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Rating: "KISS MY ASS!", a colorful expression that you slap on the face of someone you really dislike (and perhaps they don't speak Italian). The English DJ and producer Andrea Parker makes a variation on the theme and in 1999, she comes out with a "Kiss My Arp", which is a lovely play on words about the ARP synthesizers widely used in the '70s.
It is not just a pun, however, considering Parker's preference for the classic sound of analog synths extensively featured in this album: a strange mix of dark-toned electronic music, downtempo with sometimes very marked and heavy rhythms, and some chill-out hints.
There are twelve tracks in total: eight vocal tracks and four instrumental pieces; among the latter, the best is "Melodious Thunk" (another pun, inspired by the great American jazz musician), a very Kraftwerk-like piece - despite the title - which gained Parker good popularity. The sung tracks (by Andrea herself, with a clear voice and crystal-clear timbre) are not true pop songs: the voice is rather used as an additional sound that accompanies the electronic ones; without monopolizing the track, always with great discretion.
In the electronic context of this album, there is also room for unusual timbres like strings (in two tracks, "Ballbreaker" and "Return of the Rocking Chair") and the cello, an instrument practiced in her youth by Parker (in "Clutching at Straws"). In short, it is the overall sound that makes this work an interesting and particular album, an appropriate listen for when it rains and winds outside: ideal for cuddling among introspective sounds that will warm up the environment for you.
Postcards from another planet, as Andrea sings in "Some Other Level", waiting to be found.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
11 Exclamation Mark! (02:05)
Ehm, it's a matter..., ehm, when is it ? ? dark? ?
When in fact do you use them
Wait, ehm, let me think, ehm
A single exclamation mark
The question marks cast off their hooks in approval
And as if by command
Stood straight back and became exclamation marks
? ? imagine? ? that
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