Vision Creation Newsun by Boredoms

 

                       

                                     Vision Creation Newsun                          Boredoms

            The sixth album from Japanese noise rock group, Boredoms, hailing all the way from Osaka, diverges from their older style.  They started making music in the late 1980s that was raw, abusive, continuous noise.  However, in their later years they tended to hone their skills in a more psychedelic style.  The album is characterized by long but basic drum solos, taking advantage of a basic drum kit as well as bongos.  It is no extravagant affair, but mainly serves to put the listener into a trance.  These are frequently splashed with synths and effects in order to accentuate its otherworldliness.  The violinist plays a very minimalist part in the songs, frequently playing four to eight rising notes that continue throughout the song.  The guitar and bass take a back seat and can be hard to distinguish within many of the songs.

            Each song is entitled a symbol, such as “o” (circle) and “*” (star).  I don’t exactly know why, but I find myself asking quite a few questions when listening to their music.  For example, what is a “new sun”?  They say it about a million times on the thirteen minute opening track, and that’s about all they say.  It’s a great album for chilling out to, but it’s even better if you sit down and pay attention.  The songs are so delicately layered that the only way to truly understand it is to sit down with a pair headphones.  And no, you don’t have to listen to it on vinyl, because I’m not sure that it’s even on vinyl.  Oh no, what are you going to do?  Pitchfork names it #39 of the top 200 albums of the 2000s and you can’t own it on vinyl.  You may have to go jump off of a bridge now… 

What did you have for breakfast?

Dengue Fever, Yo la Tengo, Wild Nothing, Sunshine Company.

The B-52's by The B-52's

          The 1979 self-titled debut of these nostalgic surf poppers is confusing to say the least.  They were frequently lumped into the "new wave" descriptor that was a rampant malpractice on the part of critics from roughly 1978-1981.  Their style derived from a combination of the recently popularized synth pop that came with the advent of the new keyboards and synthesizers being manufactured and the surf pop one might recognize from the "beach party" films of the late fifties and early sixties.  As well, their lyrics normally consisted of pop culture and sci fi references.  Together this mash up created a unique sound that today might conjure images of all things antique.  The album has two of their most recognizable songs;

Rock Lobster http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szhJzX0UgDM
Planet Claire http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EPP3gkh_00

          Both the lyrics and music video for "Rock Lobster" were instrumental in earning them the unflattering descriptor of "kitsch".  Kitsch is frequently used to describe a regurgitation of pop culture in a mimicking manner that loses most of its artistic value, however fans such as myself embrace this tacky quality of their music.  "There goes a jellyfish, their goes a catfish, their goes a catfish..."  One can only wonder if these lyrics actually mean anything.  Planet Claire sounds like the opening credits to a sleek spy film.  It is the opening track on the album and does an excellent job of setting the tone.  The bassline repeats a rising eight notes for a solid two minutes, allowing the keyboard to take center stage.  Using the classic high pitched spacey effects, they are forcing the listener to imagine a drive-in B movie, probably about aliens trying to steal Earth's women.
        So if you're a fan of the sci fi/surf pop sound "The B-52's" is an essential record.  The longing for the past is accurate for many of the "misfits" they called fans.  Now go listen to the album, so that you're asked about the B-52's you can name more than just "Love Shack".  Thanks for reading, and tell me what you would like to see reviewed!!!