The band was originally conceived as a one-off studio project by Hosono, the other two members being recruited session musicians - the idea was to produce an album fusing orientalist exotica (cf their cover version of Martin Denny's Firecracker) with modern electronics. However , the first album (with its cutting-edge production) was very popular, and the studio project grew into a fully fledged touring band and career for its three members.
Making abundant use of new synthesizers, samplers, digital and computer recording technology as it became available, their popularity and influence extended beyond Japan. Generally, the band was highly regarded as electronic pioneer and continues to be remixed and sampled by modern artists. The members have also worked with European synth/new romantic artists, such as David Sylvian of the band Japan. The single Bamboo Houses is one such example (Sylvian/Sakamoto).
The band stopped working together by 1984, the three members returning to their solo careers. They released a one-off reuinion album, Technodon, in 1993.
The early 2000s saw Hosono & Takahashi reunited in a project called Sketch Show. On the occasions when Sakamoto joined them in concerts, they called themselves Human Audio Sponge (HAS). The band played Rydeen at the 2007 Live Earth concert in Kyoto, Japan. They released two new singles that summer under the band name of HASYMO, an updated version of Rydeen and the new song Rescue.
Read more here.
Hi-Tech Hippies
Yellow Magic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Listen to our therapeutic
Steady state, spaced-out
Dig the psycho-schematic
Boot-strapped, tranced out
Stick into the forehead
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Tacky tech, architect
Listen to our therapeutic
Steady state, spaced-out
Dig the psycho-schematic
Boot-strapped, tranced out
Stick into the forehead
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Hokey pokey baby
This is what it's all about
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Tacky tech, architect
Listen to our therapeutic
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Steady state, spaced-out
Dig the psycho-schematic
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Boot-strapped, tranced out
Stick into the forehead
Teeny weeny floppy deck
Hokey pokey baby
This is what it's all about
Itty-bitty hippie tech
The lyrics to "Hi-Tech Hippies" can be interpreted as a commentary on the intersection between counterculture and technology. The repetitive verses, which primarily consist of the phrases "itty-bitty hippie tech" and "teeny weeny floppy deck", create a sense of playfulness and childlike wonder, which is reinforced by the repeated reference to the "hokey pokey". However, the lyrics also reference more serious concepts, such as "psycho-schematic" and "therapeutic". This suggests that the song is not simply a lighthearted tribute to hippie culture, but a more nuanced exploration of the impact that technology has had on society.
The references to "tacky tech" and "architect" can be interpreted as a critique of the way that technology has been used to enforce conformity and order. The repeated references to being "boot-strapped" and "tranced out" suggest that technology can also be used to enslave and control people, which is further underscored by the reference to the "forehead". Overall, "Hi-Tech Hippies" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of technology, even as it celebrates the creativity and innovation that it can inspire.
Line by Line Meaning
Itty-bitty hippie tech
Celebrating the fun-size, colorful animations that define the hippie culture, with a touch of technology.
Teeny weeny floppy deck
A fun way of describing the small, handy devices that store digital data.
Tacky tech, architect
Poking fun at the tasteless designs of some modern electronics and the people who create them.
Listen to our therapeutic
Soothing and uplifting music designed to provide listeners with a sense of relaxation and peace.
Steady state, spaced-out
In a state of perfect calmness, the mind is free to wonder and explore new ideas.
Dig the psycho-schematic
Appreciating the combination of psychology and technology that creates mind-blowing designs and ideas.
Boot-strapped, tranced out
Being fully immersed in a task or idea, with all senses focused and in tune.
Stick into the forehead
A whimsical way of describing ideas that are so interesting, they stick with you and you can't stop thinking about them.
Hokey pokey baby
A light-hearted invitation to join in the fun and not take things too seriously.
This is what it's all about
Emphasizing the joy and playful nature of making and enjoying music that combines traditional and modern elements.
Contributed by Oliver W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-kw8iq6yr7s
テクノドンで１番好きな曲です。
散開前よりパワーアップしている。
@macbig73
これはじめてきいたとき、ひさしぶりのさわやかな風がながれた。
@snd40442
散開前のYMOと直線的に繋がってる感じの楽曲だね
@abstract_jeff
had this stuck in my head the other day. was caught inadvertently singing the words... that made for an interesting explanation. in the end YMO had made a new fan lol.
@mikusenpai81039
アルバムの中でも一番好きな曲でした🤗
@CrystalFissure
I definitely thought they were saying something else before looking up the official lyrics.
@akasataw
love
@bondjames417
最高です、坂本教授ありがとうございます。
@ECG3485
So funny but so awesome...I like YMO too ;)
@francescofecondo3859
so magic!