Search - Pizzicato Five :: Ca Et La Du Japon

Pizzicato Five's Great Tribute to Japan

J. Shell | 07/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album, Pizzicato Five's final album of new material and successor to Pizzicato Five TM ("The Fifth Release.." in USA) brings in a large cast of Japanese guest artists of all varieties to unleash a musical Tour de Force that outdoes all of Pizzicato's previous efforts. This album presents a very different Pizzicato Five than most listeners are used to, due to the limited involvement of primary vocalist Maki Nomiya. Instead, this album is Yasuharu Konishi's chance to really show his diverse talents while also showcasing those of other artists from around the world.High points of this release include: "Kimono", featuring Sparks, a Velvet Underground/Blondie inspired rap/rock piece featuring thick guitars, harmonies, and piano; "Amerika Dewa", featuring Japanese jazz singer Izumi Yakumira and harmonizing quartet Duke Aces in an old musical mambo; "Gotta call 'em all!", Pizzicato Five's version of the Pokerap (yes, Pokemon!); "Sakura Sakura", also featuring Izumi Yakumira in a laid back smoky European jazz piece; "Le Grand Tokyo", a high speed Konishi orchestral/trance instrumental.The packaging of this release is worth the price for any Pizzicato Five fan. The CD comes packed in a DVD-size paperboard box that tri-folds out to reveal a picture of Maki Nomiya in a Kimono and a large picture of Japanese fish. Inside the box is a booklet with lyrics and pictures of Maki and Yasuharu along with images of the guest artists. Some songs have English translations of the lyrics. Also included in the box are two postcards featuring Maki and Yasuharu, a sticker, and a bookmark with the track listing.I would recommend this album to any fan of Pizzicato Five as a whole, not just fans of Maki Nomiya. The packaging and introduction to other Japanese musicians (particularly ones outside of the typical Shibuya-Kei grouping) are an especially nice addition to the always-great musical arrangements of Yasuharu Konishi, and make the price of import more than worth paying. If this album ever does find a domestic release, you can be sure the package quality will be pared down.For those looking for good music from Pizzicato Five's last days featuring Maki Nomiya will do better going for "Pizzicato Five R.I.P.", an equally well packaged release featuring songs and mixes from 1998 to 2001 with the focus back on Miss Maki."

Six stars!

plutoniclove | Dallas, TX United States | 02/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Only Pizzicato Five could make a 60-minute album feel short. They are *that* brilliant. The new century finds them with multiple collaborators on hand and Japan itself on the receiving end of their Pop Genius raygun. The national anthem becomes a jingle ("Kimigayo"), a traditional song is interpolated into a cabaret number about first love and betrayal ("Sakura Sakura"), and Chopsticks-style musical arrangements become the basis for the trademark Pizzicato Five pop ("Moderns"). Elsewhere, Maki and Konishi-kun guide us through a trip of Shibuya with a revamped, jazzed up version of "A Tokyo" and the bass-heavy, Cassius-like "Sukiyaki Song," on to the classy "Ça et La," the frantic, evokative "Le Grand Tokyo" and the sweet bossa of "aiueo." In between there's the glam rock of "Kimono," the industrial tic-tac mambo of "In America," the Christmas parade vibe of "24 decembre" and even a hyper version of the Pokerap ("Gotta Call'em All!") that begs you to sing along even if you don't speak Japanese! There's not a dull moment or a boring track anywhere in this collection, their most consistently enjoyable and steadily up-tempo in a long time. Very highly recommended."

A sweet swan song from P5

Dan Mastous | Methuen, Massachusetts United States | 02/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the last full CD of original music from Pizzicato Five. I used to think Happy End of the World was their peek, but this features a fresh new sound. It's all over the map musically. Definatly more Japanese sounding than previous releases. The previous reviewer didn't have his facts straight, as Fifth Release from Matador was the last release from Matador. So there's no reason to expect them to give any postive reviews on Sa E Ra Japon. At least not unless they actually like it. Don't expect this CD to see US release in the near future. Fork over the $... and get it before they re-release it with the cheaper packaging. High points are Kimigayo, Sakura Sakura, Moderns, In America (Amerika Dewa) and Le Grand Tokyo. Gatta Call 'em All is really the Pokiman song. Low points would be the inclusion of A Tokyo and 24 Decembre with rappers and such. These versions are more inane than the single versions. A different take on Nonstop To Tokyo as well, which was included in 5th Release, but not in it's Japanese cousin Pizzicato TM. It features a male singer posing as an airline pilot instead of Maki. In fact if you're looking for Maki Nomiyo you'll find her far less her than previous releases as well. Lots of guest appearances. Sparks, Bertrand Burgalat, Clementine and a slew of Japanese IdolsThe inventive packaging continues with a large box with various pictures and drawings in it. Very classy IMHO. All in all a definate thumbs up, and grab this version while you still can."