Search - Takako Minekawa :: Cloudy Cloud Calculator

Something new, something amazing

Kurt Best | USA / Washington / Seattle / Ballard | 05/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently got sick of electronic music, because other than from a few of my favorite artists, nothing really sounded different to me. So I started exploring a mysterious corner of electronica, called "abstract". My first find was Takako Minekawa, and I knew I had finally found something new and unique to listen to. Finally I found something electronic, yet missing most of the genre's prerequisite endless repetitive beats, spaced-out futuristic dronings, and mysterious, tired-sounding female vocals, and other things that I've grown tired of. Instead, this cd is unlike anything I've ever heard, and because of that, I fell in love with it. The topics presented are all simple ideas (cats, clouds, colors, etc.), but explained in interesting ways through both lyrics and instruments, to bring all sorts of life to them. I never thought a song about the number 47 could be so entertaining, and now I'm convinced that 47 is indeed "a magical number" [from Kangaroo Pocket Calculator]. We also get a chance to live a day from the perspective of a cat [Cat House], and through quotes of famous scientists, learn a little about why clouds are white [Cloud Cuckoo Land]. These songs are soothing, entertaining, and most importantly, unique. I highly recommend this album to anyone else who's grown tired of everything sounding the same."

Cute Blippy Piddling

Ralf Dudat | 2 / 41 Doveton Avenue Eumemmerring Victoria Au | 09/03/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not exactly an inspired album but if you are a fan of oddball Japanese electronica and abstract pop , it is a nice CD and worthwhile getting just for her cute cover of Telstar. Takako Minekawa's Cloudy Cloud Calculator is playful and girlie in a typical Japanese way. The album has a do-it-yourself attitude to making unconventional pop music and sounds like funny technopop with Mickey Mouse as a DJ. For more diverse Japanese blippy piddling check out releases by Hoahio , After Dinner , Otomo Yoshihide , Yagi Michiyo , Ikue Mori , Sachiko M and Haco . If you want an introduction to more conventional Japanese "power pop" check out Shonen Knife , The 5-6-7-8s and Puffy AmiYumi."