Transparent Things

Fujiya & Miyagi

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 23, 2007)
• Original Release Date: January 23, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deaf Dumb & Blind
• ASIN: B000LP6KMG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,627 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Fujiya & Miyagi are not Japanese nor are they a duo, but are in fact a trio of rather cheeky Brits. Keeping with the multi-cultural theme, they also love Neu!-style Krautrock, with its metronome rhythms and cerebral melodies. This second release after 2003's Electro Karaoke in the Negative Style is filled with sly statements and cute jokes about commodity and materialism--Transparent Things is a particularly apt title--but more than anything else it's a goofball lark. With the music-nerd navel-gazing of LCD Soundsystem, but also the sonic aesthetic of Stereolab, it can be enjoyed regardless of whether you want to get geeky. Some might say it's best enjoyed that way, as some of the record's most enjoyable moments, like the skittery last few minutes of "Photocopier" or the instrumental "Cassettesingle" aren't about words at all. At times it's downright danceable, with tracks like "Reeboks in Heaven" exhibiting an abstract, electro grooviness. Their devotion to quirk ends up being a little too cute occasionally (like when they use the band name as a chant in "Ankle Injuries"), but their energy is so harmless it's easy to overlook it. Don't worry about getting all the jokes; Fujiya & Miyagi would likely be happier if you turned your brain off and cut a rug instead. --Matthew Cooke

Product Description

Fans of Hot Chip and Air will appreciate Fujiya & Miyagi's brand of witty and wiry electronica. Singer Dave Best whispers obtuse stream-of-consciousness lyrics about scoring new kicks ("Collarbone") and getting socked by a girl ("Sucker Punch") over slinky dance-punk backdrops. "We were just pretending to be Japanese," the frontman playfully repeats in "Photocopier." But don't be fooled -- their urban jungle soundtrack is the real deal.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars do you wear reeboks in heaven?, May 7, 2007

By	J. Urdiales "KTRU" (MEXICO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

my answer is yes, I'll even wear the high-tops to kick it old school... my only condition: I gotta have this album playing in the background. it is absolutely catchy from start to finish (it reminds me a little of the Hot Chip album, Junior Boys' recent material, even some AIR back when Moon Safari was the shananigan... it still is actually), but they got their own krautrock/electronic thing going without taking themselves too seriously... just listen to the lyrics for crying out loud... they're hilarious. the "collarbone" track is outstanding, as well as "photocopier", "in one ear..." and the aforementioned "reeboks in heaven"... they are perfect to kick it back before going out, or even for the after-party... it will get everyone in a terrific, funky, let's-get-up and dance mood... highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining album from start to finish. Buy It Now!, March 9, 2007

By	Michael Gaine - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Leave it to a few UK studs to come up with a sound this brilliant. 'Hilarious Euro-pop with slick bass lines' is a fairly accurate description but doesn't do this album justice. The recording is crystal and the beats are easy and fun to follow. "Got to get a new pair of shoes, to kick it with her, not kick it with you" is just one example of F&M's delightfully amusing choruses. This is perfect conversation-piece music that will extinguish any drama or awkward silence at your next gathering. Your guests will thank you, and your mp3 player will appreciate your good taste.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a Japanese band, September 7, 2007

By	Daniel Cronyn (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

But they are still good. Just kidding. Everytime I throw them on somewhere, i.e. parties, lounging around, bat mitzahs, people always ask, "what is this great music". It's F&M peoples, and they're great. Bought this for my sister for her birthday, you should do the same. No sister? Treat yourself. Thank me later.