Customer Reviews

Roomic Cube

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

 

 

I'm reading some pretty mediocre reviews of this album here, and I think that's a shame. Takako Minekawa's music is quite often playful, but I don't think I'd call it shallow, by any means. There are some over-the-top sugar-coated songs in here catalog, but I'm pretty sure that's intentional. She also balances this stuff out with some very weird and glitchy songs, and some pretty dark material as well.

I consider "Roomic Cube" to be a pretty solid release, and a pretty decent introduction to Takako in general. From there, I'd suggest picking up "Maxi-On," which is my personal favorite. I think that her music is a lot deeper than these reviews are letting on.

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.

armed with an aray of keyboards and plenty of bells and whistles, Takako's songwriting skills are showcased on all the fun, dainty tracks on Roomic Cube. Buffalo Daughter are also on here, helping out with nice results. "Klaxon!" is a great great song with an irresistable pop hook that stands out from the moody album opener. "Fantastic Cat" also beams with a goofy, bouncy melody and simple , but effective lyrics. their are plenty of questionable songs here also...the fifth track "Wooooog" is just throwaway romp in sleazy funk that goes nowhere fast...and "Desert Song" finds Takako settling on a bunch of "la la la's" over a dreary non-descript background. thankfully, "Destron" lays down some spooky groundwork with a haunting melody line and a stark distorted drum.

it's hard to say whether this kind of music has really stood the test of time. many of the tracks on Roomic Cube seem incredibly shallow and disposable...but i cannot deny the element of carefree fun and the whimsical approach to music that makes Takako Minekawa a treat. 3.5 stars, then. i can enojoy this album sometimes...but it's not for everyone.

This Takako album is more like a Buffallo Daughter side project than what we've come to expect from Takako. Less electronic, but still beautiful and experimental. It's just that members of B.D. have their hooks in this project ,and greatly influence it. Then again, Takako has always collaborated with people, and this could just be seen as another version of that side of her. "Fantastic Cat" is a stand out catchy track. This is a bit of a concept album, about being alone, in your own space, being creative. This artist is a step above the rest, in intelligence, creativity and style.

This is the first Takako Menekawa music I have heard, and I really enjoyed it. Though I listen to a fair ammount of electronic music, this CD was different than anything I had heard before. It is really, really good. I'm getting the Cloudy Cloud Calculator CD now, and from what I have heard it sounds like it is cool too.

Transcends electronica with its shear genius. This is a welcome addition to any catalogue.

This album is entertaining for the first listen, but then becomes unbearably saccharrine. It's alright for taping, or getting a copy from a friend. Definitely not worth buying, however.