Kodo is a large percussion ensemble from Japan that has been refining the traditional drum art of Taiko for nearly two decades. While Kodo have recorded prolifically in their home country, they've released only a handful o... more »f discs in North America. In an attempt to bring the hypnotic music of Kodo into the 21st century, Sai-so presents 10 ambitious remixes from Ibuki, Kodo's critically acclaimed 1997 album, produced by Bill Laswell. Integrating beats, scratches, and recontextualized samples with the tension and release of Kodo's ancient drum compositions, this is an enthralling example of modern technology in musi-cultural synthesis. With heady remix contributions by Laswell, Japanese hip-hop artist DJ Krush, and a host of others, Sai-so is a pure rhythmic delight. --Mitch Myers« less
Kodo is a large percussion ensemble from Japan that has been refining the traditional drum art of Taiko for nearly two decades. While Kodo have recorded prolifically in their home country, they've released only a handful of discs in North America. In an attempt to bring the hypnotic music of Kodo into the 21st century, Sai-so presents 10 ambitious remixes from Ibuki, Kodo's critically acclaimed 1997 album, produced by Bill Laswell. Integrating beats, scratches, and recontextualized samples with the tension and release of Kodo's ancient drum compositions, this is an enthralling example of modern technology in musi-cultural synthesis. With heady remix contributions by Laswell, Japanese hip-hop artist DJ Krush, and a host of others, Sai-so is a pure rhythmic delight. --Mitch Myers
Kevin D Schaller | Lake Tahoe, Nevada | 11/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I use this CD, along with Afro Celt V-2 as training music in my dojo. Tracks 1,2,5 & 10 have fantastic intensity for a workout. This is some of the most powerful music I've encountered. If you train or do Tae Bo, try on this CD! (I'll be trying skiing to it this winter, hope I don't kill myself in the process!) ENJOY!"
Which came first, the drum or the drum machine?
10/10/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I am a big fan of Kodo and felt that the various DJ masters on this project meant well, but over did it. The first track was fabulous and felt very tribal, but then as the CD played on, the disco/house beats got heavier and heavier and drowned out the acoustic drums. I felt that there was a real disconnection with the DJ's mixes and wondered if they were really listening to the original versions and trying to create a balanced, innovative mix, or if they simply 'poured' a synthetic rhythm over it. I found that I preferred the 'non-techno taiko' after listening to this CD."
A brilliant example of energetic mellow ambient /trip-hop
03/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Picked up this album on a whim, with some fear of what being "DJ-mixed" might do to Kodo. I have seen Kodo perform on numerous occasions in person (and have always been very impressed) and I firmly believe the EXPERIENCE of Kodo cannot be reproduced via CD. Sai-So: The Remix Project is similar to other types of ambient/trip hop such as DJ Wally; DJ Wally's Genetic Flaw and Death In Vegas; Dead Elvis but with Kodo-baselines and good energy. Definately a CD to play the car to help cope when in Rush Hour traffic."
Great collection
mastgrr | 12/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I noticed that a lot of the other reviews here were negative since this infact, was a remix album, and that it steered away too much from the typical Kodo sound. Well, guess what guys? This is a remix album and was meant to go to new ground. I really like this album mostly because it has some really fancy tracks. "Strobe's Nanfushi (Satori Mix)" is great, it's just groovy even if it's just drums and chanting. "Strobe's The Hunted (Kannagara Mix)" is even better because it's very uplifting, got a good beat and dancy -- something you could even try to play at clubs if you're a DJ! Great vibes. Then we've got DJ Krush's remix "Ibuki Reconstruction" and then even two remixes of the legendary Bill Laswell! Nice producers! Overall while some of the songs are lackster ("Wax On" tries to be cool but it's just not fat enough of a track. Still featured in the Bad Boys 2 soundtrack though...), it's a great buy if you want to hear to something new and fresh. A very interesting project indeed and just for the effort I want to give this CD 5 stars."
Subarashii! ["fabulous"] especially tracks 1, 7 and 10
mgo2@columbia.edu | manhattan | 04/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"these tracks incorporate the ripping "kakegoe"--shouted vocalization--which is a key element in making japanese traditional music so satisfying. sai-so is great for those parties when your musician friends and your shallow high school buddies are ready to fight over the cd player. it satisfies both hte drive to profundity and urge for mindless gyration. also get "ibuki" the original album, as several tracks, particularly "akabanah" are subtly delicious and deserve savoring in their original form. also great pic of the group in the foldout. note that as a dance maniac since age 3 and taiko player since 1989, i am shamelessly biased. peace & rhythm. m"