Shugo Tokumaru - Port Entropy

Shugo Tokumaru
Port Entropy
(2010, P Vine Records)
RIYL = Colourmusic, Adem, Sufjan Stevens

Consider this a plea to begin or quicken any and all plans pertaining to the stateside distribution of Shugo Tokumaru’s 4th full length album, Port Entropy. I have long wanted to visit Tokumaru’s homeland of Japan just to sip of the water running through their pipes, that Japanese water, to see if I felt as a result some odd tingling in my fingers and toes, heard that pleasant, polyphonic buzz, saw the wondrous spread of vibrant colors that seem to be constantly beaming from that wonderful nation. I seem unable to separate my experience with Japanese culture from the hyper-imaginative films of Hayao Miyazaki, the absurdist whimsicality of the Katamari Damacy gaming series and the bright flutter of instrumentation that works its way through Shugo Tokumaru’s blissful pop. Port Entropy is simply another notch of pop perfection in Tokumaru’s already well notched belt. The guy is a brilliant, consistent and infinitely creative. A true artist, I say. And Port Entropy, his latest opus, may well be a high water mark in terms of his ability to intelligently express childlike joyousness. When listening to the album its difficult not grin wide and hard. Sure, I don’t understand a lick of the Japanese that Tokumaru sings, but the delicate tone of his voice simply can’t be mistaken. It also helps that Tokumaru is a master multi-instrumentalist (something we already knew). I don’t know, I don’t know. Port Entropy feels to me like that invisible wiring that raises the sun in the morning, that spreads the clouds wide and opens up the skies in order to warm the earth. I’m just happy to be caught in it all. Hopefully the distribution of Port Entropy becomes more widely available soon because you won’t experience summer the same way without it.

-Thistle

the Port Entropy website

Shugo Tokumaru - Rum Hee

Shugo Tokumaru
Rum Hee EP
(04.2009, Blues Interactions, Inc.)
RIYL = Colormusic, Sung Tongs Animal Collective, happiness

FG beloved, Shugo Tokumaru has returned to us in brief so I will only respond in brief. Within this, his first EP and latest slab of goodness, is three new songs, three alternate versions of older songs, one from each of his three full lengths and two remixes of the title track "Rum Hee." So, Eight tracks in whole, and nothing short of the goodness that is always Mr. Tokumaru’s MO, but certainly short of a much desired full length. At least the man is working and not forgetting his North American fanbase. Let’s start with the new stuff. The first two tracks, “Rum Hee” and “Alaska,” are pure pop ecstasy. I think I like "Alaska" of the two, but I obviously like both. Then there is “Inatemessa,” a weirdo meanderer that accelerates to odd ends, but at the same time is a fresh change of pace. I wouldn’t mind seeing a bit more experimentation from Mr. Tokumaru. The alternate version songs are…alternate versions of good songs, but not super alternate, or necessary. But still; pleasant (it is an EP for heaven’s sake). The remixes are dig-able. Oorutaichi’s in particular, which extends “Rum Hee” with all sorts of glib electronic weirdness. And then, of course, if you can get a remix by Deerhoof, take it. I think Deerhoof and Shugo Tokumaru fit together well.

-Lil' Thistle

Tokumaru's site for Rum Hee

Shugo Tokumaru - Exit

Shugo Tokumaru
Exit
(10.2007, P-Vine)
9.5/10

Oh Shugo, I’m in love again. There is something about this little Japanese import that is flush with the type of magic you feel when you go to Disneyland when your eight years old. On this, Shugo’s third proper album, his previous melancholy has brightened noticeably. A deft multi instrumentalist, Tokumaru’s songs have become progressively more complex with hordes of morphing melodies running throughout each second of each song. Tokumaru masterfully employs all sorts of odd and unique instrumentation as he continues to develop his singularly unique sound. The result is powerfully packed folk-pop candy that is endlessly enjoyable. Despite the disconnect with the language (is he really singing “bra-shoe” in the chorus of the opening song?), Tokumaru’s Japanese lyrics and soft voice continue to be as soothing as ever. Even now, just now as I am writing and listening to the album, I can’t keep a grin off my face. Tokumaru must be manufacturing some kind of magic that he infuses in his songs. If true, I wouldn’t be surprised; Exit is bewitching every step of the way. And, as was true with his previous releases, Exit has an uncanny ability of completely transport you when the music hits your ears. Listening to Exit is like wearing enchanted glasses that somehow make everything more vibrant and enjoyable, and for those things which aren’t so pleasant, more tolerable. It is just a side effect of insurmountable charm coupled with unequaled composition and execution. Shugo Tokumaru has won my little boyish heart and has reverted me to a childlike state of obsessive adoration. Being Decemeber, I feel quite comfortable labeling Exit as one of the very best albums of the year.

-Mr. Thistle

Shugo Tokumaru - "Green Rain"

Goodies - Shugo Tokumaru

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Just when I felt like I was starting to get a handle on my year end list we get news of Shugo Tokumaru’s third solo release Exit. Granted, the album has been released in Japan since October, but sometimes we here at FG are a bit slow. Regardless, we are staggering around trying to get ourselves a copy as Mr. Tokumaru is one of our dearest faves. Here are some sampling goodies for your listening (and viewing) pleasure!








Shugo Tokumaru - "Hidamari"

Shugo Tokumaru - Night Piece

Retrospective
Shugo Tokumaru
Night Piece
(2004, Music Related)
9.0/10

Shugo Tokumaru orchestrates miniature baroque pop/folk masterpieces. Night Piece's, his debut is a quaint view of his charming masterwork. Destined to be underwritten (the first and only current pressing available in the United States was for 500 copies), Night Pieces is a compilation of ten songs falling just short of a half hour; however, each translates like the movement of a tiny symphony. Tokumaru’s talent is in flawless production, interspersing countless instruments (mostly all played by Tokumaru himself) into each gem without flooding them of their unique heart. Tokumaru’s arrangements are golden. Lightly plucked guitars and softly swooshing strings from one song play into the playful romp with the mild acoustic beat of the next. The album really feels breeze-like, swiftly and quickly cooling you on the hottest day, somehow making life bearable. Tokumaru couples his expert guitar instrumentals with a tension melting tenor voice that often works as the albums most beautiful instrument, as the Japanese lyrics are likely impenetrable to most listeners. Night Piece is an uncompromising mark of pure talent coupled with an earnest, eclectic spirit. Inspiring.

-Mr. Thistle