Customer Reviews

Grinning Cat

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Unarguably one of the Japans most prominent and prolific musicians/producers of electronica music...his output moves from house to electronica...but he's undoubtedly best known for his sublime ambient / ambient techno work. His ability to make interesting musical shapes out of simple structures or abstract melodies, has earned him something of a devoted following. With this release...he's managed to skilfully incorporate, and construct an album that is largely rooted in the ambient genre, that he has over the years, become hailed for, but interestingly integrated the soft, more intimate side of electroncia. And with the clever use of reverberating guitar, delicate piano, and harmonious acoustic keyboard, and a multitude of layered electronic effects in such a uniquely interesting or arresting way, that those that would usually resist any album that features `ambient', but like downtempo electronica, can approach without any reservations.

What makes this album all the more surprising is that fact that Yokota isn't afraid to mess with the traditional structures of music....tracks that touch upon the more genteel side of electronica / techno....are beautifully organic, and lack much of the cold, mechanical feel of techno. And yet with the more ambient orientated tracks, subtle elements of drum programming and snare rolls, make for a strange hybrid of musical genres rubbing against each other...but ending up with incredibly pleasing results. It's a record that explores possibilities...and so, ideas and directions are throw around and experimented with, yet all the tracks contain a consistency throughout, even though the tracks remain individual in themselves. Think if it as using sounds and instrumental effects to signify movement and behaviour, and arranges pieces as easily intimate, complex and poignant, and substantial as almost although true ambient music has delivered. It's an album that is a beautifully interwoven collection of electronics and samples, that are relatively inventive, and yet thoroughly accessible....even for those that would usually pass on the idea of a ambient album (albeit one with a heavy emphasis towards electronica). With some tracks working as a beatless collage of guitar and samples, and others lending themselves to intimate piano-led sketches of original detached mood music. Or even being so bold as to use pulsating synth beats and ethnic sounds to make uniquely original. It's all so richly textured, and such a expressively organic musical experience...that one has to wonder if this album was a one-off, and Susumu would struggle to make another album that fuses ambient & Beats so convincingly as this???

Anyone that has considered dipping their feet into Susumu's work, could do a lot worse that make this a starting point for his work. Sure...it's not a complete representation of the all the work that he's capable of (or has indeed done), and it's probably not even widely considered his finest work ("Sakura" holds that title), but it's probably one of his most thoroughly accessible albums, because it's likely to appeal to such a broad spectrum of listeners....as it takes ambient and makes it interesting enough of those that normally wouldn't touch this sort of music. And remain subtle and inventive enough, for it to appeal to his existing fans (and those with a passing interest in Ambient). And aptly illustrates Susumu's tremendous compositional skills...by turns: Spiritual, graceful, hypnotic, rhythmic and calming, it arguably one of Susumu finest releases, and extremely recommended for anyone with a passing interest is his music.

I bought this album having heard "King Dragonfly" - a wonderfully exciting & atmospheric mix of bustling electronica drum-beats, insidiously repetitive chants, and slightly "off the wall" piano chord sequences - expecting, as you do, more of the same. What I got is something very different: a set of what's best described as electronic/ambient "tone" sequences. Bad news? Well it certainly wasn't what I expected but sometimes that's good news because after a few times through it starts growing on you and then, before you know where you are, you're hitting the replay button. Just don't expect the easy ride that "King Dragonfly" suggests.

grinning cat was a staff recommendation at the local borders bookstore recently, so i decided to give it a listen. after getting a taste for each track, i bought the cd. it's absolutely AMAZING, giving electronica and minimalism fans something entirely different from the norm. the review on the front of the case labeled it a cross between brian eno and aphex twin, which is a comparison i would not disagree with. the entire album is incredibly calming; when you hear it, you get this feeling that you're listening to something no one's ever done before, which puts it on a higher plane. the classical piano loops add an element of class to the album, making it one of the best cds i've bought in a long time!!

As someone who probably owns more ambient music than any human should, I was kind of getting tired the way things were going in the late 90s with the Orb getting (really) old and glitch-hop only marginally interesting. Then I picked up Grinning Cat, which has overtaken Nobukazu Takemura's Hoshi No Koe to become the coolest Japanese experimental chill-out CD ever. Very unusual juxtapositions of loops that don't seem to fit, but do thanks to Yokota's assured manipulative spirit. I still haven't heard Sakura, but rest assured its next on my wishlist...

Like a crossing between Chari Chari and Aphex's "Selected Ambient Works II" (looks quite impossible,doesn't it?).Just a great record to get a move on.A slow,loopy and ambiental sound...just perfect to rest and take a ride deep into your toughts and feel "Grinning Cat" as the soundtrack of your journey.Marvelous!

This one album changed my preference in music. Buy on sight.

a

When I ordered Susumu Yokota' Grinning Cat, I had only heard samples and read about his music. Im into experimental music in a big way, mixing classical with chill out etc. This LP has become the soundtrack to my relaxation - I can't help but feel all tingly and relaxed when I listen to this Gem.

Special. Worth it 4 a treat, or if you can afford it. I will b looking at Mr Yokota more from now on. ; )

Jx

In a matter of just a few short hours, Susumu went from being a complete unknown in my collection to one of my favorite. Like Kimberly's review, I purchased Grinning Cat in a Border's in St. Louis (I don't know Kimberly) and I purchased it on impulse. The reviews for this album lavish praise. But no review can compel you so strongly as this album deserves. No review can create the almost addictive longing that you feel after listening to songs like Sleepy Eye, Lapis Lazuli and Cherry Blossom. Listening to this album is like drinking fine tea. Each sip is both intensely gratifying and at the same time enticing.

2 1/2

Semi-impressing electro-gurgles envelop best when rhythmically developed to offbeat samples, though by the end GC fades into a haze of absorbed ambiance.

It was always going to be difficult to follow up his previous masterpiece of an album, but he has managed it with style and class.

A bit more heavy on the percussion than the previous album, 'Grinning Cat' is nonetheless a very good album. It pursues the same themes and sounds as 'Sakura'.

'Sakura' will always be in the minds of people, so when this album is being discussed it will always be in the former album's shadow. I feel this is a shame as it stands alone itself as a great album.

In simple terms, if you enjoyed 'Sakura' then you will very much enjoy this.