Don't ask me! No idea how I came across Riyoko Takagi and her debut album "The Debut!". All I can say, once I checked out videos on the internet, I knew that I was dabbling in a "musical" genre, that's not really mine. Forgettable and mediocre music, somewhere between cheap Dance stuff, that you actually believed was stone dead since at least 1996 and Easy Listening, Japanese style.
Not knowing what to say about this "music", I better talk about her videos. Except, there's not much to say either. Ms Takagi seems to perform almost everytime showing her two sales points (covered by a bra) to the public. O.K., she's definitely good looking, but she (probably) overdid it on surgery. Less is sometimes more, actually.
The video is kind of funny though. There's almost nothing else for the camera to show but her breasts. Nowadays the "sex sells" videos seem to be the fashion of the day, but this here is ... well, I've seen a few Japanese music videos that exploit the female gender in a way you wouldn't see in a video around here, not that I can come up with any.
The CD comes with a DVD as well, so, it's your choice. Just don't expect any revelations regarding music. You've been warned. I like the package!
Frankly, I'm done with reviews (mostly), as you can see from the frequency this blog is being updated. I'd rather enjoy LPs and CDs on my own (and going to gigs), than let the world know what I think about something. Not that the world cares, btw. However, every now and then music lands on my tt/in my player that's worthwhile losing a few words about. Not that it sinks like a stone in deep water. Steve Hooker's new one is a record that deserves such a push.
I admit, I'm a Steve Hooker fan since way back when. Actually must have been before I saw him live at the Sommercasino in Basel in the year of our Lord 19andsomething. His latest release is a seven song offer (I believe the two remixed songs have been issued earlier - I'm just too lazy to search for the MCD). What you get here is Steve Hooker at full throttle. Quite the way you associate the music with the man. Always on Rockabilly's edge.
... you still with me?
The only downside is the short playing time of this CD. At just over 25 minutes not really a full evening's worth of entertainment, unless you count repeat playings as a way of extending the enjoyment (and believe, you will). Steve Hooker came up with a couple of excellent songs, not a dud in there. As a matter of fact, the album had me caught right from the start. I believe, it took me all of three seconds to get into the groove.
As long as Steve Hooker and others release new music, all is not lost. So, it's even more important that you keep artists like him afloat. Buy this CD (PIMPHOUSE CD2) and if you can make it, go to see the man in person at one of his gigs. I've just been playing this now for the fourth time in the last two hours. Yes, that's how good this one is.
