Freaky Realistic - Frealism (1993)

Freaky Realistic were a trio based in the UK comprised of singer / instrumentalist / songwriter / producer Justin Anderson, singer Aki Omori and rapper MPL (Michael Peter Lord). They burst on the UK scene with their unique single "Something New". Though the song failed to chart, critics ate them up. They released a couple other singles, "Koochie Ryder" and "Leonard Nimoy", the following year, and both hit the lower region of the British charts. Their album also came out that year, but despite being greatly anticipated by critics, the album did not catch on with a mass audience. They did begin work on a second album, but apparently a fight between Justin and MPL caused an irreparable rift and they split. Too bad, because the album, produced in large part by St. Etienne producer Gerard Johnson, is a fun melange of styles. Their Myspace page describes them as "pop/funk/psychedelic", and I'd also add synth-pop, rap, house and brit-pop to their list of styles. Anderson went on to form a couple other bands, Aki worked with The Orb and is now apparently a yoga instructor, and MPL's whereabouts remain a mystery. But perhaps the most successful person to emerge from the project was Kym Marsh, who did uncredited backing vocals on the album and would later become a member of winning Popstars group Hear'Say and a successful solo artist. For more on the band, including a live performance and tracks from their unreleased second album, go HERE.

Video for Leonard Nimoy

Live performance of Koochie Ryder

Download Frealism

1		Frealism
2		Something New / Cosmic Love Vibes
3		Koochie Ryder
4		Love That Loves
5		Leonard Nimoy
6		Reach
7		Salivate Spacial
8		Trickle In
9		Imaginary Pavilions
10		Make It Happen
11		Sooner
12		The Most
13		This Is Freaky Realistic
14		Frealism (Reprise) / Something New/Cosmic Love Vibes (Fat Planet Remix)