Yellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra were (and still are) a massively influential electro band that formed in the late '70s. They played almost exclusively electronic instruments, including huge analog synths. They were also one of the first bands to recognize the appeal of video game music, incorporating it into much of their style. But unlike what one might expect from a digital-loving electro group, YMO combined the static electro sounds with a heaping helping of funk, disco and rock, injecting more than a little life and humanity into the machinery. One bit of trivia that might put a group like Yellow Magic Orchestra into context is their appearance in the American TV show Soul Train in 1980. They were quite likely the first (and perhaps only) Japanese act to appear on the show, bringing their unique brand of electro-funk to astonished and bemused American audiences everywhere.

In a way, YMO is still together. The individual members Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi and Ryuichi Sakamoto have all gone on to pursue their own solo careers and causes to great success. But the band still finds the time to occasionally get back together for live shows. These shows showcase both the original YMO lexicon and the individual members own music outside of YMO.

As for the original YMO music, it's a little of what you might expect from a very early synth band, namely swirling Moogs and and massive forests of cords, robotic, lock-step beats and obtuse lyrics. Then there are the more tripped out tunes, the experimental passages and the weird sense of humor. Their live shows from that era are mesmerizing. Perhaps described best as a mix between Kraftwerk and Devo who were active at the same exact time, YMO put on a show that was a mix of "dare to be stupid" futurism, cold, calculated programming and a real sense of, again, humanity and life. YMO followed their own path wherever it naturally lead them, and took an entire generation of electo-loving fans with them.

BUY YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA RELEASES HERE!

"Technopolis"

Official Site
MySpace

Members:
Haruomi Hosono
Yukihiro Takahashi
Ryuichi Sakamoto

Albums:
Yellow Magic Orchestra - 1978
Solid State Survivor - 1979
×∞ Multiplies - 1980
BGM - 1981
Technodelic - 1981
Naughty Boys - 1983
Naughty Boys Instrumental - 1983
Service - 1983
Technodon (as YMO) - 1993

"Rydeen"