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This article is about the album. To see alternate articles, check out the song with the same name.

The Family Jewels is the debut studio album by Marina Diamandis, released under her previous stage name 'Marina and the Diamonds'. It was officially released on February 15, 2010, through 679 Recordings and Atlantic Records, being the only album not released on a Friday.

Background[]

After the release of Mermaid vs Sailor in November 2007, Marina regularly released demos and songs on her MySpace, after getting the attention of Derek Davies of Neon Gold Marina was signed in October 2008[1], a process that took "four months" to work out.[2]

The first song after the release of Mermaid vs Sailor was Happy Meal, played in December 2007 along with a demo of Obsessions[3], a song that made it onto the album. It is not known what Marina wanted to do next, if she was happy releasing stand alone songs on her MySpace as she went or was working towards an album or another EP.

Name[]

Marina said she picked the name for three reasons:[4]

The Family Jewels is obviously great it being connected with diamonds, it's also great because it ties in thematically with the album which was very much inspired by my family members and relationships, and the third reason I picked it was because I like to put humour into my records and in the UK it means something else.

Composition[]

Marina described the album as:[5]

A really diverse album stylistically speaking because I'm such a flexible writer, so there's a lot of pop on it, but there's kind of a lot of leftfield experimental stuff as well. It's basically an album about what not to be.

With lyrical themes she identifies as "the seduction of commercialism, modern social values, family and female sexuality."[6] She also described the album as "part autobiography / part fairytale".[7]

Writing[]

She called the writing process "quite straight forward", being written over two years, most of it before being signed.[8] On co-writing she said:[9]

I hate [co-writing] so I do it because it's so challenging for me. As soon as I do it I am really pleased that I have. I've had the pleasure of working with three great people...

Marina said that she wrote Hermit the Frog first followed by Seventeen, Obsessions, Are You Satisfied?, Mowgli's Road, I Am Not a Robot, The Outsider, with the last ones being Numb then Oh No![10]

Production[]

Initially Diamandis wanted to work with one producer, but because of her writing process realised it wasn't possible, and collaborated with more producers.[11] Liam Howe was likely the producer she had in mind, as he was credited on her MySpace in July 2008.[12] Howe produced most of the album, with only three tracks, Hollywood, Oh No!, Guilty, with no production credited to him.

Marina x Liam Howe

Marina and Liam Howe in the studio

Marina initially self-produced many album tracks herself, Are You Satisfied?, I Am Not a Robot, Obsessions, Seventeen and Hermit the Frog's home demos were all posted to her MySpace. However, she only received a production credit on The Outsider, and an additional production credit on Hermit the Frog.

A decade later, Marina expressed her dissatisfaction about her lack of producing credits:[13]

On the first record I got no production credits because I didn’t even think to ask for them, but the fact is that I helped shape every record and I was precious about getting each song to the shape that I wanted it. If I hadn’t been in the room, these records would’ve sounded very different.

Marina expanded on this in 2022:[14][15]

My demos are the prototype that I record and write on my own, before I take them to a studio to work with a producer on. I think early production ideas are really important. [..] I'm self taught, I think what I do is extremely simple, and sometime a very crass version of the end product but it helps me to communicate what I'm hearing in my head. [..] One other thing I want to talk about "what constitutes as production?" I think this is such a grey area for artists, producers, songwriters alike. This is what my version of it is, and why I think somebody should ask for a production credit:

If you have used a part, or several parts, from my demos and they end up in the final version of the song. That constitutes, at minimum, an additional production credit. If you have replicated parts from my demos, and made them sound more finessed or polished, but the core idea is the same as the demo, that also constitutes as additional production. At minimum. If I'm in the room, and I am contributing to the direction of the production and coming up with ideas that will significantly alter the final product compared to if I wasn't there, then that's co-production to me.

The joy of working with a producer is that they can elevate my own very simple ideas, that they have put in years to understand how to make something sound good.

Release and Promotion[]

On December 1, 2009, Marina revealed the tracklist:[16]

I am really proud to finally release my debut album, 'The Family Jewels'. It is a body of work largely inspired by the seduction of commercialism, modern social values, family and female sexuality. Each song was intricately produced and written by myself and my only hope is for it to be enjoyed and consumed as a story and theory that encourages people to question themselves.

Noticeably, Oh No! is missing from the tracklist. This was as the track was written on a trip to Los Angeles, a week after The Family Jewels was mastered.[17]

Singles[]

For more information on the singles go to their respective pages linked below, to see any charting information click here.

Scrapped Repackage[]

In December 2009, Marina said in response to an interviewer:[18]

[As we chat, you're about to catch a flight to LA. Why are you heading over here?]

Basically I'm going over to write with [TV On The Radio guitarist] Dave Sitek and Benny Blanco. It's not for the album, because the album's already finished, but it's just a really great opportunity for me as a songwriter. Me, Dave Sitek and Benny Blanco* is such a weird threesome - it's a combination of super pop and really indie! It should be genius.

[What will happen to the songs you write?]

You know, I think what Lady GaGa's done - a kind of second release as an extension of her album - is really clever. I hate the whole 'record your album, do your promo campaign, have a year off to write another album' pattern. As an artist, you should keep creating as much as you possibly can.

Dave Sitek and Benny Blanco wrote and produced Like the Other Girls. Later in October 2010, Marina said she wrote "zilch" in the two days they had together.[19] In 2021, Marina revealed she wrote one line in five hours, then cried in the toilet before going home.[20]

In January 2010, Marina further expanded on her future releasing schedule: "[and then] every year, instead of doing the album format, I'll just do a six-track EP. So I'll have a constant flow of music and I'm never over-exposed because I don't spend all my time doing photo shoots and interviews."[21]

However, in August 2010, Marina said in a blogpost:[22]

A note for the Diamonds.

I have read here and there that I will be 'apparently' releasing an extended version of 'The Family Jewels' at some point, with 'new songs'. This is bull. Ove, close & moved on from. I am not enamored by the idea of rehashing current works or adding dongs to some 'deluxe' package or whatever. I am working on a new, seperate work which you will hear in 2011.

It is unknown when Marina decided to scrap the repackage exactly. However, in February 2010, she spoke to Wales Online about her 'second album'[23] about 'Greek Mythology' (later in July said it would be her third album).[24]

Re-Release[]

On November 5, 2021, the album was re-released globally on Spotify,[25] featuring every album track (meaning there are no longer regional tracks) and five remixes. Marina has yet to comment on why this is. Some time around the 11th, the album was changed back to the international release date of February 15, 2010.

Tour[]

Main Article: The Family Jewels Tour

The album was promoted by Marina's first headlining tour, The Family Jewels Tour, which visited Australia, Europe, and North America. Marina played 135 shows in total from January 2010 through December 2011. Marina also served as an opening act for Katy Perry on her California Dreams Tour in Summer 2011 and for Coldplay on their Mylo Xyloto Tour in December 2011.

Artwork[]

The Family Jewels album artwork
Credits
Photographer
Rankin
Designer
Photoshoot
Media
Note:
[1]: Accidentally tweeted by Marina. [2]: Used as a Tour backdrop. [3]:Posted on Instagram by Mat Maitland.

The majority of the artwork designed for The Family Jewels was shot by Rankin and designed by Mat Maitland. Though the purple diamond Obsessions cover (and promotional rainbow diamond Mowgli's Road cover) was designed by Mogollon[26]. The Mowgli's Road cover designed by Mat features a photo by Mari Sarai.

Marina said in an interview that she was very involved in the visual side, she wanted the album "to look a little bit like old interview magazine type spreads" and also wanted it "to look like a family portrait because of the inspiration behind the album and the name" and she had "about 8" drafts.[27]

In 2017, Mat Maitland revealed [about the second image above]:[28]

"Hey all, this image was one of a few different album cover designs Marina and I discussed at the time but I can't recall whether if it was ever seriously in the running. It might have been as it has the same background but the actual album cover you know quickly became the fav. All of these images were black and white originally and coloured manually using different layers of colour underneath...the series was homage to the work of Richard Bernstein who created covers for Warhol's Interview mag in the 70s & 80s."

Scrapped Concepts[]

  • [1] Found in Marina's Photobucket leak with the file name "diamondlogofinishedlowres"
  • [2] Found in Marina's Photobucket leak [3] A promotional flyer
  • [4][5] using the same logo as Obsessions

Booklet & Dedication[]

Thank you to

Mum, Lafina and Yiayla - for supporting me unconditionally.

Nick Worthington and Mike Sault for taking a risk, Dan Stacey, Sam Stubbings, Kieran Jay, Alex Pean, Kat Simons, Alan Parks, Neon Gold Records, Briana Dougherty, Flash Taylor, Rankin, Mat Maitlan, Karen and Holly and Radar Maker and everyone at Atlantic/Warner Record for their care and work they put into the project. Derek MacKiliop, My manager for never taking no for an answer! You have been fantastic all the way. I look forward to many more years of us working together. Greg Kurtin & the Brite Crawler Worms, Andrew Luftman fo rhis love and support from early on, Jennifer Ivory- so lucky to have you, Gaby Cawthorne for providing fun & laughter on promo! Christian Tattersfield, John Reid, Max Lousada, Katie Crisp, Deirdre, Moran, Phil Youngman, Damian Christian, Craig Kallman, Julie Greenwald, Livia Tortella, Alex Patsavas, Chris Stang, Brandon Frankel, Scotty Brothman, Christina Kosamanidis and everyone else who put in the legwork at Atlantic US, Chop Shop and Warner International.

Liam How for his patience, imagination and toilet-humous, Pascal for the trips to the Chateau, Biffy and Honey The Dog for being pop geniuses and all round wonderful beings (WOOF")

Derek Davies at Neon Gold Records - I'm honoured to have youa s a friend. I'm gonna perform on that 'World Stage' one day. (Mouseyyyyyyy, mouseyyy!!!! (YM) )

To Cara Dattani, Tom Penn - for coming to all the dive gigs in dive bars.

I would life to dedicate this album to my father, Demos Diamandis. I give thanks to you and Mum for being an inspiration to us all.

Marina xx


References:
UK CD.[29] JP CD.[30] US CD.[31] US Vinyl.[32]

Tracklist[]

The Family Jewels album artwork Label: 679 Recordings
Format: Digital download • Streaming • CD • Vinyl
Released: 15 Feb 2010
Region: International (Excluding Japan & USA)
Link: iTunesSpotify
Photography: Rankin
Design: Mat Maitland
International Edition
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
1.Are You Satisfied?N/ALiam HoweRichard "Biff" StannardAsh Howes3:21
2.ShampainL. Howe • Pascal GabrielGabriel • L. Howe • Stannard [a] • A. Howes [a]3:11
3.I Am Not a RobotN/AL. Howe3:35
4.GirlsL. Howe • GabrielGabriel • L. Howe3:28
5.Mowgli's RoadL. Howe [a]L. Howe3:12
6.ObsessionsN/AL. Howe3:30
7.HollywoodN/AStannard • A. Howes • Starsmith [b]3:50
8.The OutsiderN/AL. Howe • Diamandis3:17
9.Hermit the FrogN/AL. Howe • Diamandis [a]3:35
10.Oh No!Greg KurstinKurstin3:02
11.RootlessL. Howe • GabrielGabriel • L. Howe3:28
12.NumbN/AL. Howe4:16
13.GuiltyStannard • A. HowesStannard • A. Howes3:40
Total length:45:35
UK iTunes Edition
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
14.The Family JewelsN/AL. Howe4:05
Total length:49:40
Japan Edition
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
15.SeventeenN/AL. Howe3:05
16.Mowgli's Road (video)  3:02
17.Hollywood (video)  3:25
Total length:59:12

The Family Jewels album artwork Label: 679 Recordings
Format: Streaming
Released: 05 Nov 2021
Region: International
Link: iTunesSpotify
Photography: Rankin
Design: Mat Maitland
Notes: The release date on streaming sites has been changed to match the original 2010 release date.
Deluxe Edition (2021)
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
1.Are You Satisfied?N/ALiam HoweRichard "Biff" StannardAsh Howes3:18
2.ShampainL. Howe • Pascal GabrielGabriel • L. Howe • Stannard [a] • A. Howes [a]3:09
3.I Am Not A RobotN/AL. Howe3:32
4.GirlsL. Howe • GabrielGabriel • L. Howe3:26
5.Mowgli's RoadL. Howe [a]L. Howe3:10
6.ObsessionsN/AL. Howe3:28
7.Hollywood (Single Version)N/AStannard • A. Howes • Starsmith [b]3:24
8.The OutsiderN/AL. Howe • Diamandis3:14
9.GuiltyStannard • A. HowesStannard • A. Howes3:39
10.Hermit the FrogN/AL. Howe • Diamandis [a]3:33
11.Oh No!Greg KurstinKurstin3:00
12.SeventeenN/AL. Howe3:02
13.NumbN/AL. Howe4:14
14.RootlessGabriel • L. HoweL. Howe • Gabriel3:28
15.The Family JewelsN/AL. Howe4:05
16.Hollywood (Gonzales Remix)N/AGonzales3:43
17.Obsessions (Ocelot Remix)N/AL. Howe • Ocelot6:26
18.I Am Not A Robot (Flex'd Rework) (Passion Pit Remix)N/AL. Howe • Passion Pit4:48
19.I Am Not A Robot (Starsmith 24 Carat Remix)N/AL. Howe • Starsmith5:18
20.I Am Not A Robot (The Shoes - No Shoes Remix)N/AThe Shoes4:02
Total length:75:59

The Family Jewels album artwork Label: 679 Recordings
Format: Digital download • Streaming • CD • Vinyl
Released: 25 May 2010
Region: USA
Link: iTunesSpotify
Photography: Rankin
Design: Mat Maitland
Notes: The release date on streaming sites has been changed to match the UK 2010 release date.
US Edition
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
1.Are You Satisfied?N/ALiam HoweRichard "Biff" StannardAsh Howes3:21
2.ShampainL. Howe • Pascal GabrielGabriel • L. Howe • Stannard [a] • A. Howes [a]3:11
3.I Am Not a RobotN/AL. Howe3:35
4.GirlsL. Howe • GabrielGabriel • L. Howe3:28
5.Mowgli's RoadL. Howe [a]L. Howe3:12
6.ObsessionsN/AL. Howe3:30
7.Hollywood (Single Version)N/AStannard • A. Howes • Starsmith [b]3:50
8.The OutsiderN/AL. Howe • Diamandis3:17
9.GuiltyStannard • A. HowesStannard • A. Howes3:40
10.Hermit the FrogN/AL. Howe • Diamandis [a]3:35
11.Oh No!Greg KurstinKurstin3:02
12.SeventeenN/AL. Howe3:05
13.NumbN/AL. Howe4:16
Total length:45:02
US Deluxe Edition (Link)
No.TitleCo-Writer(s)Producer(s)Length
14.RootlessL. Howe • GabrielGabriel • L. Howe3:28
15.I Am Not a Robot (Flex'd Rework) (Passion Pit Remix)N/AL. Howe • Passion Pit4:47
16.Obsessions (Ocelot Remix)N/AL. Howe • Ocelot6:26
17.I Am Not a Robot (Starsmith 24 Carat Remix)N/AL. Howe • Starsmith5:18
US iTunes Deluxe Edition (Link)
No.TitleLength
18.Hollywood (video)3:25

Key:
[a]: Additional production. [b]: Original production

Outtakes[]

Note:
This is an abridged version of events, for more (sourced) information, visit each song page.

Jealousy: Marina told CLASH Magazine the song would be featured on the album.[33]

Simplify: Released on The Crown Jewels, along with two other tracks.

Bad Kidz: Released as Hollywood's B-side.

Starlight: Posted to her MySpace in 2008, along with Seventeen.

Sinful: Unreleased and intended to be a bonus track.[34]

Unfinished Demos[]

Happy Meal: Played in December 2007, and posted to her MySpace, along with 'We've Got Obsessions'.[35]

Blindfold Me: Posted to MySpace in 2008.[36]

Repackage[]

Like the Other Girls: Recorded sometime in January 2010 and was specifically intended for an album repackage. However, Marina could not complete the song.

Dirty Sheets: Posted to MySpace sometime in February 2010 and speculated to have been intended for an album repackage. However, as it is unknown when the idea was scrapped, it is theorized to have been intended for Die Life.

References[]

  1. https://youtu.be/xnk0Fadk3kw?t=120
  2. https://www.popjustice.com/articles/2012-in-review-marina-the-diamonds-does-january/
  3. http://www.invisibledragon.co.uk/notquiteareview.html
  4. https://youtu.be/Gd9OzSw6RTU?t=149
  5. http://www.clashmusic.com/news/marina-on-musical-background
  6. http://www.nme.com/news/marina-and-the-diamonds/48651
  7. https://diymag.com/archive/marina-the-diamonds-confirms-debut-album-release
  8. https://brightestyoungthings.com/articles/marina-and-the-diamonds
  9. https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/marina-and-the-diamonds/id360980220Podcasts
  10. https://laist.com/2010/07/06/marina_and_the_diamonds.php
  11. https://brightestyoungthings.com/articles/marina-and-the-diamonds
  12. https://web.archive.org/web/20080706222006/myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds WARNING: strobe/flashing background
  13. https://www.vogue.com/article/marina-mans-world-single
  14. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYesFoCJnjT/
  15. https://www.instagram.com/p/CYetPxzpQpI/
  16. https://gigwise.com/news/53692/ https://diymag.com/archive/marina-the-diamonds-confirms-debut-album-release https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a189377/marina-announces-album-release-details/
  17. http://atlanticrecords.com/artists/marina-and-the-diamonds/#Biography
  18. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a192242/ones-to-watch-marina-and-the-diamonds/
  19. http://www.officiallyayuppie.com/2010/10/exclusive-marina-diamonds-intv.html
  20. https://youtu.be/sRJ0XjZop4c?t=1485
  21. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8437856.stm
  22. https://66.media.tumblr.com/d119ba828b5f0438746e44636af9c4aa/tumblr_mh3odzMoLs1s4495vo1_500.png
  23. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/knew-id-famous---marina-1933260
  24. https://laist.com/2010/07/06/marina_and_the_diamonds.php
  25. https://open.spotify.com/album/3vcPZf2pYrjqrHNVkPTDVL?si=PXzD3lmATWKZuVSEIYUmqw
  26. https://www.discogs.com/Marina-The-Diamonds-Obsessions/release/1664130
  27. https://youtu.be/HAO5vTPObcg?t=149
  28. https://marinaupdates.tumblr.com/post/162795494909/mat-maitland-the-art-director-for-the-family
  29. https://www.encartespop.com.br/2010/05/encarte-marina-diamonds-family-jewels.html
  30. https://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=503208
  31. https://www.discogs.com/Marina-The-Diamonds-The-Family-Jewels/release/2301439
  32. https://www.discogs.com/Marina-The-Diamonds-The-Family-Jewels/release/13726268
  33. https://www.clashmusic.com/features/in-the-works-marina-and-the-diamonds
  34. https://web.archive.org/web/20130520075657/http://www.propellerheads.se/substance/artist-stories/index.cfm?fuseaction=get_article&article=pascal-gabriel
  35. http://www.invisibledragon.co.uk/notquiteareview.html
  36. http://www.rockabilly.net/marina/discog/songs.shtml
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