Description

Voice Farm – Bigger Cooler Weirder – Cassette

Released in 1991, Voice Farm’s Bigger Cooler Weirder is a quirky, genre-blending album that fuses synth-pop with new wave, funk, and a sense of humor that borders on the absurd. Formed by Charly Brown and Myke Reilly in San Francisco, Voice Farm became known for their offbeat, danceable sound and satirical approach to pop culture. Bigger Cooler Weirder lives up to its title with catchy hooks, bold synths, and playful, often humorous lyrics that touch on themes like consumerism, technology, and the quirks of modern life.

Basically a duo consisting of vocalists/keyboard players Myke Reilly and Charly Brown, the San Francisco-based Voice Farm debuted in 1982 with The World We Live In, an album consisting of their half-instrumental, half-poetic songs put to synthesizer shadings and light percussion. Five years later, Voice Farm returned for a self-titled album on Ralph Records; Reilly and Brown, though still just a duo, added a guitarist and several backing vocalists for a dance-oriented sound that still made heavy use of the keyboards. After another long gap between recordings, Bigger Cooler Weirder was released in 1991.

This album combines upbeat, danceable tracks with a layer of irony, delivering social commentary wrapped in irresistibly catchy pop tunes. With its funky basslines, electronic beats, and memorable choruses, Bigger Cooler Weirder captures the spirit of early ’90s alternative pop, while remaining distinctly weird in the way only Voice Farm could be.

Voice Farm emerged in the early 1980s in San Francisco, an environment where electronic music was blending with punk, new wave, and experimental pop. The band’s early work, including their debut The World We Live In (1982), established them as a unique voice within the American new wave and synth-pop scenes, blending accessible pop sounds with oddball lyrics and an eccentric performance style. Bigger Cooler Weirder reflects Voice Farm’s evolved sound, retaining their original quirkiness but with a more polished, danceable production style suited to early-’90s audiences.

By 1991, Voice Farm was incorporating elements of funk, dance, and synth-driven pop with lyrics that offered a humorous take on the conventions and absurdities of modern life. This album distills their approach, delivering infectious melodies and rhythms while poking fun at consumerism, image obsession, and media saturation.

Bigger Cooler Weirder features Voice Farm’s signature combination of electronic beats, funky basslines, and energetic synth hooks. The album’s production is crisp and polished, with a playful, upbeat vibe that makes it feel like a dance party with a satirical edge. From synth stabs and robotic vocals to pop choruses and funky grooves, the album’s sound is accessible yet undeniably quirky.

Tracks like ‘Free Love’ and ‘Seeing Is Believing’ feature groovy, synth-driven basslines that give the album a danceable feel, paired with steady electronic beats. The basslines add a funk dimension that elevates the synth-pop sound into something fresh and catchy.

The album is filled with infectious synth melodies and catchy hooks that reflect Voice Farm’s knack for memorable, pop-friendly sounds. Tracks like ‘Davy’s Big Battle’ and ‘Mr. Saturn’ feature playful synth lines that bring a sense of whimsy to the songs. Voice Farm’s vocal style alternates between energetic singing and spoken word, often delivered with a theatrical flair that enhances the album’s satirical edge. This vocal approach adds to the offbeat character of songs like ‘Cheeno’ and ‘Dear Dad,’ making them stand out as eccentric pop gems.

Bigger Cooler Weirder is both humorous and insightful, using satire to critique the absurdities of modern life. Voice Farm’s lyrics cover a wide range of themes, including the influence of technology, the superficiality of consumer culture, and the search for connection in a fast-paced world. This lighthearted yet pointed approach gives the album a deeper resonance beneath its fun, danceable surface.

The title itself, Bigger Cooler Weirder, plays on society’s obsession with trends and image. The lyrics often reflect a satirical take on consumer culture, especially in tracks like ‘Free Love’, which critiques the commodification of love and intimacy in a lighthearted, danceable format.

Songs like ‘Seeing Is Believing’ touch on the growing influence of media and technology on perceptions of reality. The lyrics explore the idea of technology as both a source of connection and a means of control, using humor to reveal the contradictions of a media-saturated world.

Notable Tracks

‘Free Love’: A standout track, ‘Free Love’ combines a funky bassline with catchy synth hooks and playful lyrics that critique the superficial nature of modern romance. Its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it one of the most memorable songs on the album.

‘Seeing Is Believing’: This track explores themes of technology and perception, pairing a danceable beat with lyrics that question the influence of media on reality. The catchy melody and clever lyrics give it a classic synth-pop feel with a modern twist.

Bigger Cooler Weirder was well-received by fans of alternative pop and new wave who appreciated Voice Farm’s playful, genre-blending sound and satirical take on modern culture. Though it didn’t reach mainstream success, the album has maintained a cult following among fans who enjoy its mix of humor, social commentary, and danceable synth-pop.

The album has since become a hidden gem of early ’90s synth-pop, inspiring listeners who appreciate music that is both fun and thought-provoking. Voice Farm’s influence can be heard in the work of later electronic and alternative artists who blend humor with a critical perspective on pop culture.

Bigger Cooler Weirder by Voice Farm is a distinctive album that combines catchy synth-pop with sharp social commentary and a sense of humor. With its blend of infectious melodies, funky grooves, and playful lyrics, the album offers an engaging look at the absurdities of modern life while delivering memorable, danceable tunes.

For fans of synth-pop, new wave, or anyone who appreciates music with a satirical edge, Bigger Cooler Weirder is an essential listen. It captures Voice Farm at their best, balancing fun and depth in a way that continues to resonate with listeners, and it remains a uniquely entertaining entry in the world of alternative pop.

Morgan Creek Records

Song List
1. Free Love
2. My Idea
3. Earth
4. Thank You
5. Come On A My House
6. Seeing Is Believing
7. Hey Free Thinker
8. Ode To Buffy
9. King Of The Ratrace
10. Johnny Belinda
11. Stand By