Best Of
Mental As Anything · 1999
79 min · 24 tracks · new wave
Catchy melodies and playful lyrics intertwine with a vibrant new wave sound that reflects the Australian pop scene of the late '90s.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Nips Are Getting Bigger Start here — This track exemplifies the band's cheeky humor and catchy hooks, becoming one of their signature songs and an anthem of the Australian pub rock scene.
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(Just Like) Romeo and Juliet — A standout hit that encapsulates the band's knack for blending pop sensibilities with storytelling, making it a fan favorite and a timeless classic.
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Live It Up — This energetic anthem showcases the band's ability to create upbeat party tunes, reflecting the carefree spirit of their era while remaining relevant today.
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If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? — This song stands out for its playful and slightly absurd take on relationships, highlighting the band's unique lyrical wit and melodic charm.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- infectious energy for gatherings
- steady pacing for casual listening
- playful wit and charm
- nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- for sunny afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of deep introspection
- prefer heavy, slow tempos
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — This compilation features the band's most popular tracks, ideal for new listeners.
- Themes
- Australian pub rock· playful relationship dynamics· cheeky humor· late '90s nostalgia
- Career context
- By the time 'Best Of' was released in 1999, Mental As Anything had enjoyed over two decades of success since their debut in 1979. This compilation showcases their most popular tracks, celebrating their evolution as a band while serving as a retrospective of their influential contributions to the new wave and pop music scenes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Squeeze· Devo
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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(Just Like) Romeo and Juliet
The narrative shifts from romantic idealism to humorous disillusionment as the song unfolds.
This transition from lofty expectations to a more grounded reality enhances the song's relatability, demonstrating the band's skill in blending humor with poignant observations.
Tracklist
- 1 The Nips Are Getting Bigger Start here 3:21
- 2 Egypt 3:28
- 3 Come Around 3:04
- 4 (Just Like) Romeo and Juliet 2:13
- 5 If You Leave Me, Can I Come Too? 2:55
- 6 Too Many Times 2:38
- 7 Berserk Warriors 3:25
- 8 Let's Cook 2:31
- 9 I Didn't Mean to Be Mean 3:13
- 10 Spirit Got Lost 2:58
- 11 Brain Brain 4:27
- 12 Working for the Man 3:22
- 13 Apocalypso 3:40
- 14 You're So Strong 3:27
- 15 Live It Up 3:47
- 16 Date With Destiny 3:00
- 17 Surf & Mull & Sex & Fun 3:39
- 18 Let's Go to Paradise 3:11
- 19 He's Just No Good for You 3:26
- 20 Rock'n'Roll Music 3:01
- 21 The World Seems Difficult 3:54
- 22 Mr Natural 3:59
- 23 Nigel 2:49
- 24 Dorothy Parker's Hair 3:49
What to play next
Beetroot Stains
2000
Continues the vibrant pop sound with fresh energy and playful themes.
Garage
1998
Precedes 'Best Of' with a similar catchy style and upbeat melodies.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Woodface
Crowded House
Shares catchy melodies and playful lyrics, reflecting the Australian pop scene of the same era.
Cosmic Thing
The B-52's
Similar vibrant new wave sound with cheeky humor and infectious hooks throughout.
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Explores playful relationship dynamics with a melodic touch that resonates with late '90s nostalgia.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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