Lightbulbs

Fujiya & Miyagi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: DEAF DUMB & BLIND
• ASIN: B001C0NN10
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #122,913 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Their sophomore release following the successful debut "Transparent Things". "Lightbulbs" is a journey littered with fragmented images, anecdotes from the sublime to the ridiculous, and blurry stories that you feel you shouldn't have overheard. Each track is an aural contamination set to itch your inner ear every waking moment. Truly contagious music that carves a niche all its own. Deluxe CD packaging with extensive booklet included.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lightbulbs, September 16, 2008

By 

Andrew Vice (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lightbulbs (Audio CD)

On Fujiya & Miyagi's third LP (and technically first studio album, as their previous two were compilations of EPs and singles), the band continues mining the sounds of Krautrock to build their sonic landscape. Oft citing landmark works by Can and Neu as influences, the instrumental electronic sound of the band is infectious, layering funky, bright guitar riffs over melodic bass and precision drums. David Best's vocal delivery is a mix of singing and talking, but he never breaks out of an intentionally stoic, subtle delivery. This isn't a man you'll hear break into a shout, but rather you can count on him to consistently utter his nonsensical lyrics into the microphone.

Opener "Knickerbocker" sets Lightbulbs off on a roaring start, standing as a prime example of the bands layered approach and smart-mouthed wordplay. "Uh" and "Pickpocket" continue this trend, but the fourth track, "Goosebumps," is one of the few really new sounds you'll hear on this album. Something of a ballad, the song uses more synth and melody than most of the album but still doesn't break any new ground lyrically. The rest of the album moves in much the same way as the first three tracks, and any fan of Fujiya & Miyagi will know what to expect. While there isn't a lot of new style or sound on this album, it is a very solid collection of songs, and something that will be welcomed by Fujiya & Miyagi fans and likely garner some well-deserved new ones. For newcomers to the band, definitely check out their 2006 LP, Transparent Things, as well.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BRILLIANT! Electronica at it's BEST! An EARGASM!, March 7, 2009

By 

CQ DX (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lightbulbs (Audio CD)

'Lightbulbs' is utterly fantastic in every way. This is current, relevant, quality electronica at it's best! Tight, lush, at times dark and brooding, even quirky melodies with soundscapes that would make Kraftwerk and Depeche take note. The smooth, sexy vocals are incredible, half sung, and half spoken much like Steve Kilbey of 'The Church' (their latest offerings). 'Fujiya & Miyagi' paint interesting, involving, sonic 'feel good' landscapes that draw you in to the music and leave you begging for more!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Repeat-on-repeat, October 9, 2008

By 

A. Parrilli (Illinois) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lightbulbs (Audio CD)

Unfortunately this is a lesser version of Transparent Things and offers very little innovation on the band's sound. It is merely a rehash that takes no chances. A good but forgettable record. However the track Pterodactyls has a bass solo for the ages. Also, Uh, which appeared on the TV show Breaking Bad, is F&M at their finest hour.
All in all you would be better served to pick up a record by Neu! to discover the originators of this genre.