Shonen Knife – 712 – Cassette

Description

Shonen Knife – 712 – Cassette

Shonen Knife’s 712, released in 1991, is an essential album that showcases the Japanese trio’s unique blend of pop-punk, alternative rock, and a distinctly kawaii (cute) aesthetic. Shonen Knife, formed in 1981 by Naoko Yamano, Atsuko Yamano, and Michie Nakatani in Osaka, Japan, had already gained a cult following by the time 712 was released, particularly in the indie and alternative rock scenes outside of Japan.

The album’s title, 712, is a playful reference with multiple meanings. In Japanese, the numbers can be pronounced as ‘na-i-fu’ (a rough homophone for ‘knife’), a clever nod to the band’s name. Additionally, it can be broken down into ‘7+1+2,’ which equals 10, symbolizing perfection or completeness, possibly reflecting the band’s confidence in their music at this point in their career.

By the time 712 was released, Shonen Knife had already caught the attention of several prominent Western musicians, including members of Nirvana and Sonic Youth. This exposure, coupled with their infectious melodies and charmingly simplistic lyrics, helped them carve out a niche in the burgeoning alternative rock scene of the early ’90s.

712 exemplifies Shonen Knife’s signature style: upbeat, melodic, and rooted in both punk energy and bubblegum pop sweetness. Their music often juxtaposes childlike themes with the rawness of punk, creating a contrast that is both endearing and subversive.

Key Tracks:

‘Shonen Knife’: This track is quintessential Shonen Knife, with its catchy melody, driving rhythm, and playful lyrics about space travel. It encapsulates the band’s ability to turn seemingly trivial or whimsical subjects into irresistibly fun songs.

‘Fruit Loop Dreams’: A perfect example of their sugary pop sensibility, this song pays homage to the joys of breakfast cereal, delivered with infectious enthusiasm. It’s a testament to how Shonen Knife can take the mundane and turn it into something delightful.

‘Lazybone’: With its laid-back vibe and jangly guitars, ‘Lazybone’ contrasts with some of the more high-energy tracks on the album. It reflects the band’s versatility and their ability to capture a range of moods within their sound.

‘Blue Oyster Cult’: Not a cover of the band, but rather a tribute, this track showcases Shonen Knife’s love for Western rock music, blending their punk-pop sound with a more straightforward rock approach.

‘Rain’: A more introspective song, ‘Rain’ shows a slightly softer side of the band, with its slower tempo and melancholic lyrics, adding emotional depth to the album.

712 is often regarded as one of Shonen Knife’s best albums, both for its catchy, well-crafted songs and for its role in solidifying their international appeal. While they had been releasing music for a decade by this point, 712 helped to introduce the band to a broader audience, particularly in the United States and Europe, where the alternative and grunge scenes were thriving.

The album’s blend of punk energy and pop sensibility, combined with its quirky, innocent lyrics, has made it a lasting favorite among fans. Shonen Knife’s influence can be seen in the way they paved the way for other Japanese bands to gain recognition outside of Japan and in how they helped to broaden the scope of what punk and alternative rock could be.

712 stands as a testament to Shonen Knife’s ability to create music that is both fun and meaningful, appealing to a wide range of listeners with its infectious positivity and unique charm.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal

Rockville Records

Track Listing
1. Shonen Knife
2. Lazybone
3. Diet Run
4. Blue Oyster Cult
5. Rain
6. Luck of the Irish
7. My Favourite Town Osaka
8. Faith Healer
9. Redd Kross
10. White Flag
11. Superstar
12. Expo ’90
13. Fruit Loop Dreams
14. Moon World
15. Baggs