Tokyo's Coolest Sound

On Christmas day, I went to a show of The Scooters who got active again this year after some 30 years! Last summer was released new album "Une Manche et La Belle", and loving it I had been really looking forward to seeing them live.

I first knew about The Scooters when hearing "Scooters Complete Collection" playing in a record shop almost 10 years ago. I bought it and have loved it ever since, but the band remained a bit of a mystery to me, only knowing that Shindō Mitsuo (famous graphic designer responsible for most of Pizzicato Five's discography) was involved. I was surprised when I found out that they were an early 80's band, despite having a Motown-like sound. I never knew if it was really a band or made up from smart sampling. Seeing this show made me realize that The Scooters are very real, and very back too!

The band's line-up is fronted the 5 girls (left to right: Jackie, Beauty, Ronnie, Beat Himiko and Lucy), along with original members MC Turban Chana Jr. on acoustic guitar, Shindō Mitsuo on guitar and glockenspiel, Ishikawa Eiji on guitar, and new members Sally Kubota (Sally Soul Stew) on bass, Emerson Kitamura on keyboards, and Oya Ryoji on drums.

On November 30, I went to the release party for Nosa Reina's first album "don't kiss, but yes". Producer Takanami K-taro was on stage too part of the band, more on that in a minute!

The event's opening act was Portable Rock, Nomiya Maki's 80's new wave band that's been getting active again since this year. The 3 members of Portable Rock appeared on stage, Maki wearing a dress of thick black and white horizontal stripes, a black beret and glittery black gloves. The set was shortish but full of great songs. Also played were the two songs that resurfaced this year after having been sleeping for about 20 years, both have lyrics written by Konishi Yasuharu.

I love the dynamics of Portable Rock on stage, the three definitely seem to have fun and you can feel a tight complicity of having been friends for so long. Also they said that they had planned to write new songs this year but time flew away, however they seemed positive about doing so next year! I'm crossing my fingers! :)