "Marie Cherie" is just not up to standard, "What Do You Want" is just gimmick in full-length (an interlude stretched too far), "Sweet" is a bit rote and "Take You Home" seems to go on forever and that middle bit is very jarring. "I Can't Let Go" is a lot better than I expected too.

So, nothing outstanding, certainly nothing even remotely close to "Heartbeat"/"Chewing Gum"/"Me Plus One"/"Come Together" standard.

Very Good: Bad Times, Loco, Heaven And Hell, Songs Remind Me Of You
Good: My Love Is Better, I Can't Let Go, When The Night
OK: Girlfriend, Sweet
Poor: What Do You Want, Marie Cherie, Take You Home

― edwardo, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 15:06 (sixteen years ago) link

my notes from the playback i went to say, next to 'loco', "AAAARGGHHHH".

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 15:24 (sixteen years ago) link

I love Marie Cherie, it sounds like a Virna Lindt song.

― Snowballing, Tuesday, 2 September 2008 16:17 (sixteen years ago) link

I lowered expectations because of this Xenomania backlash (which I'm only one foot in on) but 'Don't Stop' is roughly as good as 'Tangled Up' which I liked. I like 'What Do You Want' too. It's a bit ridiculous how much at least half of these songs sound like they came straight from a GA stockpile tho (and if they had been on the next GA album that wouldn't be bad going really) .

― blueski, Thursday, 11 September 2008 12:23 (sixteen years ago) link

that breakfast song is the worst thing i've heard all year. skimmed the rest of the album and was left very unimpressed,nothing comes close to greatest hit or chewing gum.

annie's career is a masterclass on how not to be a popstar. a constant stream of missed opportunities, bad decisions and all-round cluelessness.

― NI, Thursday, 11 September 2008 13:40 (sixteen years ago) link

the first 20 seconds of WDYW i was sort of alarmed but halfway thru there's this really cool 'whistley' noise in the background that i love. as simple as that sounds it's the main reason i still like Xenomania as can still rely on them to drop these neat sounds/ideas/hooks into things that are unexpected even if they are increasingly formulaic much of the rest of the time (not necessarily more than some other production teams across the pop pool).

the idea of 'make this sound like a Girls Aloud album but by just one girl' isn't a recipe for disaster by any means, but her voice probably doesn't suit that in the end. so the concept is more flawed than the execution. i'd have preferred a Royksoppier sound for this overall with XM just doing 3-4 tracks tops.

― blueski, Thursday, 11 September 2008 13:53 (sixteen years ago) link

what's the breakdown of producers for each track? rich x did a few didn't he?

i do like 'when the night', sounds like a throwback to all the over-emotive cheapy synthy latin freestyle ballads from the mid 80s. is that a cover?

― NI, Thursday, 11 September 2008 14:05 (sixteen years ago) link

ha that one's probably my least favourite

― blueski, Thursday, 11 September 2008 14:09 (sixteen years ago) link

over the breakfast one?! stevem, you've gone menkle.

― NI, Thursday, 11 September 2008 14:39 (sixteen years ago) link

what's the breakdown of producers for each track? rich x did a few didn't he?

(From http://xenomanianews.blogspot.com/)

01. My Love Is Better
(produced by Xenomania)
02. I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me
(produced by Richard X)
03. Sweet
(produced by Xenomania)
04. Loco
(produced by Xenomania)
05. Bad Times
(produced by Xenomania)
06. I Can't Let Go
(produced by Timo Kaukolampi)
07. Marie Cherie
(produced by Timo Kaukolampi)
08. When The Night
(produced by Xenomania)
09. Heaven and Hell
(produced by Xenomania)
10. What Do You Want (The Breakfast Song)
(produced by Timo Kaukolampi)
11. Take You Home
(produced by Timo Kaukolampi)
12. Songs Remind Me Of You
(produced by Richard X)

Note that "The Breakfast Song" is NOT Xenomania.

― daavid, Thursday, 11 September 2008 19:16 (sixteen years ago) link

It's time to say it. Brian Higgins, if you're reading this, the time has come to just do it.

Fire Miranda Cooper. She's gone from being one of pop's best lyricists to being a complete embarrassment, and fucking lazy to boot.

It's sad really, three years ago in the midst of "Biology", Xenomania seemed like they could go anywhere and do anything, now it really seems like they're ploughing one template to breaking point, and instead of Uber Songs of Death, they're still doing what they did to shit effect on "Tangled Up" - i.e. write half a song and repeat every bit until you're bored sick.

Even "Bad Times", which is outstanding, could have done with another verse.

― Owner of a lonely hat (edwardo), Friday, 12 September 2008 04:02 (sixteen years ago) link

^LOL at the thought Brian Higgins actually reading this. Maybe he doesn't have to fire her, just get more lyricists. Even though you are absolutely right, it doesn't really bother me because I always pay more attention to the music, and music-wise they're IMO as good as ever (though I admit, not doing anything groundbreaking).

― daavid, Friday, 12 September 2008 04:54 (sixteen years ago) link

get more lyricists.

Neil Tennant recently claimed he could happily move into an upstairs room at Xenomania and write songs with them for the rest of his life...

― changeable usarname shenanigans (sic), Friday, 12 September 2008 06:33 (sixteen years ago) link

Note that "The Breakfast Song" is NOT Xenomania

figured this would happen. that's disappointing really but makes more sense.

― Aare-Reuss Böögg (blueski), Friday, 12 September 2008 13:28 (sixteen years ago) link

POP MAGAZINE : You never know what Xenomania are going to do next. Which is unique for a production house. They don't have a formula.

NEIL TENNANT : No they don't.

― Aare-Reuss Böögg (blueski), Friday, 12 September 2008 13:32 (sixteen years ago) link

how many decades has it been since neil tennant was relevant?

― lex pretend, Friday, 12 September 2008 13:33 (sixteen years ago) link

One and a half.

He rates "Golden Skans" as well.

― Marcello Carlin, Friday, 12 September 2008 13:34 (sixteen years ago) link

how many decades has it been since neil tennant was relevant?

about as many as Janet Jackson, Madonna, Mariah etc.

― Aare-Reuss Böögg (blueski), Friday, 12 September 2008 13:41 (sixteen years ago) link

mariah and madonna are still pretty much relevant now. janet, less so, but she has more great songs on discipline alone than tennant has managed in the past decade and a half.

― lex pretend, Friday, 12 September 2008 13:53 (sixteen years ago) link

Last Saturday, Four Minutes cleared a dancefloor of actual teenagers who had been enthusiastically dancing to Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Wearing My Rolex etc etc. Madge loses.

― Matt DC, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:14 (sixteen years ago) link

Not that the last PSB single, whatever it was, would have done much better.

― Matt DC, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:15 (sixteen years ago) link

wait wtf Jonas Brothers?

― Aare-Reuss Böögg (blueski), Friday, 12 September 2008 14:17 (sixteen years ago) link

yesterday madonna sold out wembley arena

― lex pretend, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:21 (sixteen years ago) link

Last Saturday, Four Minutes cleared a dancefloor of actual teenagers who had been enthusiastically dancing to Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Wearing My Rolex etc etc. Madge loses.

I'm assuming this wasn't Club Poptimism.

― Marcello Carlin, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:24 (sixteen years ago) link

yesterday madonna sold out wembley arena

so would Oasis

― Aare-Reuss Böögg (blueski), Friday, 12 September 2008 14:35 (sixteen years ago) link

i would have typed "a month ago 'i know your girlfriend hates me' cleared the dancefloor when i played it" but nobody was dancing anyway :/

― Tracer Hand, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:40 (sixteen years ago) link

also actual teenager chipmunk has done a (pretty cool) freestyle over '4 minutes' on his new mixtape which you can download free off his myspazz and which is loads better than any and all new annie product

― lex pretend, Friday, 12 September 2008 14:44 (sixteen years ago) link

i would have typed "a month ago 'i know your girlfriend hates me' cleared the dancefloor when i played it" but nobody was dancing anyway :/

wanted to but have rare medical disorder which prevents me from occupying an empty dancefloor sob

― Aare-Reuss Böögg (blueski), Friday, 12 September 2008 15:00 (sixteen years ago) link

My Love Is Better = pretty wonderful

― Tasmaniac (SeekAltRoute), Sunday, 21 September 2008 06:03 (sixteen years ago) link

yesterday madonna sold out wembley arena
so would Oasis

I would consider Oasis AND Madonna relevant.

Led Zeppelin would probably sell out Wembley too though.

― Geir Hongro, Sunday, 21 September 2008 19:10 (sixteen years ago) link

Gather round, kids. It's time for another exciting edition of SPOT THE RIPOFF

1. "My Love Is Better" --> "Do You Want To?" by Franz Ferdinand
2. "I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me" --> OK, this one I guess is pretty original
3. "Sweet" --> "Gloria" by Them
4. "Loco" --> "Blue Monday" by New Order
5. "Bad Times" --> "Bleed Clean" by Disco Inferno*

I'll let you know more when I'm done downloading.

* - though I seriously doubt that anybody in Xenomania has actually heard Disco Inferno, so this might be a stretch

― Mr. Snrub, Tuesday, 30 September 2008 22:29 (sixteen years ago) link

Well I guess you could say that about ALL Xenomania songs; although calling them "ripoffs" is going a bit too far IMO. I mean, I see the "Blue Monday"/"Loco" connection but it's hardly a ripoff.

― daavid, Wednesday, 1 October 2008 01:26 (sixteen years ago) link

Damn "Marie Cherie" is good.

― First Dude (The Reverend), Thursday, 9 October 2008 09:35 (sixteen years ago) link

two months pass...

Annie 'to release new album in 2009'

Wednesday, January 7 2009, 17:26 GMT

By David Balls
Annie 'to release new album in 2009'

Annie has revealed that she will release her much-anticipated second album early in 2009.

The Norwegian singer lost her deal with Island Records last year but owns the rights to her second LP Don't Stop.

"I own the masters, so I can do whatever I want to do. I might do it myself, on my own label," she told Billboard.

"We're talking to people too. There's so much happening in the business right now. In a way, I feel to do things on your own, you're in control. I've always been this sort of artist that people don't know how to categorise me and what to do with me."

Annie received widespread critical acclaim for her debut release Anniemal, despite receiving limited commercial success.

She revealed that she has completed close to 60 songs for the new record, which was originally scheduled for release last year. "I actually have enough for two albums, so I don't know if I'm going to put out the one as it is, and one right after, or just some songs as Don't Stop with a couple that no-one's heard," she said. "But I want to release a lot this year."

The first two singles expected to be released from the album are 'Anthonio' and 'My Love Is Better'.

― Timezilla vs Mechadistance (blueski), Wednesday, 7 January 2009 20:57 (fifteen years ago) link

paper planes changed everything

― velko, Wednesday, 7 January 2009 21:01 (fifteen years ago) link

konichiwa records should sign her.

― mark e, Wednesday, 7 January 2009 21:29 (fifteen years ago) link

I actually went back and really listened to Don't Stop a couple weeks ago and it (the leaked version) doesn't quite sound finished. Most of the songs don't sound completely fleshed out, unless the having one or two verses and choruses that just repeat ad nauseam is intended. Don't Stop, in its present form, definitely needs to be retooled.

― Johnny Fever, Wednesday, 7 January 2009 21:34 (fifteen years ago) link

Along with lots of other promising Norwegian and Scandinavian acts, she is booked as an act on By:Larm, the Norwegian music biz meeting in February. I'll be there, and looking very much forward to it :)

― Geir Hongro, Wednesday, 7 January 2009 23:28 (fifteen years ago) link

Even though the album is a bunch of ripoffs, it's still really damn good. I'm just sad the more rockin' stylistic change hinted at on her non-album single "Crush" (which is head, shoulders, knees, and feet above anything else she's ever done) turned out to be a red herring. :(

― Mr. Snrub, Wednesday, 7 January 2009 23:47 (fifteen years ago) link

"Crush" (which is head, shoulders, knees, and feet above anything else she's ever done)

You're kidding, right? It's awful.

― Chewshabadoo, Thursday, 8 January 2009 14:05 (fifteen years ago) link

Nope! Not kidding. It's an absolute classic! With GUITARS and shit!

― Mr. Snrub, Thursday, 8 January 2009 19:57 (fifteen years ago) link

one month passes...

A revision is def. needed, but bitch betta not touch "My Love Is Better".

― tea cake, Tuesday, 17 February 2009 01:40 (fifteen years ago) link

Annie.. will release the song "Ánthonio" on Richard X's record label Black Melody during the first week of 2009

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Lilia_Berge_Strand

Hm.

― piscesx, Tuesday, 17 February 2009 01:47 (fifteen years ago) link

I will catch her ive at By:Larm in Oslo this week. Guess I'll hear a lot of the new stuff then.

― Geir Hongro, Tuesday, 17 February 2009 05:41 (fifteen years ago) link

one month passes...

Full version of "Anthonio" is now up on youtube

― Michael F Gill, Monday, 6 April 2009 22:46 (fifteen years ago) link

What's the story with this album? Does she have a new label?

― Daniel, Esq., Monday, 6 April 2009 22:48 (fifteen years ago) link

http://idolator.com/5200860/annie-demands-an-answer

In sum -- self-release, apparently.

― Ned Raggett, Monday, 6 April 2009 22:50 (fifteen years ago) link

The single was released on Richard X's label

― lil waynes babymama (musically), Monday, 6 April 2009 22:52 (fifteen years ago) link

only an apatow trailer can save her now

― velko, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 01:23 (fifteen years ago) link

"Anthonio" HATE IT

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 02:15 (fifteen years ago) link

Not very impressed either :(

― daavid, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 08:14 (fifteen years ago) link

:-(

― Kings of Lygon (SeekAltRoute), Tuesday, 7 April 2009 08:41 (fifteen years ago) link

Busted flush really isn't she? As someone who thought there were only three or four really great songs on Anniemal, all interest in any subsequent releases has pretty much evaporated for me.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 08:45 (fifteen years ago) link

...only three or four really great songs...

That would be more than enough to keep me interested in any artist.

― daavid, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 08:52 (fifteen years ago) link

i really like 'anthonio'! it's not going to be a hit or anything, but it's so much better than the horrific xenomania period.

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 09:36 (fifteen years ago) link

this is prob entirely in keeping w/my favourite annie song being 'the greatest hit', though.

dug anniemal out again and it holds up really, really well - the only ones i've skipped are 'no easy love' and 'happy without you', which i always skipped back then as well, and 'chewing gum', which just seems a bit boring now. the production is just PERFECT.

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:08 (fifteen years ago) link

I like pretty much all of Anniemal, the following singles, and I'd like a lot more of Don't Stop if the songs were half-done. But "Anthonio"...ugh. As a person who typically doesn't pay much attention to lyrics, those lyrics stand out as being incredibly bad and the song construction is like rubbing silverware against a metal pan to my (admittedly fickle) ears.

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:17 (fifteen years ago) link

were=weren't

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:17 (fifteen years ago) link

the penultimate double whammy of 'the greatest hit' and 'come together' just reminded me why everyone was so fucking excited about this woman. incredible.

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:19 (fifteen years ago) link

paper planes changed everything

― velko, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 10:01 PM (3 months ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

only an apatow trailer can save her now

― velko, Tuesday, April 7, 2009 3:23 AM (8 hours ago) Bookmark Suggest Ban Permalink

would file this under 'biting own joeks' but it is lol++

― FREE DOM AND ETHAN (special guest stars mark bronson), Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:20 (fifteen years ago) link

It isn't very funny really.

― Matt DC, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:24 (fifteen years ago) link

truly it was the jokes that got small :(

― lex pretend, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 10:26 (fifteen years ago) link

not feelin Anthonio yet

did you all hear that Ercola track 'Follow Me' from a couple of years back ft. Annie? there's a Lifelike remix too i think

― Hard House SugBanton (blueski), Tuesday, 7 April 2009 11:59 (fifteen years ago) link

Lifelike mixes are always juicy...will have to track it down.

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 12:00 (fifteen years ago) link

"Anthonio" sounds really great to me, and I am really looking forward to the album. With great efforts from Röyksopp, Pet Shop Boys and Junior Boys already, 2009 seems like a marvellous year for electro.

― Geir Hongro, Tuesday, 7 April 2009 16:16 (fifteen years ago) link

one month passes...

ok so "anthonio" is rad and so is that berlin breakdown version

― i am the eye in the sky... (psychgawsple), Saturday, 16 May 2009 18:52 (fifteen years ago) link

I have listened to the Fred Falke remix of "Anthonio" about 200 times now. It's really the best thing I've heard all year I think (I searched for an ILM mention but didn't see anything).

― Spencer Chow, Saturday, 30 May 2009 08:45 (fifteen years ago) link

this Anthonio b-side about ferrets is also nice

― Hard House SugBanton (blueski), Tuesday, 2 June 2009 12:31 (fifteen years ago) link

two months pass...

‘DON’T STOP’

RELEASED ON OCTOBER 19th 2009

Norwegian Cool-Pop postergirl ANNIE throws down her brand new album ‘DON’T STOP’ on Smalltown Supersound Records on October 19th 2009.

A collection of sublime hooks stirred into a melting pot of blazing pop beats, singalong choruses and some odd, twisted darkness here and there ‘DON’T STOP’ is the POP SOUND OF NOW!

‘DON’T STOP’ is ANNIE’s second album and highlights that she is right at the forefront of 2009’s brilliantly varied musical landscape. It’s an album that sounds both instantly catchy and utterly beguiling, mainstream and underground all at once. A totally independent and self-created artist, ANNIE is a rare popstar – one who has written and created her own album – as well as personally assembling her own team, including her producers and musicians.

Complementing ANNIE’s pick ‘n’ mix, Pitchfork-to-Popjustice, genrehopping pincer movement are an array of handpicked associates: ‘DON’T STOP’ reunites ANNIE with Timo Kaukolampi and Richard X - collaborators from her debut album – and introduces a host of new friends like Paul Epworth, Xenomania and Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos. It’s an eleven-course feast for the modern musical connoisseur, an effortless blend with ANNIE centre stage, the NME declaring ‘with ‘poppy’ becoming every Indie ne’er-do-well’s buzz word there may be some confusion as to what good pop actually is. Answer: Annie.’

‘DON’T STOP’ makes perfect sense of pop’s brilliant extremes; this is, after all, the work of a woman whose cat Joey was named after her favourite Ramone and her favourite New Kid On The Block.

’DON’T STOP’ Tracklisting:

Hey Annie  
My Love Is Better
 Bad Times 
Don´t Stop
 I don´t Like Your band  
Songs Remind Me Of You
 Marie Cherie
 Take You Home  
Loco  
When The Night
 Heaven And Hell

For further information please call ETCETCETC

― unban dictionary (blueski), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:00 (fifteen years ago) link

the last two tracks there were my least favourites from v1 so losing I Can't Let Go and Sweet just seems wrong.

― unban dictionary (blueski), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:02 (fifteen years ago) link

Agree, "Sweet" is very good. Can't even remember "Heaven and Hell"; not a good sign. Any info on who wrote/produced the new tracks? It would be a pleasant surprise it the songs were reworked a little bit. I think Don't Stop V1 really needed this.

― Y tú, y tú, dime lo que bailas! (daavid), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:19 (fifteen years ago) link

No I Know Yr Girlfriend Hates Me? Seems odd. Still: Excited!

― Daniel, Esq., Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:19 (fifteen years ago) link

i'm months late but anthonio is pretty much the only track ever where i've liked every remix of it i've heard

― badpowderfinger (electricsound), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:22 (fifteen years ago) link

I would even say that all remixes are better than the original.

― Y tú, y tú, dime lo que bailas! (daavid), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:29 (fifteen years ago) link

this still isn't released?

― ❊❁❄❆❇❃✴❈plaxico❈✴❃❇❆❄❁❊ (I know, right?), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:33 (fifteen years ago) link

It seems like they've consciously taken the bold move of leaving out the previous singles... or, maybe not so bold considering they were massive flops.

― Y tú, y tú, dime lo que bailas! (daavid), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:34 (fifteen years ago) link

No it still isn't released. In fact not long ago it seemed like it wasn't gonna ever be released. (x-post)

― Y tú, y tú, dime lo que bailas! (daavid), Wednesday, 12 August 2009 23:36 (fifteen years ago) link

popjustice blogger jizzes over Annie artwork
http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3933&Itemid=9

― djmartian, Thursday, 13 August 2009 21:24 (fifteen years ago) link

Well compared to the cover of Annie's first album, this cover ought to be ashamed of itself

― young depardieu looming out of void in hour of profound triumph (Le Bateau Ivre), Thursday, 13 August 2009 21:28 (fifteen years ago) link

i quite liked the Annie logo from last year. this may all be 'trying too hard' a la Lil Boots in comparison (photos of both are cool tho).

― unban dictionary (blueski), Thursday, 13 August 2009 21:29 (fifteen years ago) link

I can't believe they're keeping "Heaven and Hell." I think it's the worst thing she's ever done.

― !Alicia!, Thursday, 13 August 2009 22:15 (fifteen years ago) link

i kno right

― unban dictionary (blueski), Thursday, 13 August 2009 23:33 (fifteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

HEARTBEAT = in PITCHFORK's Top 20 tracks of the decade. Hats off madam!

― piscesx, Thursday, 3 September 2009 20:35 (fifteen years ago) link

just indie enough!

― Tracer Hand, Thursday, 3 September 2009 22:55 (fifteen years ago) link

what a curious revival. a fortnight removed from the list talk, and who cares about pitchfork anyway.

― lex pretend, Thursday, 3 September 2009 22:57 (fifteen years ago) link

one month passes...

From Smalltown Supersound's twitter:
The Annie bonus CD will contain these tracks: All Night, I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me, Anthonio, I Can´t Let Go, Sweet

― More Butty In Your Pants (Telephone thing), Sunday, 4 October 2009 20:14 (fifteen years ago) link

So looking forward to this. Hoping eMusic will get it.

― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 4 October 2009 20:28 (fifteen years ago) link

leeeeeked.

So much better than the Island version.

― Johnny Fever, Saturday, 10 October 2009 08:26 (fifteen years ago) link

I don't think it's tremendously different than the Island version, but the sequencing is much better.
The three new tracks are also very good, and definitely more flashy/dancey than what they replaced.
The nine tracks from Don't Stop V1 look to be left untouched.

― Michael F Gill, Tuesday, 13 October 2009 14:12 (fifteen years ago) link

Yeah, I was referring to the sequencing + new tracks.

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 13 October 2009 17:37 (fifteen years ago) link

For anyone who fancies it, Annie will be DJing in Manchester and our club 'Clique' on Friday November 27th. Her first DJ gig outside of London in the UK we think.
Looking forward to it!

I Don't Like Your Band coulds be a big hit i'd have thought. Even the NME seem to think so this week, the album getting a glowing 8/10 review from them. Whatever next?!

― piscesx, Saturday, 17 October 2009 11:11 (fifteen years ago) link

i find it sad that 2009 still finds the nme being used to validate annie's music

― lex pretend, Saturday, 17 October 2009 16:46 (fifteen years ago) link

She was pretty good last night supporting Saint Etienne, she has some stage presence now.

― DavidM, Saturday, 17 October 2009 20:34 (fifteen years ago) link

Yeah all round good reports from that Saint Etienne gig. She started with Chewing Gum by all accounts? I'd love to have seen that.
Gonna be a new website here apparently: http://www.annie.no/ There's nothing much there now mind!

― piscesx, Saturday, 17 October 2009 21:58 (fifteen years ago) link

For reasons that escape me, I'm rooting for her, and this album.

I feel like that early review, which called the disc a "pop classic," weighed around the project's neck like an anchor.

― Daniel, Esq., Saturday, 17 October 2009 22:35 (fifteen years ago) link

Album of the year so far.

― Mr. Snrub, Saturday, 17 October 2009 22:46 (fifteen years ago) link

Yeah? I really hope so.

It's strange to me that the songs that apparently were slated to be (or were) singles when the album was with Island Records are now relegated to a bonus disc. I'm curious to know if that's because the new label and/or Annie felt the other material was much stronger, or if it's because those songs -- e.g., I Know Your Boyfriend Hates Me, Antonio -- have already had too much circulation to be suitable for a ''new'' Annie album. I also wonder if the new label and/or Annie are trying to distance the album from its time at Island Records. Anyway, I thought those singles were good!

― Daniel, Esq., Sunday, 18 October 2009 11:07 (fifteen years ago) link

god. was it really 5 years ago that this came out?

i still remember how god awful her debut performance at the tribeca grand was. all i could think was that she needed a new stylist. those boots!!! i wish i had a pic

― phil-two, Sunday, 18 October 2009 11:16 (fifteen years ago) link

FYI: Don't Stop appeared on eMusic today (U.S. market, at least).

― Daniel, Esq., Monday, 19 October 2009 16:34 (fifteen years ago) link

phil that night was good for other reasons, though, i seem to remember. though i'm not actually remembering at all.

― Tracer Hand, Monday, 19 October 2009 16:54 (fifteen years ago) link

I find it really disappointed that we had to wait so long for this, as good as the album may be, it hard to get excited for something you've already listened to so many times and already moved on. This is the kind of music that NEEDS to sound fresh, IMO. So yeah, maybe album of the year... but which year?

That said, the Paul Epworth tracks are brilliant. I think he may now be my favorite producer.

― one boob is free with one (daavid), Monday, 19 October 2009 21:05 (fifteen years ago) link

*disappointing

― one boob is free with one (daavid), Monday, 19 October 2009 21:07 (fifteen years ago) link

The only songs I've heard so far are those that were relegated to the bonus disc. Maybe they put some normally A-side singles on the bonus disc for exactly the reasons you mention.

― Daniel, Esq., Monday, 19 October 2009 21:31 (fifteen years ago) link

I bought it in A SHOP last night.

Am about to listen to it, and quite glad I avoided all the leaks and things, so that I can come to it with fresh ears.

― Strawberry Letter 22 (Masonic Boom), Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:06 (fifteen years ago) link

really dug it on first listen, one or two throwaways (the breakfast song reminds me of CoS' housework song for some reason) but the high points are more interesting if not better than the first lp..

― would s*m*a*s*h (electricsound), Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:07 (fifteen years ago) link

Looking at my "to listen to" I suddenly had the MOST AMAZING vision of the BEST. MUSIC. EVER.

Annie - extended Lindstrom and Prins Thomas Diskomiks.

This would almost be better than the Swedish all-girl spacerock band playing at Sonic Cathedral in my actual dream last night.

― Strawberry Letter 22 (Masonic Boom), Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:14 (fifteen years ago) link

there is a lindstrom remix of an annie song! it's not that good tho :(

― just sayin, Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:25 (fifteen years ago) link

Which one? One of the new ones?

― Strawberry Letter 22 (Masonic Boom), Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:31 (fifteen years ago) link

I kind of see what people have been saying about the production now. It's been held back for so long that a lot of the songs sound a bit... well, dated. This is the problem with pop, it ends up being so much "of the moment" that holding something back for 2 years can mean that it comes out feeling ... just slightly wrong.

― Strawberry Letter 22 (Masonic Boom), Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:35 (fifteen years ago) link

no the remix was of 'the wedding', the song off her dj kicks

― just sayin, Wednesday, 21 October 2009 10:39 (fifteen years ago) link

This is the problem with pop, it ends up being so much "of the moment" that holding something back for 2 years can mean that it comes out feeling ... just slightly wrong.

Her last album still sounds fresh and perfect to me.

Not nearly as sure about this new one.

― Daniel, Esq., Wednesday, 21 October 2009 11:19 (fifteen years ago) link

>I have listened to the Fred Falke remix of "Anthonio" about 200 times now.

I just noticed this on Spotify - Spencer utterly otm, so gorgeous.

― Bill A, Friday, 30 October 2009 12:47 (fifteen years ago) link

Actually, I kinda reverse what I was writing up there.

The album took a while to grow on me, but the more I played it, the more I liked of it.

Now, I think, with hindsight, it might seem that the first album seemed "perfect and fresh" when it first came out. However, I distinctly remember feeling a bit "meh" about it the first few times I heard it, and that it took a while (and repeatedly hearing Chewing Gum out) until it finally clicked.

I do think that my experience of this album is kinda similar to that.

― The Paisley (shop) Window Pane (Masonic Boom), Friday, 30 October 2009 12:49 (fifteen years ago) link

Not feeling this disc at all yet. It lacks the charm and warmth of Anniemal.

― Daniel, Esq., Friday, 30 October 2009 12:51 (fifteen years ago) link

no the remix was of 'the wedding', the song off her dj kicks

Really wish "The Wedding" was a better song.

― Dynamic Leia Dress (kingkongvsgodzilla), Friday, 30 October 2009 13:13 (fifteen years ago) link

Longer, actually. More fleshed out.

― Dynamic Leia Dress (kingkongvsgodzilla), Friday, 30 October 2009 13:20 (fifteen years ago) link

The last three songs really spoil this album. Why on earth was Anthonio left off the final tracklisting when those Xenomania leftovers made it?

― Kitchen Person, Friday, 30 October 2009 17:56 (fifteen years ago) link

three weeks pass...

Take You Home my fave off the album i think.

― piscesx, Thursday, 26 November 2009 12:37 (fifteen years ago) link

Not The Breakfast Song?

― Daniel, Esq., Thursday, 26 November 2009 14:11 (fifteen years ago) link

Just kidding. That song is sort of execrable.

― Daniel, Esq., Thursday, 26 November 2009 14:11 (fifteen years ago) link

the whole thing seems to be getting some right across the board great to amazing reviews from beard strokers to pop kids alike. it's heartwarming!

― piscesx, Thursday, 26 November 2009 15:19 (fifteen years ago) link

one month passes...

i don't think i like this album.

― Do you love me now? (surm), Friday, 8 January 2010 04:41 (fourteen years ago) link

It's . . . okay, maybe? Totally forgettable.

And that's a shame, because I loved her prior disc. This one seems so lifeless and cold by comparison.

― Daniel, Esq., Friday, 8 January 2010 04:48 (fourteen years ago) link

for me anniemal may have had slightly better songwriting but i prefer the sound of this one way way more

― journey to the center of fat butt (electricsound), Friday, 8 January 2010 04:49 (fourteen years ago) link

the sound is decent but the hooks / lyrics are pretty dumb

― you have to forgive me (surm), Wednesday, 20 January 2010 16:27 (fourteen years ago) link

it's the kind of thing where i think "wow, with all the tools, sounds and production values involved here, these are the tunes u could come up with?"

― you have to forgive me (surm), Wednesday, 20 January 2010 16:33 (fourteen years ago) link

Well I think I prefer this one like a hundred times times more, but then I never really though Anniemal was that great, so...

My only problem with the album doesn't really have to do with the album itself, more like the way it was released, marketed, etc. That took away much of the excitement. A complete disaster!

― one boob is free with one (daavid), Wednesday, 20 January 2010 18:15 (fourteen years ago) link

three years pass...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW4pTe0yRAc

― Johnny Fever, Friday, 26 April 2013 14:16 (eleven years ago) link

― Johnny Fever, Friday, 26 April 2013 14:17 (eleven years ago) link

― how's life, Friday, 26 April 2013 14:22 (eleven years ago) link

― mark e, Friday, 26 April 2013 14:25 (eleven years ago) link

First track from what's presumably her next record. I approve!

― Johnny Fever, Friday, 26 April 2013 14:26 (eleven years ago) link

Is it seriously called 'Tube Stops and Lonely Hearts'?

― Matt DC, Friday, 26 April 2013 14:28 (eleven years ago) link

whoa, this is actually good

― flamenco drop (lex pretend), Friday, 26 April 2013 17:55 (eleven years ago) link

like, banging and authoritative (title is total red herring, nothing mimsy about this)

― flamenco drop (lex pretend), Friday, 26 April 2013 17:56 (eleven years ago) link

"i hate all things mimsy" should be on your tombstone, lex. either way, this is amazing

― bish (bosch), don't kill my vibe (rennavate), Friday, 26 April 2013 18:01 (eleven years ago) link

well hey this kind of rules

― Call me at **BITCOIN (DJP), Friday, 26 April 2013 18:03 (eleven years ago) link

references to 'goodlife' are the sort of things i will always approve

― rusty_allen, Friday, 26 April 2013 18:11 (eleven years ago) link

What's up with the video??

― Spencer Chow, Friday, 26 April 2013 18:55 (eleven years ago) link

its boring. that's whats up.
the song is cool though.

― mark e, Friday, 26 April 2013 19:02 (eleven years ago) link

Has Annie ever made a good video though?

― how's life, Friday, 26 April 2013 19:10 (eleven years ago) link

I wouldn't say it's boring. Alternating shots of listless Annie and rooftop spinning class is really very strange.

― Spencer Chow, Friday, 26 April 2013 19:21 (eleven years ago) link

There's this one she did with Ralph Myerz as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBFhlYj-qtE

― daavid, Monday, 29 April 2013 00:34 (eleven years ago) link

Really not sure what to make of this single. I hate the video so much it's hard to let that influence how I hear the song.

Apparently she is bringing out a new Richard X produced EP in the next few months. Think we might have to wait a while for an actual full length album.

As for her making good videos, I always liked the I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me one.

― Kitchen Person, Monday, 6 May 2013 09:21 (eleven years ago) link

one month passes...

Don't think this was posted, lead single from the upcoming EP with Richard X:
http://soundcloud.com/richardxbm/annie-back-together

― Michael F Gill, Thursday, 4 July 2013 15:57 (eleven years ago) link

First Soriginalbabes, now Annie. I wonder who’s next.

― Chewshabadoo, Thursday, 4 July 2013 16:01 (eleven years ago) link

Nice, sounds like St. Etienne!

― timellison, Friday, 5 July 2013 03:53 (eleven years ago) link

It sounds a lot like something on the surprisingly good Little Boots album. I think she actually worked on the new EP with Annie and Richard X, not sure if it was this song though.

― Kitchen Person, Friday, 5 July 2013 05:28 (eleven years ago) link

LOVE this, those arcade-machine synths in the background of the chorus are fantastic.

Strange that "Tube Stops" is not on the EP tracklist.

― monotony, Friday, 5 July 2013 08:02 (eleven years ago) link

I like this a lot, i prefer it to "Tube Stops", which i couldn't really get into

― gregus, Saturday, 6 July 2013 00:02 (eleven years ago) link

Yeah I didn't like Tube Stops at all. This is a nice song but I hope there's something a bit more exciting on the EP.

― Kitchen Person, Saturday, 6 July 2013 02:04 (eleven years ago) link

http://www.popjustice.com/songs/annie-hold-on/

wow wow wow @ this one

― Ⓓⓡ. (Johnny Fever), Thursday, 18 July 2013 01:56 (eleven years ago) link

really really like that bass sound

― take that, bitterman (electricsound), Thursday, 18 July 2013 02:03 (eleven years ago) link

This is probably the best thing she's done since the first album. It's very Saint Etienne which is obviously no bad thing.

― Kitchen Person, Thursday, 18 July 2013 03:02 (eleven years ago) link

"Invisible", new track from the A&R EP. Somewhat similar to "Tube Stops.". I like it!

https://soundcloud.com/richardxbm/annie-invisible

― daavid, Wednesday, 24 July 2013 16:18 (eleven years ago) link

The EP is out and AOTY.

― abcfsk, Monday, 29 July 2013 09:05 (eleven years ago) link

I will be getting this on vinyl, it looks fantastic!

http://www.popjustice.com/thenews/annies-ep-will-be-available-to-buy-as-a-12-picture-disc/117646/

― Kitchen Person, Monday, 29 July 2013 11:27 (eleven years ago) link

sweet 90s vibes that really hit the spot on the new ep

― diamonddave85, Monday, 29 July 2013 16:35 (eleven years ago) link

It sounds a lot like something on the surprisingly good Little Boots album. I think she actually worked on the new EP with Annie and Richard X, not sure if it was this song though.
― Kitchen Person

deffo written by Little Boots http://www.popjustice.com/thenews/little-boots-has-written-a-song-with-annie/113129/

― Britain's Obtusest Shepherd (Alan), Monday, 29 July 2013 22:34 (eleven years ago) link

oh THAT'S why it sounds exactly like "Every Night I Say a Prayer"

― katherine, Tuesday, 30 July 2013 02:13 (eleven years ago) link

I love this new video, very cute homage to The Chart Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veqFCCbyrX8&feature=share&list=UU8tgrIkEcEgeEz4J1j0woXQ

― boxedjoy, Wednesday, 31 July 2013 18:56 (eleven years ago) link

UTRECHT AMIGA SQUAD

― Chewshabadoo, Wednesday, 31 July 2013 21:06 (eleven years ago) link

UTRECHT AMIGA SQUAD

― Britain's Obtusest Shepherd (Alan), Wednesday, 31 July 2013 21:26 (eleven years ago) link

I like this a lot, i prefer it to "Tube Stops", which i couldn't really get into

Cosign

― skip, Wednesday, 31 July 2013 21:37 (eleven years ago) link

UTRECHT AMIGA SQUAD

― MikoMcha, Thursday, 1 August 2013 05:11 (eleven years ago) link

That video is genius. ITV Chart Show is still the greatest music show there has ever been.

― Kitchen Person, Thursday, 1 August 2013 05:52 (eleven years ago) link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsEjw--Gdb4

― Chewshabadoo, Thursday, 1 August 2013 22:04 (eleven years ago) link

everything she's released this year has been solid gold

― Roz, Saturday, 3 August 2013 05:25 (eleven years ago) link

UTRECHT AMIGA SQUAD

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 5 August 2013 17:37 (eleven years ago) link

http://thehairpin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2qp2p1.gif

― Le Bateau Ivre, Monday, 5 August 2013 17:38 (eleven years ago) link

Need to hear a full version of Mannie.

― Chewshabadoo, Monday, 5 August 2013 18:07 (eleven years ago) link

Was searching for old dance charts on YouTube the other day.

― Chewshabadoo, Monday, 5 August 2013 18:08 (eleven years ago) link

ok. it has to be said, but the colours and gfx style of the video is very age of chance.

― mark e, Monday, 5 August 2013 18:13 (eleven years ago) link

Need to hear a full version of Mannie.

er, it's Annie's own "Invisible", posted upthread:

https://soundcloud.com/richardxbm/annie-invisible

― Roz, Monday, 5 August 2013 18:56 (eleven years ago) link

Ah, nice. Clips is the best part though, I often had that problem with the real Chart Show too.

― Chewshabadoo, Monday, 5 August 2013 20:24 (eleven years ago) link

love this ep

― johnny crunch, Wednesday, 7 August 2013 01:33 (eleven years ago) link

"back together" is my shiiiiiiiiiiit

this entire EP is awesome

― J0rdan S., Monday, 12 August 2013 16:25 (eleven years ago) link

When I can buy this on viny? These are her best songs since Anniemal and I'm kind of in love her with all over again.

― Kitchen Person, Monday, 12 August 2013 17:01 (eleven years ago) link

five months pass...

'Russian kiss' is awesome, like hardfloor remixing lil Louis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBO7F0PJP48

― ewar woowar (or something), Friday, 7 February 2014 20:50 (ten years ago) link

^advocacy anthem done right

btw I was kind of disappointed that her EP last year didn't make a dent on either of the EOY polls, considering how good it was and how much ILM loved her back in the day.

― Roz, Friday, 7 February 2014 20:59 (ten years ago) link

Okay, that is flat out stunning

― Johnny Fever, Friday, 7 February 2014 21:01 (ten years ago) link

btw I was kind of disappointed that her EP last year didn't make a dent on either of the EOY polls, considering how good it was and how much ILM loved her back in the day.

i still love annie, but that ep didn't do much for me.

― Daniel, Esq 2, Friday, 7 February 2014 21:07 (ten years ago) link

That’s how to make a homage.

x-post. The Chart Show video was definitely my favourite bit of that last EP.

― Chewshabadoo, Friday, 7 February 2014 21:14 (ten years ago) link

A+++++

an album full of stuff like this and "invisible" would def be something i could get down with

― pearly-dewdrops' bops (monotony), Friday, 7 February 2014 22:56 (ten years ago) link

i know the 303 never went away but does this mean it is "back"??

― föllakzoidberg (electricsound), Friday, 7 February 2014 22:59 (ten years ago) link

Huh, Richards Kern & X. But yeah, gorgeous homage/advocacy.

― etc, Friday, 7 February 2014 23:09 (ten years ago) link

I can't believe Anniemal is ten years old.

― xelab, Friday, 7 February 2014 23:46 (ten years ago) link

that is v. French Kiss, though I like it, maybe the video supports it too much.

― mmmm, Saturday, 8 February 2014 00:30 (ten years ago) link

btw I was kind of disappointed that her EP last year didn't make a dent on either of the EOY polls, considering how good it was and how much ILM loved her back in the day.

― Roz

Yeah I agree, that EP was just brilliant. Definitely ready for another proper album now.

― Kitchen Person, Saturday, 8 February 2014 04:57 (ten years ago) link

setting aside the striking video, that's a helluva song. one of the best songs she's released in years. hope there's a full-length album sometime in the near future.

― Daniel, Esq 2, Saturday, 8 February 2014 22:28 (ten years ago) link

whoa this is not only great political pop but one of the best tracks she's done ever

― lex pretend, Friday, 21 February 2014 11:10 (ten years ago) link

1) that bassline. WAU.

2) that video. #RelevantToMyInterests

3) Why the fuck did I have to sign an age verification in order to watch it on YouTube? Why is kissing and dancing inappropriate for viewers under the age of 18? Stark reminder of how Russia's problems really do not exist in a vacuum.

― Combat Bodacious Accruals (Branwell Bell), Friday, 21 February 2014 11:54 (ten years ago) link

This is wonderful

― What is wrong with songs? Absolutely nothing. Songs are great. (DL), Friday, 21 February 2014 12:04 (ten years ago) link

Agreed. That third album can’t come too soon.

― Here he is with the classic "Poème Électronique." Good track (Marcello Carlin), Friday, 21 February 2014 12:08 (ten years ago) link

Kinda wonder why this is getting a boner from some people for being "amazing! political! pop!" when on a literal level, it's no more nuanced or less sloganeering than the new Planningtorock album?

(Kind of thinking through my reactions to the video. Because the whole "wow, that fucked with my perceptions!" response was the way, after the first minute and a half, I found myself thinking "hrrmmm, for a supposedly progressive statement, why are all the girls dancing around in their underwear and the dudes fully clothed?" And *literally* the moment that crossed my mind, all of the dudes stood up and took their clothes off, too, and it was like POW. Ok, yeah, that is a powerful statement about gender equality as well as orientation equality. Although I enjoyed the gender ambiguous dancer/gymnast because it's enjoyable watching someone who is so completely in control of their body exercising it beautifully, I did feel a bit... I dunno. Pandered to?)

((This kind of statement is hard to do right, part one billion. I'm still glad it exists.))

― Combat Bodacious Accruals (Branwell Bell), Friday, 21 February 2014 12:44 (ten years ago) link

Planningtorock makes very different music than Annie though, a lot further away from an accessible pop sound I feel.

― Chewshabadoo, Friday, 21 February 2014 13:41 (ten years ago) link

I was not comparing the music.

― Combat Bodacious Accruals (Branwell Bell), Friday, 21 February 2014 13:42 (ten years ago) link

You did use the word "pop" as one of three descriptors.

― I got the Poison, I got the Rammellzee (sic), Friday, 21 February 2014 13:48 (ten years ago) link

Ah, never mind. I was just wondering about the "amazing" and "political" part of the equation, but it's not important.

― Combat Bodacious Accruals (Branwell Bell), Friday, 21 February 2014 13:51 (ten years ago) link

I hate that word “accessible.” It gets brandished about like a bayonet rifle to knock artists and musicians into some sort of preconceived social order; oh, how dare you do something different, why can’t you give the majority of people what they know they want and be ACCESSIBLE?

The new Planningtorock songs sound pretty “accessible” to me but carry an insistent, buried threat – or a plea – which is heightened, rather than diminished, by the constantly repeated phrases and slogans, as though emboldening the thought into people’s minds is the point (and I’m sure it’s at least one of the points). They are also “accessible” in the sense that mainstream radio in Britain would have happily played them in the evening 25-30 years ago – Anne Clark/AC Marias anyone? – but presumably not in the contemporary sense of “When I Was Your Man” and “Pompeii” repeated a million times an hour until one screams because that’s apparently what people want; if not, are you rebelling against the State, are you a WEIRDO? #lynchmobmentality

― Here he is with the classic "Poème Électronique." Good track (Marcello Carlin), Friday, 21 February 2014 14:23 (ten years ago) link

The first thing that struck me on RK was her disappointing vocals, but after finishing the song I like them as they are as it doesn't detract from the hypnotic production. Glad to see other people here who loved her EP!

― Bonnie Mckii (jay.), Friday, 21 February 2014 16:17 (ten years ago) link

Didn’t mean to attach any value to the phrase accessible, but quality rant anyway.

― Chewshabadoo, Friday, 21 February 2014 22:19 (ten years ago) link

Anne Clark/AC Marias anyone?

AC Marias got mainstream radio play?!

― nerve_pylon, Friday, 21 February 2014 22:22 (ten years ago) link

one year passes...

Apparently she's back in the studio with Richard X. Hoping for some new material this year.

― daavid, Tuesday, 26 May 2015 04:38 (nine years ago) link

Annie is notoriously slow in the studio.

― Johnny Fever, Tuesday, 26 May 2015 05:06 (nine years ago) link

Yeah, my hopes are not very high.

― daavid, Tuesday, 26 May 2015 05:16 (nine years ago) link

four months pass...

I'm on my phone and don't know how to post links but there's a new track over at Popjustice. It's called "Cara Mia" and its good! Also, news of upcoming EP.

― daavid, Tuesday, 29 September 2015 11:50 (nine years ago) link

another one for the tropical house thread i think. it's here: https://soundcloud.com/richardxbm/annie-cara-mia-from-the-endless-vacation-ep

― carly bae jepsen (monotony), Tuesday, 29 September 2015 12:04 (nine years ago) link

Lovely song. So excited for the new EP. The A&R EP was perfection.

― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 29 September 2015 13:47 (nine years ago) link

yayyyy

― maura, Tuesday, 29 September 2015 14:30 (nine years ago) link

btw THE GUEST uses an annie song to great effect

― maura, Tuesday, 29 September 2015 14:31 (nine years ago) link

Another new one:

http://www.thefader.com/2015/10/06/annie-is-catchier-than-ever-on-eurodance-inspired-dadaday

― boxedjoy, Tuesday, 6 October 2015 10:17 (nine years ago) link

Now that Alice Deejay song is gonna be stuck in my brain all week. Thanks, Annie.

― Cousin Slappy, Tuesday, 6 October 2015 12:54 (nine years ago) link

And another one! This one sounds like something from the early 90s. Cathy Dennis, perhaps?

https://soundcloud.com/richardxbm/annie-workx2-from-the-endless-vacation-ep

― daavid, Friday, 9 October 2015 14:48 (nine years ago) link

Quite an album cover on the new EP, which is now floating around (and all 4 songs are awesome):

http://i.imgur.com/ASsWjcW.jpg

― skip, Friday, 16 October 2015 01:52 (nine years ago) link

This isn't quite as perfect as The A&R EP but it is really great.

― Kitchen Person, Saturday, 17 October 2015 13:56 (nine years ago) link

one year passes...

what do you want (the breakfast song) gets stuck in my head every morning and I have arrived at some odd interpretations of the lyrics

― The Jams Manager (1992, Brickster) (El Tomboto), Saturday, 8 April 2017 15:09 (seven years ago) link

What's yer interpretation

― Carlotta's Portrait (Ross), Saturday, 8 April 2017 23:02 (seven years ago) link

I get it stuck in my head when I go shopping a lot, "what do you want, what do you want from Argos"

― boxedjoy, Sunday, 9 April 2017 07:23 (seven years ago) link

one year passes...

New music soon, per Annie's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/BqskGbcgc1t/

― that mustardless plate (Bill A), Thursday, 29 November 2018 14:07 (six years ago) link

Wow!

She also sort of had a Billboard #1 hit with Metro Boomin's new album this month, centrally sampled on this track:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThRbi74tkLw

― abcfsk, Thursday, 29 November 2018 14:15 (six years ago) link

Hoping she got a good payout for use of the sample, I'd guess that's still a way to make some £££/$$$ as opposed to the pittance from streaming etc?

― that mustardless plate (Bill A), Thursday, 29 November 2018 15:14 (six years ago) link

one year passes...

New single (I'm guessing this is the "new music soon" announcement from a year and a half ago, lol). Anyway, she's collaborating with Stefan Storm from The Sound of Arrows on this one. Very synthwave, I like it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HqTDoScPI4

― daavid, Friday, 19 June 2020 14:36 (four years ago) link

New album too:

https://pitchfork.com/news/annie-announces-first-new-album-in-11-years-shares-new-song-american-cars-listen/?utm_brand=p4k&mbid=social_facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_social-type=owned&fbclid=IwAR0js4bXYu7MFwCyYQqA1odN1NQzOVP0jzYkmaPCrZUUZ37djMHpg_m5BFY

― daavid, Friday, 19 June 2020 14:38 (four years ago) link

Sounds sweet!

― abcfsk, Friday, 19 June 2020 15:00 (four years ago) link

Tried to add to my Watch Later list, but apparently "This action is turned off on content made for kids"?

― peace, man, Friday, 19 June 2020 15:06 (four years ago) link

got some vintage Pet Shop Boys quality has that, nice.

― calzino, Friday, 19 June 2020 19:46 (four years ago) link

If she put this out straight after the last album, she'd be just in time for the cold?utm_brand=p4k&mbid=social_facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_social-type=owned&fbclid=IwAR0js4bXYu7MFwCyYQqA1odN1NQzOVP0jzYkmaPCrZUUZ37djMHpg_m5BFYwave revival

― an, uh, razor of love (sic), Friday, 19 June 2020 20:03 (four years ago) link

this is indeed very synthwave.
just when i had given up hope that the scene would have its big name moment.

― mark e, Friday, 19 June 2020 20:31 (four years ago) link

one month passes...

https://youtu.be/wl2Jkt547rA

Another new one, I prefer this to American Cars

― boxedjoy, Tuesday, 21 July 2020 13:12 (four years ago) link

I’m not really feeling either of these at all so far. Sad face.

― sound of scampo talk to me (El Tomboto), Tuesday, 21 July 2020 14:20 (four years ago) link

four weeks pass...

finally the new one that got me stuck on repeat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-fYvBAoKwI

― krewki, Thursday, 20 August 2020 12:55 (four years ago) link

one month passes...

Her new record seems nice! I get a bit of a Sally Shapiro vibe, IDIB as well.

― monotony, Friday, 16 October 2020 12:18 (four years ago) link

hard IDIB vibes for sure. fine by me.

― it bangs for thee (Simon H.), Friday, 16 October 2020 13:43 (four years ago) link

any dancefloor bops on it? singles ITT all very chill

― davey, Friday, 16 October 2020 13:54 (four years ago) link

"Forever '92" is probably the closest thing here to a dancefloor bop. And "Mermaid Dreams" goes pretty hard. But no, nothing like "WorkX2" or "Back Together."

Plenty of mid-tempo swaying bops, though! I'm enjoying this quite a bit, it's captivating.

― KevRus, Friday, 16 October 2020 16:17 (four years ago) link

Really beautiful album. Very understated compared to most of her previous work. The sadness of the lyrics about Tore have been hitting me hard.

― kitchen person, Saturday, 17 October 2020 00:56 (four years ago) link

This isn't doing a lot for me and it's really sad because I can tell this was an important album for her and I've always liked her a lot. The melodies are strong but it's far too long and one-tempo. And it doesn't sound so much like the 80s as the 00s approximation of the 80s.

― boxedjoy, Sunday, 18 October 2020 18:30 (four years ago) link

I always thought that her nondescript singing was a feature and not a bug: on songs like Back Together she was able to sell them as formalist examples of perfect pop, stepping out the way to let the songs themselves stand as platonic ideals of genre excellence. But on this she just sounds a bit adrift and I think this material really needs a bit more presence to work.

― boxedjoy, Sunday, 18 October 2020 18:33 (four years ago) link

agreed, I found this pretty boring.

― skip, Sunday, 18 October 2020 18:39 (four years ago) link

Ok this is maybe a bit sad-youtube-comments-/early-00-pitchfork-review but the first time I played the album it hit me in the gut. Downloaded it last friday for a long drive to my parents and started driving at the beginning of what ultimately felt like an unusually long dusk, the sun had just beautifully set in partly cloudy skies that subsequently shifted to a melancholy inducing yellow-green-grey over highways that became emptier as I drove on. Alone in the car, my thoughts had started wandering through memories of times (up until 1990) spent in that part of the country to which I was driving. High school love, forgotten friends, family members long gone, but also good times/moments/parties. Hearing the album, loud, in that context - it was perfect. I probably should refrain from listening to it ever again.

― willem, Monday, 19 October 2020 13:23 (four years ago) link

I would add Julee Cruise/Lynch/Badalamenti to the list of influences in at least a couple of tracks (Corridors of Time, The
Untold Story, It's Finally Over).

― daavid, Monday, 19 October 2020 15:07 (four years ago) link

Love that writeup, willem. This really is the best thing she's ever released. I wish it were getting more attention. The production is stunning and the melodies are achingly gorgeous. I wanna bop my head to 'Miracle Mile' forever.

― KevRus, Monday, 19 October 2020 18:39 (four years ago) link

My favorite track right now is Stay Tomorrow. I'm getting some mid-eighties French pop vibe from it. Maybe Mylene Farmer? I dunno.

― daavid, Monday, 19 October 2020 20:36 (four years ago) link

Yes, really feeling your write-up Willem, nice that it coincided with that particular area of NL :) Will try and save it for a similar experience in the near future.

― Ilxor in the streets, Scampo in the sheets (Le Bateau Ivre), Tuesday, 20 October 2020 13:08 (four years ago) link

Yeah, this is very nice. Love the nocturnal mood, definite IDIB vibes.

― a man often referred to in the news media as the Duke of Saxony (tipsy mothra), Tuesday, 20 October 2020 17:50 (four years ago) link

three weeks pass...

was disappointed/bored with this initially but it's really grown on me - beautiful, perfect music for cold, rainy evenings.

"Mermaid Dreams" is incredible.

― Roz, Saturday, 14 November 2020 03:43 (four years ago) link

I had the same experience. On my first few plays not much really stood out, but I love it now. I'm really drawn to the dark mood of the whole thing and I think it's easily her best work lyrically. A lot of it is really devastating me right now.

― kitchen person, Saturday, 14 November 2020 07:01 (four years ago) link

It's a delight.

― a man often referred to in the news media as the Duke of Saxony (tipsy mothra), Sunday, 15 November 2020 19:14 (four years ago) link

seven months pass...

New single with Jake from Scissor Sisters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8_UgfR08hs

― groovypanda, Friday, 18 June 2021 07:26 (three years ago) link

this is really cheesy and I think the spoken-word bit takes it so far that it becomes endearingly naff rather than just a bit embarassing.

The 5 track EP will feature this collaboration with Jake Shears, a new track with old production flame Richard X, and covers of Jesus & Mary Chain’s ‘Just Like Honey’ and Patrick Swayze’s ‘She’s Like the Wind

this will be interesting

― boxedjoy, Friday, 18 June 2021 10:02 (three years ago) link

Reminds me of Primadonna by Marina & The Diamonds.
Quite like it!

― kinder, Tuesday, 22 June 2021 21:11 (three years ago) link

And Take on Me. I like the addition of Jake's bits.

― kinder, Thursday, 24 June 2021 19:40 (three years ago) link

two weeks pass...

Just like honey:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAjy9fh6o5o

― kinder, Friday, 9 July 2021 12:59 (three years ago) link

Sounds exactly like you'd expect.

― kitchen person, Friday, 9 July 2021 13:57 (three years ago) link

two months pass...

This one (with Richard X) is my favorite from the new EP:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X8TH7mVh10

― daavid, Monday, 4 October 2021 14:46 (three years ago) link

I keep thinking it's going to turn into It's My Life (Talk Talk)

― kinder, Wednesday, 6 October 2021 17:18 (three years ago) link

Me too

― Michael F Gill, Wednesday, 6 October 2021 18:41 (three years ago) link

two years pass...

Upcoming track The Sky Is Blue sounds like a full blown late '90s trance track in the best possible way. Not sure when it will be released but here's a clip from Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_NGPexqHVy/?igsh=Z3kxaXB4ejU2c3Rq

― daavid, Thursday, 29 August 2024 22:14 (three months ago) link

sounds like a DDR Konami original

― kinder, Friday, 30 August 2024 09:01 (three months ago) link

It's out today xp

― groovypanda, Friday, 30 August 2024 14:27 (three months ago) link

I don't love the single cover, but I dig the song. Hoping this will be part of another album or EP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uhojJfFY6w

― daavid, Friday, 30 August 2024 14:55 (three months ago) link

one month passes...

I liked this retrospective on Anniemal:
https://www.stereogum.com/2281648/anniemal-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/

― jaymc, Tuesday, 1 October 2024 02:09 (two months ago) link

two months pass...

I hear this album in Sabrina Carpenter.

― Gukbe, Tuesday, 3 December 2024 16:52 (two weeks ago) link

That Stereogum article is a beautiful piece of writing.

― djh, Tuesday, 3 December 2024 20:38 (two weeks ago) link

ha yeah i feel that article does a good job explaining annie imo. like, anniemal always seemed oddly notable for me. like somehow none of the pop that happened for the next 8 years woulda happened without what she did there, even if it was not the thing that got pointed at

― under old management! (Hunt3r), Tuesday, 3 December 2024 22:25 (two weeks ago) link

Oddly, the Greatest Hit was on 6Music this morning. A minor synchronicity.

― a hallan shaker loon (dowd), Wednesday, 4 December 2024 10:13 (two weeks ago) link

Last week Spotify kept pushing me emails and banners about tickets to an upcoming Annie show using her picture. Turns out it was the stage production of the musical Annie.

― Indexed, Wednesday, 4 December 2024 17:20 (two weeks ago) link

lol
yes thanks for that article!

― kinder, Wednesday, 4 December 2024 21:38 (two weeks ago) link

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