(July 2023) Episode 508 is SHONEN KNIFE, a reminder of the simple joy of uncomplicated rock-n-roll. That they are a trio of women singing in Japanese or accented English adds to the charm and shows the universality of the rock idiom. Their style is labelled pop-punk, but I’d also say garage rock. It’s apt to call them the Ramones of Japan, and they own it, putting out an excellent cover/tribute album. They broadened their sound over four decades (including a good album released this year), but they always keep the core approach, including silly lyrics as odes to ordinary things (“Banana Chips,” “Rubber Band,” “I Am A Cat,” “Spicy Veggie Curry”). It’s spunky fun.
Favorite album: Pretty Little Baka Guy
Favorite song: Twist Barbie
Favorite fast tempo song: Economic Crisis
Favorite ballad: Sunshine
Favorite covers album: Osaka Ramones
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: Highly recommend. It puts you in a good mood.
Opus Project 