寿記 11.01.2015 Victims of Love ~With Kokushoku Sumire~ {{The Full Story}}

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Re-arrange

I kept thinking that I wanted to record the re-arranged tango version of "Victims of Love."

I already had the idea, and we had already performed the prototype version several years ago

Was it at the Budoukan? [note from Cayce: it was the 2010 Go on the Razzle Dazzle tour]

Anyway, we'd already done it live.

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I thought I would make that tango version tighter.

I did some more work on the chord progression.

I fixed up the riffs.

For the re-arranged version, I had already decided which new instruments I wanted to add.

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Accordion and violin.

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I made a demo with a programming synthesizer and sent it to Yoko-chan

Saying, "Make this really get to you,"

but actually, it came together a bit too clean,

so I thought...I want this to be more raw!

So I set it aside for a while.

(By which I mean, I was keeping it safe, because it was important to me)

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I would often go to the theatrical productions that Uno Aquirax was involved in at the Sogo Art Museum.

The two ladies of Kokushoku Sumire were performing in the play, both as actors and musicians.

"They have stage presence, and they're skilled performers...

"They're not just 'whatever'...

"They're pros." [note from Cayce: Imai, don't you know that 'pro' is short for 'prostitute'? The correct abbreviation for 'lolita' is 'LOL'. Get your terminology right!]

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I bought Kokushoku Sumire's album and listened to it.

Into their classical style, they mixed avant-pop, toy music, modern music...

Anyway, they're women of limitless talent, and I was enjoying listening to their musical world.

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One day, I went to see one of Uno Aquirax's plays.

Kokushoku Sumire were acting and playing music that day.

"They have stage presence, and they're skilled performers...

"They're not just 'whatever'...

"They're pros."

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Accordion and violin.

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!?

Wait!?

Oh!  Right!

I should just ask them to do it! (a unilateral decision)

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Even for me, this is an unusually good idea! (if I say so myself)

It's an amazing idea! (if I say so myself)

As I was watching the performance, I got excited about this completely separate idea, all alone in my own head. (so selfish of me)

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This shy old man couldn't let go of his idea and had to make it happen no matter what, because he's got a touchy personality.

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But, I didn't know them at all.

So I contacted artist Nomura Naoko, who is a mutual acquaintance,

and I got her to introduce me.

(In fact, at this point I also told the other Buck-Tick members about my idea.

Actually, more like, I told them I'd already made my decision and that was that. But don't worry about that, it was fine.)

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A cafe, in the middle of the day.

I met them.

But,

"Sitting in a cafe making fun small talk with people you've only just met"

was too frightening a hurdle for me to contemplate jumping,

so I gave up on it entirely.

My greeting to them was, "So, I would like to quickly get to the point."

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"....ummmm, we have this song called 'Victims of Love,'

"~~~~in~~~song~~~~I~~~~you~~~play~~~howboutit~~~

"By which I mean, I would like to ask you two to play in this song.

"Please do it.

"Accordion and violin."

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Thank goodness.  With this, "Victims of Love" is now complete.

By which I mean, this is the way "Victims of Love" should have been all along (grinning)

...hm, my ginger ale is warm and gross now, so...

"Excuse me, I'd like to order a beer."

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This is basically how it went (heh.)

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Send your "this is basically how it went" emails here.

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Oh, also, it wasn't an "exchange" or anything,

But I did guitar and vocals on two tracks on Kokushoku Sumire's album "Cosmopolitan."

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Now, let's enjoy Kokushoku Sumire's breakout hit together, shall we?  I would like to call your attention in particular to Ms. Yuka's stunning vocal prowess at around 4:17.




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She sounds so much like a cat that even Acchan-chan was thrilled.

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P.S.


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