Monday, July 29, 2013

Mariko Takahashi - Runner (ランナー)


I decided to go for the trifecta. After profiling two other songs by the same title: one being the end theme for the anime "Macross" by Makoto Fujiwara(藤原誠) and the other being the big hit by Bakufu Slump, I thought it time to bring in the third, the sweet and inspirational one by Mariko Takahashi(高橋真梨子).

"Runner" was never released as an official single but was a track on Takahashi's 3rd album, "Monologue" in 1980. Although I eventually got the album, my first time with the song came when I received an audiotape of her concert album, "More 5th Love Affair" which came out in the mid-80s. Written by Akira Otsu(大津あきら)and composed by Kisaburo Suzuki(鈴木キサブロ), it starts off like a Carpenters song, has a bluesy bridge and ends nearly like a rock gospel song. The lyrics talk of trying to dig oneself out of trouble and then run for one's life with support at his side.

Not surprisingly, "Runner" has been a favourite tune to finish off a Mariko Takahashi concert. It's a fine song for the chanteuse to leave the stage on.

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