Ongaku Cafe (The ’90s): Tanpopo – Last Kiss (November 1998)

A fantastic debut for the Morning Musume side-group, Tanpopo!

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GROUP: Tanpopo

CD SINGLE: Last Kiss

LABEL: Zetima

CATALOG #: EPDE-1014

DURATION: 12:03

RELEASE DATE: November 18, 1998

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1. ラストキッス
2. 時間よ止まれ
3. ラストキッス (Instrumental)

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In 1998, producer Tsunku (of the band Sharan Q) decided to create spin-off musical side projects from his successful all-female idol group Morning Musume and one of those side groups is called Tanpopo.

The group consists of Morning Musume members Ishiguro Aya, Mochida Kaori and Yaguchi Mari and the goal is to have a group that has a more mature sound.

The first single is titled “Last Kiss” which is being used on the anime series “Sorcerous Stabber Orphen” and features an arrangement by Takao Konishi.  The song definitely is very much of a departure from the original Morning Musume sound and it’s catch and well-sung.  Mari Yaguchi’s voice is probably the most noticeable in the single but all three performers are well-coordinated vocally.  “Last Kiss” has a somber feel to it and even when you watch the music video, you can tell it’s very much a sad song.  But overall, a wonderful first single for the trio.

The second track “Jikan yo Tomare” is quite interesting as it has a more bossa nova style and is arranged by Yuichi Takahashi and LH Project.  A very mature track but I really love the musical arrangement and once again, the three do a wonderful job in performing the song.

Overall, Morning Musume fans or any fans of Yaguchi, Ishigiru or Mochida should find a lot to love with this single.  A fantastic debut single from Tanpopo!

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