With folks hitting the beaches and pools and also preparing the grills for BBQ'ing, summer has finally hit these shores. Meanwhile, much of Japan is either baking in torrid heat and humidity or swimming in torrential rains. I can only hope that some sort of happy medium can be provided soon.
Anyways, I only have this one mellow song for listening solace at least. The last time I wrote about Ryusenkei（流線形）, it was back in November 2024 and it featured a singer-songwriter that I hadn't heard about before under the name of Sincere. Well, the two are back collaborating and in late May this year, they came out with yet another single called "Summer Ray".
The band's Cunimondo Takiguchi（クニモンド瀧口）may be somewhat disdainful of the tag "City Pop"; perhaps he prefers Urban Contemporary. However, I can't help but hear some of the old days of City Pop when I hear the relaxing "Summer Ray" which ought to accompany many a driver on the car stereo as they head for the resort. The keyboards are groovalicious and the nimble fingers on the guitar are fine...then come the warm tones of the saxophone. Couldn't ask for a more summery version of the genre.
Wow, this song was released in 2025?!!? Ryusenkei does a great job imitating the 1980's city pop!
ReplyDeleteI figure that Takiguchi has mellowed in his stance somewhat. Either way, you might want to make sure you don't mention the words "City Pop" within his hearing range. :)
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