Yellow Magic Orchestra
Biography
The trailblazing force behind the emergence of the Japanese techno-pop sound of the late '70s, Yellow Magic Orchestra remains a seminal influence on contemporary electronic music -- hugely popular both at home and abroad, their pioneering use of synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines places them second only to Kraftwerk as innovators of today's electronic culture. YMO was formed in Tokyo in 1978 by keyboardist Ryuichi Sakamoto, who at the time was working on his debut solo LP; among his collaborators was drummer Yukihiro Takahashi, himself also a solo performer as well as a member of the art rock group the Sadistic Mika Band. The third member, bassist Haruomi Hosono, boasted an even more impressive discography, including four solo records as well as a number of production credits.
Agreeing to join forces as Yellow Magic Orchestra, the trio soon debuted with a self-titled LP influenced largely by the robotic iconography of Germany's Kraftwerk; 1979's Solid State Survivor heralded a quantum leap in their sound, with stronger songs and a more focused use of electronic tools, complete with English lyrics by Chris Mosdell. While 1980's Xoo Multiplies was at best a mixed bag including comedy skits and two different covers of the Archie Bell & the Drells classic "Tighten Up," Public Pressure captured YMO performing live.
Selected Discography
YMO recently reunited a couple of years ago under the pseudonym Human Audio Sponge (or HASYMO), released a couple of singles and toured Japan a few times, with a more stripped-dow n , electro-acou s t i c sound. Also performed at the Live Earth concert segment in Japan in 2007.
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Just listening to the song "Ballet" one can hear the influence YMO had on a number of electronic acts of the 80s, 90s, and onward. A lot of Chicago House DJs site them as an influence as well. One of my favorites.
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