Fantastic Plastic Machine, the musical project of Tokyo DJ Tomoyuki Tanaka, participates in a global electronic musical realm where styles are blended, swapped, and juxtaposed into an often wacky mix. Yes, this is fun music. Bossa nova, soft rock, cheesy Moog records, mod ’60s Euro-pop, and space-age bachelor pad music are recycled and turned into contemporary, sophisticated, international pop. Many songs practically require frantic go-go dancing. Others, such as the drum-n-bass version of “Steppin’ Out” (yeah, the Joe Jackson tune) inspire disbelief that something so fresh came from a lite-rock-less-talk staple. With vocals on some tracks provided by Pizzicato Five’s Maki Nomiya and members of the “electro-loungecore” band, the Gentle People, FPM increases the snappiness of the songs. Check this one out to bring your fantasies of being an international musical sensation of the swinging universe to life. Emperor Norton Records, 102 Robinson St., Los Angeles, CA 90026; http://www.emperornorton.com
Recently on Ink 19...
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
Music ReviewsAltitude (Snakefarm). Review by Jeremy Glazier.
Ben Model
InterviewsPhil Bailey talks with Ben Model, the Renaissance Man smashing silent film stereotypes through his boutique label, Undercrank Productions.
News Feed for Tuesday, May 30
News FeedIn the news today: Blonde Redhead, Christine and the Queens, Paramore, Hayley Williams, Ron DeSantis, Tina Turner, Beyoncé, The Good Place, Architects, Succession, Tour News, Pulp, Taylor Swift, Steve Albini, Nirvana, Mae Muller, Succession, Roy Boys, Summer Playlist, Gogol Bordello, Ukraine, Jello Biafra, Tre Cool, Joe Lally, Agnostic Front, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jeff Rosenstock
The Infamous Stringdusters
Music ReviewsA Tribute to Flatt & Scruggs (Americana Vibes). Review by Judy Craddock.
News Feed for Monday, May 29
News FeedIn the news today: Fantômas, Mr. Bungle, Melvins, Tame Impala, Lonerism, Cult of Luna, Black Midi, Lizzo, Tina Turner, Royal Blood, Lana Del Rey, Surprise Chef, Linda Lindas, Kevin McDonald, KitH, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Toyah, Robert Fripp, Golden Earring, Keanu Reeves, Dogstar
The Aggrolites Tour with The Aquabats
Tour NewsThe Aggrolites take a break from Punk Rock Bowling to announce a sweet summer tour with The Aquabats.
GRAMMY-winning Percussionist Isaac “Redd” Holt Dies at 91
Music NewsRedd Holt, GRAMMY-winning jazz percussionist and songwriter, passed away May 23, 2023 after a bout with cancer.
Sydney Pollack: A Subliminal Existentialist
Print ReviewsCarl F. Gauze digs into Sydney Pollack: A Subliminal Existentialist, a detailed look at the cinematic works of Sydney Pollack from the prolific Wes D. Gehring.
News Feed for Friday, May 26
News FeedIn the news today: The Dwarves, Greatest Hits, Spice Girls, Pulp, Arlo Parks, Converge, Marc Ribot, The Bad Plus, Buck Meek
