Daydream Believer - Shonen Knife, Stewart, John [1]
Back with more of the quirk pop familiar to their fans, Shonen Knife's new album is a familiar blend of regurgitated Ramones riffs, assorted sunny jangles and three-part voices saying silly things in squeaky Japanese accen... more »ts. There are wrinkles here that the band has been adding over their last several albums, like the early '80s' new wave that opens the album ("Shonen Knife Planet"), and the rare appearance of a song that actually goes past four minutes ("His Pet"). The loopiness remains intact for these intrepid ladies from the Far East, and only you can decide if you're up to the challenge of joining in. --Matthew Cooke« less
Back with more of the quirk pop familiar to their fans, Shonen Knife's new album is a familiar blend of regurgitated Ramones riffs, assorted sunny jangles and three-part voices saying silly things in squeaky Japanese accents. There are wrinkles here that the band has been adding over their last several albums, like the early '80s' new wave that opens the album ("Shonen Knife Planet"), and the rare appearance of a song that actually goes past four minutes ("His Pet"). The loopiness remains intact for these intrepid ladies from the Far East, and only you can decide if you're up to the challenge of joining in. --Matthew Cooke
"Shonen Knife's best album by far in my opinion. Their songs about different foods like Cookie Day, Hot Chocolate, Sushi Bar, Fish Eyes, and Banana Chips are all songs that can easily be stuck in your head for days. The music itself is simple, but Shonen Knife can give it that unique, come back to sound. Shonen Knife also does a cover of "Daydream Believer" that is perfectly done. Compared to other Knife CD's like 712, this sounds more professionally done, better sound quality... even the writing of the songs seems to be fulfilled much better, the growth of an artist perhaps. If there is anyone who can resist "banana chips for you, banana chips for me, in the afternoon banana chips and tea..." step up to the plate and tell me. Its a catchy J-Pop album worth every penny."
"My God, I've got Fish Eyes!"
happydogpotatohead | New Orleans, LA USA | 12/02/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Naoko, Michie and Atsuko once again grace our dismal planet with another communique from Shonen Knife Planet. If you can listen to this CD and not develop a goofy smile on your face, you are certainly completely humorless. Musically there's a little more Cheap Trick influence, and the power-pop moves definitely work for them. This is also the last CD to feature bassist Michie Nakatani, who has decided to retire from the Knife, and she acquits herself admirably with the songs she contributes here. For the uninitiated this is a good place to start, and the Shonen Knife fan will already have this. Pure power-punk-pop that outdistances even such practitioners as Green Day and the Groovie Goolies, and you can't argue with lyrics about sending postcards and drinking hot chocolate. Not to mention the song about waking up with fish eyes and having everyone ask you about your "new views." Totally zany and fun. Bang your head to "Konnichiwa" and you will know the true meaning of "rock out.""
Makes me hungry..lol
tasuki-chan | universe of the four gods | 01/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"very silly, mostly about food, such as sushi bar or hot chocolate. i luv dis cd, its funny, so u'll find out why it was called happy hour..very great!"
Very Fun Rock and Roll
P. Fry | 10/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone who is doubtful that three Japanese women could rock as hard as ZZ Top, the Police, the Jam or [name another male rock trio] might have one fear - that they might get really, really good. This collection dispels both doubt and fear with 14 incredible diverse and melodic tunes, both hard rockers & slower tunes. From the opening anthem "Konnichiwa" to the psychedelic "Jackalope" to the great, grungy cover of "Daydream Believer" this CD is both my favorite SK CD & one of my fave all time. Other favorites:
- "Fish Eyes" - The words are absolutely hilarious, about waking up and finding out she has "fish eyes" for no apparent reason. The harmonies on the "what do I see" part just melt in your mouth. Proof of what a tight, polished act they've become.
- "Banana Chips" - One of the many "food songs" on the album. Great melody! I crack up at the line "and just a little bit sweet" every time.
- "Cookie Day" - Here's the song that hooked me. I can just imagine a chick sitting in her flat watching TV and then deciding to go eat cookies. Then her musing about sending the post card with a buffalo on it and the way she pronounces "North Dakota" - that just put me over the top laughing. Great crunchy guitar, too.
If you've ever listened to there old stuff like "712" you'll hear how far they've come. (I can barely listen to some of that old stuff; although they always had the creativity I think they didn't have the cohesiveness back then.) The only song I'm not crazy about it "His Pet". But then it's probably as good as "Godzilla" by Blue Oyster Cult or Sabbath's "Iron Man" and at least as funny. Buy this CD!"
Back to form!
W Mianecke | Rochester, NY | 03/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's hard for me to be unbiased, being a huge fan of Shonen Knife. however, I just can't say enough good things about this cd. It is a seamless amusement park of sound, a light-hearted, but not substance-less box of treats for your ears... There's not one dud on here, not one song I want to skip over. The band has moved past the semi-seriousness of their previous two releases, they're back with solid fun. Joyous sounds abound! A perfect place to start with the Knife, esp. since the production values are the best ever, not too tinny, not too muddy, just right, seamless and guitar-laden... HOORAY!!!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
