Another Impressionistic Pop Masterpiece from the Maestro
Rickmond C Wong | Los Angeles, CA | 04/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It took him long enough. After several years dabbling in classical and bossa nova, kyoju, or "professor" Sakamoto as he's called in Japan, has finally released another pop/electronica/world fusion hybrid masterpiece. From the Asian-inflected beats of 'Undercooled,' complete with Korean lyrics by M.C. Sniper, to the impressionistic electronica of 'The Land Song,' written for the opening of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, Sakamoto delivers yet another eclectic collection of songs, this time with a notable agenda. Frustrated by gung-ho U.S. foreign policy, Sakamoto turns in his most political work yet with tracks like 'World Citizen,' 'Chasm,' and 'War & Peace.' Throw in a seductive new vocal by David Sylvian and you'll have all the avant-heads and folks at the Wire drooling, assuming this ever gets released Stateside. Not to be overlooked is the closing track, 'Seven Samurai-Ending Theme,' a sublime meditation infused with the spirit of both Satie and ancient gagaku court music that transcends the video game for which it was originally commissioned. My only wish is that Sakamoto would have turned in some vocals of his own; though he's not the greatest singer, his low-key, distinctive voice exudes character and has lent works like Smoochy (his finest album), a remarkable sense of coherency despite all the eclectic twists and turns."
Entertaining Possibilities From D.J. Dragon...
R. Max Totten | San Francisco, Ca United States | 08/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"... listen up, headphones are required for this journey!
This new release from Ryuichi Sakamoto delivers sampled delights of worldwide textures. From the earthy sampled cello riffs of Jacques Morelenbaum found along side the urgent phrasing by M.C. Sniper to the beauty of Ngo-bitmix with it's light brazilian jazz piano and vocals peppered with skips and pops of vinyl fire to heartfelt questions of War and Peace. Chasm stimulates the listener in creating a different kind of pop music adventure. The challenge lies in understanding a moment of relaxed chaos, where instruments become a pronounced difference of opinion and vocals are lead to a sudden interruption of continuity.
What I found mostly intriguing in this kind of musical dialog was that with each listening a new and exciting possibility was to be heard. I personally think Mr. Sakamoto will always wonder and explore where his compositions will take him and the joy in where they will take his audience too as well."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1