Moto.Tronic [Extra tracks]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In the liner notes to his new compilation CD Moto.tronic, mercurial composer Ryuichi Sakamoto writes, "I want to break down the walls between genres, categories and cultures." Based on the restless variety of his output, he's done it. On this 14-track collection that emphasizes already available work from the late 1980s and '90s, we get soundtrack scores, solo piano, and remixes as well as syth-pop, techno, classical, and bossa nova music. The bonus DVD adds five arty videos to the package. The problem is that Sakamoto's greatest strength--his versatility--is his greatest weakness when it comes to a compilation. His always eclectic and beautiful albums are rich tapestries of sounds and ideas that resonate off each other; so when you cut and paste pieces from these diverse albums together, it sounds more like one man's fight with ADD than a career compendium. Those looking for an introduction would be better served with The Last Emperor soundtrack, his Morelenbuam2/Sakamoto collaborations, or the aptly titled Beauty. --Tad Hendrickson

Moto.Tronic,Ryuichi Sakamoto,Sony,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Ethnic Fusion,Experimental,Pop,Popular Music,Progressive Electronic,Rock,Rock/Pop

Tracks:

Forbidden Colours
Energy Flow
O Grande Amor
The Last Emperor
Railroad Man
Risky
Before Long
Desafinado
Lost Child - SQ & P
Little Buddha
New Geo
Opus
Anger - Rare Force 2 Meg Mix
Insensatez - Remodel By Alva Noto

Amazon.com

In the liner notes to his new compilation CD Moto.tronic, mercurial composer Ryuichi Sakamoto writes, "I want to break down the walls between genres, categories and cultures." Based on the restless variety of his output, he's done it. On this 14-track collection that emphasizes already available work from the late 1980s and '90s, we get soundtrack scores, solo piano, and remixes as well as syth-pop, techno, classical, and bossa nova music. The bonus DVD adds five arty videos to the package. The problem is that Sakamoto's greatest strength--his versatility--is his greatest weakness when it comes to a compilation. His always eclectic and beautiful albums are rich tapestries of sounds and ideas that resonate off each other; so when you cut and paste pieces from these diverse albums together, it sounds more like one man's fight with ADD than a career compendium. Those looking for an introduction would be better served with The Last Emperor soundtrack, his Morelenbuam2/Sakamoto collaborations, or the aptly titled Beauty. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Moto.Exellent.......2005-09-07

Simply awsome!! his work gets better with every release. The bossanova tracks just blew me away!!! Not to mention the dvd(the main reason I purchased)was well worth the import price.

Beyond Music.......2005-08-05

Just like any other CDs, I like some of songs and don't care for the others in this Moto.Tronic. I love some of the piano pieces Sakamoto is playing, and my love to them gives 5 stars to this CD.

As far as his piano performance is concerned, there is somethig words cannot describe, and I try my best to describe it here. Underneath of melody, underneath of sound, underheath of the mere music, I see something flowing with undescribable beauty. I could call it "talent" or "inspiration." But any word falls in short in my attempt to describe it. When I listen to it I see something beyond music. Then I feel as if I encountered mother nature becoming one with our mind. It feels so natural and content.

Some delightful tunes.......2003-11-21

Here is an excellent collection of Mr. Sakamoto's work for the past decade. Even though I've got most of the source CDs already, I'm still glad I purchased this. It's a really smooth-flowing set of music, plus there's the bonus DVD! The liner notes highlight the genre-bending and cross-cultural nature of Ryuichi's career, and the songs on moto.tronic really illustrate that beautifully. There's his soundtrack work ("Little Buddha"), some funky pop ("Risky"), the classically oriented piano themes, and more! This disc is a real pleasure to hear. Ryuichi is an artist whose work I will continue to follow eagerly, and I will be giving this CD as a stocking stuffer to more than one person on my list.

The Archives Flow Beautifully!.......2003-11-12

Surprise is what's to behold here in this new compilation by Mr. Sakamoto. From most recent selections by Morelenbaum 2 / Sakamoto to timeless melodies of yesteryear performed with a splendid orchestra lead by conductor Yutaka Sado, to obscured re-mixes and the simplicity of solo piano brings the listener closer, such as a alchemist discovering the secret of turning silver into gold ... such a beautiful balance.

I strongly recommend this disc set also for discovering rare video footage included neatly tuck away in a five cut DVD, for one to witness the man in action.