Superficial gossip - Shiina Ringo

No, I'm not going to talk about private life of someone else. I'm just about to give my 2-cent critic on her new eponymous album as I give it the first try, song by song.


In case you don't know. I'm a big fan of this crazily talented lady named Shiina Ringo. If you have not heard of her, you probably have missed out one of the most music genius of the world in this century and happily submitted yourself to the conformity of prejudice, peer pressure and ignorance!!!!. So go get some of her stuff to be enlightened. Like it or not, you still have to admit she's one cool cat in term of both music and fashion.

For rotten, who knows and adores Shiina as much as I do. JUST GO GET THE ALBUM. You'll love to listen to it anyway. (Blind idolization sure provides carefree entertainment)

1. Hayari
The opening of the song is surely impressive. I could strongly affirm that this is the first time Shina has ever done this sort of music. It's so dance-able with the heart-thubbing drum that you could not really help but get on your feet and start swinging with the music. The accompanying male vocal of Mummy-D gives a song a new fresh urban vibe but Shiina Ringo is the one who lifts this song from normal catchy head-popping tune to higher lever. Casual but no less sensational and classy compared to what Shiina Ringo normally does. Great experiment. Although the break-down of the song is basically this very weird back-up vocalization that kinda drags the song downhill for a few seconds but the solo guitar after that just soars. Must I mention that HZM piano is more tamed but and lack of anything but funk and JAZZ!!!!! Good to see you back mate! (My lover anyway)

2. Roudousha
I could totally picture a group people singing this song at church in Sunday morning. The piano riff is simple but it just sucks you into the song. The organ is funky and upbeat. Shiina Ringo is a little held back a little. Guess because this song does not really suit her 30-year-old elegant yet grungy voice. Shiina could have pulled this off much more brilliantly when she first started off with her raw, sometimes out-of-control vigor.

3. Mittei monogatari
Now it becomes clear that this album (or at least the first par) aims to contain more funk than orchestra and jazz which Shiina is normally known to master. Some flute riff reminds me of lounge music while the horns really bring out the best of this song. Bass-line provides a very consistent foundation that fill up all the gap, making this song a really worthy feast. (Shiina Ringo always brings you this worthwhile satisfaction because it's very layered, meticulously detailed and finished with exceptionally professional touch of the best maestro.)

4. O Chiten Kara
After 3 explosive songs, the album turns to a calmer mood, more child-like but somehow seductive. The introduction of more electronic sound is equalized by a tint of traditional sound giving the song a very soothing balance. When I listen to the song, I feel as if I'm drinking a glass of chilly water while sitting in a air-conditioned. All the more, it's the must you should listen to this if you're living in Hanoi and burnt to coal by the heat of mutated weather.

5. Karisome Otome
Why is it here? I don't know. It's exactly the same as one in her previous solo album. It does not do me anything except brings back good memory about Soil and Pimp Sessions......TABUUUUU!!!!

6. Tsugou no Ii Karada
ORCHESTRA is back!!!! Shiina makes it thousand times cooler than the one that dozes you off. It's a celebration of everything beautiful, blooming, elegant, witty and sophisticated. It brings you up when you're down. It smiles with you when you're already in a good mood. A surprising break-down in the middle is very musical. You nearly can picture Shiina being casted to join Tim Burton in his next project on The Story of Twisted One-legged Geisha (there is no such thing in case you take all my words seriously)

7. Shun
Ratkujitsu number 2. It's one of the best ballads every of Shiina Ringo in her new era, probably only after Ratkujitsu (nothing can beat Ratkujitsu). the only thing that came to my mind when listen to this song is a scenery after the rain. Bright but sad still. Very nostalgic. Memorable. A mix of ballad, jazz and orchestra turn out so brilliant that you could hardly imagine there is anyone better than Shiina Ringo. Nah, nothing can be compared to SR. She has her own niche. Bottom line: this brings both tears to my eyes and optimism to the deepest place in my heart now

8. Futaribocchi Jikan
This is the cutest song ever. It opens with this dainty lovable voice of Shiina Ringo, as cute as a kitty, and elevates to ecstasy in the chorus. Super jazzy as it heads to the end. This deserves a 5 star rating.

9. Mayakashi Yasaotoko
Serene! Magical. Mysterious but inviting. The Trumpet solo is phenomenal. Doubt it's a collaboration with SnP fellows. Argh...the ending is so nostalgic. That's my SnP

10. Togatta Teguchi
Very dark very dark. Don't listen to this at night. Serious Warning. Maybe Shiina's next step is Gothic-electro. I don't know. But this is just every electrifying. Hard cold dry distorted guitar = me like. The chanting at the end of Mummy D is not bad either. It's very mystical.

11. Irokoizata
Dance hall music. Romantic and sweet as a candy. It's dreamy and seductive. You must listen to this especially when you're in love (i'm not for your info)

12. Bonsai Hada
Very weird opening. Sound like a broken circus. But the deep low vocal of Shiina Ringo serves like a string that connect all the nonsensical, disjointed sound into one comprehensive melody. Sad song. A little Frenchie. I just love it when Shiina always feature something basic but no less genius in all her album. Strong vocal accompanied by only one simple instrument. That successfully gives a sense of loneliness, sorrow and longing for company. This song moves me in every way. It's very overwhelming. You might just wonder why her voice can do such magic

13. Yokyou
A little rock in Shiina comes back in this song. I just love the cool guitar and bass in this song. This song totally kicks ass.

14. Marunouchi Sadistic
This song must have a lot to do with Shiina. This is a totally fresh new song. I would not have know that's THE SONG if not for the tittle. OMG...the acapella is just sooooo awweeesoooommmeee.

Final rating: 4.8/5

I LOOOOVEEEE SHIINAAA.