I was browsing through one of my ancient "Young Song" booklets, which was the inserted songbook in every issue of the pop music magazine "Myojo"(明星), when I came across the page for THE GOOD-BYE. This was the rock band with Yotchan (Nomura's nickname) that was formed in 1983. And I figured that if Matchy and Toshi-chan can get their day in the sun on "Kayo Kyoku Plus", well, then Yotchan has to have his due here as well.
At first glance, I was a bit surprised that the J-Wiki article on THE GOOD-BYE didn't categorize it as a Johnny's band but then I found out that Yotchan wasn't the leader but a fellow by the name of Yasuhisa "Yacchin" Soga(曽我泰久)who became the other guitarist and co-vocalist. The other two members were Hachiro "Hachi" Kaga(加賀八郎)and Koichi "Ko-chan" Eto(衛藤浩一). That same article mentioned that the band was supposed to have been just the backup for Yotchan's debut with the official name being Yotchan Band and then Yotchan & The Good-Bye before settling into its final form. Not sure how Yotchan must have felt with this lessening of his responsibilities.
Their first single came out in September 1983. Called "Kimagure One-Way Boy" (Moody One-Way Boy), I think one YouTube commenter hit it on the head when he remarked that the urgent intro sounded exactly like Frank Stallone's "Far From Over" from that "Saturday Night Fever" sequel. Ah, there was a fair bit of melody lifting at the time. However, the rest of the song by Kantaro Yamamoto(山本寛太郎)has that typical Japanese rock-n-roll beat from the early 80s trying to emulate the feel of the 1950s. Jun Hashimoto(橋本淳)took care of the lyrics about a James Dean type perhaps making his way into an early grave through all of his carousing. There's even a lyrical homage to the Beatles via "twist and shout" and those "Happy Days" tropes of the backseat and double dates. It's a wonder that the Fonz wasn't given a shoutout. Although the band would gradually have both Yotchan and Yacchin singing together, since this particular song was the debut, I think it's just Yotchan here, and to be honest, he doesn't sound too bad when compared to his old trio mates.
THE GOOD-BYE would release a total of 15 singles and 9 albums until they called it a day in 1990. However, the band did get back together in 2003 and has been touring around since then although no new material has come out.
So happy to see a post about Kimagure One Way Boy and Yotcchan here! I love this song. TOKIO's 2005 cover of it is quite good too, but I like the original best. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Yuie-chan, and thanks for your comments. Yes, it's nice to hear the old 80s material after so long. By the way, what other singers are you interested in?
DeleteHi J!
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in a lot actually. :) I mainly follow Johnny's senpai groups (from Four Leaves to Kinki Kids), the Being artists (WANDS, ZYYG, ZARD, REV), and a few more. Actually, I've been following your blog since a few years ago when I totally got into Hiromi Go and the rest of the Shin Gosanke.
Hi again, Yuie-chan!
DeleteIt's great to hear some of these oldies but goodies. I've been following Hiromi Go and Hideki Saijo but I still don't know much of Goro Noguchi's discography.
Hi J,
ReplyDeleteMe neither. I actually only heard a few of his songs. His singing style probably doesn't appeal too much to me. It feels too sad to listen to at times.
I like Julie, too, and Hibari Misora, and ooohhh I really like Ryuichiroh Kuribayashi! His voice is amazing. I know he's not part of Kayo Kyouku but still... :)
Hi, Yuie-chan.
DeleteCome to think of it, I've heard Goro only sing somewhat melancholy fare. I wonder if he has sung anything uptempo.
Julie and Hibari are legends. I'm going to have to check out Kuribayashi on YouTube soon. :) Is he more in the rock genre?
Hi J,
DeleteSorry it took me so long get back to you.
His name is actually Seiichiroh, I got it wrong the 1st time.
I am not too sure if I'd be right in lumping him in with rock, but he used to play with the rock band ZYYG that became popular in the early 90's. He also played with Barbier, and occasionally wrote songs for Izumi Sakai (ZARD).
I think he's primarily a writer than a singer, but man his vocals are amazing! You should hear it for yourself:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gHYJWePfRI
Oh, and here's another one of his. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_K_yJ5OOsr8&list=FLJY9sWb07cmHMwL66QP8tSA&index=37
DeleteHi, Yuie-chan.
DeleteJust heard "Kimi ga inai" right now and Kuribayashi sounds really good here. By the sound and the look of the cover, it really does remind me of the 90s! Many thanks. I'll have to try out the next recommendation as well.