Essential as Anything
Mental As Anything · 2009
77 min · 24 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of new wave and pop rock that encapsulates the playful spirit of Australian music in the late '70s and early '80s.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Nips Are Getting Bigger Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of catchy melodies and humorous storytelling, making it one of their most enduring anthems.
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Live It Up — With its infectious chorus and upbeat vibe, this song captures the carefree spirit of the era and remains a fan favorite at live performances.
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If You Leave Me Can I Come Too? — The track's playful lyrics and engaging rhythm illustrate Mental As Anything's knack for crafting relatable pop songs that resonate across generations.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful sing-along moments
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- short tracks for quick bursts
- wave-like pacing keeps interest
- catchy melodies for happy moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
- seek deep introspective themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — Compilation album that introduces new listeners to the band's hits and legacy.
- Themes
- Australian pop nostalgia· playful storytelling· late '70s vibrancy
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Essential as Anything is a compilation album from Mental As Anything, showcasing their hits during a time when the band was celebrating over three decades in the industry. This collection highlights their unique contributions to the Australian music scene, particularly following their earlier successes in the 1980s with albums like 'Cats & Dogs'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Squeeze· Devo
Tracklist
- 1 The Nips Are Getting Bigger Start here 3:20
- 2 Egypt 3:27
- 3 Come Around 3:03
- 4 (Just Like) Romeo & Juliet 2:13
- 5 If You Leave Me Can I Come Too? 2:54
- 6 Too Many Times 2:38
- 7 Berserk Warriors 3:25
- 8 Let's Cook 2:30
- 9 I Didn't Mean to Be Mean 3:13
- 10 Close Again 2:54
- 11 Spirit Got Lost 2:57
- 12 Brain Brain 4:26
- 13 Working for the Man 3:22
- 14 Apocalypso 3:38
- 15 You're So Strong 3:26
- 16 Live It Up 3:47
- 17 Date With Destiny 2:59
- 18 Concrete and Clay 2:44
- 19 Let's Go to Paradise 3:10
- 20 He's Just No Good for You 3:25
- 21 Rock 'n' Roll Music 3:00
- 22 The World Seems Difficult 3:51
- 23 Mr. Natural 3:58
- 24 Nigel 2:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express
The Go-Betweens
Shares a similar Australian pop nostalgia with melodic storytelling and vibrant instrumentation.
Woodface
Crowded House
Captures playful songwriting and catchy hooks, reflecting the same late '70s pop-rock spirit.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Midnight Oil
Combines energetic rock with poignant themes, echoing the vibrant Australian music scene of the era.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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