MENOMENA: I Am The Fun Blame Monster!

Menomena

I Am The Fun Blame Monster!

© 2003 Menomena (751937231325)

CD coming back in stock soon.

If you want us to email you the minute this CD arrives, enter your name and email address here. We will not give or sell your info to anyone, and will not use it for any other reason than to tell you when it arrives.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

"Oh l'amour... Broke my heart now I'm aching for you."

notes

the portland mercury: sound glue
menomena is rockin' the remix
by julianne shepherd
-------

at first, it's tough to figure out the way menomena's piano, guitar, drums, and bass converge in on each other like electrical patchwork. their sounds fit together, snug but sparse, fleshing out into reflective pop and instrumental music that is both strangely skeletal and panoramic. their stellar bass and beats pop out in grooves with a vague hiphop influence, embellished with the thoughtful temperance of piano and vocal melodies. even still, something about their composition always seems a little unseated, as if their songs are being played backwards. live, it sounds like they're playing remix versions of their songs. menomena always seemed excellent to me--polished, but not glossy, and very heartfelt--but i could never figure out why they sounded so... electronic.

as it turns out, that's just how the portlanders--brent knopf, danny seim, and justin harris--write their music. but also, there's another reason for the remix-y sound. knopf is some kind of programming genius, and he wrote this special computer recording program called deeler (short for "digital looping recorder"), specifically for the composition of menomena's music. "it's a loop-based program that facilitates improvisational recording," brent explains somewhat cryptically.

okay, let's all put on our geek-out freak-out glasses now. essentially, deeler allows menomena to make spontaneous recordings, and it's different from other computer recording programs in that the looping process is far simpler. menomena can record different parts, loop, and layer them as they see fit--this is how they compose their music. they record the parts on the computer, cut and paste until they've made a song they like, and then learn the song from the final version. brent says, "we're basically a cover band of our own songs. danny will mix down the sounds and then we'll learn the song the way he mixed it down. we'll have no premeditated
structure to a song before that."

"we're composers, but without the 'c-o-m,'" jokes justin.

though this method of songwriting may seem foreign to some rock musicians, danny points out that no emotion is lost just because they're writing on a computer. "hiphop music is mostly a series of loops more or less, and that seems pretty obviously emotional to me, and this is the same kind of thing--loop-based. it is a lot harder to portray energy in five-second loops than it is building huge crescendos and kicking in the pedal at the climactic moment."

true, and menomena has nothing to worry about when it comes to energy and emotion. knopf's expressive vocals can carry that burden--at times, his voice stretches out craggily and downtrodden; at others, he's a voice suited for pop music and musicals voice, projecting clearly and sonorously. but danny's kickass, solid, hiphop-influenced beats and justin's strolling basslines add much depth and groove, turning pop songs for smarty-pantses into bona fide contemplative ass-shakers. pretty fresh, non?

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • An Amazing Debut From a Band I'd Never Heard Of!!
    author: Chris in Vancouver, B.C.

    I was first introduced to exquisite works of Menomena by their appearance as the opening act for Gang of Four's reunion tour appearance in Vancouver B.C. Canada at the Commodore Ballroom on May 7, 2005. My setlist from their performance is quite incomplete due to (then) unfamiliarity with the material but from their opener of 'Strongest Man In The World', I was aware that I was witnessing something special! The song that really did it for me though, was 'Oahu' which I believe was the fourth song of their seven song, forty-two minute set. A beautiful looped guitar line, exquisitely delicate keyboards, and haunting vocals! They finished with 'Monkey's Back' which almost seemed to juxtapose the previous works with it's grunge-like guitar solo, and let's face it, curious lyrics. [ you OK Brent? ] During the intermission, I purchased and was fortunate to have the band autograph a CD version of the album which I'll treasure for many years! To the curious, if you have a chance to see them play - GO! To those that can't see them, make your music retailers get their stuff in stock!

  • Menomena does a great job on this cd
    author: www.GreatIndieMusic.com

    Very different. Very interesting. Keep up the good work!

  • author: Dave Brigman

    I bought this album on a recommendation and I can't take it out of the 5 disc. I love the use of the horn and the length is perfect for my short attention span! Come out to the Midwest, especially Chicago!

  • It melted my face.
    author: Beth Nottingham

    Yes, it's that good. I really want to see them live! Good work, Menomena.

  • Very good but short of perfection
    author: Nick

    I love every track but for the last one...but I think it is just the lyrics that bug me since they are a bit cliche' and just meh. Maybe I would enjoy that song but for that but I am not sure. Otherwise a great cd, so much so I bought the vinyl too...interesting packaging for cd and vinyl. Over all definately worth the buy.

  • whiteyourbodylike
    author: whatthevirginmaryshouldlooklike

    this cd came in the mail like four days after i bought it i popped it in and my girlfriend and i proceeded to make sweet sweet love against a milky skyline the sounds were fresh like newborns but like a new breed a new species one that glows in the dark one that has no eyes

  • It grows on you.
    author: Loteeg

    I gave this album a few listens when I first got it, and thought it was just OK. I was disappointed, expecting more along the line of Tung Track, which I downloaded from their site a few months prior. Eventually I stopped listening. Then, months later, I found myself humming the opening to Rose. Lately it's had heavy rotation while I go 'out-on-the-town'. It's great, give it some time.

  • SWEET!
    author: Ashley Baldwin

    I not only love this album, but I saw them live last night and it totally kicked ass. Tracker and Wet Confetti weren't bad either. Keep up the good work! (and dont forget about us lil Portland, Oregoners on future tours!

  • menomena is terrific
    author: c scott

    i am the fun blame monster the first menomena album how great is that . . . these guys really know what they're doing, especially for a debut album . . . i have listened to it about twenty times in the past week or so, and it doesn't get old . . . i can't wait to hear more from these 'pop piano' guys in the future . . . THANKS FOR MAKING MY EAR HAPPY!

  • MASTERPIECE!
    author: Keelpastille

    I was already flabbergasted by the magnificent artwork. And the cd is even better! Outstanding drums and piano. Menomena sounds like Simian, Sister Sonny, The Notwist, dEUS... all European acts. I would never expect this to be an American band. GIVE ME MORE!!!

  • Awesome Debut!!!
    author: Rafael P

    It will take at least ten listens before you hear everything that’s going on, and ten more to understand it, yet this is far from impenetrable; it boasts a melody line that any pop princess would sell her plastic soul for, and prompts the idea that Knopf and his cohorts have been hanging around a crossroads doing just the same.

  • Amazing!
    author: Julie

    Makes me proud to be from Portland!

  • Blippity rock!
    author: Matthew McVickar

    Sheer brilliance, this. I don't know how to write about music, only how to sing along. Know this: I love to sing along to this album. Keep up the good work, fellas.

  • Very impressive
    author: Paul

    Truly one of the most inventive collection of songs I've heard in a long time. I can't say I've heard anything like it, yet it's highly accessible at the same time. This is a trememdous feat for any indie rock band.

  • menomostly excellent
    author: roastbeefalo

    This is a keeper. I'll give them a chance if you are thinking about it, plus cd baby had the cd to me in 2 days. Great website, great album, you can't miss on this.

  • you won't know what hit you
    author: kevin

    As everyone else has already said, this album is incredible. Absolutely astounding. Essential. The only problem lies in the packaging, which, as as far as the... umm, 'liner notes' are concerned, is downright phenominal, but damnit, my disc got scratched just as fast as I got hooked on this band! (ok, so it took a couple of weeks for the disc to get scratched and about one listen to get me hooked) Moral of the story: BUY TWO COPIES! (trust me, it's worth it)

  • lost matter taste scrambling might now blame attitude with history
    author: Scorpion Jones

    The CD is I Am The Fun Blame Monster!, the first Menomena album and it >is >terrific. I have long lost the ability to describe music or to compare it >to others, but it doesn't matter since Menomena sound like no one >else. They are totally unique and all those poor fools with good taste >who will be scrambling to imitate Menomena (and there will be many) might >as well give up now because they will fail. Fail! You can't blame them >for trying though because by the time you've finished listening to this CD >it is obvious that Menomena are the "it" group of the moment and I Am The >Fun Blame Monster! is at least the album of the year! > >What is it about Menomena that is so doggone new? I'd say it is an >attitude. But more than that it is an attitude with a feeling. This is >the musical manifestation of extraterrestrial caring. I say >extraterrestrial because what in the whole history of humanity have we >done to deserve this gift that these visionary minds have bestowed upon >us? Not squat! Therefore they must have beamed this unparalleled art to >us from the heavens in order to inspire, heal and rejuvenate us. Talk >about caring! The extraterrestrial unknown isn't so scary after all! > >But what they have also done is leveled the playing field so that there >is >no point of any other music ever again! Sure, I am a little sad in a way, >because all those previous "artists" meant well, but on the other hand, we >are all so improved by this release that I'm sure that they don't >care. Of course, the record industry is kaput, but screw them: CD Baby >will live on having been chosen by the deities known as Menomena as the >medium through which this aural nectar, this salvation of the planet >itself, is allowed to exist. > >I love Menomena, and I love you , CD Baby for making the priceless and >necessary affordable.

  • Intriguing.
    author: Calvin Carl

    Menomena has found the beautiful line between mature progressive music, and catchy pop songs. It seems as if those two things mix like oil and water, but Menomena pulls it off masterfully. Every instrument on this cd just drips emotion and pure soul. Guaranteeed, from the first second, you will be tapping your toes right along.

  • author: CD Baby

    Both skeletal and expansive, warm but biting, emotionally raw and yet guarded, cushioned by pockets of wet guitar lines and elusive electronics, their compact, saturated textures are beveled with penetrating, "bar piano" lines that shape the sound like cutting glass with tears. Mastering soft yet seething motives, they swim their way through washes and layers of thought. White and barren landscapes dashed with boulders, jutting peaks of intimidating, dramatically beautiful intrigue are called to mind by Menomena's sound- curiously packed with substance yet lonely and beautifully empty.

  • Roarrrrrrrrrtweet - dilemma
    author: Godzillabird

    Wow! I'd blather on how great this CD is, but I'm torn: I don't wanna Menomena to leave Bridgetown and lose their brilliance in the starmaker machinery. This is seriously amazing stuff.

  • Most excellent, well crafted
    author: Dave C. Duncan

    This album was a spur of the moment sort of buy. I was wandering around the site, listening to this or that and saw this interesting little flying monster (as depicted on the CD cover). Intrigued, I also noticed it was not available for purchase. I read the band notes posted here and decided "What the heck?!". It sounded interesting. I am so glad I waited for this album to become available because it just blew my musical mind. I listen to a vast amount of different styles and this is right up there with some of my all-time favorites. I have well over 1000 CD's and when people ask me to suggest an album, this will be one of them. The packaging of the CD is awesome. You need to get it to find out, I'm not telling. (evil grin) And the sound they are able to put together just entrances you and let's your mind wander like a skipping child. You know those tingly feelings you get when you recall a wonderful memory...this album does that too.

  • i would eat menomena music if i wasn't already overweight
    author: chris

    wonderful cd. inventive. beautiful. boisterous. gently swaying in the september sun.

  • sooooooooo good, yo
    author: Perrr

    dayum, this is a good cd. these guys are way creative and every song sounds rather different than the one before it. but they all have one thing in common, and that is that theyre all SWEEEEET.

  • whoa man!
    author: Ryker Jones
  • Historicly fresh!
    author: Adam

    I got the cd off a tip from pitchfork and I must say it is inspiring. Good music is hard to find these days, nobody wants to create, think, or be original, this album does all of these. I especially appreciate it as a musician trying to get my stuff out there. Thank you. -AC

  • We've been blessed.
    author: divine vomit

    You've got null to lose. I be listening to this album hardcore. Beautifous!

  • author: ingeborg

    "Slanted and enchanted" by pavement has been characterized as one of the best albumdebuts ever.or at least of the 90's. "I am the fun blame monster" is one of the best albumdebuts I have heard in the 2000's.

  • something fresh, something great
    author: Joseph Symes

    menomena have made a terrific album with a fresh concept. everything they try seems to work. give these guys a chance...and the packaging is one of a kind.

  • "Menomena is all I could ask for in a band and more"
    author: RachelAz
  • rules
    author: Michael

    i saw menomena a long time ago in portland and i've been looking forward to this album for a long time. thank you boys, it rocks just like i wanted it to.

  • Stunning
    author: CJL

    Menomena is experimental, catchy, funny and cool without ever being pretentious. Stunning.

  • a pleasant surprise
    author: jonelle

    isn't it fun to go out on a limb and randomly buy a cd without even hearing a single thing from it first, simply because of a silly website or a small description you read somewhere? what's REALLY fun is when that cd turns out to be incredible and you not only got your money's worth, but something you'll treasure forever, along with fun cd packaging in the form of a little flip-book with neato pictures and an anagram to boot! (and then suddenly you're super hip because you have something obscure too) go me! and go menomena!

  • So good!
    author: rich

    This is such a good album! Starts off good and only gets better - I'd recommend it to anyone!

  • WOW
    author: J

    This is not only a good cd from the first listen, but then I realized, wait, THIS IS ONLY THEIR 1ST ALBUM!!!.....I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm sure their next release will be just as beautiful and sexy and badass.

  • Amazing
    author: Aaron

    this is the best cd i have ever listened to. it's brilliant, everyone should own it.

  • sweet, sugary fields of lollypops and dots
    author: Miccall

    One of my favorite CDs right now. that says a lot right there because I listen to lots of music. among my hoards, this one soars above with simplicity and envelops me in pitches and rhythms of tasty treats and green leaves.

  • this is great quirky pop music
    author: Michael Baspaly

    This is great quirky pop music, kind of reminds me of the Unicorns which is a good thing. The flip book is also very cool. Nice one, guys. I'll definitely be watching for your next release.

  • good but...
    author: odradek (from france, as you will see...)

    The first half of the album is very good but after this strong start, there's something like a way the band is looking for and not finding. Too much sounds, too much effects, and the songs are sinking in a radiohead-john-spencer's style which is less charming. But the five or six first songs let think about a good second album. I will wait.

  • good stuff, with a flipbook!
    author: jack

    Verrrry catchy and interesting.I guess this was sort-of an impulse buy. I heard that "I am the Fun Blame Monster" was a good cd, so I decided to get it. Once i heard the whole album, I loved it. There is a good range of styles on this album, from electronic-textured songs (many dancable), to more noisy post-punk sounding songs towards the end. But they are all good, and no one song can be classified into one genre-- that is what is so great about the album, and Menomena does this without simply ripping off its/their influences. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys any type of experimental music, or anyone who has an open mind at all. The songs build on themselves very well, which is a great charactaristic of Menomena's song writing.

  • WoW!!!
    author: Dom

    Menomena have a sound that moved me right away. Very gorgeous and addictive. If you're wondering who they sound like, which is a tough to pin down, think of Folk Implosion or Can and you might get the idea. Very groovy and great presentation/artwork.

  • Happy Trent Reznor, I say!
    author: Zeff

    This album contains many build-ups and drop-offs, but not quite the same sort that might be found in a crescendo-driven band, such as Godspeed You Black Emperor. The instrumentals being generally very simple, involving only a few instruments at a time, as well as a verse/chorus lyrical blocking structure, makes this an album of simplicity, as opposed to multi-layered complexity. It turns out, though, that this isn't a disadvantage for them at all. Track-for-track, this, on the other hand, is a fairly complex album. From the heavy beat of "Cough Coughing" to the slow ambience of "Oahu" to the jazzy sax of "Twenty Cell Revolt," The Fun Blame Monster will not leave any sense of box category style which Menomena could easily be thrown into. I, myself, was not able to come up with anything to refer to them as, nor anyone else to compare to, except perhaps a happy Trent Reznor, if that's even possible to imagine. This, to me, though, gives this album a great amount of feeling, to a point almost comparable to Mogwai. The flow from "Oahu" into "Trigga Hiccups" is definitely an abrupt change, like going from horrible depression to being completely oblivious to any pain at all... okay, so that might be an extreme, but even still, what a concept. See the full review here.

  • Absolutely Refreshing but....
    author: Billy

    This is the new thing i have needed for way to long! I saw these cats at the Sunset in Ballard and man was it amazing and beautiful in so many ways. They had slight technical difficulties and tempers flared but what can you do, they moved on after some things fell over...luckily. What i am not too keen about is the price of this first album that has noticeable mistakes. But again, what refreshing tunes to the ear. I just don't think that one should ever pay above $9 for a debut album no matter how good it is. Seriously, that is what the major label and chart bands do, not nerds from Portland who are really nice. Oh well.

  • Coolest thing I bought in the last year
    author: Tony F

    After reading some positive buzz and downloading a few tracks, I decided to jump headfirst and actually pay for the music. Even if the music weren't so great, the packaging alone would validate the purchase. A tremendous collection of hotfat beats, august piano flourishes, locked-in bass grooves and the occasional really ugly guitar, this is to be filed under Headphone Treats. Thankfully, it sounds good cranked up as well. Post rock, loop rock, chop rock, whatever you want to call this -- I'm glad there are people are out there making music like this.

  • just amazing
    author: bibble

    This album hasn't left my cd player since I got it. I don't think I've ever been this impressed with a debut album. Maybe if you count Surfer Rosa as the Pixies' debut. It's right up there with the best albums of 2003, and easily bests some of the indie-scene heavies (The Strokes and the Shins come to mind). There's really not a whole lot I can say about it. Basically it's just that great and you'd be a shmuck not to own it and obsess over it and love it.

  • Simply incredible.
    author: David

    By the first accelerated drum beats, looping guitar breaks and ass-shaking piano, you are pulled into the world of Portland's soon-to-be-idolized Menomena. There are echoes of indie pop, surf-rock, electronica, hip-hop, classical and more resonating from every corner of this album, invading every angle to form complex, brilliant, and yet utterly simple songs. "Cough Coughing" chugs along on a stellar hip-hop influenced beat, building up and breaking down repeatedly until ushering in a velvet piano line and angelic bells. "The Late Great Libido" spoons out the deepest regrets from the walls of your gut and spatters them across rivers of bubbly saxophone, piano droning and pop vocals, and is just an early taste of the grand masterwork that is I AM THE FUN BLAME MONSTER! Tracks like "Oahu", with its lazy surf guitar wash and brilliant, sing-speak vocals ("I was once a maiden, on a voyage / In a shipless sea...") are also among the album's peaks, the whole package culminating in the violent, terrifying, and completely fucking awesome "The Monkey's Back". The track starts out slow, spreading its melodic roots, before fastening them to a strangle with wrenching guitars and a frenzied vocal assault. You know from the first listen this album is absolutely classic. The rhythms hit from unseen angles, burrowing deep into your skull and then receding just in time for the next break beat, noise swell, sinister bass crescendo or syrupy piano melody. Never before have I seen such an incredible debut album from a band like Menomena, from virtually out of nowhere. "So I fed him poison grapes..."

  • Original, wonderful, endlessly replayable
    author: Elizabeth

    The creativity of just the packaging is amazing in and of itself, and the only thing they put more originality and time into is the music. I heard they actually designed their own software in order to create this music. Menomena has taken elements of pop, rock, and even hip hop and arranged them in a way that is catchy, beautiful, and ultimately haunting. There is no song on this CD that doesn't surprise and delight. A great album from one of the freshest bands out there!

  • Who'd have thunk post-rock could be fun?
    author: Fast 'n' Bulbous

    Who'd have thunk post-rock could be fun? Possibly named after a song from the Muppet Show, Menomena are a bunch of supergeeks from Portland who developed a computer program called Deeler that uses loops to "facilitate improvisational recording," according to programmer Mark Knopf. Sounds as exciting as chemistry lab? Much more so, in fact, in that revelatory "oh wow" feeling you get when you discover something new, and realize by looking at the brilliant album art that the name comes from letters rearranged from the words “The First Menomena Album.”. Nor are they as wacky as their muppet name suggests, as many of their songs are fairly dark. However, their clever innovations and diverse sounds are indeed fun, like a creepy carnival funhouse. They loop and layer and mix electronic songs until they decide they like it, and then learn how to play them acoustically. It's a gimmick somewhat similar to Lake Trout's recent approach to recreating drum 'n' bass electronica with their instruments. The results sound loosely influenced by Radiohead, Beta Band, Mogwai and Tortoise with hip hop beats and electronica, but with vocals and pop elements like Broken Social Scene. Despite the influences, their sound is utterly fresh. There's some great tunes here too. "The Late Great Libido" is like a Britpop song, but not boring. "Twenty Cell Revolt" begins suspensefully with pounding drums and Morphine-like baritone sax, punctuated with succinct outbursts of soaring, melodic choruses. "Strongest Man In The World" kicks off with deliciously menacing, echo-laden organ, pausing for melancholy piano breaks, like Portishead gone schizo. This will probably be reissued in '04 and top everyone's lists. Don't wait for marketing campaigns to tell you when it's cool to like something, snatch it up now!

  • "Yes, I am awesome"
    author: a.k.a ylee

    It was just a fluke that I even came across this album when they played it on one of the college stations. All I really have to say about this is that it's definately worth having to IMPORT the album. Their sound is so amazing. I'm absolutely in love with the whole album. I can listen to E is Stable over and over and not get enough. The whole album is on repeat in my cd player.

  • well worth your money.
    author: TROUTMASK

    This CD is pretty good. And although it is not a total groundbreaking album, these guys have managed to come out with an original sound which is very highly commendable. I would recomend it to anyone who is up for hearing something different.

  • brilliant
    author: adam keck

    this cd is brilliant. buy it now if you like good music.

  • Absolutely stunning debut!
    author: P. Jack

    With each listen the question is continually raised: why does this band remain so far below the radar? Easily one of the best of the year.

  • unpredictable...dazzling...beautiful
    author: Chuck

    First, the time and care taken in putting together the artwork alone warrants a good review. As for the music, I've heard the terms 'pop' and 'hip hop beats' tossed around quite a bit, but the beauty of this record lies in its stunning unpredictability which is somehow done in a completely accessible way. Nothing too jarring or herky jerky, but it twists and turns and leaves you wondering where the band will go next. Of course, the melodies are gorgeous and it's hard not to sing along (where the 'pop' comes in, I suppose) and the beats and loops are interesting as well, but the record succeeds the most in its ability to bring so many elements to the table without cluttering it up. It's almost sparse at times, yet always sounds full...big and bold, even. All in all, this is a terrific record, and if you're into the indie hipster side of things, you'll feel that much cooler owning it. If that's not your schtick, then simply pick it up for the phenomenal songs.

  • ...a wonderful disc from out of nowhere
    author: Jason R.

    Clearly, quite a bit of thought, effort, and talent went into this stunning disc. Not only is the music consistently both stimulating and melodic, the CD art itself (which includes a flip-book of the band) is some of the best I’ve had the pleasure of owning. After several listens, I Am the Fun Blame Monster has earned its way into my favorite 25 albums of all time as of early 2004. Thanks to pitchforkmedia.com for never failing to lead me to excellent releases. I also would like to give my compliments to the folks at cdbaby.com for obviously going well out of their way to make shopping here an enjoyable experience.

  • Whoa!!
    author: Craig

    Simply put, this is a phenomenal CD. One of the top 5 of 2003 and one that I think will end up in many top CD's of 2000-2009 lists.

  • Positively fantastic!
    author: Joe Gatzek

    Just got this for Christmas and it's the best CD I've heard in a long time. Top contender for best of 2003. You need this CD.

  • Blown away
    author: Danny Galas

    Song #4 rocks my world. Top 5 CD of 2003.

  • Pure Power Prog Pop Pleasure
    author: Kier

    No artistic noodling, this is power prog pop for the masses. Ill beats, sweet melodies, haunting piano, lean guitar, rambling bass. Think Radiohead + They Might Be Giants + Gorillaz, if you must. But, best of all don't think, just buy this now.

  • Bun Flames for Fun Blame!
    author: Paul E

    Holy shite. This kicks arse.

  • all hail the kings of the stereo pan...
    author: hhaller

    I don't find this cd easy to review, and that's a very good thing. It's some sort of lushly layered electro dream pop that would be at home in the collection of most people of refinement and grace. It has breakbeats, atmospheric soundtracky moments, piano and sax, some fairly rockin parts, as well as a suprising variety of male vocals. It's as complex and layered as anything The Flaming Lips have been doing lately, yet somehow it manages to sound organic and unforced. Put on some headphones and bask in it. Just far and away the best cd by a band without any sort of label representation in ages...although I can't imagine someone won't snap them up soon.

  • Kickass
    author: Megan

    Read the reviews on Pitchfork and Tiny Mix Tapes. Couldn't stop listening to this for a week.

  • This CD rocks my face.
    author: Carnage and the Fiasco

    Unique blend of styles on this album, effective about 90% of the time. For you beat-junkies, it nods your head, but doesn't break ground. Piano work is quite sublime (not a band reference). Lyrics are strange but thought provoking in an eerie way. Album artwork, from the perspective of a Graphic Designer, very nice. Old idea with a breath of fresh air blown into it.

  • made my top 20 of the year at #5
    author: Brent Sallay

    They changed what I said in this review/blurb to make it more "descriptive." But the important thing is this: the first Menomena album is incredible, or in other words, I am the fun blame monster, Die Bernice Lidsi! I would give it five stars, only I don't want the band members to get complacent and stop churning out pure gold.

  • w00t this is good!
    author: Capn Jonny

    Man. Ever so often, a great cd comes 'round. Usually, each year has one cross-genre, amazing release. Menomena's "I am the Fun Blame Monster" is this year's example of unadultered greatness.

  • Delicious
    author: Jack

    This album is excellent. Thanks again to Pitchfork for the recommendation (I'm a Pitchfork whore, and it's great).

  • Wonderful record! Gets better with each listen!
    author: Mike

    Thanks to Pitchfork for another great suggestion. And thanks to CDBaby for actually stocking this record. In a world of same-sounding music (even in some degree among the independent music community) this is such a breath of fresh air. My favorite track is... whatever I heard last, which is invariably the song that is stuck (thankfully) in my head. Enjoy! :) (By the way, the band actually sent me an email, a "bite sized mass email" to about ten or twenty, thanking me for buying the record. How cool is that!)

  • author: D

    I heard of this band via pitchforkmedia.com's "best new music" listing. Generally it is hit or miss with pitchfork, but this time they seem to have nailed it on the proverbial head. The songs are catchy, and complex, and their invention of a music program to aid with this album is well documented. In short, this is one of the best albums of 2003, but unfortunately many people probably will never hear it.

  • As unique as its packaging
    author: Alex

    Pitchforkmedia's review lured me in, and I don't regret it. "I Am the Fun-Blame Monster" is as unique as its packaging, and what I like most about it is the mood of introverted, melancholy it manages to create despite being superficially vibrant and full of sound. "Oahu" is my favorite track, but there are many great ones, and I have listened to the album many times without getting bored. It feels fresh and, most of all, this band seems to have enormous potential. I am excited for the next album already.

  • Best album of the year
    author: Justin Skomarovsky

    The most inventive and beautiful album in a long time. Standout tracks are 2, 3, 8, & 9. Tracks 8 & 9 are especially breathtaking. Menomena is genius.

  • tupping awesome!
    author: mike

    this is by far the best alblum of the year in my opinion! being in portland and having seen them play i must say that there is no better musicianship in portland, tupping awesome!

  • damn fine record
    author: Ken Urban

    while the techny-nerd part of me wants to know all about the computer program that allows the band to create its compositions, the rest of me just enjoys the beauty of the songs, full of emotional highs and lows. whether the band is (com)posing or not, these are damn fine songs. this record reminds me in some ways of the flaming lips minus the LSD residue of that band's psychedelica (a good thing). lovers of tight songs with inventive production will find lots of riches in this record.

  • Also Pitchfork's lackey
    author: Mickey

    What a spectacular album. Pitchfork's "Best New Music" section rarely leads me astray, and this album is no exception. Quite a fantastic and somewhat elusive sound, Menomena is wriggling their way into my top 10 of the year already...

  • pure passion
    author: alex

    the music on this CD is so pure and passionate, it is very inspiring. #5 is heartbreaking. #1 makes you want to dance. #9 is crazy. #3 is dreamlike. all the songs overflow with life and love.

  • One of the most enjoyable albums of the year
    author: Kareem Estefan of Stylus Magazine

    To read my review of the album, click the above link.

  • Pitchfork made me do it...
    author: Meat

    Yep. Picked this up from the Fork (and its true that they are full of themselves and usually pick crap just cuz nobody's heard of it) and its THE real deal for sure! Very creative and definitely worth a listen. E is Stable is infectious and you can't get some of the melodies out of your head... Go pick this up!

  • Impressive - these guys deserve to be stars
    author: Bill from OKC

    This album has the viseral sensation of discovery! The music has the feel of experimental or genre-bending bands (like Tortoise) but it always remains emotional, and accessable. (The vocals help with the accessability.) This is as good as it gets—especially for a debut disc.

  • Is other music from Portland this good?
    author: Jon Cant

    I read a very favourable review about I am the fun blame monster on pitchfork's website, and was quite intrigued to check it out. After listening to a downloaded version of the album incessantly, I realized that this was the best album I've heard in a long time. Two things I noticed immediately: the excellent vocal range of the lead singer, and an uncanny ability to write a structured song that sounds very free form. Excellent job guys, this will be in my stereo for a while to come!

  • Staggering! Colossal! Should sell more copies than "Dark Side of the Moon"!
    author: morrislives@aol.com

    Hyperbole cannot do this album justice, save to say that Menomena are the GREATEST SINGLE THING to come out of the Pacific Northwest since the Wilson sisters and Sasquatch! Oh, and maybe Courtney Love now that she's back on the drugs. Anyway, I downloaded this based on the Pitchfork review, despite the fact that unpaid Pitchfork interns tend to be obscurist wankers whose enthusiastic frothing is inversely proportional to the popularity of the band. But I have to admit that for once, they have not lead me astray. After downloading, I went back and bought it here at CD Baby, a true mark of quality. Imagine Radiohead's "Hail to the Thief" recorded in someone's basement for $600, and that includes tipping the pizza guy. Just a brilliant, funky, nuanced cacophany of computers and piano. "Cough Coughing" is your new favorite song.

  • not quite as good as advertised, but...
    author: mike

    I bought this based off the pitchfork review, and while it wasn't the massive breakthrough they made it out to be, it's still pretty damn good.

  • This album ... off the chain.
    author: Mike Shoffeitt

    Menomena creates a very fun experience. There is no filler to be found on the nine tracks here. In the end, my only complaint is that at 45 minutes I was left wanting to hear more. Highlights are the opening track "Cough Coughing" with its creative drum panning, the incredible "E. is Stable," "Strongest Man in the World," and the closer "Monkey's Back." All songs build gradually layer more and more upon their opening to present a vast soundscape. This is a great offering. I can't wait for these guys to produce more. Oh yeah, best ... CD packaging ... ever.

  • im speechless
    author: brandon

    amazing 12321x. so dense, so layered, so creative. the sound, the overdriven percussion that sounds so deliciously glitched. OH MAN. i love this cd.

  • Best Album So Far This Year
    author: Chris

    Like I said, its the best thing I bought so far this year. Music is always interesting AND involving. Its fun to listen to. You can't beat that.

  • Impressive!
    author: Bruno M. Mello

    This is a truly impressive album. Creativity pushed to the extreme. The packaging is also very nice. I eagerly await what will come next.

  • Endtroducing... Menomena
    author: Cascadia Cotillion

    Remember Endtroducing... DJ Shadow? We'll this record creates the exact same mood as Shadow's debut from '96, at least in me. Harmonically spare and innocent, Menomena's beats are much more compressed with a slightly 90's dub-ish feel. This records lacks any guitar punch, but they make up for it with earnest vocalising and funk-ee Tostoise-like vamps of drum and bass. Childlike upright-piano tones pepper many songs on Blame Monster. This is not a rock record, more like apocalypso. Live, they are way more fun to watch than the Swords Project(their middle-aged sonic counterpart), and probably the nicest band in Portland, I still can't get over how much this record sounds like DJ Shadow's debut. But I'd buy it again especially for the art-skool packaging. And they made the whole record themselves---

  • fabulous debut
    author: Bud Melman

    a great start for Menomena, this album is a lesson for what is possible with only three instrumentalists and whole shit-load of creativity. They never play a note more than is necessary to gain the wanted effect. First six or seven tracks are solid as hell, but then album begins to peeter out. This is excusable, as it is a debut, and they are probably just working out their formula, and haven't yet started seeing the permuatations possible to broaden their horizons. very promising work.

  • pretty amazing
    author: Kevin Mulligan

    I heard about this album from Pitchforkmedia.com: it was in their "Best New Music" section with good reason. It's really refreshing to see a songwriting band that uses innovative modern methods of creating its music. Every song flows into one another. I really dug "The Late Great Libido" in particular. Flipbook=Awesome.

  • That's good stuff!
    author: Jonathan P.

    Pitchfork media called another one correctly. I love the packaging almost as much as I love the music.

  • Brilliant!!!
    author: Donnie
  • pretty amazing
    author: jonathan webster

    I play piano, and I think its safe to say that this cd has broadened my vision of what this instrument can do for a band.. it is also of course an amazing joy to listen to.. so well crafted and creative... one of the best new albums I've heard in a long while

  • go ahead, buy it
    author: stc

    every time i play it in the record store i work in, at least 4 people ask what it is. it rocks my socks off.

  • Raw genius.
    author: Jonathan Boggess

    All I can say is, damn, I wish I had made this CD.

  • A kleidoscope of fantastic music and brevity of sound. thank you
    author: Jeremy Shaw
  • Are You Kidding Me?
    author: Jim Krause

    This is one of the deepest sounding records I've heard in a very long time. Every song is a fully realised gem. While it clearly references a myriad of influences it is wholly original sounding and a very rewarding listen.

  • Very, very good
    author: Josh S

    Menomena could really make a name for themselves with this CD. It oozes enthusiastic creativity, and it's different enough from the other stuff out there that it could get noticed (especially now that Pitchfork has reviewed it). There's substance beneath all the style, too. Good, solid songwriting. The hooks are fun, the grooves are rump-shaking and certain stretches of bass, drum and piano are mildly hypnotic. Definitely worth buying.

  • A wonderful and unique album
    author: Dave P.

    This is one of the coolest albums I have come across in a while. There is so much detail in the songs, even after multiple listenings I am discovering new things. This one will not leave my CD player for a long time. Also, the artwork and packaging are totally awesome. Very highly recommended to everyone.

  • Sort of like... NEON CHOCOLATE!
    author: James the Mighty

    Listening to this CD has been a real treat. I've bought a lot of music this past while, and I can honestly say this is some of the best stuff I've heard in a while. The last CD I bought that I thought was this good would be "Thought for Food", by The Books. Chock full of surprises, and powerful soul numbing emotion, I can't help but gush over with joy, and sorrow all at once. This CD should be given to every numb skull that dares to say that there is no good music being made today. You won't be disappointed.

  • "Menomena's I Am The Fun Blame Monster is as eclectic as it is electrifying"
    author: Brian Dukes - Up & Coming Weekly

    A jigsaw of styles, Menomena is quite the musical puzzle, drawing equally (and heavily) from dance, indie-rock, pop, electronic, and hip hop genres. I Am The Fun Blame Monster is the Portland-based band's first album, and one that interestingly enough defies any and all categorization, save one - it's just great music. Led by the vigorous vocals of Brent Knopf, Menomena features Danny Seim on drums and Justin Harris on bass. There's also a fourth member to their cast, Deeler - a computer program. Deeler (Digital Looping Recorder) was Knopf's creation, a special computer recording program that facilitates improvisational recording, and allows Menomena to compose their brand of beats. Through Deeler, Menomena can record different loops and then layer them however they like - much like cutting and pasting. However, this doesn't detract from their talents whatsoever. The band, with finalized track in hand, then has to learn the song by breaking it down into its pieces - each player then learns their part ... like knowing the plot points of a good play and then learning your lines. I Am The Fun Blame Monster takes this technology to its threshold, proving that music can be great no matter how it comes about. The whole of Fun Blame is not greater than the sum of its parts - each song is so unique and original that they're almost mini-albums in their own right. Fun Blame is a musical mix that rocks to the beat of a different drummer. The band's loop-based, computer-gen brand of music isn't without soul, however, as every track is as heartfelt and emotional as you'd find on mainstream records. Whether it's the haunting pianos, the precision percussives or the grinding guitars, Menomena are hard at work with Fun Blame. The album peaks early on with "The Great Late Libido" and "E. Is Stable," which is my favorite track off the album. "Libido" has some amazing drum and sax work that will stay on your mind long after the song is over. "E Is Stable" features all the band's best - eerie vocals, bass beats, grating guitar riffs - in an explosively calm, cool manner. "Strongest Man In The World," meanwhile, is a tune that comes right out of the Portishead playbook - but is entirely more upbeat. "Oahu" is, overall, probably the best hand dealt by Menomena's Deeler. It's a track that combines Moby-like instrumentals and ethereal vocals that stick around like a reoccurring daydream. Menomena's I Am The Fun Blame Monster is an icy-cool offering of reflective melancholy and pulsing electronic emotion. It's an album that is as pleasant as it is discordant with what traditional music has come to be defined as. It's refreshing and inventive - two things today's music world is oft in need of, and which can be found in spades in the music of Menomena.

  • "...Sometimes it's good to please your inner nerd."
    author: The Portland Mercury

    Calling all Kinkos! Judging from the downright extraordinary flip-book packing on the stunning debut CD from local kids Menomena, it looks like someone has been stealing more than their fair share of copies from their day job. Watch in awe as the flip-book depicts each band remember playing away on their respective instruments. It's kind of like Steamboat Mickey but far cooler! Fantastic packaging aside, I Am the Fun Blame Monster! (or if you complete the word jumble, The First Menomena Album) is a remarkable assortment of rhythm-heavy digital beats, endless rolling bass, and charming vocals--all of which create an alluring debut record that blurs the line between the standard indie rock fare and some downright experimental glitch-pop. Sure it's about as geeky as a TI-80 Graphing Calculator in a custom-fitted pocket protector, but sometimes it's good to please your inner nerd. CARMELO MARTINEZ

  • author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby

    Both skeletal and expansive, warm but biting, emotionally raw and yet guarded, cushioned by pockets of wet guitar lines and elusive electronics, their compact, saturated textures are beveled with penetrating, "bar piano" lines that shape the sound like cutting glass with tears. Mastering soft yet seething motives, they swim their way through washes and layers of thought. White and barren landscapes dashed with boulders, jutting peaks of intimidating, dramatically beautiful intrigue are called to mind by Menomena's sound- curiously packed with substance yet lonely and beautifully empty.

email

Please log in to email this artist.