Search - Annie :: Anniemal (Chi)

Camp, Kitsch, & Smart too!

Neptunian Spirit | Dayton, OH USA | 11/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hailing from Norway, not far from pop capital of the world Sweden (ABBA, Ace of Base, et al.), Annie's debut record "Anniemal" is a sweeping, dizzying, & sexy trip. It seemed though that this record was more of a critical darling than a commercial one, which is a shame, since this was one of the better pop records I've heard in recent memory.



Annie sets up shop as the charming Euro-girl next door, placing herself in unique, tried & true (yet never stale) pop arrangements. Richard X produces some of the record, as well as her deceased boyfriend Erot, amongst others. The sounds literally "pop" ("Me Plus One"), chug charmingly along ("No Easy Love", "Always Too Late") or simply just charm with a dilly sense of humor ("Anniemal").



Annie's voice evokes latter-day "Fever" era Kylie Minogue, with early trashy/sensual Madonna undertones on two of best cuts: "Chewing Gum" & "The Greatest Hit". The first, lyrically is rather clever, as she uses the analogy of gum to describe men who are merely stops along the way, & not the mainstay "chocolate" she is looking for. Annie's posturing bravado, yet unassuming sounding voice (cue Kylie reference I made earlier) makes this song a surefire winner. It comes off as intelligent & camp, not moronic unlike another obnoxious "pop" singer (Fergie). The latter, "The Greatest Hit" brings in the Madonna not just in tone vocally, but musically. This cut samples Madonna's first single "Everybody" to great effect. Sly, sensual, & with a wink of smuttiness politely tucked away underneath the lyrics, this is probably the best song on the record. Did I mention how she uses handclaps & tongue clicking together on this cut, you have to hear it to believe it.



Lastly, Annie brings some late 1970's disco-toned pop on "Heartbeat" & "Come Together" respectively, the latter winning the price for bringing this across in it's epic scope.



Overall, Annie brings the fun & the coyness, without sounding stupid, or tired. One can only hope for an IMMEDIATE follow-up that has the same similar quality, but with the added push of promotion to show these other pop-wannabe-tarts how to do it right. Highly recommended."