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.
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Tong Poo
Yellow Magic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"My name is Tong Poo!"
"Im growing from far away!"
"Let's dance! Let's dance with me!"
"Hear me come! the press of Tong Poo!"
"Let's dance! Let's dance with me!"
The lyrics of Tong Poo, a song by Yellow Magic Orchestra, are a peculiar mix of disparate elements. They seem to be sung by a character named Tong Poo, who introduces himself and invites everyone to dance with him. At the same time, he speaks of growing far away and the press of Tong Poo. The interpretation of these lyrics is open to many meanings, but one possible explanation is that Tong Poo is a kind of eccentric alter ego that represents the band's creative impulses.
With this interpretation in mind, the lyrics could be seen as an invitation to join in the joyful and irreverent spirit of Yellow Magic Orchestra's music. The seemingly nonsensical phrases like "press of Tong Poo" could be interpreted as a reference to the band's production and the way their sounds are layered and mixed. The emphasis on dancing could be seen as an embodiment of the band's playful and experimental approach to electronic music.
Line by Line Meaning
You know about me?
Do you have any knowledge about me or my existence?
My name is Tong Poo!
My identity and designation is Tong Poo and I am addressing myself to you.
I'm growing from far away!
I was in distant lands but now I am closer to you.
Let's dance! Let's dance with me!
I request you to join me in dancing and celebrate our reunion.
Hear me come! the press of Tong Poo!
Please take note of my arrival and my presence as Tong Poo.
Let's dance! Let's dance with me!
I am eager to dance with you and make this moment memorable.
Contributed by Leah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sanjibdutta
RIP Yukihiro Takahashi. His music lives on.
@user-yasasisa
TAKAHASHI です
@sanjibdutta
@@user-yasasisa Thank you. Mistyped.
@chekapoko
omg,really? RIP
@SmokingSpoon
Their music will always live on.
@dogman3362
U also came here to commemorate that? I did too. Just goes to show how many people this man enchanted with his music.
@flashcassette
Can't believe I only just discovered this band 3 days ago. Been playing this masterpiece non stop since.
@dustincroul6122
All the members have great solo stuff too!
@flashcassette
Will have to check all that out too. Thanks a lot :)
@Alcove_Dream
Mee toooo. I love you guys