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.
Mad Pierrot
Yellow Magic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You make on the operation, Susie Wong and dolls.
Oooo...
Oooo...
Are you a wake-up revolution out of the impression
You make on the modulation, Susie Wong and girl.
Oooo...
Oooo...
The lyrics to Yellow Magic Orchestra's Mad Pierrot are somewhat obscure, but with some interpretation, they can be understood as a commentary on modern society and the pressure to conform. The phrase "generation out of the impression" suggests that the singer is part of a new generation that is pushing back against traditional values and expectations. The reference to "Susie Wong and dolls" and "Susie Wong and girl" may represent the stereotypes that society places on women and the struggle to break free from those expectations. The repeated use of "Oooo..." throughout the song reinforces the idea that the singer is searching for something beyond the superficiality of society.
The lyrics could also be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to wake up and join the revolution. The word "modulation" suggests a change in the way things are done, and the use of the phrase "wake-up revolution" indicates a need for urgency and action. The repeated use of "Oooo..." can also be seen as a cry for help or a sign of desperation, further emphasizing the importance of the message being conveyed.
Line by Line Meaning
Now we're welcome to generation out of the impression
We have entered a new era, influenced by our past experiences and beliefs.
You make on the operation, Susie Wong and dolls.
Your impact on society and culture is significant, similar to the influence of the fictional character Susie Wong and her dolls.
Are you a wake-up revolution out of the impression
Are you a person or movement attempting to disrupt the status quo and change the way things are done?
You make on the modulation, Susie Wong and girl.
Your influence on music and art is strong, much like the character Susie Wong and her feminine energy.
Contributed by Connor N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JC Ciesielski
I can't believe I am only finding out about this band now! I should have been listening to them for the past 20 years! Saw them in a really good documentary called, "808".
Freddie Benson
Yo same! I'm in love with them now! I lost where that was, if you have a link send!!
1
me too, me too
MAC BIG
Excellent dry simple drum sound. I think it's a wonderful piece of music even in the age of Reiwa.
どこかのつー
40年ぶりに聴いた
改めてクオリティの高さに脱帽
当時からこの曲には胸を揺さぶられる
金欲しい
今の日本にも通用するテクノだなぁ…本当に色褪せない。
Big Guy’s 45’s
A very fine electro-pop tune from good old Japan! I like this one quite a bit.
Nerd Noise Radio
Starting at 1:04, with the square waves over top, this sounds so much like a couple different stand out moments from Hikoshi Hashimoto's 1994 Sega Genesis 32X "Cosmic Carnage" soundtrack! Having dug deep into YMO's discography of late, I was blown away by just how many VGM tropes find their origins in YMO. I mean, I knew I'd find a lot of them going into it. But just how many and which ones....kinda blows me away!
fheisk
that particular song is even titled Oriental Legend lol
Ethan O'Reilly Bennett
They pretty much invented computer game music