[YMO] Revisiting the classic songs of YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA!

Shin Buyō (New Dance)Yellow Magic Orchestra

Neue Tanz – YMO

This piece is inspired by Indonesian male-voice chorus “Kecak.” With all excess stripped away, it has a minimal sound; the loops and the Kecak aesthetic feel like they could transport listeners somewhere else, making it a track you could dance to all night.

telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: ‘heart-to-heart communication’)Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – UC YMO -30 You’ve Got to Help Yourself (Ishin Denshin)

Yellow Magic Orchestra, affectionately known as YMO, is a band that has had an immeasurable impact on the Japanese music scene since its formation in 1978.

They employ a style in which the lead vocalist changes depending on the song.

Among them, drummer Yukihiro Takahashi often took the lead vocals, making YMO one of the bands known for having Japan’s most famous singing drummer.

Many listeners have surely been captivated by his vocal work—delivered with a languid air—while maintaining a precise beat.

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Hane Keisuke

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Gray stairsYellow Magic Orchestra

YMO – Gradated Grey (1981)

It’s a song included on the album Technodelic, and Haruomi Hosono, who does the vocals, is said to have imitated George Harrison’s singing style.

I think it’s the way the intro chords are constructed and the exquisite choice of synth tones.

Haruomi Hosono later self-covered it in his solo work as well.

stairsYellow Magic Orchestra

Stairs – YMO

It’s included on the album “Technodelic.” The track is notable for its heavy, percussive piano and a bass that delivers a thrilling, undulating groove.

This tense atmosphere would suit serious scenes in films or dramas, or a final boss scene in a role-playing game.

Tong PooYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – Tong Poo (1978)

This piece, which Ryuichi Sakamoto is said to have written with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra in mind, has an exotic atmosphere that feels intriguingly mysterious.

Yukihiro Takahashi’s tight drumming and Haruomi Hosono’s undulating bass feel fantastic! It’s recommended even for YMO beginners.

Computer Game “Circus Theme”Yellow Magic Orchestra

Computer Game (Theme From The Circus) – YMO

Computer Game “Theme from The Circus,” which opens YMO’s landmark self-titled debut album released in 1978, is a celebrated track that some regard as a proto–chiptune.

Although it runs under two minutes and functions like an introduction leading into the subsequent classic Firecracker, its innovative recreation of sounds from the then-popular arcade game Circus using synthesizers has been highly praised, and it is even said to have effectively introduced the very concept of video game music to the world.

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KOH-1

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multipriseYellow Magic Orchestra

Multiplies – YMO

This track makes the most of the ska sound that was becoming a movement at the time.

The opening phrase is striking.

Since it’s driven by live performance rather than programming, it’s an easy listen.

The low-key call-and-response is wonderfully humorous! Once you hear it, it’s addictive.