Grinning Cat

From URB Magazine
Susumu Yokota's second album of floppy sounds, obscure samples and strange, delightful beats grips you like the favorite novel you keep re-reading. It reveals ever more complex sonic pathways and musical narratives with every subsequent listen. Building on the abstract glories of his last ambient sound odyssey Saskura, Yokota subtly rewrites his brief, coming up with yet more takes on the chill-out form.

At times it sounds like classical piano music put through some sort of effects machine run by robots on dope. On "King Dragonfly," cascading pianos flow over emotive breakbeats, while on "Card Nation," the ivories are interrupted by some sort of moaning ghostly choir. "Lapis Lazuli" finds the piano set to a funereal hip-hop shuffle. Then you get the jazz-gone-wrong interlude of "Balloon in the Cage," the bedtime melodies of the hammock house rumble "Cherry Blossom" and the spy guitar blues on "So Red." The weeping strings and bubbly bass on "Flying Cat" will be many a chill-out jock's staple this year.

Yokota likes to pick 'n mix. In the hands of lesser producers it could come across as some sort of cultural rampage. But even though he rips sounds out of their original context, he smoothes everything over with an oh-so-delicate finish. For all of Yokota's strength is his deftness of touch, like he's almost letting the music make itself. He's like a puppet master, pulling a few strings and letting his sonic creations come alive. Fluid and precise, Grinning Cat is about as flawless as you'll get.

Kieran Wyatt

Grinning Cat,Susumu Yokota,Leaf,Ambient Techno,Dance Music,Pop,Techno

Average customer rating:

Bad news & good news...

This is arguably amongst Susumu Yokota's finest releases.....

very smooth

Tranquil bliss - make a wish

Buy this album.

Grinning Cat
Susumu Yokota
Manufacturer: Leaf
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sakura

Symbol

The Boy And The Tree

Martes

Whole Numbers Play the Basics

ASIN: B00005JDMT
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

I Imagine
King Dragonfly
Card Nation
Sleepy Eye
Lapis Lazuli
Balloon In The Cage
Cherry Blossom
Love Bird
Fearful Dream
Tears Of A Poet
So Red
Flying Cat
Lost Child

Customer Reviews:

Bad news & good news..........2006-09-23

I bought this album having heard "King Dragonfly" - a wonderfully exciting & atmospheric mix of bustling electronica drum-beats, insidiously repetitive chants, and slightly "off the wall" piano chord sequences - expecting, as you do, more of the same. What I got is something very different: a set of what's best described as electronic/ambient "tone" sequences. Bad news? Well it certainly wasn't what I expected but sometimes that's good news because after a few times through it starts growing on you and then, before you know where you are, you're hitting the replay button. Just don't expect the easy ride that "King Dragonfly" suggests.

This is arguably amongst Susumu Yokota's finest releases............2006-07-21

Unarguably one of the Japans most prominent and prolific musicians/producers of electronica music...his output moves from house to electronica...but he's undoubtedly best known for his sublime ambient / ambient techno work. His ability to make interesting musical shapes out of simple structures or abstract melodies, has earned him something of a devoted following. With this release...he's managed to skilfully incorporate, and construct an album that is largely rooted in the ambient genre, that he has over the years, become hailed for, but interestingly integrated the soft, more intimate side of electroncia. And with the clever use of reverberating guitar, delicate piano, and harmonious acoustic keyboard, and a multitude of layered electronic effects in such a uniquely interesting or arresting way, that those that would usually resist any album that features `ambient', but like downtempo electronica, can approach without any reservations.

What makes this album all the more surprising is that fact that Yokota isn't afraid to mess with the traditional structures of music....tracks that touch upon the more genteel side of electronica / techno....are beautifully organic, and lack much of the cold, mechanical feel of techno. And yet with the more ambient orientated tracks, subtle elements of drum programming and snare rolls, make for a strange hybrid of musical genres rubbing against each other...but ending up with incredibly pleasing results. It's a record that explores possibilities...and so, ideas and directions are throw around and experimented with, yet all the tracks contain a consistency throughout, even though the tracks remain individual in themselves. Think if it as using sounds and instrumental effects to signify movement and behaviour, and arranges pieces as easily intimate, complex and poignant, and substantial as almost although true ambient music has delivered. It's an album that is a beautifully interwoven collection of electronics and samples, that are relatively inventive, and yet thoroughly accessible....even for those that would usually pass on the idea of a ambient album (albeit one with a heavy emphasis towards electronica). With some tracks working as a beatless collage of guitar and samples, and others lending themselves to intimate piano-led sketches of original detached mood music. Or even being so bold as to use pulsating synth beats and ethnic sounds to make uniquely original. It's all so richly textured, and such a expressively organic musical experience...that one has to wonder if this album was a one-off, and Susumu would struggle to make another album that fuses ambient & Beats so convincingly as this???

Anyone that has considered dipping their feet into Susumu's work, could do a lot worse that make this a starting point for his work. Sure...it's not a complete representation of the all the work that he's capable of (or has indeed done), and it's probably not even widely considered his finest work ("Sakura" holds that title), but it's probably one of his most thoroughly accessible albums, because it's likely to appeal to such a broad spectrum of listeners....as it takes ambient and makes it interesting enough of those that normally wouldn't touch this sort of music. And remain subtle and inventive enough, for it to appeal to his existing fans (and those with a passing interest in Ambient). And aptly illustrates Susumu's tremendous compositional skills...by turns: Spiritual, graceful, hypnotic, rhythmic and calming, it arguably one of Susumu finest releases, and extremely recommended for anyone with a passing interest is his music.

very smooth.......2005-09-08

I wanted to give this a 4 out of 5, but I couldn't. It's too much more unique than other artists in the genre. This CD is quite different than other ambient music. It reminds me of sounds and effects I used to play around with myself...only this guy made them, and put them together beautifully. Good work!

Tranquil bliss - make a wish.......2005-05-30

When I ordered Susumu Yokota' Grinning Cat, I had only heard samples and read about his music. Im into experimental music in a big way, mixing classical with chill out etc. This LP has become the soundtrack to my relaxation - I can't help but feel all tingly and relaxed when I listen to this Gem.

Special. Worth it 4 a treat, or if you can afford it. I will b looking at Mr Yokota more from now on. ; )

Jx

Buy this album........2005-03-02

This one album changed my preference in music. Buy on sight.

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