Anomie & Bonhomie
Scritti Politti · 1999
49 min · 11 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic blend of pop melodies and experimental textures reflecting the complexities of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tinseltown to the Boogiedown — This track embodies the album's playful yet reflective nature, juxtaposing urban imagery with a catchy chorus that captures the essence of Scritti Politti's evolved sound.
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Die Alone — With its layered arrangements and introspective lyrics, this song delves into themes of isolation, showcasing the band's ability to balance pop sensibility with deeper emotional content.
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Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder — The sprawling length and intricate instrumentation in this track highlight the band's experimental tendencies while maintaining an accessible pop structure, making it a standout piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases inventive production and varied song structures, making it a notable entry in Scritti Politti's discography.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend upbeat pop melodies with intricate arrangements, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'The World You Understand (Is Over+Over+Over)', which features abrupt changes in dynamics and tempo.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- kaleidoscopic textures for deep listening
- playful melodies for casual enjoyment
- reflective moments of modern life
- varied pacing with engaging transitions
Maybe skip if you
- instant gratification seekers
- fans of straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Anomie & Bonhomie' was released in 1999, Scritti Politti had already evolved significantly since their debut in the early '80s. This album came after a lengthy hiatus following their previous release, 'Provision' in 1988, marking a return that showcased their mature sound and artistic growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talking Heads· XTC· Devo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Umm 4:15
- 2 Tinseltown to the Boogiedown 4:57
- 3 First Goodbye 5:13
- 4 Die Alone 4:23
- 5 Mystic Handyman 3:48
- 6 Smith 'n' Slappy 4:54
- 7 Born to Be 3:53
- 8 The World You Understand (Is Over+Over+Over) 3:14
- 9 Here Come July 4:00
- 10 Prince Among Men 4:47
- 11 Brushed With Oil, Dusted With Powder 6:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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