'A' vs. Monkey Kong
A · 1999
60 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of punk energy and melodic hooks, showcasing a playful yet incisive take on alternative rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Monkey Kong — This title track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with its infectious chorus and energetic instrumentation, embodying A's unique sound.
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Hopper Jonnus Fang — Combining quirky lyrics with a catchy melody, this track highlights A's ability to merge humor and musicality seamlessly.
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Jason's Addiction — This song showcases a more introspective side of the band, blending melodic hooks with thoughtful lyrics that contrast the album’s upbeat tracks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk elements with melodic hooks but lacks strong cohesion across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, such as 'If It Ain't Broke, Fix It Anyway', which shifts from a driving beat to a more laid-back groove.
- The lyrics often employ playful and ironic themes, contrasting with the energetic instrumentation, particularly evident in tracks like 'Monkey Kong' and 'Don't Be Punks'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, punchy song formats
- catchy hooks and melodies
- playful and energetic vibes
- dynamic and varied pacing
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, 'A' vs. Monkey Kong marked A's third studio album, following their breakthrough with 'Hi-Fi Serious'. By this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the UK alternative rock scene, experimenting with a mix of genres while gaining increasing popularity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The National· Interpol· Death Cab for Cutie
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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If It Ain't Broke, Fix It Anyway
The verse presents a tongue-in-cheek commentary on unnecessary change and societal pressures.
By employing irony in its narrative voice, the writing critiques conformity while maintaining an upbeat, catchy tone.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 For Starters 2:33
- 2 Monkey Kong 3:45
- 3 A 3:31
- 4 Old Folks 3:55
- 5 Hopper Jonnus Fang 4:33
- 6 Summer on the Underground 4:51
- 7 Warning 1:41
- 8 If It Ain't Broke, Fix It Anyway 2:23
- 9 Here We Go Again (I Love Lake Tahoe) 3:57
- 10 Don't Be Punks 0:52
- 11 Down on the Floor 3:47
- 12 Jason's Addiction 5:35
- 13 Miles Away 3:24
- 14 Getting Around 5:40
- 15 She Said 3:41
- 16 One Day 3:36
- 17 If It Ain't Broke (live) 2:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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