Lil' Golden Book

**Lil' Golden Book** is the debut album by Princess Chelsea, released on May 2, 2011.

## Background

The album was named after *Little Golden Books*, which are a series of children's books that started in the 1940s and are still being released today. Chelsea called her album "Lil' Golden Book" instead of "Little Golden Book" as an attempt to prevent herself from getting sued, but also to pay homage to her record label Lil' Chief Records.

The album tells the tale of life growing up as a teenager and young adult in New Zealand. The booklet features 15 pages designed by Chelsea's bandmate, Brad Fafejta. The album was described by Chelsea "when cute meets creepy". The album features vocals from Jonathan Bree and James Milne.

When asked in an interview about what influenced her writing, Chelsea stated:

*Q: Your lyrics, whilst simple, are engaging. What things influence your writing?*
*A: I suppose I don't feel the need to prove I know big words. Like others, my writing is certainly influenced by my life experiences and the private and public figures I admire. I am a fan of "double-barrelled" messages, however I am not a fan of pretension. My favourite lyricists and writers keep it simple, direct and classy.*
When asked about how important it was to have a theme running throughout the album, Chelsea said:

*I'm a fan of the album format, and it was important to me to make a cohesive piece. In saying that I also didn't want "filler" and I think each song could stand on its own, although perhaps not make as much sense that way. I am hoping to achieve a more cohesive message with my next album.*
### The Cigarette Duet

The most popular song from the album, The Cigarette Duet, featuring Jonathan Bree, got a music video in early 2011. It was uploaded to YouTube and as of 2021 it has over 70 million views.

Chelsea discussed the popularity of the song in the interview :

*It seems as though some people who would not normally listen to my music are being exposed to it through the viral interest in "The Cigarette Duet" music video. The comments underneath that video I like the most are the ones along the lines of "This is the weirdest music I have ever heard… but I like it…". The very thought that I could be somehow responsible for introducing an unsuspecting member of the public to "weird" music is heart-warming.*
## 10th Anniversary Edition

On June 5, 2021, the album was re-released as a 10th Anniversary Edition in a 180g Gold Coloured Vinyl in a die cut gatefold sleeve with gold foil spine. The packaging included lyrics and an A1 sized poster.

## Gallery

* Album

10th Anniversary Edition CoverAlternative 10th Anniversary Edition coverBooklet #1Booklet #2Booklet #3Original 2011 coverOriginal 2011 back coverRevised 2012 coverRevised 2012 back cover2012 CD disc------
## Tracklisting

All tracks produced by Nikkel and Jonathan Bree.

* Tracklist

## Singles

1. Monkey Eats Bananas, June 2, 2009. As a digital download.
2. Machines of Loving Grace, March 18, 2009. As a music video.
3. Too Fast To Live, October 11, 2011. As a digital download with a free b-side, After the Moment
4. Ice Reign, April 11, 2011. As a digital download.
5. The Cigarette Duet, June 9, 2011. As a digital download with a b-side, Positive Guy Meets Negative Man.
6. Yulia, February 18, 2012. As a music video.
7. The Cigarette Duet (European Tour Edition), May 14, 2012. As a digital download and a pink vinyl, including the songs The Cigarette Duet, Positive Guy Meets Negative Man, Goodnight Little Robot Child, and The Cigarette Duet (Radio Edit).
8. Overseas, September 14, 2012. As a digital download with a b-side Winston Crying On the Bathroom Floor.
9. Frack, December 12, 2012. As a music video.
10. Caution Repetitive, April 5, 2013. As a music video.

## Personnel

Credits adapted from Lil' Golden Book album liner notes.

* Princess Chelsea - vocals (all tracks)

*with guests*

* Jonathan Bree - Drums, Guitar, Electric Bass, Vocals on 'Cigarette Duet'
* Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper - Violin on 'Too Fast to Live'
* Lance Smith - Harmonica on 'Too Fast to Live'
* James Milne - Vocals on 'Overseas'

## Dedication

*Thank you*
Jonathan Bree, Jamie-Lee Smith, Brad Fafejta, Scott Mannion, Gareth Shute, Lawence Mikkelsen, Esther Maake, Johnathan Hughes, Stacey Thomas, Leonardo DiCaprio, Edmund Cake, The Brunettes, Pikachunes, Golden Axe, Stevie Kaye, Joseph Harper, Andrew Tidball, The Nikkel Family, Robbie Neilson, Johanna Freeman, Richard Braitigan.
## References

1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little\_Golden\_Books
2. ↑ https://louderthanwar.com/princess-chelsea-inteview/
3. ↑ https://louderthanwar.com/princess-chelsea-inteview/