Credits

I would like to give credit where credit is due. Videos are from YouTube and other sources such as NicoNico while Oricon rankings and other information are translated from the Japanese Wikipedia unless noted.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Greeen Linez -- Hibiscus Pacific



“Hibiscus Pacific” is not a proper Japanese song, but one composed by Greeen Linez, two British musicians (Chris Greenberg from the electronic pop band “Hong Kong in the 60s” and Matt Lyne, an UK-born/Tokyo-based DJ/producer who is also co-founder of the Diskotopia label) that decided to collaborate in order to release some songs that are, in essence, trapped in the Japanese 80s.

“Things That Fade”, their full length 2012 album, is a well crafted and cohesive package of instrumental pieces that takes inspiration from the urbane City Pop landscape of the 80s in Japan. “Hibiscus Pacific”, the album promotional song, is a melodic and breezy light number that relies heavily in the nostalgic factor. Also, the accompanying video, which is a compilation of 80s VHS-quality footage, such as commercials and some aidoru singers shots, is a great way to feel the song. In the end, the combined work of song and video represents the decadence of the bubble years very well, a time when consumerism and hedonism were concrete values thanks to the quick economic growth experienced by Japan.

“Hibiscus Pacific” is a nice song that captivates the listener with its retro vibe. As a new song composed by British musicians, it ends being an interesting interpretation of what the Japanese bubble years sounded like. Of course the video plays an important role in creating the whole mood, as if the listener/watcher was part of that particular space and time, but “Hibiscus Pacific” is a strong instrumental work on its own as well.

7 comments:

  1. Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Welcome back to the City Pop of the 80s! Greenberg and Lyne pretty much internalized the music of that genre and time....and that mesmerizing video had me remembering every cute ad from those days. Glad I was watching it while I was sober.

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  2. That was fantastic! Like J-Canuck, I couldn't keep my eyes off the video. Those bubble years must've felt like eternal summer by many, judging by all the seaside footage. The song is great, too. Fantastic fusion arrangement that specifically reminds me of Toshiki Kadomatsu's work from mid-late 80's. I wouldn't be surprised if they were inspired by his brand of City Pop when creating this.

    Glad there are artists like this duo that appreciate the magic of music beyond time.

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  3. As further congratulations to Marcos, Greeen Linez is now following the blog through the Twitter account! Messrs. Greenberg and Lyne....thanks you very much, and feel free to let us know how you came up with the idea for the video.

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  4. Hi guys.

    It's nice to spread the love, especially with a great song like "Hibiscus Pacific". And, just like nikala, I also had Toshiki Kadomatsu in my mind when I discovered this song. He's surely a hell of a reference for this style of music.

    The video is pure art. I never get tired of it. Really! It's been almost two years and I still feel excited with the combo of "Hibiscus Pacific" and its accompanying video.

    Wow. It's nice to know the guys behind this great song are following the blog. Like J-Canuck, I'd love to know more about the video.

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    1. Yeah, I'd agree with the Kadomatsu reference. That bass is just plucking away like a locomotive. Anri's old 80s tunes came to mind.

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  5. Hello, sorry hadn't seen the comments on this. Firstly thank you very much indeed for posting about our tune and the kind words. Yes - Kadomatsu was a huge influence on the whole album, glad that came across. I made the video to be just a general Bubble-era vibe really with a slightly modern twist (in that although footage is from that age, the way it looks and is edited is more modern). Kind of a dreamy hazy false-memory of that period of Japan that I've been obsessed with for a long time. Thanks very much and keep in touch! Matt "A Taut Line" Lyne (Greeen Linez)

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    1. Hi, Matt. And thanks for commenting. Yeah, Kadomatsu really left quite the shadow on a good section of Japanese popular music. I'm curious, though. What was the first example of City Pop that you heard?

      As for that dreamy hazy false-memory, I think a lot of folks older than 40 are probably pining for those days. :)

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