Released 17 years ago this November
Real Life Is No Cool
Lindstrøm · 2009
89 min · 16 tracks · electronic music
A shimmering blend of disco-infused beats and ethereal melodies, inviting listeners to dance in a dreamlike state.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lovesick — This track showcases Lindstrøm's ability to merge infectious grooves with lush synth layers, creating an irresistible dancefloor anthem that captures the album's upbeat essence.
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Baby Can't Stop — With its catchy hook and vibrant instrumentation, this song perfectly epitomizes the joyful spirit of the album, making it a standout for both listeners and DJs alike.
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Let It Happen — The track combines hypnotic rhythms with airy vocals, encapsulating the euphoric feeling of surrendering to the moment—a central theme throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album features strong production and engaging melodies but is somewhat diluted by the inclusion of remixes.
What we noticed
- The first seven tracks maintain a consistent tempo and energy level, creating a seamless flow that encourages dancing.
- Several tracks feature layered synths that build gradually, often introducing new melodic elements midway through.
- The album includes multiple remixes at the end, which shift the focus from original compositions to reinterpretations of a single track.
- 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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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
- danceable rhythms for celebration
- uplifting vibes for social gatherings
- dreamy soundscapes for late nights
- playful energy for carefree moments
- remixes that extend the joy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek deep lyrical introspection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Real Life Is No Cool' was released in late 2009, Lindstrøm had already established himself as a prominent figure in the Norwegian electronic scene with his earlier works like 'Where You Go I Go Too'. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into cosmic disco and melodic house while further solidifying his signature sound within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Todd Terje· Kraftwerk· Floating Points
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Let It Happen
The lyrics shift from introspective thoughts to an invitation for liberation, urging a sense of letting go and experiencing life fully.
This transition marks a pivotal moment where the narrative embraces freedom, reinforcing the album's overarching message about joy and spontaneity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Looking for What 6:05
- 2 Lovesick 3:12
- 3 Let It Happen 4:53
- 4 Keep It Up 3:28
- 5 Music in My Mind 3:19
- 6 Baby Can't Stop 6:11
- 7 Let's Practise 5:41
- 8 So Much Fun 4:54
- 9 Never Say Never 3:07
- 10 High & Low 6:20
Disc 2
- 1 Baby Can't Stop (Aeroplane vocal remix) 7:23
- 2 Baby Can't Stop (Prins Thomas remix) 9:28
- 3 Baby Can't Stop (Idjut Boys remix) 7:32
- 4 Looking for What (Sally Shapiro remix) 6:59
- 5 So Much Fun (Dølle Jølle remix) 7:57
- 6 Lovesick (Fan Death rework) 3:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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