Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) was a pioneering electronic music band from Japan, active during the late 1970s and 1980s. They were known for their innovative and influential sound, blending elements of electronic music, pop, and funk. One notable performance of YMO was on the iconic American television show "Soul Train" in 1980. Soul Train was a popular music and dance television program that aired from 1971 to 2006. It featured performances by various artists from different genres, primarily focusing on soul, funk, and R&B. YMO's appearance on Soul Train marked a significant milestone for the band, as it exposed them to a wider audience in the United States.
The YMO at Soul Train
The only appearance of a Japanese band on the legendary American music and dance show Soul Train? Of course it had to come from the iconic Yellow Magic Orchestra.
I’m not a big fan of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, but some of their tunes are just stunning. I posted about their fascinating Kirin beer commercial a while ago – and a few days back I listened to the great “Kings of Techno” mix by Carl Craig which features the “Firecracker”.
Craig might have first heard the tune in 1980 when the Yellow Magic Orchestra performed in the studios of Soul Train – this music show ran from 1970 until 2006 and is often mentioned when it comes to influences of many American musicians, DJs and artists.
The “Firecracker” is also known as “Computer Games” and it was the Orchestra’s biggest hit in the US – I have no idea if the Soul Train gig came before the hit. But I know that it is an absolutely catchy little number, hitting all the right tones between Japan and “the West”.
If you want to know more about the background of the YMO’s gig at Soul Train and how their hit single even created a bit of hip hop history, go to this article at Those People, “a black magazine for people too hip for black magazines”, as they themselves put it.
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Yellow Magic Orchestra on Soul Train
Yellow Magic Orchestra doing "Firecracker" on Soul Train, 1980. The original version of that tune was written by Martin Denny in 1959. YMO's cover was a commentary on Denny's kitschy orientalist trip. (via @brainpicker)
YMO's appearance on Soul Train marked a significant milestone for the band, as it exposed them to a wider audience in the United States. During their performance on Soul Train, YMO showcased their unique and groundbreaking style. The band members, Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, used a combination of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to create their distinctive sound.
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Their performance was met with much praise and acclaim from the audience and the host of the show, Don Cornelius. YMO's appearance on Soul Train also highlighted their cross-cultural appeal and influence. As a Japanese band, YMO's success in the United States was somewhat unexpected but demonstrated the universal appeal of their music. They were able to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western music, blending traditional Japanese elements with modern electronic sounds. Furthermore, YMO's performance on Soul Train showcased their technical prowess and mastery of their instruments. They seamlessly blended live instrumentation with prerecorded tracks, creating a dynamic and energetic performance. Their ability to bring their complex electronic sound to a live stage was a testament to their musical talent and innovation. Overall, YMO's appearance on Soul Train was a significant moment in their career and the history of electronic music. It not only exposed them to a new audience but also highlighted their groundbreaking style and ability to push the boundaries of what electronic music could be. YMO's fusion of different musical styles and their cross-cultural appeal made them an influential force in the music industry and paved the way for future electronic artists..
Reviews for "Exploring the intersection of Yellow Magic Orchestra and Soul Train in the 1980s"
1. John - 2/5 stars: I was really disappointed with Yellow Magic Orchestra's Soul Train album. It lacked the catchy melodies and innovative soundscapes that I had come to expect from their previous work. The songs felt uninspired and generic, making it hard for me to connect with the music on any level. Overall, I found the album to be a forgettable addition to their discography.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars: Soul Train by Yellow Magic Orchestra was a complete letdown for me. I found the album to be repetitive and monotonous, with each track blending into the next without any distinctive moments. The lack of memorable hooks or captivating melodies made it a tedious listening experience, and I couldn't wait for it to end. I would not recommend this album to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging music experience.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars: I had high hopes for Yellow Magic Orchestra's Soul Train, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The songs lacked depth and complexity, and the overall production felt rushed and unfinished. It seemed like the band was trying to recreate their past successes without bringing anything fresh or innovative to the table. As a longtime fan, it was disheartening to see such a lackluster effort from a group that had once pushed the boundaries of electronic music.
4. Amanda - 3/5 stars: Soul Train by Yellow Magic Orchestra didn't quite hit the mark for me. While there were a few standout tracks that showcased the band's signature sound, the majority of the album felt underwhelming and repetitive. The experimentation and uniqueness that I had admired in their previous releases seemed to be missing. Overall, it was an okay effort, but nothing that I would go out of my way to listen to again.
5. Michael - 2/5 stars: Yellow Magic Orchestra's Soul Train left me wanting more. The album lacked the energy and excitement that I associate with the band's music. The tracks felt formulaic and predictable, failing to engage me as a listener. While there were a few catchy moments, they were few and far between. Overall, I found the album to be a forgettable addition to their discography and a missed opportunity to showcase their talent.