The 20-Year-Old Mint Chicks Album That Made Ruban Nielson Take Music Seriously

Twenty years after its original release, the Mint Chicks’ sophomore album “Crazy? Yes! Dumb! No!” has been recognized with the prestigious IMNZ Classic Record award, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand music history.

The album, released in 2006, was the band’s second full-length effort following their experimental 2005 debut “F**k The Golden Youth.” Fronted by brothers Ruban and Kody Nielson, with Paul Roper on drums and Michael Logie on bass, the Mint Chicks swept the Aotearoa Music Awards in 2007 with this record, which went on to achieve gold certification in New Zealand.

Ruban Nielson, who painted the album’s iconic rainbow cover, described the creative process as an attempt to make music that “fit inside that cover.” Speaking to RNZ’s Music 101, he reflected on the album’s significance: “Wow, somebody’s put the record we made in with all these great records that were the landscape of my childhood and my life.”

My main feeling is just relief, like we did something that found its place in the canon of Kiwi music. It’s a big deal because I do listen to a lot of New Zealand music, especially now that I live overseas, so it is important to me.

Ruban Nielson, speaking to RNZ’s Music 101

Nielson characterized the album as “pure mischief” but acknowledged it was the first time he began to take his songwriting seriously. “Writing its songs, he discovered his own potential,” according to the RNZ feature that originally highlighted the album’s 20-year legacy.

Band Context and Evolution

The Mint Chicks emerged as a seminal force in New Zealand’s indie music scene, blending noise rock and art punk influences into a distinctive sound. Their 2007 success with “Crazy? Yes! Dumb! No!” came after a deliberate shift toward a more professional and pop-oriented approach, though still filtered through the band’s unique artistic vision.

Both Ruban and Kody Nielson have continued influential careers in music. Ruban relocated to Portland and became known for his work with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, while Kody has remained active in New Zealand’s music scene, most recently collaborating with his brother in Unknown Mortal Orchestra while maintaining their fraternal bond despite geographical separation.

Legacy and Recognition

The IMNZ Classic Record award represents one of New Zealand’s most respected music honors. For Nielson, receiving this recognition two decades after the album’s release prompted reflection on the nature of artistic achievement and longevity in the music industry.

“I used to not really understand how important these things are,” Nielson told Jack Tame on Newstalk ZB’s Saturday Morning show. “I guess it’s like in any job, you’re sort of like, just doing stuff all the time, and then it’s nice to reflect and be like, oh, we kind of like, achieved something.”

The album’s recognition comes amid ongoing appreciation for the Mint Chicks’ contribution to New Zealand’s musical landscape. As Nielson noted from his overseas perspective, hearing New Zealand music takes on special significance when living abroad, making the album’s inclusion in the national canon particularly meaningful.