ARTIST: Tiger Tunes
TITLE: Absolutely Worthless Compared To Important Books
LABEL: V2 Records
GENRE: Electronic
SOURCE: CD
BITRATE: 192 kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 42:46
RELEASE DATE: 2005-00-00
RIP DATE: 2009-02-07
Track List
----------
1. Pancake America 3:12
2. Foolio 2:06
3. Train Stations And Harbours And 2:15
Airports
4. (Angry Kids Of The World) Unite 4:06
5. Theme From La Architects 3:28
6. Up & Out 3:23
7. Dexter 2:46
8. Charlie 1:39
9. Highly Invisible & Out Of 2:42
Control
10. Kirsten Is A F***-Machine 2:53
11. Ninja & The Fish 2:41
12. Family Picture 5:03
13. Spring Tiger 3:31
14. Long Distance Goodnite 3:01
Release Notes:
You may have seen me complain that the alternative/indie scene in Denmark is
less than original, often drawing heavily upon influences like Jeff Buckley,
Radiohead and even our own Mew. While this is true, a few bands seem to go
against the now clichΘed introverted approach to song writing that categorises
many of the bands. Tiger Tunes, one example of this, are one of a kind. That is
not to say their sound is completely new and original with no noticeable
influences, but rather that its influences are so varied and numerous, and the
debut album is so sprawling with different ideas pulling the listener in every
direction, that the album doesnÆt closely resemble anything at all.
ôAbsolutely Worthless Compared to Important Booksö is an aptly chosen title. Not
because the album is worthless, but because it expresses the playfulness, even
silliness of the band. It is clear that the Tiger Tunes do not take themselves
too seriously. The band has crafted a danceable, cartoonish indie pop album,
steeped in electronic sounds. Another reason why the album title is significant
is the shallow nature of this album. I donÆt mean that to be taken as a bad
thing, per se, but generally this album isnÆt very profound. Listen to opener
ôPancake Americaö: ôPlease wait for me. Please take me to France / These drugs
are mean and there's a hole in my pants /I need you for some comfort and sex /
I'll straighten it all out and make you some flapjacksö ItÆs nonsensical and
silly, something that is true for most of the songs here. Tiger Tunes make
catchy, quirky indie pop, aiming to make you dance, or at the very least smile.
Fun is at the heart of the album, and the bandÆs effervescence will inevitably
rub off on the listener.
The album is hard to pin down because it is actually quite diverse. ôFoolioö is
the epitome of silliness, complete with a choir of little girls singing ôlalalaö
over the chorus. The next track ôTrain Stations and Harbours and Airportsö, is a
rocking track, with some of the coolest lyrics on the album "We stole the words
we've got and we're not giving back". However, Tiger Tunes seem to really come
together on the single (Angry kids of the World) Unite. With its off-beat verse
rhythm, catchy, cartoonish (ItÆs alright to use this word a few times when
describing the Tunes) synth-riffs and catchy chorus, it is a really groovy song
and when lead singer K. R. Hansen sings ôWe have ways of making you danceö itÆs
hard to disagree with him.
ôAbsolutely Worthlessàö unabashedly tackles electronica, indie, pop, rock topped
off by a healthy dose of nintendo-like synth sounds. Like so many silly indie
pop releases the album relies heavily on catchiness, rather than establishing an
emotional theme or mood. It is obvious that the Tiger Tunes are enjoying
themselves here, and they want to take you on a trap where you can share their
enjoyment. Occasionally, you may feel disoriented from being pushed and pulled
in different directions, but the trip is so entertaining that you cannot help
but smile and enjoy the ride.
ItÆs hard to pick highlights on Tiger TunesÆ first release. Aside from ô(Angry
Kids of the World) Uniteö the fantastic single, one might mention opener
ôPancake Americaö, the fast-paced ôSpring Tigerö and the aforementioned ôTrain
Stations and Harbours and Airportsö as the best tracks on the album. On the
whole, youÆre in for a catchy-as-hell collection of quirky, electro-indie-pop,
more suitable as a party-starter than home-alone listening. It isnÆt always
brilliant, but the bandsÆ delight shines through and wins the listener over.
IÆll leave you with the words of Hansen himself:
öListen closely boys and girls
'Cause it's time to change the world
You've been angry way to long
You've got to put your hands in the air
You've got to put your hands in the air
Lonely boys and girls
UNITE!ö
http://www.tigertunes.dk
NOTE to the nukers: In contrast to the 2003 WLM release, this one has a bonus
track called Theme From LA Architects. According to the 3 months rule it is not
a dupe and we are allowed to release the entire CD again. Enjoy!