[WORLD GROOVE] Currently listening to Shinichi Osawa - The One

November 27, 2007 by KNDY · Leave a Comment

ARTIST: Shinichi Osawa

ALBUM: The One

LABEL: Rhythm Zone

CATALOG #: RZCD-4566/B

DURATION: 1:11:08

Released on September 26, 2007

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Star guitar
Detonator
Electro411
Dreamhunt
Push
Rendezvous
The Patch
Last Days
State of Permission
Foals
The Golden
Maximum Joy
Ami Nu Ku Tuu (The One Version)

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, 41 minutes

Star Guitar
Our Song
Push
Last Days
Our Song (A Lonely Girl Version)
Electro411
Rendezvous
The Golden

For many people familiar with Mondo Grosso, the music of Osawa Shinichi (or Shinichi Osawa for those who know of his work in the US) or perhaps were introduced to a few of his songs via the Sony PSP game “Lumines” have enjoyed his music for years.

The last time I reviewed a Mondo Grosso album or promoted a live concert, Mondo Grosso/Osawa was on a Sony label, so I was a bit surprised to find out that Shinichi has jumped on the Avex label through Rhythm Zone label (Koda Kumi, EXILE, Kiyokiba Shunsuke, etc.).

But nevertheless, it’s great to have one of the finest musicians back and his latest album “The One” is a digital smorgasborg of digital music that combines his frenetic digital style intermeshed with rock music which Osawa calls “electro”.

The album features a mix and mash of music genres of digital pop, rock and a bit of the 80’s New Order/Pineapple electropop that old school fans can help but smile to. Also, one of the coolest part of the album is the various collaborations on this album, thus giving each song its own unique vibe.

For those wondering why Osawa chose to go via his real name instead of Mondo Grosso, Osawa has mentioned in various interviews that you are seeing the DJ side of him and what he has experienced through various gigs. Thus, this is the first album sporting his name.

The first track “Star Guitar” is a remix of Thomas Owen Rowlands/Edmund John Simons (aka Chemical Brothers) popular track. Osawa’s remix of “Star Guitar” is a beautiful song incorporating rock and digital music and collaborating with the digital music trio Au Revoir Simone (Anna, Erika and Heather) with a very cool utilization of electronic drums and guitar. One of my favorite songs on the album, with the dreamy vocals of Au Revoir Simone really gives this song a stylish and enjoyable feel to it.

The second track “Detonator” continues Osawa’s “electro” sound and teams up with Swedish model/singer/DJ Princess Superstar who is currently gaining popularity all over Europe and Asia. I found the song very cool with the various transitions and Princess Superstar’s vocals gave it a cheery/rave-like feeling to the song.
The third track “Electro411″ is trademark Osawa. Frenetic techno interspersed with various forms of digital slabs that I just love listening to over and over.

The fourth track “Our Song” features Osawa collaborating with ULTRA BRAIN and another “electro” sound featuring rock with digital music. It’s like an indie J-rock song but instead of guitars ablazing, it’s Osawa’s digital prowess in control of the music.

The fifth track “Dreamhunt” features Osawa collaborating with Simone Rubi of the trio indie group Rubies. As previous collaborations featured the electro sound with digital music and rock. This one does not feature the rock factor but all electronic music.

The sixth track “Push” features the collaboration between Osawa and Swedish model/singer Ania and possibly one of the most catchier songs on the album and incorporating a Daft Punk style to it.

The tenth track “State of Permission” features vocals by Tamara Barnett-Herrin and co-produced by Freeform Five’s Anu Pillai known in the UK for their house/club music. This track is the sole slow-jam track on the album.

The eleventh track “Foals” is actually a very interesting collaboration with Osawa and electronica/rock artist Nelson. I guess you can say the track is like Osawa’s digital music mixed with The Killers but then a transition in the music suddenly changes to something that sounds like the Fixx. Hard to explain but the best way to explain is Osawa’s “electro” going through a modern rock to 80’s rock transition that goes back and forth. One of my favorite songs on the album.

The final track “Ami Nu Ku Tuu (The One Version)” is a very awesome collaboration between Osawa and RYUKYUDISKO (a popular DJ in Japan). Although, both do not combine their frenetic nature which would be awesome to listen to, for this track features a beautiful drum track with koto and traditional Japanese music.

For those wanting more Osawa-only tracks, you get a good number of them with songs such as “Rendezvous”, “The Patch, “The Golden” and “Maximum Joy”. You get the frenetic Osawa trademark tracks such as “Rendezvous” and “The Golden”.

As for the DVD, for the limited edition version of the album, you get a total of eight DVD tracks. Some tracks made into a non-stop VJ mix.

The first track “Star Guitar” features club visuals with laser lights and models and then you get to see the female trio Au Revoir Simone singing.

The second track “Our Song” featuring ULTRABRAIN features the group performing live in concert and also various people singing the vocals of the song.

The third track “Push” is a sexy music video featuring Ania. Very cool!

The fourth track “Last Days” features an animated ink blot video.

The fifth track “Our Song (A Lonely Girl Version)”, unlike the previous video featuring the band and various people singing the song, for this one features a woman singing the song and waking up, going to the work, going to the club and then back home. It’s actually a very cool concept as the girl sings at various locations throughout Japan. At home, walking to work, at work at Tower Records, at the club and more.

The final three DVD tracks are a non-stop VJ mix that you would expect to see on big video screens at a club or rave featuring Osawa’s trademark frenetic music tracks such as “Electro411″, “Rendezvous” and “The Golden”.

As for the CD insert, the lyrics are included, flyer for Osawa’s mobile site and a Rhythm Zone promotional for September and October 2007 releases.

I really enjoy the work of Mondo Grosso but I was very pleased with Shinichi Osawa trying something different and also collaborating with various digital/electronic music artists on this album and I felt that gave the album its unique style.

The songs are well-balanced and you get something different with each track.

The Japanese release of the album has two more tracks than the US release and the CD+DVD (if you can find the version with the DVD out there) version of the album is definitely worth checking out because the music videos are very cool to watch and similar to the album, you get something different with each DVD track.

If you are a fan of Osawa’s work, I highly recommend checking this album out. Highly recommended!