Clover Records

Reviews

Various Artists
Pop Jingu Volume 2 (CD)
When you see the words "a japanese pop compilation" on the sleeve you might be led to expect multicultural pop irony, easy listening samples, hip hop beats, and the odd breathless chanteuse. OK, so the breathless chanteuse makes a fleeting appearance, but this compilation turns up its nose at pop irony and sets about proving that that Japan can do the whole lo-fi alt-rock thing too. Fans of Pizzicato 5 and Cornelius may be a little disappointed with the comparative lack of originality, but that disappointment soon fades as you come to realise the quality of the songs here. It is immediately apparent that European bands like Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine have been an influence on many of the bands here, and whilst the references are a little obvious at times, there is sufficient variation in style to maintain your interest throughout.