Something special

! Remarks regarding the video-clip only refer to the limited edition - this version does not offer the video!

I read in an earlier review on this site that "Tanabata Matsuri" may not be the best song to get introduced by to Tegomasu. I have to disagree. "Tanabata Matsuri" was my first Tegomasu-experience - and I got hooked. I have to agree with the previous reviewer that this song doesn`t buy you over with the first time you listen to it. When I first heard it I thought "hmm..country rhythmn?" - but the second time I heard it, rhythmn and melody would echo in my head and I caught myself humming this tune all the time. And I also love this traditional swedish instrument used in the song. And these guys are very good at singing harmonies. With this package of song, artists and video simply everything is in the right place. Tegomasu made a clever choice with "Tanabata matsuri". It´s something different from everydays pop-songs. I also like other J-pop artists and other songs by Tegomasu, but this one is very special. Probably me as a european appreciate even more the traditional japanese touch this video offers. That`s what makes it especially interesting for me. The tradition of the Tanabata matsuri itself, the costumes. And I have to say Takahisa Masuda and Yuya Tegoshi are the perfect choice to interpret this song. Their very charming personalities makes this feel real and honest. Those two have a wonderful chemistry, that makes even the making-of a pleasure to watch (if it only had english subtitles!). Not only do both boys look very handsome, I especially love Masudas warm and honest smile - his eyes seem to smile all the time. He must be a very pleasant fellow to have around.

Tegomasu themselves described the making of the video clip as very laid-back and relaxed - and it shows in the results of this production. Together with "Ashita no kioku" by Arashi, "Tanabata Matsuri" is the best song coming from Japan in 2009 so far. I am happy that Tegomasu has an album out and I heard they tour Japan right now - hopefully we see a DVD and Blu-ray release of it ( and Johnny´s: how about english subs for the dialogues at least).

There is only one negative thing to say about the video clip of "Tanabata Matsuri" - it´s shot in the ancient 4:3-format - and not even widescreen ( whoever had this idea, apologise!). However I´m glad it´s not in black and white and mono!

Another positive aspect of this set is, that also the second song (and for the regular edition also the third song) are really good recordings that easily could have been singles in their own right. Only the 4th song on the regular edition sounds avarage to me.

The swedish CD- version features two different songs as second and third recording - more in the line of traditional topics, just like Tanabata matsuri - though in a different style music-wise, and with an english description of it`s lyrics and background-information included- something I would wish Johnny´s to also include in japanese releases - especially since he tried to build Tegomasu with the intention of going more international - debuting in Sweden. I guess Johnny`s doesn`t fully realize how many fans his groups have outside of Japan.

I hope that we will hear more songs like this by Masuda and Tegoshi - and I also wish that the frequency of their releases will raise. One single per year is far too little for this talented duo.
They stand out from ordinary pop and I´d like to see and hear them more often. For those who also like this song and video I recommend the limited edition of Tegomasu`s album. The bonus-DVD offers a small concert with 5 songs that Tegomasu to my extreme pleasure really sang completely live with a band - also a rarety with J-pop artists. And Tegomasu-songs feature harmonies that are not too easy to sing live.

So, Takahisa Masuda and Yuya Tegoshi, I bow my hat and wish you many successful returns as Tegomasu.
And by the way, why only Sweden? I would love to see you here in Hamburg, Germany as well :-).