Manitoba’s “Up in Flames” is an iconic album that has stood the test of time since its release in 2003. The album was created by Canadian musician Dan Snaith under the moniker Manitoba, later changed to Caribou due to a lawsuit. “Up in Flames” is a vibrant and experimental blend of electronic and psychedelic music that showcases Snaith’s talent as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer.
From the opening track “I’ve Lived On A Dirt Road All My Life” to the final song “Every Time She Turns Round It’s Her Birthday,” “Up in Flames” takes the listener on a captivating journey. The album is characterized by its use of heavily processed samples, intricate layers of instrumentation, and Snaith’s dreamy vocals. Songs like “Jacknuggeted” and “Crayon” feature infectious melodies and unconventional structures, while “Skies Over America” and “Bijoux” incorporate elements of jazz and world music.
“Up in Flames” has been praised for its innovative production techniques and adventurous songwriting. It received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been recognized as a landmark album in the history of electronic music. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have been inspired by Snaith’s boundary-pushing approach to music-making. For fans of experimental and psychedelic music, “Up in Flames” is a must-listen album that has only grown in stature since its release.
1. “I’m a Robot”
“Up in Flames I’m a Robot” is a hauntingly beautiful track by Canadian musician, Manitoba (also known as Caribou). The song starts with a simple piano melody that slowly builds into an intricate soundscape of layered vocals and electronic beats. The lyrics explore the idea of losing oneself in technology and becoming a machine, with references to cyborgs and circuit boards. The track’s dreamy atmosphere and ethereal vocals create a sense of detachment and otherworldliness. “Up in Flames I’m a Robot” is a captivating piece of electronic music that blurs the line between man and machine.
2. “Invisible Armies”
“Up in Flames Invisible Armies” is a hauntingly beautiful track by Manitoba, a Canadian electronic musician. The song features dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and introspection. The soft, ethereal vocals add to the emotive quality of the track, while the pulsing rhythms create a sense of urgency and tension. The lyrics speak of invisible armies and hidden battles, touching on themes of inner turmoil and conflict. Overall, “Up in Flames Invisible Armies” is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases Manitoba’s skillful use of electronic soundscapes and emotive lyrics.
3. “Jacknuggeted”
“Jacknuggeted” is one of the standout tracks from Manitoba’s “Up in Flames” album. It features a glitchy, frenetic beat that is propelled forward by a distorted vocal sample and layers of colorful instrumentation. The song’s unconventional structure and use of unusual sounds create a sense of unpredictability and excitement. “Jacknuggeted” has become a fan favorite and has been praised for its unique sound and playful energy. It’s a perfect example of the experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music that has made Manitoba (now Caribou) such an influential figure in the electronic music scene.
4. “Kid You’ll Move Mountains”
“Up in Flames Kid You’ll Move Mountains” is a mesmerizing track by Manitoba, a Canadian electronic musician. The song features a pulsing, hypnotic beat, overlaid with layers of ethereal vocals and swirling electronic textures. The uplifting lyrics speak of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, with the repeated refrain of “Kid, you’ll move mountains” offering a message of hope and encouragement. The combination of driving rhythms and soaring melodies creates a sense of momentum and triumph, making “Up in Flames Kid You’ll Move Mountains” an inspiring and uplifting piece of electronic music that is sure to resonate with listeners.
5. “Skies Over America”
“Skies Over America” is a standout track from Manitoba’s “Up in Flames” album that showcases the artist’s versatility and musical prowess. The song blends elements of jazz, funk, and world music to create a richly textured and groovy sound. It features a dynamic and intricate drumbeat, a catchy bassline, and a soaring trumpet melody that give the song a sense of grandeur and expansiveness. “Skies Over America” is a testament to Manitoba’s ability to seamlessly blend genres and create music that is both complex and accessible, making it a standout track on an already exceptional album.
6. “Bijoux”
“Bijoux” is a sultry and atmospheric song by Canadian electronic artist Caribou, also known as Dan Snaith. The track features a smooth, hypnotic beat that slowly builds into a complex and intricate soundscape of synths, samples, and vocals. The lyrics are minimalistic, with a repeated refrain of “Bijoux,” which adds to the song’s dreamlike quality. The use of ambient sounds and layered vocals creates a sense of intimacy and emotional depth, making “Bijoux” a captivating and introspective piece of electronic music. The track is a perfect example of Caribou’s ability to craft immersive and intricate soundscapes that draw listeners in.
7. “Crayon”
“Up in Flames Crayon” is a dynamic and energetic track by Manitoba, a Canadian electronic musician. The song features a frenetic beat, with layers of glitchy, distorted sounds that create a sense of chaos and urgency. The repeated vocal sample of “Come on, come on” adds to the frenzied atmosphere of the track. As the song progresses, it builds to a crescendo of crashing cymbals and soaring synths, before finally fading into a gentle outro. “Up in Flames Crayon” showcases Manitoba’s talent for crafting intricate electronic soundscapes that are at once complex and engaging, making it a must-listen for fans of experimental electronic music.
8. “Tigers”
“Up in Flames Tigers” is an experimental track by Manitoba, the solo project of Canadian musician Dan Snaith, also known as Caribou. The song features a pulsing electronic beat layered with samples of acoustic instruments, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic rhythm. The lyrics, which are sparse and mostly repeated phrases, suggest a sense of urgency and power, with references to tigers and flames. The track’s unique blend of electronic and organic sounds, combined with Snaith’s distinctive vocals, makes “Up in Flames Tigers” a standout piece in Manitoba’s discography, showcasing his innovative approach to electronic music.
9. “Swan Lake”
“Swan Lake” is a hauntingly beautiful track from Manitoba’s “Up in Flames” album that stands out for its dreamlike atmosphere and intricate composition. The song is built around a delicate piano melody that is gradually augmented by layers of ethereal vocals, shimmering percussion, and lush orchestration. The effect is both ethereal and cinematic, creating a sense of otherworldliness that is perfectly suited to the song’s title. “Swan Lake” is a stunning example of Manitoba’s ability to create emotionally resonant music that transports the listener to another realm.
10. “Hear Me Out”
“Hear Me Out” is a stunningly beautiful and heartfelt track from Manitoba’s “Up in Flames” album. The song is built around a simple and sparse acoustic guitar melody that is accompanied by a plaintive vocal performance from Dan Snaith. The lyrics are raw and vulnerable, speaking to the longing and pain that accompanies the end of a relationship. “Hear Me Out” is a departure from the more experimental and upbeat tracks on the album, but it serves as a reminder of Snaith’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. It’s a standout moment on an already exceptional album.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
