I know I always make jokes about how good Shiina is and how her music can’t be touched, but a lot of the conversation revolves around her first three albums. I’m not quite sure if 放生会 (Houjouya) is going to enter the conversation, but I am enjoying this album a lot more than I’ve enjoyed her last two or three.
For the uninitiated, Shiina Ringo is more than a musician. She’s a whole event. Funny I say that, because this album’s title is named after a festival held yearly in Fukuoka. At this festival, the Japanese thank the gods for food and also pray for prosperity in business and safe driving. Here, on JRO, I’m praying someone gets interested enough to give her a shot.
Her sound is bigger than life, best described as a mix of big band, kayoukyoku, showa-era pop, rock, and jazz, and almost every style is on display. No one and nothing sounds quite like her. Her visual styles are also always on point. This album fucking slaps. Here, listen to the opening track while I convince you to try more. Look at these beautiful visuals.
This album is a gateway to the other half of Japanese music if I’ve ever seen one. Shiina did collaborations with big players in the Japanese scene on almost every track, and this does a lot to give each track it’s own distinct flavors. That opening track, “offering sake”, has contributions from Nakajima Ikkyu of tricot/Jenny high.
Another one of my favorite tracks is 1RKO, which is what happens when Ringo and Nocchi (Perfume) team up. This track is smooth. Listen to how different 1RKO sounds from the opening track.
Some other artists here include Ai Carina Uehara, Utada Hikaru, DAOKO, and Atarashii Gakko. Are you of the Utada Hikaru “simple and clean” generation? You owe it to yourself to listen to this one:
I think the first half of the album might be stronger than the second half, but the whole thing is worth a listen.
Have I convinced you to give this album a shot?
- Yes
- No