Customer Reviews

I

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

 

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it -- but that doesn't mean you can't keep it evolving.
And while Buffalo Daughter doesn't quite reach the crazy heights of their sophomore album, third album "I" is a polished, sophisticated piece of DJ-turntablist rock/pop/electronica. Just try to classify this baby.

The core of "I" is "Discotheque Du Paradis," a bizarrely engaging dance track that mingles sprawling keyboards, humorous songwriting and strange, exotic sound effects. It's not like any other dance pop song you've ever heard. But Buffalo Daughter shows their softer sides in songs like "Ivory," an angelic-voiced bit of ethereal pop, not to mention a mingling of shimmery electronica, Led Zep-esque rockers, indie rock and their unique brand of... I don't know what to call it. "Aural construction," perhaps...

It's hard to create a follow-up to an album like "New Rock," with its funky blend of electro and rock. Buffalo Daughter doesn't sound quite as gung-ho and exuberant here, but they still have that freaky fun sound. Not to mention "Robot Sings (As If He Were Frank Sinatra with a Half-Boiled Egg and the Salt Shaker on a Breakfast Table)," one of the best song titles I've ever heard.

They cram this album full of different styles, from punk to airy angel-pop to robot rock. It's a bit more polished and less rough-around-the-edges than their previous releases, although at times it sounds TOO polished. There's some almost sensuous keyboard and some solid guitar riffs, which you can find if you're not too dazzled by the robot bleeps and gongs. Not to mention the the robot vocals, jungle noises and birdie songs.

In a way, it's too busy -- "I" is so densely packed with sound that you may have to go lie down afterwards. It could have used a few less sound effects here and there, and somewhat less intense use of what they do have. But it can't be faulted for impact -- it's impossible to forget once you've finished listening.

While "I" isn't quite as good as "New Rock," Buffalo Daughter is still in fine form with their third album. It could have used some sound editing, but it's good as a wild ride through an exploding funhouse.

Even though "I" strays a bit from the Buffalo Daughter "norm", speaking as a huge fan, it was definatley not a disappointment to me. All the songs have a beautiful melodic charm to them topped off with suGar and Yumiko's soothing vocals. Some of my favorites from I are "Mirror Ball", "Discothèque Du Paradis", and the title track "I". Mirror Ball includes a very simple set of lyrics with a gorgeous background melody. Discothèque Du Paradis sounds just like the title. It's a little something to dance to. The eigth track, I, provides a set of happy lyrics and a chance for me to fall in love with their accents again. The flute creates a very relaxing mood, always a bonus with Buffalo Daughter. This wonderful album was definetlty worth the wait, and I'd recommend it it any Japanese Pop/Shibuya-Kei fan.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it -- but that doesn't mean you can't keep it evolving. And while Buffalo Daughter doesn't quite reach the crazy heights of their sophomore album, third album "I" is a polished, sophisticated piece of DJ-turntablist rock/pop/electronica. Just try to classify this baby.

The core of "I" is "Discotheque Du Paradis," a bizarrely engaging dance track that mingles sprawling keyboards, humorous songwriting and strange, exotic sound effects. It's not like any other dance pop song you've ever heard. But Buffalo Daughter shows their softer sides in songs like "Ivory," an angelic-voiced bit of ethereal pop, not to mention a mingling of shimmery electronica, Led Zep-esque rockers, indie rock and their unique brand of... I don't know what to call it. "Aural construction," perhaps...

It's hard to create a follow-up to an album like "New Rock," with its funky blend of electro and rock. Buffalo Daughter doesn't sound quite as gung-ho and exuberant here, but they still have that freaky fun sound. Not to mention "Robot Sings (As If He Were Frank Sinatra with a Half-Boiled Egg and the Salt Shaker on a Breakfast Table)," one of the best song titles I've ever heard.

They cram this album full of different styles, from punk to airy angel-pop to robot rock. It's a bit more polished and less rough-around-the-edges than their previous releases, although at times it sounds TOO polished. There's some almost sensuous keyboard and some solid guitar riffs, which you can find if you're not too dazzled by the robot bleeps and gongs. Not to mention the the robot vocals, jungle noises and birdie songs.

In a way, it's too busy -- "I" is so densely packed with sound that you may have to go lie down afterwards. It could have used a few less sound effects here and there, and somewhat less intense use of what they do have. But it can't be faulted for impact -- it's impossible to forget once you've finished listening.

While "I" isn't quite as good as "New Rock," Buffalo Daughter is still in fine form with their third album. It could have used some sound editing, but it's good as a wild ride through an exploding funhouse.

When I first bought this album, I found it a bit bothersome. Prior to this purchase I had only known the song "Socks, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll" and expected something more straightforward.

This release really is a great one though. The first half contains the noisier material I would say. I think the main problem is that initially I didn't understand how all of these styles could go together. "Earth Punk Rockers" was my main problem track: the crazy moog bassline, over-the-top sirens, and the strange choral vocal line in a rock song? The guitar riff was actually very much like Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir". I really didn't get it at the time though, but now after becoming familiar with earlier BF recordings I understand their approach. It's supposed to be really overwhelming: chaotic rockin' out! I bust that song out loud whenever I'm driving. That and Volcanic Girl which is even better! "Robot Sings..." is a fun little ditty and I like to hear them cook the half-boiled egg at the end.

Everything past that is more smooth and easy. The lyrics on "Discotheque du paradais" are so sad to me and there's a beautiful "Ooooooh..." that she sings. There's a lot a sentimentality in that song. "Moog Stone" kind of a soulful tune in 6/4 time that features Money Mark and main keyboard line sound is really nice. The highlight of the album though is "Mirror Ball" which is a huge psychedelic jam that goes for 8 or 10 min. It has a dreamy chord progression which just builds and builds in a dizzying rush, and the filtered guitars sweep you away! Listening to it I can picture a mirror ball spinning in the sky like a UFO. The vocals are layered so nicely. There must be like 20 different vocal layers in there. Overwhelming and Unbelievable...

(One thing I don't really understand is why "28 Nuts" and "5 Minutes" are two different songs. If anyone knows, please explain.)

I agree with other reviewers that "I" (2001) is the best CD so far by Buffalo Daughter. I'm fairly new to this group, and a delightful discovery they are. Buffalo Daughter's music is the sort that I've always looked for on albums by the likes of Sonic Youth and other so-called experimental rock bands, most of which generally fall short of expectations. These three women (SuGar, MoOog, and Yumiko) do it best! I would compare their approach to Hoahio on the CD "Peek-Ara-Boo" and, to a lesser degree, "Ohayo! Hoahio!" Whereas Hoahio use more exotic instruments (the koto playing on "Peek-Ara-Boo" is simply amazing), Buffalo Daughter seem a little more straight-ahead on the surface, but the music holds up and has the depth that bears much repeated listening. "Pshychic" (2003) by Buffalo Daughter does not, to my ears, surpass this CD. "I" seems like as good a place as any to begin listening to this fabulous group.

It's hard to be original in rock-n'-roll, but BD has managed to do it with "I". Unlike " Captain Vapor Athletes," this album avoids the trendy stiles of its time. Where else can you hear a bossa nova, a string quartet, and tape loops all on one album?

I got into Buffalo Daughter after hearing "Great Five Lakes" a few years back. I hadn't brought anything until I brought "I" the other day. I was blown away by their sound. As a big fan of Cornelius and Cibo Matto (artists who have collaberated with BD), I'm now a fan of theirs. An amazing album.