Japan's Old Lacy Bed might be lo-fi and a little garage-y but they have plenty of great pop hooks. On their new 7" EP for Dufflecoat Records these can be heard on the atmospheric "Vivid" which combines a sometimes sparse arrangement with nostalgic echoes.
The title track is more up-beat and urgent, unlike a lot of current Asian female-vocal indiepop bands it doesn't sound very Cardigan-esque (not that there is anything wrong with that of course) though has a bit of a retro basement vibe. Some music is complicated, this is pretty basic but pleasingly basic and well-done indiepop.
Emily Bindiger, now known for being part of the award winning Accidentals, recorded this folk-psychedelia album in France in 1971 as a teenager. For years its been a bit of a lost cult classic but now has finally gained a proper CD release from the geniuses at RPM. And its one of the most amazing albums you'll ever hear.
Often sparse, always atmospheric, simple and maybe a bit naive it just sounds incredible and sometimes unlike much else out there. The songs often have a religious topic, though the innocence and uncynical nature of the song and singing give the songs a beautiful feel even for the unbeliever. "Confession" is acoustically driven, often just Emily's searing vocals and a basic backing, but then a horn sounds in the background and something shivers down your spine.
"Song of decision" is the highlight of the album for me, ethereal and tender with baroque organ and pipes sounding under the eager and sharp vocals. A soundscape of beauty and mystery. "Jesus said" is another wonderful song, simple and beautiful with vocals that swirl and fade into a dreamscape.
An unbelievable album, the liner notes say Emily later felt the production (which is a little rough at times) could have been better but maybe the rough edges are essential for the feel of the album. It may have been originally released in 1971 but this re-issue is the best album released this year. Essential.
Everytime the Japanese stock market rises Machikado Keiki Japan promise their skirts will too (the market is down today apparently bah). Their debut single discusses recent Japanese economic policy, no really it does.
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