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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - ばかやろう (Baka Yarou)
02 - DANCE QUEEN
03 - ディストーションブルースボーイ (Distortion Blues Boy)
04 - サンク (Thank)
05 - ANGRY MAN
06 - I LOVE YOU
07 - ピンクのバイクにまたがって (Pink Bike no Matagatte)
08 - ジャーニー&ジャーニー (Journey & Journey)
09 - ジェネレーションX (Generation X)
10 - ハート (Heart) |
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Review |
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Despite having released two fairly disappointing albums in a row after their breakthrough classic, Second Fanfare, I still found myself excited to hear the Sparta Locals' latest self-titled offering. Unfortunately, that excitement was unceremoniously obliterated by watching the promotional video for the album's first single, "Baka Yarou." Supposedly Sparta Locals' singer Abe wrote the song so he could cut loose on stage without being tethered to his guitar. He should've written a song that he could perform with a clean conscience. The processed guitar tone, contrived disco-rock bravado, and Abe's less than palatable whine all come together to make "Baka Yarou" one of the 21st century's worst songs yet. [Although it's not necessarily relevant to the album review, the direction in the "Baka Yarou" video was also also truly offensive and tasteless.]
Ironically, when I finally got to sink my teeth into all of Sparta Locals, the bitter taste in my mouth left by "Baka Yarou" made the mediocrity that followed seem positively delicious. The stuttered guitar rhythms on "Dance Queen" and "Angry Man" that have been their bread and butter as of late (like Gang of Four-lite) aren't so good, and the sleazy guitar solos are a bit superfluous, but at least I can stomach them.
Sparta Locals' previous album, Dreamer, was rescued from total mediocrity by an amazing single, "Yume Station," and some nice variation in the form of "Fly." Dreamer, however, wasn't plagued by the malignant horror known as "Baka Yarou." Even with such an awesome setback, a few songs on Sparta Locals make this their best since Second Fanfare. The interplay between rhythm, lead, and bass guitar on "I Love You" and "Pink no Bike ni Matagatte" is reminiscent of any given Mega Man soundtrack. They're as menacing as they are conducive to dancing, and the triumphant ending of "Pink no Bike ni Matagatte" provides the adrenaline rush you need to take out Dr. Wily. "Journey & Journey" and "Distortion Blues Boy" capture some of the modest charm that made "Pogo" great. Abe's vocals regain some of their snotty grace, and for a few minutes it almost seems like we're listening to the Sparta Locals that we love.
Long time Sparta Locals drummer Nakayama's recent departure from the band was supposedly due in part to a lack of motivation and creativity. Could that have had anything to with this three-year span of mediocrity, or is the band's penchant for rushing to release each new album responsible? There's enough good stuff on Sparta Locals to keep hope alive, but does this band have the potential to be great again? Like I said, keep hope alive, but don't get your hopes up. |
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