Customer Reviews

Hamster

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i adore this album. every song is pop genius at work. the only mis-step is the cover of "At seventeen"...but it's not a horrible mistake...just a little misguided. if you like Cardigans, Shonen Knife, or Buffalo Daughter...you'll find yourself kneeling down and worshiping at the throne of Chocolat! "Hamster" and "One Too Many Chocolat" are her best albums and the definite place to start for anybody who is curious.

This record is like a big triple-scoop ice cream cone - drippy at times, but a sweet, cool mix of flavors. Though ranging in style from groovy go-go to hip-hop reggae to mellow rock, most of the songs are in some way homages to American and British pop from the sixties and seventies, with a lurking Beach Boys influence. (One of tracks is written by a member of Brian Wilson's back-up band.)

The lyrics are nothing great, but there are a few gems. "Baseball & Elvis Presley" is a wonderful tune about a box of toys and the innocence of childhood, while the title track is a cute and funny song about life as a hamster!

Chocolat's voice is rather thin and airy but fits the mood of the songs, and her English rendition of Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" is a bit muddled. Also, keep your ears open for some funny sound effects -- rhythm based on a bouncing ping-pong ball, chirping crickets beneath guitar power chords, a goofy answering-machine message, and one too many samples of scratched vinyl LPs (nineties retro?).

"Hamster" is a pure summer record. If it's summer right now, it's a great soundtrack for strolling along a sunny, breezy beach. And if you're in the middle of a dreary winter (as I am currently), curl up with a hot cup of cocoa, and let your mind wander as you wait for the sun.

If you like J-pop, you should like this album. It's light and fun, but less commercial than the usual fare. The artist has a nice voice (she can actually sing), and most of the songs are quick and poppy. There are also a couple of karaoke ballad types. All songs but one are in Japanese. With help from Trattoria's Hideki Kaji, and also Yoshinori Sunahara. Check it out!