Perfection? “Imaginal Disk” by Magdalena Bay analysis

[@lurynka]

I “knew” Mika because I grew up in Miami and we shared some social circles. She was in a band called Tabula Rasa and it was so so so good. Although I probably never said more than ten words to her, I always wanted to make it to a show of theirs. They did a cover of Paranoid Android that I still remember to this day. Rock on 🤘🏼 P.S. they are Argentinian like me ❤

[@commandoxbox3604]

on this album you can really hear the prog rock background. So happy they went that direction and you can hear they are good at it

[@estebanrodriguez1456]

QUE????

[@Aryeh487]

What's their best record as Tabula Rasa?

[@mookdrums]

PARANOID ANDRIOD??? I NEED TO HEAR HER DO THIS

[@locatolaka]

cómo que son argentinos? nacidos allá?

[@alexanderg7244]

AVAA The closing track from Mercurial World transitions perfectly into the opening track from Imaginal Disk. It's a small detail, but I really appreciate it when artists think of these little things.

[@mikel287]

No shit?? Crazy detail, good find!

[@toevee]

Not really. The closing track from mercurial world transitions perfectly into the opening track from mercurial world. It also transitions well into the opener from imaginal disk because it ends with a winding-down sound, which transitions well into any album opener

[@heinmic17]

​@@toeveeyou are wrong. You can hear the continuation of the winding down sound in the first couple seconds of imaginal disk. Most albums do not start with a winding down sound in the first couple seconds

[@cynderthecat7116]

The last track of imaginal disk also transitions into the first one making it an endless loop

[@commandoxbox3604]

@@cynderthecat7116 no it doesnt really do that, last few secounds is a hard synth into 2/3 sec of silence, there is no winding up sound that happens on the start of She looked like me! maybe u meant mercurial world.

[@Zaid95959]

I have been needing an analysis on this crazy album

[@prodhux]

w pfp

[@bobmomgodbob]

sweet trip!

[@Zaid95959]

@@bobmomgodbob lain!

[@bobmomgodbob]

@@Zaid95959 yes!!!!! how does it feel to like all the coolest things

[@Zaid95959]

@@bobmomgodbob haha idk, what’s your answer?

[@reidmiller3263]

On top of the Daft Punk and ABBA comparisons, I also kept thinking of another male-female electronic duo while listening through the album: Sweet Trip. I saw a lot of parallels between this album and Sweet Trip's "Velocity: Design: Comfort," which is one of my all-time favorites. I feel like they both really nail that early online psychedelia aesthetic. Would definitely recommend giving V:D:C a listen-through if you haven't already. There's a ton of songs on it that are really interesting and unique even 21 years later.

[@gustavolopes2565]

2:52 I love that you mentioned ABBA, first time I listened to Cry for Me, specifically from minute 3:40, the comparison came to mind instantly.

[@gustavolopes2565]

Oh you said it 😭

[@TheDreamingJune]

Been listening to this album daily since it released - it's a very strong AOTY contender for me. Easily one of the most infectious and creative prog-pop records of the decade so far.

[@crescentfreshsongs]

They're so, so good. I randomly discovered them through "Top Dog" and was obsessed with the Windows 95 aesthetic and Mika's voice and presence. They're exciting in the same way that Grimes was when I first heard Art Angels.

[@PabloHernandez-rr1or]

AVAA, this is indeed one of those albums with production that makes u go "oh snap"

[@stevebob240]

Mag Bay is one of the most exciting artists right now for me. Great albums and Minimixes/ EPs

[@bluestar953]

What? I love this album…this guy is taking it deeper than I expected. Great man thanks. I’m a professor Styes subscriber now.

[@Kleoath]

mag bay has been one of my fav bands since before mercurial world came out and imaginal disk was one of my most anticipated albums this year. it's such a huge step up from their previous work and i already loved their previous work. the concept and narrative is so cool to me especially now hearing the etymology aspect. im seeing them next week and their last tour was so good im incredibly excited. AVAA thanks for expanding my interpretation of the album as you always do :)

[@Preston-9118]

I would also like to add to the nuance of the title of the album. If you abbreviate ‘Imaginal Disk’ it’s ID. If we’re talking about themes of identity within the context of the album. There’s a lot of talk about the true self! We also know what I.D stands for - identification. We’re ID’ing our true selves. Also, the ID in psychology is our basic, primitive conscious feelings! Idk if it makes sense but I thought I’d just add my perspective.

[@Frdnnd]

I'm not sure if this is strictly an EDM thing, but as far as i know within the community, ppl would refer to a track that they're looking for but doesn't know the name/title with the term "ID"/"I.D.", and TO ME that connection is somewhat enough to build this narrative for this album being "anomalous" by nature, which is what made this album special, alongside the obviously impressive production.

[@alt01dz7]

i think its album of the year. it's so incredible

[@HylianTheBozo]

no joke was praying for this thank you so much🙏🙏🙏

[@heyimkarla]

I couldn't thank you enough for your analyses; this one blew my mind. THANK YOU PROFESSOR!

[@sachinpandya2518]

their last album was ALMOST. as good. But I think every release they've had has coincided with a grander and grander sound, and this seems to be the culmination of that all. This is how you make synth pop still sound futuristic in 2024, in contrast to nostalgia bait. AVAA

[@Doomer253]

Prof since I've been following you it's crazy how many new artists you've put me on. Willing to give this a try.

[@finalcut612]

AVAA The moment I heard Tunnel Vision I KNEW Professor Skye was going to be all over this album. It's wonderful.

[@stevofficialmusic]

This was exactly what I needed. Starting liking this band a lot after Mercurial World came out, but now I am in love with them. Just drove 6 1/2 hours to see them in Nashville and they were phenomenal. I know this album has been getting 10/10s all over and I’ve needed a deep analysis/breakdown like this. I’m going through my own growth process as an artist from falling in love with this album and then going to the show and I actually had some realizations about this album during the show that resonated deeply with my artistic journey and was the catalyst for me realizing I needed to dig deeper into it. This locked that in for me and helped me in that journey. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@Frobebryant]

Was waiting for this analysis! AOTY and definitely one of the best I’ve heard in ages.

[@radiohed43]

Ok, I’m only 12 minutes in, but already, thank you! I have been obsessively listening to ID since it dropped (and on vinyl, too)! My favorite album since Once Twice Melody by Beach House. I love an ambitious opus, especially when it hits pleasure centers so immaculately. Shattered my expectations, tbh. I’ve had fun watching some first reaction videos, but your assessment is so much richer because Imaginal Disk requires multiple insertions to fully download. So thankful for this holy music!!!! Seeing them live in one week!! No idea what their show will be like, but I’m ready to move :)

[@ggo2000]

AVAA! Loved your Barthes reference at 37:42 in particular. I know you don’t want the answer to whether Matt and Mica *are* a couple, but a Pitchfork article that came out around the release of _Mercurial World_ wrote that they *were* a couple in high school and that after college they “reconnected personally and creatively”

[@FallingOutTheSky]

Amazing breakdown and I really love the comparisons to RAM cause it’s exactly how I feel about it. Perfection on all ends, AOTY!

[@saturnine4116]

AVAA! I was one of the people waiting for you to review MagBay, I discovered them around the same time I discovered your channel actually and had hoped you would review their first album. Mercurial World was very good, this one is much better though, glad you were able to get to it and make a review for it! Also since I haven't seen anyone else mention it yet, the members of ABBA were couples at the beginning but broke up around the same time as the band.

[@andersoncalderon750]

Late to the party but thanks for reviewing professor! This album has to be my favorite piece of music within the past 3 years

[@nerdude360]

I almost spit my drink out when you said "And I remember the TV show Lost" because I am literally rewatching Lost right now.... and this also happens to b my favorite album at the moment.... my worlds are colliding in multiple ways rn lol

[@andysaldana1089]

Was looking forward to your thoughts on this so much! As a recent newcomer to your channel I have been *loving* the takes you bring to every record you review!!

[@outerspacebass]

Bro, this is my first time I've watched one of your videos and i love your references. I think we listen to a LOT of the same music. Subscribed. Very cool you are a French professor who loves daft punk (and I'm sure other incredible French bands *cough AIR*).

[@timk6181]

Brilliant stuff, instant classic IMO.

[@FishareFriendsNotFood972]

You had me at "rain, piano and muted bongos". AVAA!

[@djgizmoe]

Yeah, I was really taken by some of the singles on KZbin (especially "Image") and was so delighted to find the new album is my AOTY fave (dethroning Momus and Idles so far). It's been awhile since I've truly found an album that I WANT to listen to the whole way through every time (I'd probably have to go way back to Shena Ringo's Karuki Zamen Kuri no Hana, which shares similar fearless production).

[@SteveHamiltonMusic]

They are very very good and in all kinds of subtle ways. Thanks for the deep dive into the album title, that was very interesting!

[@yubinp1791]

AVAA I don't know if it's respectful to say this or not, but I really found speckles of other artists in the timbre of Mica's voice; she sounds like Carly Rae Jepsen in Death & Romance, and in Vampire in the Corner she sounds like Russian Red, and in Angel on a Satelite she sounds like the Leigh Nash from Sixpence None the Richer and it's so fascinating

[@galaxy.5682]

the both of them have actually talked about how much they loved art angels, and i’m sure mica takes inspiration from grimes in vocals. they recently collabed on an image remix. and to me, i can hear some britney spears in her singing :)

[@YodasPapa]

The spirit of what Grimes could have been lives on in this album AVAA

[@Martel4]

I understand how Grimes influenced them, but Grimes is so different.

[@Tontoelquenolea]

banger of an album, can't wait to hear your thoughts

[@skreeon]

This might be THE yapper

[@user-pp5ip8ph2p]

Daft Punk and Abba were the first things I thought while listening to this for the first time. Endless hooks and interesting things happening all the time. An absolutely wonderful album.

[@liamrab6]

sweet trip and the cardigans too. crazy blend of so many aspects of pop

[@flyingsporemonster]

HYPED FOR THIS

[@ahmdose]

Yes it is perfect sir

[@JalenZachhM]

Yes Skye! Vampire in the Corner reminds me of Last Christmas by Wham! In fact, I think that was intentional! AVAA!!

[@jessicalanger7599]

i get the same vibe from hysterical us off mercurial world!

[@bluestar953]

Yeah u are right it does…didn’t hear that but you’re right.

[@NavidKhan84]

I feel tears for fears vibes in them in their writing..the guy Is a multi instrumentalist n a brilliant composer…he’s the Steven Wilson of pop world..the arrangement of everything is beautiful esp with things like this which easily can go cheesy n come out horrible…it is prog

[@Marshal_Rock]

Damn, never thought of that, as a massive fan of Steven Wilson and Magdalena Bay

[@thermoose]

They covered head over heels

[@slumox213]

I am so ready for this (is your head okay?)

[@saturnine4116]

Let's go! Hoping you would review this, looking forward to the video

[@anakin8132]

YAYYYYYY HE FINALLY DONE IT

[@martinanastasoff5051]

AVAA idk if there are other fans of that style of music but i think it would be really interesting if you give a chance to Aphelion by Leprous. It's a prog rock and it has cinematic string instruments plus some brass orchestration but it's quiet heavy on electronic elements also considering the more metal sound of the first half of their discography. It has interesting abstract lyrics and themes about apathy and depression

[@stellar_jay]

The ABBA song you were singing/thinking about on Cry For Me is Lay All Your Love On Me! 🎤🎶

[@josephpatrick1117]

Absolutely love this album AVAA

[@isabellafreeland163]

I would love to see your opinion on No. 1 in Heaven by Sparks!

[@supxrkicks560]

avaa, i had a similar abba comparison as well. incredible album.

[@kemba7691]

I was waiting for this....

[@aceguy1234]

Speaking of Last Christmas by Wham, I don't think Vampire in the Corner is the best match for that melody but something you repeatedly brought up, RAM, does have the song Instant Crush which *is* a deadringer for Last Christmas. I just thought that's amusing.

[@jadedpotato1574]

i love all three songs and can't see the similarity 😭😭

[@aceguy1234]

@@jadedpotato1574 Magdalena Bay seems to think they're similar kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXmpZZRoq7GqiLs

[@jessica.thunder]

They also give me a little solo Gabriel vibes

[@rafaelfonsecaaugusto3438]

The wire arrives two years eraly and i think sopranos released earlier, bit i agree lost was great and ahead of its time... And so are magdalena bay :)

[@mathiscoritnhe9167]

white snake reference

[@billyfox1468]

@@mathiscoritnhe9167 desperately need to know if Magdalena bay is aware of JoJo

[@danielbarrantes9594]

@@billyfox1468 They have to be man, it looks tooo alike. And if they don't, coming up with this just speaks massively about their creativity if they can come up with a similar idea than Hirohiko Araki's

[@colef6855]

AAVA definitely an AOTY contender for me. side note, I would love to hear your thoughts on the new Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds album Wild God! I remember you had mixed feelings on Ghosteen but I think this one is very strong and it's a different mood/sound. more optimistic and directly gospel-influenced

[@jamiemccollin438]

Killing Time sounds like Run, Run, Run and it makes me like Despicable Me more as a result.

[@jcn____]

AVAA! I think you should review the upcoming album from Nilüfer Yanya, which will be released on September 13th. The singles are amazing and I'd love to know what you think of the album's lyrics!

[@27remdog27]

AVAA the last album was almost as good as this. I feel like this band is so visually striking to match their sound that I recommend all their videos as much as their songs which is never the case these days. Secrets (your fire) and killshot got me into them.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Yes

[@JetLagRecords]

Professor Skye's Record Review, wanna collab I loved it

[@louisgregoire3927]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Dn-qm4ph]

Had to check up if I was in x1.5

[@mombo4654]

Not to be that guy, but I genuinely wonder if the album cover is a Jojo reference. In Part 6 of that series there is a character whose power is to steal people's memories and their abilities (in short, their whole identity) from their heads in the form of CDs, and the imagery between that and this album feels very similar.

[@av16791]

i had all of ur same gripes with them (down to the weird guy girl thing but i think it gives me bad vibes because of sweet trip in retrospect) and i also remember really hating mercurial world's cover in particular ... but somethijg about all of their influences came together perfectly for this album !! its what u'd wanna call a once in a lifetime record to have created but i actually dont think this is their peak . my one complaint with this album is just having a notable few different melodies/lyrical cliches that are so obvious her voice being so full of character cant even mask over itnfor me . if they got Slightlymore experimental and adventerous with their melodic writijg and lyricism and made something with otherwise equivalent quality id prolly be down to call it their masterpiece . i just want a little more to chew on for longevity's sake i guess ... but that could also be too nitpicky since im sure my least favorites r other's faves and they still gave me Multiple personal classics on here the production is constantly exploding with creativity and i think that combined with them clearly indulging in far more 90s rock influences make this a match made in heaven in my eyes . its also the first time in i have no fucking idea how long tbat the synth pop part of a record has done literally anything for me and its SO PERFECT ON HERE!!!! and then they even have those super 90s ambient sounds on fear, sex that i have never actually learned to identify but its genuinely like the secret sauce to some of my favorite atmospheres in music of all time . i love ambient trip hop . and aestheticslly i adore this album cover its such a good blue n the disk inserting on top of that match with the flavor ???? of the album so good 🤤🤤 feel like this project has a much stronger hold on me than i been giving it credit for even to myself . i really would like to know how much of a hand in everything matt & mica share or just whay ideas came from who because i am so curious about who somehow made a mega poppy album somehow simultaneously tailor made to my taste . and i try to avoid fawning over mica's vocals too much because im genuinely somehow a bigger fan of the rest of the production but she really does have one of those voices that just clicks with me and makes me so happy to hear . AND SHES OJE OF MY BIGGEST CRUSHES OAT 😭😭😭😭😭

[@ivanfloresvazquez7490]

Yes, ABBA were two couples for most of the band's existance, but both relationships ended, and both ended badly, which is why the band broke up. If you listen to late ABBA it's pretty obvious in the lyrics.

[@danielbarrantes9594]

Someone tell Professor Skye it is a JOJO reference. AVAA

[@_Dust]

there is a hidden message, and only those who know, Know

[@incamera1457]

Did the ABBA people date each other?!

[@aimeeacuna8987]

all of them were married to each other at some point!

[@videoaudio3553]

Any sound, any tone, any voice, any mood, even any single note that might be reminds of ABBA is NOT present on this beautiful modern record. I could understand if another beautiful Swedish band, Niki and the Dove, had been mentioned as a reference - I would have accepted it. But when ABBA was mentioned, I preferred not to listen to this stream of consciousness any further. ))

[@retnugnahte]

AVAA

[@otaythen]

Avaa

[@itsberzerk9279]

I cant understand the album.. i tried listening to it so many times but it just sounds bad to me.

[@billyfox1468]

That’s okay. If you give something multiple tries and still don’t enjoy it, no one can fault you for that

[@insertnamehere6169]

Same here just was not a fan, I appreciate the artistry and thought behind it but I just don't get it lol

[@commandoxbox3604]

maybe try putting on headphonse, laying down and really focusing on each and every sound, maybe you can appreciete it more being zoned in. It made my 1st listen very magical

[@billyfox1468]

@@commandoxbox3604 I did the same and I swear I felt my soul leave my body multiple times

[@commandoxbox3604]

@@billyfox1468 same, it's the only album alongside vespertine that made me cry (vesp did it once and mag multiple times on multiple songs i had teared up)

[@markstuartwakeley]

AVAA and a 9 from fannytano to boot

[@dadaluma13]

you're hip-hop audience is starving bro

[@professorskye]

Mavi incoming!

[@Martel4]

This dude is full of himself.

[@curly_wyn]

I think it’s a decent album, but not a masterpiece, and even after 3 listens to this album, I still don’t understand the hype.

[@Tummystomache]

Avaa