Recommended Japanese Albums: “Hollow Me/Beautiful” by Yura Yura Teikoku
This article is one of a series introducing some of the the best Japanese albums.
Here, let me introduce the band Yura Yura Teikoku (ゆらゆら帝国).
What is Yura Yura Teikoku?
Formed in 1989, the three-piece rock band is one of the most popular bands of the 1990s and beyond. They have a unique atmosphere of going their own way. They are not a major player in Japan, but are as popular as the Fishmans among avid music fans.
Some of the songs are psychedelic and groovy, some use a lot of guitar noise, and some are mellow and nostalgic. The unique lyrics are also part of the charm.
Link to a song “Suberu bar” YouTube video
What does “Yura Yura Teikoku” mean?
“Yura Yura Teikoku” is a name that has an impact on the Japanese.
“Yura Yura” is the Japanese word for slowly swaying. On the other hand, “Teikoku” means empire.
I’m not sure what it means, but I admire this band name as it describes them well. This is because the band is also elusive, mysterious, and eerie. In a good way, of course.
Legendary last album
All of their albums since 1998’s “3x3x3” have been great, especially “Hollow Me/Beautiful” released in 2007, is the band’s self-confessed “most accomplished ever”.
The band broke up because they felt that they had reached their best with this work. Since then, the central figure, Shintaro Sakamoto, has been active as a solo artist.
The highlight of this last album is the final title track, which is also the name of the album.
Watch “Hollow Me” video on YouTube
If the album is not readily available on Amazon.com, or if the price is too high, I would recommend purchasing it from Amazon.co.jp, the Amazon Japan.
空洞です
* This is a link to the product on amazon.co.jp.
The first solo album by Shintaro Sakamoto is a calm music album that continues the atmosphere of “Hollow Me” and is also highly recommended.
Listen to the solo album on YouTube
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