I’m Kayla, and yes, I still buy CDs. I picked up a Cibo Matto CD at a used shop last month. It cost six bucks, had a tiny scratch, and came in one of those creaky jewel cases that snap when you open them too fast. You know what? I loved it before I even hit play.
If you want to tumble further down the Cibo Matto rabbit hole, I put together a quick fan guide over on YeahBasicallyCiboMatto.com with interviews, live clips, and deep-cut trivia.
I’ve been living with it for a week. In the car. In my kitchen. On my old Sony Discman that I only use when I fold laundry. Here’s how it went.
The Setup (A Small Story)
I first heard Cibo Matto in high school. A friend burned me a mix with “Sugar Water” on it. I played it in my mom’s Toyota and felt like the night got softer. So when I found the real CD, I grabbed it. I also grabbed “Stereotype A” later from an online seller. So, yes, I’ve used both CDs. A lot.
For insights into their second album, "Stereo Type A," the Wikipedia page provides detailed information.
How It Sounds In My Car
Short answer: warm and a little odd. Long answer: the bass is round, the drums feel thick, and the vocals sit like a whisper at your ear.
- “Sugar Water” fills the space without yelling. Late night. Windows cracked. Streetlights sliding by. It just works.
- “Know Your Chicken” is goofy, bouncy, and fun to sing. My kid in the back seat shouted the chorus with me. The car behind us probably heard us.
- “Birthday Cake” is chaos in a good way. It’s loud and crunchy. On my cheap door speakers, it sounded a bit harsh, so I turned the treble down. Fixed.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when that unhinged sugar rush of a track gets free rein in a home kitchen, I documented the mayhem in “Birthday Cake Took Over My Kitchen and My Brain.”
On my Bose Wave at home, the low end smooths out. The stereo spread feels wider too. Little sounds pop up on the left and right. I like that surprise.
The Kitchen Test
I cook to music. Big pot on, volume at medium. This CD is great for that. “Beef Jerky” has a steady groove that kept me chopping onions in time. “Apple” is lighter and sweet, like Sunday morning. Sometimes, before I start chopping, I’ll go a whole morning without eating to sharpen my senses—a little amateur intermittent fasting experiment that makes the first bite of lunch taste huge. If geeking out on the science side of that habit sounds like your thing, the research piece on fasting and testosterone breaks down hormone responses, potential benefits, and how to ease in without face-planting at noon. I set the CD to repeat and made rice bowls. Good vibes.
I once spent a whole afternoon dissecting that slippery bass line and the salty-sweet wordplay—if you’re curious, here’s my deep dive on “Beef Jerky.”
I will say, “Birthday Cake” while stirring a hot pan? Kinda stressful. I skipped it once when the oil started to spit. Timing matters.
The Booklet, Because I’m That Person
I read the liner notes with a cup of tea. The paper smells a little musty, like old books. The art is playful and messy in the best way. There are food themes all over. It fits the band’s whole thing—songs about food, but not really about food. It’s pop, hip-hop, trip-hop, bossa, and a bit of spooky. Sounds weird, right? It is. And it’s charming.
The track list is clear, and the credits are easy to follow. No tiny silver-on-silver text that hurts your eyes. Thank you.
“Stereotype A” vs “Viva! La Woman” (Quick Compare)
- “Viva! La Woman” feels more lo-fi and cozy. I like it at night.
- “Stereotype A” feels bigger and more polished. “Working for Vacation” and “Sci-Fi Wasabi” hit harder in my living room. My neighbors might not enjoy it as much as I do.
If you only get one, I’d start with “Viva! La Woman” for the mood. Then grab “Stereotype A” when you want more punch.
For authoritative information on Cibo Matto's album "Viva! La Woman," you can refer to its Wikipedia page.
Little Annoyances I Noticed
- The jewel case hinges on my used copy were loose. It squeaks and tries to pinch my finger. Small thing, but I notice.
- On a very old Discman, rough bumps made “Birthday Cake” skip once. After I cleaned the disc with a soft cloth, no more skips.
- If you don’t like playful or strange vibes, a few tracks might feel silly or too shouty. I was into it, but my sister said, “Why are they yelling about cake?”
When It Hits Just Right
There was this one night. Rain on the window, lights low, me washing mugs by hand because the dishwasher was full. “Sugar Water” came on. The bass was soft, the hi-hat kissed the air, and I just stood there with soapy hands, letting it play. Felt like time slowed down. Cheesy? Maybe. But it felt honest.
Who Will Love This
- Folks who enjoy weird-but-pretty sounds
- Night drivers who want spacey beats and soft voice layers
- Home cooks who like rhythm while they stir
Who Might Not
- People who need clear, simple pop with no quirks
- Anyone sensitive to sharp highs on cheaper speakers (turn the treble down a notch)
Tips If You’re Buying
- Check the disc for scratches near the center ring. That’s where mine skipped once.
- Clean with a soft cloth, straight lines from center out. No circles.
- If you see both albums, pick the mood you want: cozy (“Viva! La Woman”) or bold (“Stereotype A”).
While we’re on the subject of tracking down hidden gems, if you ever find yourself in Montana and crave a different kind of sensory treat, a quick scroll through this Rubmaps Helena guide lays out the city’s massage spots in detail, complete with candid reviews and practical pointers so you can choose a place that matches your vibe.
Final Take
I’m keeping both CDs on the shelf where I can reach them fast. They feel like old friends who bring snacks and stories. Not perfect, but personal. If music can be tasty, this is it.
For the full, day-by-day rundown of how this album wove itself into my life, you can jump to “My Week With a Cibo Matto CD: Weird, Warm, and Weird Again.”
My score: 4.5 out of 5 for “Viva! La Woman.” 4 out of 5 for “Stereotype A.”
And yes, I’ll still play them while the rice cooks.