By underrated, I mean I tried to pick songs from bands who either aren't so popular or aren't known for this kind of music (though I made an exeption). The songs themselves aren't exactly hits either. This isn't so much a review as it is a recommendation. Don't worry, I'll try to continue with the P-Model stuff soon.
Kid Dynamo- The Buggles/ The Age Of Plastic
This sounds like it could make for a good superhero show theme song! I really like the piano; I have a soft spot for more traditional instruments used in a synth setting. The song is catchy and has a powerful tune and instrumentation. Remember, The Buggles did more than Video Killed the Radio Star!
Festa Manifesto- Missa Fukuma/ Festa Manifesto
Normally, Missa makes more acoustic, folkier songs, but the title track from Festa Manifesto, an album produced by former P-Model member and brother Hajime Fukuma, is an interesting standout. It reminds me of Jun Togawa’s Teinen Pushiganga, but synth-based. Of course, it’s like a P-Model song also. It keeps just enough of a folk atmosphere to make sense with the rest of her songs. The rest of the album is good, especially the song Yuri No Oka. Don’t come into it expecting fast-paced, energetic tracks, but it’s nice background music if you want to relax. Missa has a sweet, calm voice.
Temporary Secretary- Paul McCartney/McCartney II
What? My dear Paulie once caught 80’s disease, and made this song in the throes of fever. The result is very interesting, but distinctly un-Paul. He sings this in a strange nasal voice, which could be annoying to some people. The tune is kind of deadpan, I guess. I like the guitar, also.
The Book I Read- Talking Heads/ Talking Heads: 77
Would this count as underrated? The band and album are very popular, but this song doesn’t seem to be talked about often. I don’t know. David Byrne’s voice here is like usual, somewhere between really good and terrible, and as usual it works well for this song. The chorus is nice especially.
Yang Yang- Yoko Ono/ Approximately Infinite Universe
What is this? It was made before New Wave was really settled, but what else could it be? It’s not right to call it Punk, exactly... Anyways, while it has guitar solos and stuff not normally associated with New Wave, I think it counts. Yoko is normally remembered for ear-piercing screeches and not for her songs that are less an exercise in weirdness and more an exercise in sounding real good. This was ahead of its time. I also recommend I Felt Like Smashing My Face In A Clear Glass Window, It reminds me of The Clash.
Rondo- Shampoo/REBEL STREET
A dark, moody sounding song. It’s slower, and the tune is cool. Somehow I’m reminded of The Doors, but they don’t sound too similar at all. Shampoo is produced by Susumu Hirasawa. They’ve recently got a new album out. The album this song is on is kind of a compilation. It also has a different version of the P-Model song Furu-He-He-He, if you’re interested.
I’ll Soon Be No Good- Yapoos/ HYS
Jun Togawa’s voice is cool, you should all listen to her. That’s all I should say, but I will save gushing about her for another review. Her band Yapoos had a similar evolution path to P-Model: it started as a more normal New Wave band, then turned into this weird thing. Jun’s interesting voice holds it all together, but the backing music is no slouch either. I will save further comment for when I’ll inevitably review more of her songs.
