I Am the Fun Blame Monster! cover

I Am the Fun Blame Monster!

Menomena · 2003

44 min · 9 tracks · experimental rock

Layered instrumentation and playful rhythms create a whimsical yet introspective soundscape that defies conventional rock norms.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Cough Coughing — Opening with an infectious groove, this track showcases Menomena's unique blend of catchy hooks and complex rhythms, setting the tone for the entire album.
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    The Late Great Libido — This track features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, reflecting the band's ability to juxtapose playfulness with earnestness, which is central to their style.
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    Twenty Cell Revolt — With its intricate layering and experimental sound design, this track exemplifies the band's innovative approach and their exploration of themes surrounding independence and rebellion.
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    Oahu — This song highlights emotional depth through its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's capacity for both complexity and vulnerability.
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    The Monkey’s Back — Spanning over eight minutes, this expansive track encapsulates the band's adventurous spirit, blending various styles into a cohesive narrative that challenges traditional song formats.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album's inventive structures and layered sounds contribute to its distinctiveness within the experimental rock genre.

What we noticed

  • Layered instrumentation is prevalent, often featuring multiple overlapping melodies that create a dense soundscape.
  • Vocals are delivered in a conversational style, frequently alternating between singing and spoken word, which adds to the whimsical nature of the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Cough Coughing 3:20
  • 2 The Late Great Libido 4:59
  • 3 E. Is Stable 5:17
  • 4 Twenty Cell Revolt 4:05
  • 5 Strongest Man in the World 5:35
  • 6 Oahu 5:18
  • 7 Trigga Hiccups 4:02
  • 8 Rose 2:58
  • 9 The Monkey’s Back 8:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata