Ongaku Cafe (The ’90s): Pizzicato Five – Saishin-gata no Pizzicato Five (1991)

---

1. イントロダクション
2. ブリジッド・バルドー T.N.T.
3. 女性上位時代 #1
4. 大人になりましょう
5. ラヴソング・ラヴソング

---

Reviewed back in 1993

In 1990, Pizzicato Five moved to Nippon Columbia/SEVEN GODS and with a change of members within the group, unveiled as the new vocalist was Nomiya Maki (their third generation vocalist).  And the group was now down to three led by producer/musician Konishi Yasuharu and guitarist Takanami Keitarou.

The group is known for their style of music known as Shibuya-kei and their music was among the few Japanese artists/groups that were released in America through Tower Records.

And is the summer of 1991, Pizzicato Five would release three consecutive mini-albums from June-August 1991.  The first is titled “Saishin-gata no Pizzicato Five” (The Latest Pizzicato Five) which would be their debut release through Nippon Columbia.

The ep features a tri fold cover/insert with lyrics and production notes.

The mini album begins with an “Introduction” featuring Konishi Yasuharu introducing the two members which transitions to the second track “Brigitte Bardot – T.N.T”, a groovy track that has no connection to the Spanish classic song “Brigitte Bardot” by 60s Italian-Uruguayan band, LOS TNT.   A very cool song overall!

The third track is titled “Josei Joijidai #1” (This Year’s Girl #1) featuring Konishi interview Nomiya originally recorded for “GIRL, GIRL, GIRL” FM.

The fourth track is “Otona ni Narimasho” (Let’s Become an Adult) and a song that features groovy pop synth with a lot of TV recordings included in the track.

The fifth and final track is “Love Song – Love Song” featuring Konishi and Nomiya singing in  unison.  The song features cool horn arrangements.

Overall, I would look at this ep as an introduction to a new direction for Pizzicato Five with three tracks, an MC portion and an interview.  It’s a much different style that I’m used to hearing from Pizzicato Five but I’m looking forward to seeing how the group progresses from here on in.

---