Ca Et La Du Japon [Box set] [Limited Edition] [Import]

1. 1 Janvier

2. Nonstop to Tokyo

3. Kimigayo

4. Sakura Sakura

5. Moderns

6. Kimono

7. Fashion People

8. In America

9. Gatta Call'em All!

10. Grand Bazar

11. 24 Decembre

12. Sukiyaki Song

13. À Tokyo

14. Ca et La

15. Grand Tokyo

16. AEIOU

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Japanese edition of 2001 release for the godfathers of the Shuba-kei scene, not to be confused with their 2000 domestic release, 'The Fifth Release from Pizzicato Five'. Packaged in a 7' x 5' tri-fold box. Includes two postcards, sticker, 40 page full color book and the CD comes in it's own paper sleeve.

Tracks:

1 Janvier
Nonstop to Tokyo
Kimigayo
Sakura Sakura
Moderns
Kimono
Fashion People
In America
Gatta Call'em All!
Grand Bazar
24 Decembre
Sukiyaki Song
Tokyo
Ca et La
Grand Tokyo
AEIOU

Album Description

Japanese edition of 2001 release for the godfathers of the Shuba-kei scene, not to be confused with their 2000 domestic release, 'The Fifth Release from Pizzicato Five'. Packaged in a 7' x 5' tri-fold box. Includes two postcards, sticker, 40 page full color book and the CD comes in it's own paper sleeve.

Album Details

The initial pressing features limited edition packaging.

Customer Reviews:

Pizzicato Five's Great Tribute to Japan.......2002-07-16

This album, Pizzicato Five's final album of new material and successor to Pizzicato Five TM ("The Fifth Release.." in USA) brings in a large cast of Japanese guest artists of all varieties to unleash a musical Tour de Force that outdoes all of Pizzicato's previous efforts. This album presents a very different Pizzicato Five than most listeners are used to, due to the limited involvement of primary vocalist Maki Nomiya. Instead, this album is Yasuharu Konishi's chance to really show his diverse talents while also showcasing those of other artists from around the world.

High points of this release include: "Kimono", featuring Sparks, a Velvet Underground/Blondie inspired rap/rock piece featuring thick guitars, harmonies, and piano; "Amerika Dewa", featuring Japanese jazz singer Izumi Yakumira and harmonizing quartet Duke Aces in an old musical mambo; "Gotta call 'em all!", Pizzicato Five's version of the Pokerap (yes, Pokemon!); "Sakura Sakura", also featuring Izumi Yakumira in a laid back smoky European jazz piece; "Le Grand Tokyo", a high speed Konishi orchestral/trance instrumental.

The packaging of this release is worth the price for any Pizzicato Five fan. The CD comes packed in a DVD-size paperboard box that tri-folds out to reveal a picture of Maki Nomiya in a Kimono and a large picture of Japanese fish. Inside the box is a booklet with lyrics and pictures of Maki and Yasuharu along with images of the guest artists. Some songs have English translations of the lyrics. Also included in the box are two postcards featuring Maki and Yasuharu, a sticker, and a bookmark with the track listing.

I would recommend this album to any fan of Pizzicato Five as a whole, not just fans of Maki Nomiya. The packaging and introduction to other Japanese musicians (particularly ones outside of the typical Shibuya-Kei grouping) are an especially nice addition to the always-great musical arrangements of Yasuharu Konishi, and make the price of import more than worth paying. If this album ever does find a domestic release, you can be sure the package quality will be pared down.

For those looking for good music from Pizzicato Five's last days featuring Maki Nomiya will do better going for "Pizzicato Five R.I.P.", an equally well packaged release featuring songs and mixes from 1998 to 2001 with the focus back on Miss Maki.

A sweet swan song from P5.......2002-02-09

This is the last full CD of original music from Pizzicato Five. I used to think Happy End of the World was their peek, but this features a fresh new sound. It's all over the map musically. Definatly more Japanese sounding than previous releases. The previous reviewer didn't have his facts straight, as Fifth Release from Matador was the last release from Matador. So there's no reason to expect them to give any postive reviews on Sa E Ra Japon. At least not unless they actually like it. Don't expect this CD to see US release in the near future. Fork over the $... and get it before they re-release it with the cheaper packaging.

High points are Kimigayo, Sakura Sakura, Moderns, In America (Amerika Dewa) and Le Grand Tokyo. Gatta Call 'em All is really the Pokiman song. Low points would be the inclusion of A Tokyo and 24 Decembre with rappers and such. These versions are more inane than the single versions. A different take on Nonstop To Tokyo as well, which was included in 5th Release, but not in it's Japanese cousin Pizzicato TM. It features a male singer posing as an airline pilot instead of Maki. In fact if you're looking for Maki Nomiyo you'll find her far less her than previous releases as well. Lots of guest appearances. Sparks, Bertrand Burgalat, Clementine and a slew of Japanese Idols

The inventive packaging continues with a large box with various pictures and drawings in it. Very classy IMHO. All in all a definate thumbs up, and grab this version while you still can.

eh?.......2001-05-08

im beggining to think that the other people who reviewed this album as being favorable are on Matador Records payroll (the company that signed pizzicato) cuz this album blows. i gave it an extra star cuz i love pizzicato and i thought the casing was cool. i wouldnt reccomend this album, because its just not that good. why do i think its not that good? because ive heard other greats such as the fifth release and happy end of world (my personal favorite) and that got me hooked and this album sounds like its from a completely different group (i acknowledge the fact that they had a lot of guests, but it shouldnt be THAT different). I like them enough to buy this 30$ import and hope it is good. but i would say that if you are going to get an import get Instant Replay .

Six stars!.......2001-02-28

Only Pizzicato Five could make a 60-minute album feel short. They are *that* brilliant. The new century finds them with multiple collaborators on hand and Japan itself on the receiving end of their Pop Genius raygun. The national anthem becomes a jingle ("Kimigayo"), a traditional song is interpolated into a cabaret number about first love and betrayal ("Sakura Sakura"), and Chopsticks-style musical arrangements become the basis for the trademark Pizzicato Five pop ("Moderns"). Elsewhere, Maki and Konishi-kun guide us through a trip of Shibuya with a revamped, jazzed up version of "A Tokyo" and the bass-heavy, Cassius-like "Sukiyaki Song," on to the classy "Ça et La," the frantic, evokative "Le Grand Tokyo" and the sweet bossa of "aiueo." In between there's the glam rock of "Kimono," the industrial tic-tac mambo of "In America," the Christmas parade vibe of "24 decembre" and even a hyper version of the Pokerap ("Gotta Call'em All!") that begs you to sing along even if you don't speak Japanese! There's not a dull moment or a boring track anywhere in this collection, their most consistently enjoyable and steadily up-tempo in a long time. Very highly recommended.

a good start for the new millenium.......2001-02-23

another p5 release...sometimes i wonder if i just don't work only to buy those many oh-so-gorgeous and ... japanese p5 cds.anyway.as far as i'm concerned,this is the best album they've ever made.everything that i love in pizzicato five (crazy speedy pop song for instance) is here.and it's enhanced by brillant collaborations with artists such as bertrand burgalat (mastermind of the fine tricatel label-his tune is just really great),the sparks (coming back from dark) and clementine (a french singer-so cute on the booklet...),plus japanese pop stars like izumi (former vocalist on a few p5 previous songs) and many more.pay attention to tracks 1,6 (kimono-and yes they know how to ROCK) and 7 (fashion people-excellent and funny).there are also a few hidden tracks for your own pleasure...obviously the packaging is fantastic. so don't waste your time and get this album.this is the best i could recommand from p5 (with"happy end of the world"of course) play it again konishi!!(oh yeah!)