Customer Reviews

Cloudy Cloud Calculator

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently got sick of electronic music, because other than from a few of my favorite artists, nothing really sounded different to me. So I started exploring a mysterious corner of electronica, called "abstract". My first find was Takako Minekawa, and I knew I had finally found something new and unique to listen to. Finally I found something electronic, yet missing most of the genre's prerequisite endless repetitive beats, spaced-out futuristic dronings, and mysterious, tired-sounding female vocals, and other things that I've grown tired of. Instead, this cd is unlike anything I've ever heard, and because of that, I fell in love with it. The topics presented are all simple ideas (cats, clouds, colors, etc.), but explained in interesting ways through both lyrics and instruments, to bring all sorts of life to them. I never thought a song about the number 47 could be so entertaining, and now I'm convinced that 47 is indeed "a magical number" [from Kangaroo Pocket Calculator]. We also get a chance to live a day from the perspective of a cat [Cat House], and through quotes of famous scientists, learn a little about why clouds are white [Cloud Cuckoo Land]. These songs are soothing, entertaining, and most importantly, unique. I highly recommend this album to anyone else who's grown tired of everything sounding the same.

I got this album because I liked her husband, Cornelius' work, and after I saw a picture of both of them, decided to see what her music was like. It lived up to what I expected it to be, and that's wonderful. Her style is very calm, girly, and very inventive. Her music is different than most, though similar to Kahimi Karie and even to her husband's work. I still recommend this album though, and it's good to listen to if you're in a positive, airy mood. Wonderful music.

This Cd is A Must for Fans of StereoLab, and Cibo Mato. becasue it is a mix in between. contains the catchy repetetive elements with oddly placed (or off beat translations) lyrics.

overall.. it's good fun.

there was a point in time where so many japanese artists were making a heavy splash on the international electronic/indy scene. names like Pizzicato Five, Buffalo Daughter, Cornelius, Cibo Matto were all the rage. their blend of french pop, asian chic, and that "space age bachelor pad" motif were probably a big relief to those who needed a breather from the grunge-soaked musical landscape. and despite their disposable kitsch factor associated with most of these groups, they seemed to stick around long enough for most people to take them seriously. Takako Minekawa may not be quite as well known as those other groups i mentioned, but her music is a treat for those who can appreciate simple, charming music; made with a childlike sense of amusement and a wonderful appreciation for sound.

Cloudy Cloud Calculator certainly has it's moments of uninspired noodling that seem like Takako is just filling up the white spaces with her pastel sounds, but when she puts her mind to record a really great pop song, the hooks just can't be denied! such is the case with "Milk Rock" a fun rollercoaster ride that slides up and down on a multicoloured racing track with dainty drums, dreamy vocals, and a little electric guitar thrown in, as well. the same can be said for "Cat House"; another great little song that is harmless simple fun. things get a little weirder and more experimental on this record than previous releases, most noticeably on the disturbing "Kangaroo Pocket Calculator" where a pulsing blip is set as the backdrop to a mechanical voice reciting numbers and the relationships therein.

there are elements of old fashioned electronic music here. a love of Kraftwerk, YMO, and Brian Eno are all apparent. but Takako absorbs these influences and manages to produce music of interesting sonic elements and childlike beauty. Cloudy Cloud Calculator was not one of my favorite releases when i first heard it many years ago when it first came out, but it seems to have stood the test of time a bit better than some of her earlier albums. it could be her best. worth exploring for fans of Stereolab, Kahimi Karie, Cibo Matto.

Not exactly an inspired album but if you are a fan of oddball Japanese electronica and abstract pop , it is a nice CD and worthwhile getting just for her cute cover of Telstar. Takako Minekawa's Cloudy Cloud Calculator is playful and girlie in a typical Japanese way. The album has a do-it-yourself attitude to making unconventional pop music and sounds like funny technopop with Mickey Mouse as a DJ. For more diverse Japanese blippy piddling check out releases by Hoahio , After Dinner , Otomo Yoshihide , Yagi Michiyo , Ikue Mori , Sachiko M and Haco . If you want an introduction to more conventional Japanese "power pop" check out Shonen Knife , The 5-6-7-8s and Puffy AmiYumi.

The first listen through this CD, I started to become dissapointed in my purchase after the first couple songs.
But then, something happened; I heard Kangaroo Pocket Calculator.
There it dawned upon me, as Minekawa led her stunning musical debate on just why the number 47 was so wonderful, that this woman was udderly genius.

You see, when I was visiting Japan several months ago, I was somewhat forced to go to various temples in Kyoto which were each very geared to tourists. However, there was a woman there. She was wearing a pink sweater, and she was taking pictures of moss. She didnt care about any silly temples, she had just come to this place to take pictures of moss.
Takako is that woman, and therefore I love her.

I like synths, I like numbers, i like playing air calculator through a MU-TRON III....if u agree just buy this cd...
namean?????

One of the best CDs in year