New album on bison from Kumio Kurachi, whos only performance outside of Japan was here back in 2009.
"After 11 albums and unknown quantities of cassettes, compilations and split releases, Sound of Turning Earth is the first release outside of Japan for one of the most original figures in Japanese music, Kumio Kurachi. Recorded by Jim O’Rourke at his home studio, Sound of Turning Earth is Kurachi solo on vocals and guitar, mixing surreal lyrics and theatrical vocal personas with unorthodox tunings inspired by Japan’s national instrument, the koto. Lyrically Kurachi draws life from the small events of life, the hira, - the joy of choosing a lipstick in springtime, the business of changing the tatami, raindrops deciding whether to fall as snow. Set to his own brand of progressive folk in the Hirajōshi scale and laced with winding melodies which can be hard to forget, Kurachi maps his own territory for the people who inhabit his everyday.
As much a visual artist as a musician, we are pleased to present Sound of Turning Earth in the form of a deluxe CD accompanied by new artwork by Kurachi and full translation of his poetic lyrics. These striking songs speak for a liberated imagination."
“The music is so melodious that the mixture of the strange wording, guitar and variations of voices thrives all together and it can haunt you without noticing it, just like the small events of everyday life you can't escape from." - Midori Ogata
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All songs written by Kumio Kurachi
Guitars and vocals by Kumio Kurachi
Recorded and mixed by Jim O'Rourke
Mastered by Daichi Tokunaga (PLUM)
Translation by Midori Ogata
Design by Maja Larrson
Special thanks to Midori Ogata
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Kumio Kurachi has performed actively in Japan since the 80's, and still plays shows in Fukuoka regularly. Past collaborators include Taku Unami and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto. He has played with Tenniscoats, Kazuhisa Uchihashi, Katsura Yamauchi, Tori Kudo, Jim O'Rourke and Eiko Ishibashi."
Available as a 320kbps MP3 or 16bit FLAC
Tracklisting:
1. A Siren At 5 O'Clock - 02:36
2. Ice Cream In November - 00:49
3. Don't Bully The Nine Tailed Foxes - 04:42
4. Instant Dramatic Rain - 06:04
5. Taue Ute - 02:45
6. At Home - 03:56
7. I Got A Share Of The Gift Someone Else Received - 08:45
8. Glittery Lip Sticks In Spring - 02:35
9. Rejuvenating Shinkansen - 05:35
10. Here Comes The Tatamiya - 04:52
Fukuoka native Kumio Kurachi is one of the most original players of the Japanese underground. When he's not dabbling in visual art, he practices a deeply weird brand of minstrelsy, pairing surreal lyrics and theatrical vocal mannerisms with unorthodox guitar tunings that were inspired by the koto. Somewhat similar to Mikami, but a whole load brighter. Kurachi performed actively in Tokyo in the 80's, and still plays shows in Fukuoka regularly. He has released cassette tapes as well as CDs since the early 80's. Past collaborators include Taku Unami and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto and he has been on bills with Tenniscoats, Maher Shalal Hash Baz, Kei Yamauchi, Kazuhisa Uchihashi and many others.
