Ryuichi Sakamoto moto.tronic
Released: November 11 2003 Origination Year: 2003 Time: 68:51 Tracks: 14 Produced by: Various Style: Studio / Collection Format: CD Enhancement: Bonus DVD w 5 Videos Label: Sony Classical Website: www.ryuichi-sakamoto.com
Track Listing Forbidden Colours Energy Flow O Grande Amor The Last Emperor Railroad Man Risky Before Long Desafinado Lost Child - SQ & P Little Buddha Neo Geo Opus Anger - Rare Force2 MegMix Insensatez - Alva Noto Remix
Ryuichi Sakamoto Ryuichi Sakamoto: Piano / Composition

Eclecticism was a hallmark of Yellow Magic Orchestra’s Ryuichi Sakamoto and YMO’s brand of synth hits from the 80s. However, it is Sakamoto’s solo work that presented the mind as traveler of various directions, more so than Yellow Magic Orchestra’s output. As he moved outward from his pop surroundings, he found more freedom and expression as a composer. As a result, Sakamoto has produced a wide body of extraordinary pieces ranging from his award winning The Last Emperor soundtracks to pop excursions with the like of Iggy Pop, David Sylvian, and Bootsy Collins. And there is a lot to enjoy from this individual.

Sony Classical has put together a grand tour of Sakamoto pieces and has provided a DVD of Sakamoto videos as bonus. This collection, moto.tronic, offers 14 tracks of tunes that become more than songs on an album. Rather, they become sound poems. These “sound poems” challenge the listener in their expressive capacity allowing for various interpretations and multiple levels of absorption. One could enjoy these pieces as background or one could deliberately immerse into a flood of distinctive classical and pop tunes.

The minimalist flow of the David Sylvian sung, “Forbidden Colours” contain a Japanese musical quality that gives the song its vehicle. Immediately, you’ll discover the forward beauty of Sakamoto’s mix of the orchestral and the singular use of piano along with vocals to achieve an interesting avant garde pop/classical hybrid. This style continues with great covers of Antonio Jabim’s “O Grande Amor” and “Desafinado”, using spare piano and a cello along with soft female vocals.

The surprise is in the Iggy Pop sung, “Risky”. It is an 80s flavoured, computer powered tune with a toned down Iggy Pop vocal. This is followed by a beautifully done short piece, “Before Long”. Scattered in between these vocal pieces are lone piano tunes and full blown orchestral productions. From the expansive productions of “The Last Emperor” and “Little Buddha” to the singular “Railroad Man” and “Energy Flow” to several remixes, moto.tronic is a nice little mix of Sakamoto magic.

There is something for every eclectic taste on this collection. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s importance in the realm of recorded music is interesting and appealing albeit to the fan of sound. Not only does Sakamoto’s contribution to the wealth of orchestral music score high marks but also his foray into the exploration and experimental aspects of music is fun. It reveals a wide-ranging talent that is restless and not content to producing soundtracks exclusively. It also showcases a man that never shook off the jazz leanings of his earlier pop ventures.

The collection comes with 5 exclusive videos contained on a separate DVD. The videos, “Neo Geo”, “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence”, “Bim Bom”, “Tibetan Dance”, and “Insensatez” are welcome treats that allow us a glimpse into Sakamoto’s ability to visually communicate his music and concepts. "Neo Geo" is a fascinating live rendition with traditionally dressed, i.e. kimonoed backup singers and an interesting stage set. The piece comes from a live show in New York circa 1988. The following, "Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence", another live segment that showcases a simple piano piece that is from a 1986 Tokyo concert.

"Bim Bom" is a mesh of visuals interspersed with the playing of the song. "Tibetan Dance" is another video extracted from the Live in New York - 1988 collection with the same look and feel of "Neo Geo". The final video is not accessible by menu but rather as an easter egg like highlight of an object on the screen directly belowing the menu. The video, "Insensatez", is a very experimental presentation with colour changing images, generally of the same scene. Rounded out, you are given a spectrum view of Sakamoto.

The videos are not a compelling reason for the purchase but as an added freebie, makes the purchase of the album a plus for the fan.

The enclosed booklet is a collection of photos, extensive credits, and an essay about the mind of Ryuichi Sakamoto. All this is encased in a brilliant (a singular case that houses 2CDs by way of movable tray) box package. The collection contained on this album is for the jazz oriented classical and avant-garde aficionado but it wouldn’t hurt an adventurous music lover to taste the richness of this treat.