In 1997 two students at Aoyama Gakuin University named Kumi and Naoki Sato formed the J-POP band LOVE PSYCHEDELICO. Since then the two have been making waves in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. This year the band will release their first album in America: the compilation CD “This is Love Psychedelico.”
A blend of rock, blues, and folk, “This is Love Psychedelico” is a CD that calls out to anyone yearning for a 60s-styled love-in. From its classic organ-filled opening track “Standing Bird” to its sing-along closer “A Day For You,” the album serves one purpose: to spread happiness to those listening in. “Your Song” has a style to that of early Sheryl Crow, one of Kumi’s influences; and “Lady Madonna” (no, not the Beatles track of the same name) has the sort of beat that will make anyone sway their hips. “Fantastic World” blends George Harrison’s “Something” with a twist of Natalie Merchant for good measure; “My Last Fight” could possibly be a lost America/Buffalo Springfield track; and “‘O’” sounds like LA band the Ettes jamming with Blondie’s Debbie Harry.
Kumi’s perfect English mixed with Japanese will help to bring the band to the mainstream; and Naoki’s guitar styles range from that of Jimmy Page, Lenny Kravitz, and Bob Dylan. This wonderful combination helps to create a sound that would’ve been perfect for any moment in the modern-day time period. However, the one downside to this American release is that it is missing two new tracks: “dry town” and “Mind across the universe,” which will be released in Japan under the heading “Bonus Tracks for Japan.” This is quite a shame, seeing as this would be an opportunity to show the American audience what’s on the horizon for LOVE PSYCHEDELICO. (EDIT: "Mind across the universe" will be released on the iTunes version, but not "dry town".)
Despite this slight speed bump, the compilation of tracks shows that Kumi and Naoki are worthy adversaries to the likes of Crow, Robert Plant, and Jewel; and could have been wonderful friends with Harrison and John Lennon. This is a great summer album, perfect for those drives to the beach with the convertible top down and the CD player turned up.
“This is Love Psychedelico” gets 4.5 stars out of five. The songs are fantastic from start to finish, and it serves as a near-perfect introduction to this indie J-POP duo. After all, you can’t spell LOVE PSYCHEDELICO without “L-O-V-E-L-Y.”
“This is Love Psychedelico” is being released by HackTone Records, and will be available in stores nationwide May 20.
This is King Baby Duck saying, "If it ain't made in Japan, it's usually crap!"
Labels: J-VOLUTION, King Baby Duck, Love, LOVE PSYCHEDELICO, Psychedelico
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