Imagine John Lennon got turned into a Muppet and suddenly got
dropped into Dragon Ball Z. Haruomi Hosono’s 1973 debut album,
“Hosono House”, is among the most eclectic records of it’s genre (whatever that means). Don’t let the mild mannered portrait on the cover
fool you. Inside this record sits an indescribable palette of color, each
tune treated with it’s own sort of odd strokes. Kicking things off is
Rock-A-By My Baby, a beautiful lullaby that puts Paul Simon and Paul
McCartney to shame. Even though I have no idea what he’s really
saying (By the way this album is in Japanese), I like to imagine he
sings about me every time. Boku Wa Chotto is by far one of the greatest
country rock tracks ever put to tape, must the Japanese be so good at
everything? Choo-Choo Gatagoto, hums like a Wings song but rocks
like a Plastic Ono Band riff. The pop-rumba feel on The Final Season,
gives this albums one of its most endearing moments. When I listen to
this track my mind travels to a dusky beach, what a trip! As we
approach the middle point, Hosono decides to stir things up. The tracks
Fuyu Goe and Party strut and jive like Dr. Teeth and The Electric
Mayhem. The uncanny number of textures dressing up these tunes
makes it hard to describe. Hosono’s voice is pure, original and unapologetic. Halfway through this album things begin to feel very cartoony,
but the level of sophistication in the arrangement help satisfy your
outer adult. The tightly knit groves in Fuku Wa Uchi, Oni Wa Soto
(loved the fake start) and Jusho-Futei, Mushoku, Teishunyu blend
Latin and Rock n’ Roll to perfection. Jusho-Futei, Mushoku, Teishunyu
wears a super killer guitar track that sounds like mother fucking
Abbey Road! Picking it up where Boku Wa Chotto left off, track nine on
this LP blows you back to Countryville. Titled Koi Wa Momo-Iro, this
tune is a gem for sure. Hosono seamlessly seems to have mastered
every style of American music, (both south and north) but still manages to infect it with a very Japanese touch. Rose & Beast is the last
full-length track on the record (The last track is a twenty one second
instrumental), boy does this groove?! Psychedelic and mega funky, this
album is sure to impress. Country, Funk, Jazz, Pop, Rock n Roll, its all
in there. But be warned, if you’re a stickler I don’t recommend you
inquire. Hosono is the Akira Toriyama of Rock n’ Roll, If you accept his
humor you will discover some new places.
Have yourself a ¬_ _ _ _ time,
Mo’ Jones