MTV VMAs: Miley Cyrus drops surprise new album, "... and her Dead Petz"

MTV VMAs: Miley Cyrus drops surprise new album, “... and her Dead Petz”

Aug. 30, 2015 8:39 PM PT

Following her hosting gig at the MTV VMAs on Sunday night, Miley Cyrus took full advantage of the spotlight by releasing a new album for free through her website. Called “Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz,” she unveiled it via the Soundcloud platform soon after the annual awards show closed.

At 23 songs, the album is dense and varied, and features collaborations by artists including rapper Big Sean, Sarah Barthel (Phantogram), Los Angeles avant pop artist Ariel Pink and producer Mike Will Made It. Much of the album is co-written and/or produced by members of the Flaming Lips.

The release came as quite the surprise, especially considering that during her VMA hosting duties she made straight-faced reference to laying low in 2015. Speaking of the VMA “moonman” trophy, Cyrus said the award “kind of makes me wish I would have put out an album this year, but I actually took the year off to focus on my true love, Instagram.”

FULL COVERAGE: 2015 MTV Video Music Awards

Apparently she was being coy, because “Miley Cyrus and Her Dead Petz” certainly doesn’t sound tossed off, even if it’s playfully obtuse and filled with experimental flair. The first line on the album is, “Yeah I smoke pot,” and the claim is hard to deny after listening.

Dense with echoed texture and headphone-gymnastic effects, the tracks move from balladry to anthem. On many songs you can hear the spirit of the Flaming Lips, but when she filters those tones through her striking voice and trippy vocal effects the influence is refracted.

Track titles are below. To listen, head here.

Dooo It!
Karen Don’t Be Sad
The Floyd Song (Sunrise)
Something About Space Dude
Space Boots
F ... F ... Up
BB Talk
Fweaky
Bang Me Box
Milky Milky Milk
Cyrus Skies
Slab of Butter (Scorpion)(Featuring Sarah Barthel of Phantogram)
I’m so Drunk
I Forgive Yiew
I Get So Scared
Lighter
Tangerine (featuring Big Sean)
Tiger Dreams (featuring Ariel Pink)
Evil is but a Shadow
1 Sun
Pablow The Blowfish
Miley Tibetan Bowlzzz
Twinkle Song