Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) is a pioneering electronic music group from Japan. Formed in 1978, the band consists of members Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi. YMO is credited with influencing the development of various musical genres, including synth-pop, electro, and techno. The band's discography is extensive, spanning over several decades. They released their debut self-titled album in 1978, which quickly gained popularity in Japan and helped establish YMO as innovators in electronic music. This album featured tracks such as "Technopolis" and "Firecracker", which showcased the band's blend of catchy melodies and electronic instrumentation.
The early 2000s saw Hosono & Takahashi reunited in a project called Sketch Show. On a number of occasions Ryuichi Sakamoto has joined in on Sketch Show performances and recording sessions. He later proposed they rename the unit "Human Audio Sponge" when he participates, although outside Japan they also used "Yellow Magic Orchestra" until ownership issues with former label Alfa were resolved, so subsequent live releases use the original band name.
Making abundant use of new synthesizers, samplers, digital and computer recording technology as it became available, their popularity and influence extended beyond Japan. The band was originally conceived as a one-off studio project by Hosono, the other two members being recruited session musicians - the idea was to produce an album fusing orientalist exotica cf their cover version of Martin Denny s Firecracker with modern electronics.
This album featured tracks such as "Technopolis" and "Firecracker", which showcased the band's blend of catchy melodies and electronic instrumentation. Throughout the 1980s, YMO continued to release critically acclaimed albums such as "Solid State Survivor" and "BGM". These albums further solidified their reputation as pioneers of electronic music.
Yellow Magic Orchestra – Solid State Survivor
Yellow Magic Orchestra's second studio album. Released with obi strip and printed inner sleeve. This is the 1st vinyl version.
1st Version: Yellow (transparent) vinyl with red labels used on all Alfa records (except special variants) from 1978 to early 1980, features a red obi strip which mentions the yellow vinyl.
[All subsequent versions are in standard black vinyl.]
2nd Version: Red obi strip from the first version but without the mention of the yellow vinyl, red labels on vinyl. Used until around November 1979.
3rd Version: Yellow obi strip, red labels on vinyl. Made sometime between November 1979 - February 1980.
4th Version: Different red obi strip, red labels on vinyl. Made for the release of the group's live album Public Pressure, which is promoted on the back of the obi strip.
5th Version: Red obi strip #2, now with gradient labels used on all Alfa records (except special variants) from early 1980 to early 1981. There was a later variant of the obi strip that added the catalog numbers for the cassette versions of the promoted albums in addition to Solid State Survivor's, with an image of its cassette cover design. In addition, some copies of this pressing have a hype sticker stating that the album won an industry award.
6th Version: Red obi strip #2 with final mention of Victor Musical Industries as the distributor, now with white/beige labels used on all Alfa records (except special variants) since early 1981.
7th Version: Red obi #2 with mention of Warner-Pioneer Corporation as the new distributor after the rights transferred in 1983. The white/beige labels are carried over from the previous version, but the vinyl is re-cut at a slightly different rate.
Versions 1-6 were manufactured by Victor, and the black vinyl versions used a unique formula in which the record becomes semi-transparent when you hold it up to a source of light. Warner pressings are fully opaque.
Recorded at "A" Studio, Shibaura, Tokio
All tunes ©1979 by ALFA MUSIC LTD. except DAY TRIPPER
©1965 for the world by NORTHERN SONGS, LTD., London, England,
Rights for Japan controlled by Shinko Music Publishing Co., Ltd, Tokyo.
℗1979 Alfa Records
Made In Japan
Produced by Alfa Records, Inc.
Manufactured and distributed by Victor Musical Industries, Inc.
Their music often incorporated elements of classical, rock, and traditional Japanese music, creating a unique and eclectic sound. YMO's discography also includes numerous live albums and compilations, reflecting their successful international touring and continued popularity. Their music has resonated with audiences worldwide, and they have been recognized as one of the most influential bands in electronic music history. Discogs, a popular online database and marketplace for music, provides a comprehensive listing of YMO's discography. Users can browse through their albums, singles, and various releases, along with details such as tracklists, album artwork, and credits. It serves as a valuable resource for fans and collectors looking to explore YMO's musical catalog. In conclusion, Yellow Magic Orchestra is a groundbreaking electronic music group from Japan with a vast discography spanning multiple decades. Their innovative blend of electronic and traditional music has influenced genres and artists around the world. Websites like Discogs provide a valuable platform to explore and appreciate YMO's extensive musical contributions..
Reviews for "The Conceptual Artistry of Yellow Magic Orchestra Through Their Discography"
1. Samantha - 1 star
Yellow Magic Orchestra's discogs was a huge disappointment for me. I had heard so much about this album and was excited to give it a listen, but it just did not live up to the hype. The songs felt repetitive and lacked any sort of originality. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire album. I was expecting so much more from a band that has been hailed as pioneers of electronic music. Unfortunately, this album did not deliver.
2. Michael - 2 stars
I wasn't really impressed with Yellow Magic Orchestra's discogs. While I appreciate their influence on electronic music, I found the tracks on this album to be too experimental and disjointed. There were moments where it felt like they were just throwing random noises together without any clear direction. The lack of coherent structure made it difficult for me to connect with the music on a deeper level. Overall, I feel like this album missed the mark for me and I was left feeling underwhelmed.
3. Emma - 2.5 stars
Yellow Magic Orchestra's discogs was not my cup of tea. I found the sound to be too synthetic and robotic, lacking any emotional depth. While I can appreciate the technical skill behind their music, it just didn't resonate with me on a personal level. The songs all started to blend together and I struggled to find anything memorable or standout. It's clear that they were pioneers in their genre, but this particular album left me wanting more substance and musicality.
4. John - 1.5 stars
I found Yellow Magic Orchestra's discogs to be completely forgettable. The songs all sounded the same to me, and I couldn't differentiate one from another. It lacked any sort of creativity and felt like a carbon-copy of countless other electronic albums. I was hoping for something new and exciting, but instead, I was left feeling disappointed. I don't understand why this band is so highly regarded when their music fails to make any sort of impact. Overall, I would not recommend this album to anyone looking for an enjoyable listening experience.