The Little Red Songbook cover

The Little Red Songbook

Momus · 1998

64 min · 24 tracks · post-punk · Shibuya-kei · folktronica

A whimsical blend of quirky pop and sardonic lyrics wrapped in lo-fi production.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quirky narratives with sardonic wit
  • playful sing-along karaoke moments
  • wave-like pacing with varied energy
  • light-hearted reflections on relationships

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward, serious themes
  • seek long, cohesive compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, 'The Little Red Songbook' was Momus' ninth studio album, following his critically acclaimed 'Folktronic.' At this point in his career, he was solidifying his status as an avant-garde artist who blended various genres, especially within the burgeoning Shibuya-kei scene. This album further showcased his penchant for playful yet provocative storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors
Cornelius· Pizzicato Five· Stereolab

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Old Friend, New Flame 2:05
  • 2 MC Escher 3:31
  • 3 Who Is Mr Jones? 2:09
  • 4 Harry K-Tel 2:05
  • 5 Lucretia Borgia 2:50
  • 6 How to Spot an Invert 1:42
  • 7 Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 2:43
  • 8 Born to Be Adored 4:14
  • 9 Coming in a Girls Mouth 1:34
  • 10 What Are You Wearing? 5:32
  • 11 The New Decameron 1:43
  • 12 The Symphonies of Beethoven 4:13
  • 13 Tragedy and Farce 2:38
  • 14 Miss X, an Ex-Lover 2:09
  • 15 I Can See Japan 4:49
  • 16 Old Friend, New Flame (karaoke version) 2:06
  • 17 Tragedy and Farce (karaoke version) 2:39
  • 18 The New Decameron (karaoke version) 1:46
  • 19 Coming in a Girl's Mouth (karaoke version) 1:36
  • 20 Miss X, an Ex-Lover (karaoke version) 2:10
  • 21 Harry K-Tel (karaoke version) 2:07
  • 22 Who Is Mr Jones? (karaoke version) 2:20
  • 23 How to Spot an Invert (karaoke version) 1:44
  • 24 The Symphonies of Beethoven (karaoke version) 4:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata