Description
| # | TITLE (Click for Lyrics) | Play Sample |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | The Future | [wonderplugin_audio id=”82″] |
| 02 | No More Worries Company | [wonderplugin_audio id=”83″] |
| 03 | Once Upon A Time | [wonderplugin_audio id=”84″] |
| 04 | Close To You | [wonderplugin_audio id=”85″] |
| 05 | It’s Alright | [wonderplugin_audio id=”86″] |
| 06 | Waiting For The Waiter | [wonderplugin_audio id=”87″] |
| 07 | In It For Love | [wonderplugin_audio id=”88″] |
| 08 | Count On Me | [wonderplugin_audio id=”89″] |
| 09 | Sweet Lorraine | [wonderplugin_audio id=”90″] |
| 10 | That’s Life | [wonderplugin_audio id=”91″] |
| 11 | Club 27 | [wonderplugin_audio id=”92″] |
| 12 | Still A Friend Of Mine | [wonderplugin_audio id=”93″] |
About the Vinyl
The MonaLisa Twins’ original record ORANGE is available on vinyl! This limited-edition edition comes in a gatefold sleeve with spot UV glossed artwork. The triple-coloured vinyl in orange and white will make your copy completely unique and one of a kind as no two coloured discs look the same. Click here for the simpler classic black version.
In comparison to their first album, which was still written in their teens, ORANGE gives a more mature, sometimes satirical, yet overall still light-hearted approach to topics we all deal with. Love, community, doubt, the past and future and the generally unsettling direction society seems to be taking.
While staying true to their passion for melodic, quirky songwriting, plenty of harmonies, a very “60s” sound and twangy guitar licks, this album branches out into new territories and incorporates very psychedelic but also earthy, bluesy, sometimes even jazzy tones. Built upon everything you loved about their debut album, you can expect to hear a more experimental and very tongue-in-cheek side of the MonaLisa Twins.
Lyrics, Music, Performance, Engineering, Production and Album Design/Photos: MonaLisa Twins
Album Name: ORANGE
Album Type: LP Vinyl – 12 Tracks (Coloured Vinyl)
Release Date: 29 Sept 2017
Charles (verified owner) –
Everything about this album is unique. The album cover will put a smile on anyone’s face. (wonder who had to clean up that mess :-)). This is the first “colored” vinyl record I’ve seen since my teens. There is a song on this album for anyone & everyone to love. If you’re having a bad day or in a bad mood, just listen to this record and you will receive a complete adjustment. And, needless to say, the last song on the album, Still A Friend Of Mine is one of the most beautiful songs ever.
Always……………..Pearls Before Swine
Enoch (verified owner) –
Still love to collect vinyl records and a nice signed one to my collection.
Daryl Jones (verified owner) –
I have to agree with Tim’s comments below. The album is far and away more vivid and really jumps at you. But it’s the music reproduction on the vinyl that does it for me. CD’s are great, but there’s just that something about a record that is a “cut” above. Love it!
Tim Arnold (verified owner) –
After buying CDs for the last 20 years or so I had forgotten what getting a new vinyl album felt like. I already have the Orange CD so I knew what fantastic music was on it and knew what the cover art looked like. That being said, when I opened the package to reveal that big 12×12 cover it just blew me away. I sat down and opened the gatefold cover and was absolutely speechless. It looked so big and beautiful I almost forgot there was a record in the sleeve. I pulled out that beautiful orange and white vinyl and was so happy I bought the original limited edition version. A little more money but what a beautiful treasure. The way the color is fused into the vinyl makes it a one of a kind piece of art. I may even dig out my old turntable and play it. Or maybe I’ll leave it unplayed, I’m not sure yet. I just want to thank Mona and Lisa for making high quality a priority in their merchandise as well as their art and their music.
Gerry (verified owner) –
GREAT songs. I’ve been playing it so much I’m afraid I’ll wear it out. Vocals are unbelievable. Love the orange and white swirl.
Dana Hart (verified owner) –
Great album and the record itself is beautiful in multi colour orange and white.
Alan Shaw (verified owner) –
This is a great album, every song a gem. Love the orange effect vinyl. Despite being in Australia, my order arrived amazingly quickly. I’ll be buying the vinyl edition of WHY? as soon as it comes out.
Joseph Matteo (verified owner) –
love everything about the albums I purchased. you girls are simply fantastic glad I found you wishing you the best for future endeavors. God bless peace, love, and togetherness. stay Grovbey girls!
Dave Johnston (verified owner) –
Fantastic album!!! Was recently introduced to your music and decided to win the trifecta by purchasing; the vinyl , the CD and the MP3/MP4(which both come as a free download when you purchase the album). Vinyl is my favorite format of listening to music and Orange has already taken a few spins on my turntable. As has the CD in my car player. I love every song but have probably played Close to You, Count on me, Sweet Lorraine and Still a Friend of Mine the most. The photographic spread throughout the booklet and on the disc is amazing! That must have been a fun shoot. And as a benifit for joining the MLT Club everything I have purchased has been personally signed by both Mona and Lisa. I just can’t stop listening to their music.
And now I will shamelessly pitch their new album “Why?” which just came out a couple of days ago. Do your eyes/ears and soul a favor and check it out on their website or YouTube. Their music and videos always leave a smile on my face and sometimes joyful tears in my eyes.
Gerry Tonti (verified owner) –
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The Orange album is FANTASIC!! I love every song on it especially “Still A Friend of Mine”. That has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I also have The Christmas cd, Live at the Cavern, The Duo Session A and When We’re Together. When it comes to the cover songs, you make them 10 times better than the originals! Such Talent! My dream is someday to see you perform live. Thank you for all the great Music.
Ron Vickery (verified owner) –
I love the songs on this album!! I bought this album for decoration only, as I already had the digital version, but wanted to have something unique to hang on my wall, and the visual of the actual vinyl album intrigued me. I love the music, and now I can look at both the cover and the album (2 different frames) every time I go into my office. The only downside is they signed it on the inside of the folded cover, so I can’t see the signatures. Oh well, I know they are there. (They are hanging right next to my framed copy of “That Thing You Do” by the Wonders, which took me way too many years to find.)
Gary Rogers (verified owner) –
I’m 67, and I was never a big Beatles fan back in the day, but I am a fan of your covers of them, along with ALL your other covers and your originals. “Sweet Loraine” is one of my favorites, “I Bought Myself A Politician” is as accurate of todays governments worldwide, as any song ever written. I just recently purchased your “Orange” album, and it will sit in my collection, unopened, along with 500 other vinyl albums spanning from the 40’s up until today. I have been impressed by the two of you from the beginning. Keep up the great work. You both should be household names world wide.
John McCue (verified owner) –
David Callender –
I enjoyed all the music, I downloaded over 2 hours, 4 albums. Totally enjoyed the Beatles and other 60s songs. Orange was very good.
Tony (verified owner) –
Love the music of these ladies, also loved the delivery service. My first Vinyl copy arrived with an imperfection. There were no questions asked and a replacement sent straight away, even added a bonus gift for my trouble.Well done team.
Mattias Soderberg (verified owner) –
I heard one song on YouTube, I believe it was ”Still a friend of mine” and I was sold ? Being a lover of PowerPop and also The Beatles the MonaLisa Twins totally rocked my world!! I bought all their albums to date! Orange on both CD and Vinyl ? These girls are so talented!! Love their own music and how the take the oldies to a new level!! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for new stuff from these awesome artists!!
Michael Lanning –
Take it from one who knew George Harrison, (he was my exec producer and signed us to his label) Your sisters rock! I just wish your music Wasn’t so pricey. I will probably still buy a vinyl copy when I’m able but I wanted to tell you guys… you guys are really good!
Jeremy (verified owner) –
Exceeds all my expectations. I found myself listening to “Waiting for the Waiter” on line after stumbling across it and then I found “Still a Friend of Mine” on one of those pesky Facebook sponsored things. I felt so rotten that I was enjoying this music for free that I decided to buy the album and play fair. What a fabulous find. Every track is magnificent and stands listening to over and over again – especially if you have a convertible car and the sun is shining….
Ronald Verheij (verified owner) –
The dog also likes your music
Ronald Verheij (verified owner) –
I love the colored vinyl and my favorite song on this album is ‘Waiting for the Waiter’
Gordon Parmenter (verified owner) –
I couldn’t resist this photo, I love the vinyl and still a friend of mine will always be a favorite ?
Jorgito –
I was looking for a birthday gift for a very good friend of mine. He is a vinyl and Beatles fan. So I bought your Orange vinyl album for him. He didn’t know you and your music. And is was perfect surprise. He likes the album very much. It is his first non black (colour) vinyl album, which he appreciated a lot also. All in all, a perfect birthday gift.
Greatings
Jorgito
Martin Verhoef (verified owner) –
I had not heard of these musical ladies since short when I saw them on facebook. This made me curious if this music was to my taste so gave it a try. Well I have to say it didn’t dissappoint. Very nice refreshing music and very well recorded. Also the vinyl is of good quality and there is very little background noise. The sleeve is also of high quality and very nice printed. With other words I would recommend this record to everybody who likes refreshing music. Well done Mona & Lisa!
Stephen Kosior (verified owner) –
This has quickly become one of my favorite collections of beautiful things. Though I didn’t need to own Orange on vinyl, I couldn’t think of a better way to show my support for the beautiful things to come then by displaying it proudly in my game room. Job well done Team MLT. A beautiful thing, inside and out!
William Huff (verified owner) –
Well, I don’t need to review the music on this disc, because if you are here, you know how good these songs are. But I do wan’t to be sure to let you know that if you have a turntable and are wondering if the vinyl edition is worth getting, the answer is resounding yes. It is quality pressing, nothing second rate here, and the fidelity is outstanding. Now, Mona and Lisa and Co, please give serious consideration to pressing your first LP of original songs to vinyl. I will be first in the queue to pick up a copy.
Paul Brian Canney (verified owner) –
The album of course, musically, is an absolute Gem! My only disappointment is that the splash is very minimal on one side and on side 1 it’s basically a solid orange platter. (I know, I know.. I didn’t buy it for the color. But I could have saved a few bucks and just got the cd. Or the download for that matter.
Nonetheless, I haven’t lost any enthusiasm for the twins. Still a fan!
MonaLisa Twins –
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your review. We’re sorry to hear that you are disappointed with the color distribution on the vinyl. We can understand that you expected it to have a bit more dramatic color contrasts. But we went for a production like this to get every vinyl look different. Every copy is unique in its design as it is orange pellets randomly thrown in the melting pot, so no one can predict how they mix and how the colours on the vinyl would turn out. We thank you for your feedback on our music though, and hope you can grow to love the uniqueness of your vinyl, as we know it was so proud to have been chosen to become yours 😉
Howard (verified owner) –
I am a very recent convert to the Mona Lisa Twins and their beautiful vision after discovering their amazing archive of work on YouTube, stretching back over ten years. I immediately thought to myself, ‘why hasn’t anyone told me about this’ and I haven’t wasted any time making up for my loss. I have now purchased everything that the Mona Lisa Twins have produced musically and am transported to the sixties where I revelled in the anticipation of the next Beatles or Stones release. Now it is the next MLT release!
Orange is a must have album for anyone who appreciates well written, sung and performed music that is perfectly produced. Like Sgt Pepper’s, it gets better with each listening and also includes the lyrics on the inner sleeve so you can follow along, as with that Beatles’ record just over fifty years ago. Briefly, following are some of my notes on each track.
No More Worries Company – Mona & Lisa share the lead on this opener written mainly by Rudolf I believe. A catchy ‘Roaring Twenties’ style musical assuring us we have nothing to worry about. As you listen to this album, all your cares will disappear, I promise!
Once Upon A Time – Featuring Lisa on lead and Mona harmonies. This will transport you back to the psychedelic late sixties and the ‘dawning of the age of Aquarius, complete with the language of the day, spurred along by Sebastian’s blues harp. A wonderful indulgence!
Close To You – Also featuring Lisa on lead, Mona harmonies. A lovely 60s style ballad about lost/found love.
It’s Alright – Featuring Mona “Teachers”, Lisa verses, Both chorus. Spontaneous and playful with the twins beautiful intertwining vocals a special feature. They work together seamlessly.
Waiting For The Waiter – Lisa on lead, Mona harmonies. An excellent bluesy number featuring Lisa’s very sensual voice accompanied by Sebastian’s blues harp.
In It For Love – Lisa on lead, Mona harmonies. A bubbly number that for some reason reminds me of the sixties again. Is it the kinks’ ‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’, the Rolling Stones ‘Out of Our Heads’ or perhaps Herman’s Hermits ‘I’m Into Something Good’?
Count On Me – Lisa 1st verse, then both. Initial idea formulated in the dark by Lisa during a blackout. Rudolf contributed the chorus. A sublimely haunting and gentle tune with matching lyrics philosophising on ‘what’s it all about’.
Sweet Lorraine – Mona on lead, Lisa harmonies. A bitter/sweet story with a deadly twist, perhaps! You’ll need to listen to the lyrics carefully to find out! Listen out for the trumpet and I’m sure you can also hear a tenor horn or French horn there somewhere. Now where could they be coming from?
That’s Life – Lisa on lead, Mona harmonies. A fun song about the ups and downs and twists of life and how important it is to seize the moment. Partnered with an excellent and hilarious video. ‘Life, give it a chance ……….. Before the book closes’!
Club 27- – Mona on lead, Lisa harmonies. A real rocker in tribute to real rockers who never had a 28th birthday. Mona on lead vocals showing she has true rock cred to go with Lisa’s magical guitar work. What a blast!
Still a Friend of Mine – Lisa lead, Mona harmonies. A sublime ballad featuring Papa Rudi on piano and Lisa on lead vocals with Mona in perfect harmony. Truly beautiful song also accompanied by a beautiful video. Not to be missed.
Do yourself a favour. Order a copy immediately. And if you haven’t already, double up with their truly awesome first album ‘While We’re Together’. You won’t be disappointed.
Jung Roe (verified owner) –
Great review with insightful commentary on each track!
Andres Mendez (verified owner) –
I stumbled upon the Mona Lisa Twins recently by searching YouTube for Beatles videos, I’m a big Beatles fan. It took one Mona Lisa video to get me hooked on the band. The band adds so much originality and personality to all the songs they do. I purchased the Orange album to check out their original material and it has exceeded all my expectations. I love the graphic design of this album and the photos of Mona and Lisa on the front totally capture their personality. This album is original material that clearly draws inspiration from all the bands they have grown up with over the years. I plan to purchase all their music in the future. They have quickly become one of my favorite new bands. Please keep the great songs and videos coming!
Jung Roe (verified owner) –
Orange will be one of the finest Rock albums you’ve ever owned. Modern and unique sound of the MonaLisa Twins with elements of the best of rock music over the last 55+ years since the 60’s will move you. I guarantee you will listen to the album over and over again because it’s that good!
There is nothing like owning an incredibly great album like Orange in the form of a Vinyl LP. In person they look and feel awesome, and the fact they are each completely unique makes them that much more special.
Richard McGlenn (verified owner) –
Now that is a wild looking and cool mixture of the white and ORANGE!! Love it!
Richard McGlenn (verified owner) –
Got my Vinyl Orange and it’s a one of a kind. Side A is nearly totally ORANGE and Side B looks like an ORANGE colored sunset. Listening to it now on the turntable. Thank you Mona and Lisa for the beautiful and positive music you’ve created on this album to help make the world a better place. You two are the World’s Goodwill Ambassadors of Music. #ORANGEisthenewalbum
Colin Hale (verified owner) –
Staying Orangely Groovy!!
Colin Hale (verified owner) –
Finally received the gorgeous Orange MLT- had to show it off in the Lone Star State of Texas!
Didier Torche (verified owner) –
Great music and great sound, fantastic album !!
Richard McGlenn (verified owner) –
Looks like white and ORANGE agate. Very nice!!
Francis Chamness –
Orange is a fantastic album! I have not been so excited about an album since The Beatles White Album. There is something for everyone on this album. So many songs are just amazing. Hey Waiter, with Lisa singing in her best sultry voice and John Sebastian playing mouth harp, just blows me away! And, (I think) Mona’s “No More Worries Company” is funny and entertaining. It gets stuck in my head and I find myself humming it all day long. And the ballads are so beautiful. Wow, what an awesome album! Better than their last album, but I still love, and listen to, every song on “When We’re Together.” ORANGE is a must have for your music collection, and if you don’t already have it, you should also get “When We’re Together.”
The MonaLisa-Twins are so talented and their music, simply amazing!
M Farlow (verified owner) –
Hello all,
[Edit to combine two posts and for clarity]
After a brief on the vinyl, below is my review of the individual tracks of the vinyl as taken from my review of the cd version of ‘ORANGE’.
After a slight delay, as explained by MLT (with apology), at the vinyl pressing plant I have received my vinyl copy of ‘Orange’. I have checked the vinyl over and can report that the vinyl looks great in three colours, two orange one white that blend well. The cover is shiny and embossed with a track list at rear and the inner being a large image with Mona to the left and Lisa to the right covered in orange ‘paint’. The inner ‘slip’ case is as a lyric sheet for each track which seems ‘heavy’ and is ,again, shiny. On inspection, the vinyl appears to be 180gm, very clean with no residue from pressing. Overall the production standards of the vinyl seem very high.
[Edit after listening to vinyl]
I have had a good evening listening to music and have played ORANGE – vinyl three times (more after initial review). I played the album once using my cork platter mat and twice using the ORANGE (felt) Slipmat. I will not give my preference as to the mats but can say that Orange sounds great on both. Although I stated earlier that here where no signs of residue from the pressing plant, I gave the album a once over with an anti static brush before each play of each side as good practice. I also have a spindle weight – not needed some will say – that compliments my set up. I have the opinion that the vinyl edition of ORANGE has a much nicer sound than the CD but that’s kind of subjective.
If you have a turntable then I highly recommend ORANGE on vinyl. Not got a record player? Get one! (My turntable deserved to give this disc a spin!)
TRACK REVIEWS
Following is my review of each track for those of you still reading and those that have skipped to this point;
1. The Future: This clutter of sound will seem somewhat strange or confusing on first play but lays down the foundations for what follows very well and, maybe strangely, makes more sense as the album continues or is replayed.
2. No More Worries Company: This puts me in mind of a cheeky, witty show tune from a stage musical. The lyrics are fun and the tune is very upbeat and raises a chuckle. Like a friendly, warm welcome to the hearth on which the rest of the album gently simmers this track embodies the cheery, fun and staying groovy attitude MLT are known for.
3. Once Upon A Time: Arguably an instant classic, this track puts me in mind of a certain style of mid to late sixties ‘eastern’ influenced music mixed with a deep ‘bluesy’ style. With many a, seems to me, tip of the hat to the artists that have influenced MLT and somewhat meaningful lyrics, this is a wonderful track.
4. Close To You: This track is a superb exploration of wonder and misfortune romance can bring. This is a quintessentially 60’s love song and, to me, would not be out of place if on an album performed by artists such as Chad and Jeremy or Peter and Gordon.
5. It’s Alright: Fast, fun, a little pop like and a clear display of how well the twins voices play off each other. I see this track as a great expression of personal liberty done with the joyous charm MLT often show.
6. Waiting For The Waiter: This track, with the help of John Sebastian on blues harp, is simply outstanding. The lyrics are full of imagery that is, arguably, open to interpretation. This track really does show how well the twins have come along in terms of great song writing. I could not help but think of the Samuel Beckett play ‘Waiting for Godot’ when listening to this track. Also, without going too deeply into a discussion on the matter, I could not stop myself thinking; ‘Should we really wait for the change or get up and go for the change or even make the change ourselves?’. (Define change!)
7. In It For Love: I ‘ain’t misbehaving’ when I write this review! This song is entirely modern in a very nostalgic way. The tune is lightly melodic fun and the lyrics are cheekily optimistic. Once again the vocals here are perfectly matched. I could easily put this song to the top of my favourites of songs that are similar.
8. Count On Me: How heartfelt and beautiful can a song be? Get the tissues ready! With a prominent yet (deceptively) simple guitar leading the dreamy instrumental part and a wonderful vocal rendition by both twins this track is purely magical.
9. Sweet Lorraine: Is this a Beatles song? (I know it’s not). This song is saccharin sweet – but in a good way. A story song that is humorous, sarcastic and mischievous all at the same time this track pleases very much.
10. That’s Life: The very first line in the lyrics of this song got me hooked! The lyrics are full of self deprecating humour of the best kind, down beat optimism and joyously forth rite advice. This song brings an ironic laugh and a smile hard to drop. The guitar work and percussion on the track has a fun clarity. Is that a cowbell I hear? Needs more – chuckle! The song is so infectious it should come with a health warning.
11. Club 27: Though I am familiar with the idea, it took me a minute to realise what the title ‘Club 27’ was referring too – and here’s me a Fortean! Energetic and fast music with Hendrix like guitar work and sang in a let loose and lovin’ it fashion with a tip of the hat to hotel California lyrically this track is vibrant to say the least.
12. Still A Friend Of Mine: Another tear jerking beauty. This track is a personal love song with echoes of universality beyond the simple. Or is it? Listening to the track, one could be easily forgiven for thinking it is as I just described. Reading the lyrics brings to mind other words such as ‘roguish’, ‘rebellious’ and ‘inciting’ though. Either way, this track has an exquisiteness that is easy to accept yet, somehow, hard to explain.
Thank you for the music (and I tried so hard not to mention ABBA). Mona and Lisa (and co) you never cease to please. This album ‘ORANGE’ is great for your fan base and, I have no doubt, will bring on board many who were previously unaware of your work and make fans of the curious.