9 And You:

     The first time I was visiting Japan. I was more than ready to hit some of the local record stores and see what could be uncovered. Walking up to one of the massive Tower Records, I noticed  a cd on the front display rack that immediately caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was the brand new Takako Minekawa album! I had been a fan of her since the Roomic Cube recording. This was back in '98 or so and my head was buzzing with all sorts of Shibuya-cum-Paris kitsch pop. Takako takes a deliberately more electronic approach to that sound and oozes a cold warmth into her songwriting process. Admittedly, this style doesn't really get me all ga-ga anymore these days; but I was pleasantly pleased how well FUN9 has stood the test of time (well...it's been less than 10 years since it was released, but nonetheless...). The second song "Plash" is probably worth the download. It's all ultra grooved out with fuzzy distorted synth madness and a weird robotic rhythm flushed out with big production values (much more so than her previous albums) and Takako's sweet childlike singing pinning it all down.

Have Fun(k)