Shonen Knife ~ Queens of Bubblegum Punk
Shonen Knife ~ My favorite bubblegum punk rock band. Formed in 1981 in Osaka, Japan, the Knife have had a very devout following. The group composing of Naoko and Atsuko Yamano and Michie Nakatani have produced albums that have resembled early punk rock combined with Beatlesque power pop only with interesting lyrics that mention "ice cream," and "chocolate." Although relatively not many know about the Knife, they are a delight to watch and to listen to. These ladies from the motherland imitating western rock and at the same time adding their midas touch, created a whole new sound that seem to fit the early '90s Indie scene...and today too.
The Albums: I believe the first five albums are the better ones of the Shonen Knife canon. I haven't really listened to the newer albums since "The Birds and the B-Sides," but other sites have thorough reviews on albums such as, "Brand New Knife," and "Happy Hour." The new Strawberry Sound album comes out this month (2/2000) and it will be the first one w/o Michie, who left the group last spring.
Pretty Baka Guy/Live in Japan: Their first full-fledged album released in 1986, also contains songs from as early as 1982. It's the Knife at its freshest with just themselves as a band. Songs like "Bear Up Bison," Devil House," and " I Wanna Eat Choco Bars" are some of the highlights before the over-produced versions of them that came in "Let's Knife." There's also some tracks from a concert in 1982. In all, absolutely mesmerizing.
712: 1991's fun album that adds more flavors and maturity than their previous albums. Tracks like "Lazybone"," Diet Run", "Neon Zebra" and "Fruit Loop Dreams" are great. In my opinion, it's the Knife's most inventive album w/o losing their roots. It's also probably, their last true innovative, great album.
Let's Knife: Their first release on a major label (Virigin) that features many of the tracks from "Pretty Little," however with more effects and fuzz. There are also tracks from their self titled album. This was the album that brought Shonen Knife to MTV and the mainstream. The cover pictured is the japanese version. More alternative styles would be introduced in future albums. As a whole, a very good album that one should purchase first as a teaser to the Knife's charm.
Rock Animals: This, I admit was the first Knife album I bought and I was playing it for weeks on end. I had heard of them before and read about them in "Pulse," that free mag. one gets from Tower Records. I loved "Quavers", "Brown Mushrooms" and "Concrete Animals." Looking back, it's still my favorite, but I see why older fans might not like it. They sound more alternative if I may use that word; maybe because of the aid of Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth. However, they still do keep to their roots and I tend to see more aspects of their talent in this set. Pictured here is the japanese version; I was lucky to find the Sub-Pop vinyl one, which I had them sign before a concert. This was the first album that the Knife had written entirely and is my favorite. It's also the last album I thought was really exceptional.
The Birds and the B-Sides: The Knife's last release on the Virgin label. It's really what the title says...the best tracks are "Love is like a Heatwave," the Carpenter's cover, "Top of the World," and "Little Tree". There are some alternate tracks from 712, the Space X-mas single, Rock Animals, and the first half of the 1991 concert, "We Are Very Happy You Came." A good setlist for Knife collectors, but new fans should get the albums mentioned above.
