album of the week: 6.3

Hideki Kaji

Blue Heart

(2012)

why you'll love it: super sweet and well produced 60's style pop

why you'll hate it: so cute and harmless, it will make The Wiggles roll their eyes

When Hideki Kaji announced he was breaking into his own record label earlier this year, I briefly had this fantasy that this modern day Brian Wilson's new album would reveal some wild psychedelic side. Like this deep dark secret would be unearthed, and we'd be dealing with another Animal Collective. Truth is, an unchained Hideki Kaji is just the same sugar coated twee songwriter he always has been.

Blue Heart does not stray from tone, production, or structure of the last few albums. There are still rousing fast paced songs performed with an impossible surge of youthful energy and positivity. An eclectic mix of instruments (acoustics, horns, pianos…) fill out the entire album. I'm also impressed by the synthesizers on the slower ballads like "Mellow Yellow Spring" and "Blue Jeans".

Usually I'm let down by an artist clinging to the same formula, but Hideki Kaji creates music with so much joy and honesty, that it still feels special with every new release. Fair warning: This is sissy music for sissies. There is no ironic or sarcastic filter. So, if you are able to swallow your pride a bit, there are some fun and rich sounds to enjoy on this album. I think it's his best since Towns & Streets (2007).

(Quick note - I was also really happy to get this album from US digital distributors on the day of Japanese release. Not having to jump through hoops and/or wait for stuff like this is a huge plus. I don't want to soapbox. I just wanted to show my appreciation and support for this model, and would love for it to become the standard.)