工藤礼子 / Reiko Kudo ‎- 夜の稲 / Rice Field Silently Riping In The Night

Label: TAL ‎– TAL11
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue
Country: Germany
Released: 26 Apr 2019
Genre: Rock
Style: Acoustic

Captivating, uncatagorisable outsider music from Maher Shalal Hash Baz mainstay and lesser-praised Japanese underground lynchpin Reiko Kudo - one of our constant go-to records of the last few years. 

Reiko’s presence within the vast Japanese DIY scene from the 80’s to present day can not be understated.  First appearing on that mind-blowing Noise LP together with long time collaborator and later husband Tori, then a string of solo releases, no less on the legendary ORG Records, which continue to be overlooked international .  Perhaps it’s format bias - the CD is still the preferred format for the Japanese domestic market, or lack of distribution. 

Rice Field Silently Riping In The Night is the perfect introduction to her sound.  Shy but not introverted home recordings.  Simple, uncluttered arrangements with honest charm and humour that don’t outstay their welcome.  Songs hang in the air, often centred around a gloriously simple piano motif or single guitar string, whilst Reiko’s vocals quiver and pull you in.  Elsewhere blasts of dissonance, guitar fuzz or tuba catches us off-guard, evoking a loveable naive charm that’s always present in her work in the Maher Shalal Hash Baz ensemble.  One that once it lands will leave you.  (Mint / New)

Tracklist
A1 Kaihatsu-San 1:52
A2 My Brother 1:27
A3 Mihoko 2:54
A4 Lily 4:39
A5 Emi & Mrs Evans 1:34
B1 Mrs Wheeler 1:41
B2 Son Of Man 3:39
B3 As You Wake Up In The Morning 1:34
B4 Together 2:13
B5 Consolation 1:28
B6 Rose 2:42