LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION - MIKA
This singularly named singer comes across as a blend of Jake Shears, Freddie Mercury and Elton John, with a dash of Robbie Williams for good measure. In fact, “Life in Cartoon Motion” is like Scissor Sisters-lite: Retro disco with heavy doses of rollicking piano and funk. However, unlike the sometimes-sordid Sisters, Mika keeps it mostly safe with the lyrical content and doesn’t ever let his music get too down and dirty. The album’s highlights include the sassy workout of the plus-sized-positive tune “Big Girl” and the chugging disco of “Love Today.” Each song has nearly the same thumping disco beat gussied up with distorted guitars and percolating percussion. There’s nothing new under the sun, but this a fun pop album with peppy shake-yer-rump numbers and classy jangle-pop ditties (not to mention the occasional epic ballad). Billboard
