平成風俗 / Shiina Ringo

11 June 2007

椎名林檎 Shiina Ringo
平成風俗

21.2.07
6th album
TOCT-26210

tracklisting
1 ギャンブル
2 茎
3 錯乱 TERRA ver.
4 ハツコイ娼女
5 パパイヤマンゴー
6 意識
7 浴室
8 迷彩
9 ポルターガイスト
10 カリソメ乙女 TAMEIKESANNOH ver.
11 花魁
12 夢のあと
13 この世の限り

purchase date 10.5.07

review
I have difficulty classifying this album. "平成風俗" is a concept album recorded live by an orchestra of over 70 members. Although labelled as an original album, "平成風俗" actually contained 7 previously released tracks that easily qualified as a best album. But yet these songs are not really enough to conclude her 8 years career. Besides, "平成風俗" also doubles as the soundtrack for movie "さくらん", in which Shiina Ringo took on the role as music director for this manga-inspired film. Shiina Ringo collaborated with reputable conductor Saito Neko, who arranged or rearranged all the included tracks.

The first track "ギャンブル" is extracted from the concept single "絶頂集" released on 13.9.00. The new arrangement features a jazz band and a full orchestra of 15 violins, 6 violas, 6 cellos, 4 double basses, a harp, a piccolo, 2 flutes, an oboe, a clarinet, 3 trumpets, 4 french horns, 3 trombones, a tuba, timpani and percussions. This resulted in a grand big band jazz sound that sets the right mood for the entire album. "茎" is the all-English oricon #1 single and the theme song for her directorial debut "百色眼鏡". The arrangement switched from the traditional Japanese folk sound to a tranquil classical mood that matched the English lyrics better.

Written completely in English, "錯乱" is the coupling track of the advance single "この世の限り". Recorded by a full jazz band, this album version of "錯乱" also delivers a retro jazz sound similar to "ギャンブル" on track 1. Following next is one of the two lead tracks of this album "ハツコイ娼女". Unlike the previous 3 tracks, "ハツコイ娼女" features an urban dance sound. It generates a significant amount of mystery, created by the strong strings and woodwind sections that are combined with the distorted vocal of Ringo. I like this song.

"パパイヤマンゴー" is actually a cover of jazz standard "MANGOS". Ringo did a modest job for this cover, nothing really outstanding. "意識" is the B-side off the single "茎". Like its A-side, the original eerie arrangement was simplified into an elegant big band sound that is perfect for ballroom functions. The new arrangement of "浴室" is actually a hybrid of the original version from her 2nd album "勝訴ストリップ" and its English alternative "la salle de bain".

Originally included as the B-side of "茎", "迷彩" retains the original jazz sound, but completely removed the eerie atmosphere from it. This made the song more pleasant and enjoyable. "ポルターガイスト" was previously included in her 3rd album "加爾基 精液 栗ノ花". The original train sound at the beginning was removed, resulting in the new arrangement of "ポルターガイスト". This simplified version offers a more tranquil and relaxing sound than the original.

"カリソメ乙女" was first released as a digital single on 11.11.06 and an alternate version was later included in the "この世の限り" single. The album version of "カリソメ乙女" is another simple ballad with all-English lyrics. "花魁" is the other lead track of this album. Like "ハツコイ娼女", "花魁" is another urban dance track atypical of Ringo. However, "花魁" is even more avant-garde, with its trance-like mood and upbeat tempo. "花魁" is my favourite track in this album. Both "ハツコイ娼女" and "花魁" have creative CG PV that perfectly suits the lyrics and mood of the songs.

Originally, "夢のあと" was the jazz ballad finale of "教育". The new arrangement of "夢のあと" is again a simplified version. Released as the advance single for this album on 17.1.07, "この世の限り" is a duet between Ringo and her brother Shiina Junhei. I don't like this song when I first heard it. The disappointment caused by "この世の限り" greatly reduces my anticipation for this album. But luckily, I was proven wrong after listening through the album. "この世の限り" is a very simple ballad, too simple compared to her older works. It took me a very long time to like this song. In fact, it is very common to take ages to appreciate works by Ringo and I'm growing to like "この世の限り".

Featuring a big band & jazz sound typical to the 1960s, "平成風俗" is a very huge departure from her previous 3 solo albums or Tokyo Jihen works. "平成風俗" is quite similar in style to "加爾基 精液 栗ノ花", but "平成風俗" is not eerie. It is much more pop and easier to digest. Ever since making her comeback from her pregnancy, Ringo's sound has been evolving towards jazz music. In fact, she has strayed so much away from standard pop rock that her older fans might not like "加爾基 精液 栗ノ花" and "平成風俗". After hearing this album, it is really hard to imagine that Ringo was actually crowned the Queen of Shinjuku-Rock in her earlier career. Overall, "平成風俗" delivers a high amount of creativity, detailed elements of jazz and big band, great surprises in the rearranged tracks, and the courage in making music of minority genres.

recommending #1 ギャンブル, #4 ハツコイ娼女, #11 花魁
rating 10/10 excellent

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