Tamio Okuda, originally of the wonderful band Unicorn, struck
out on his own in the mid 90's and hasn't turned back since.
Besides writing and producing a gaggle of songs for my dear [Puffy], he's been putting out one brilliant solo album after another.
His music is largely guitar based, ranging from ballads to smash the speakers ruckus, and while he sticks almost entirely to Japanese, his lyrical and melodic skills are readily apparent no matter what language you speak.
Some places for new listeners to begin:
[Goldblend] is a pseudo-retro moddish poppy Neo-Beatles phase that nevertheless sounds modern and quite catchy.
[Car Songs Of The Years] is a fine, focused, best of album (with some new tracks, and new versions of old Tamio favorites) with a car and motorcycle theme, and [Live Of The Years] is a masterful 2CD live omnibus of all his best work.
[Lion] is his latest album, full of mid-tempo guitar work and catchy melodies. It's a very satisfying cap to a 10 year career that you should definitely check out.
Most of all, Tamio Okuda just seems like this really fun guy that makes tremendously enjoyable music. It took me a while to find out just how great he is - don't make the same mistake yourself.
tamio okuda
Tamio Okuda: Vocals, Guitar, Lyrics
Other talented folk support him in many ways, as soon as I gather
the info and translate names I'll post it here.
[Okuda Tamio Cheap Trip 2006]
SEBL-62
6.21.2006
A two hour DVD, Region 2, with over 20 tracks - that's about all I know right now.
DVD Movie, plus extra DVD, and more:
[Custom Made 10.30 Kaera OT Premium Edition] JM
REDV 340
3.24.2006
DVD Movie:
[Custom Made 10.30]
REDV 399
3.24.2006
Tamio Okuda had a concert on 10.30.2005 in Hiroshima (see below). This quirky and sweet movie follows two embattled sisters who ultimately reconcile at said concert - it's a side-story to the concert DVD, but also holds together on its own. It's hard to explain, but great not just for Tamio Okuda fans - the lead Kaela Kimura (a musician in her own right) is adorable.
The Premium Edition comes with a T-shirt, buttons, post cards, and a making-of DVD which I believe is also available separately as [Custom Made 10.30 - Angel Works (Minarai Hen)], REDV-259. I treasure my super-huge copy of this premium package - it's like a fat vinyl gatefold 12".
2 Disc Live DVD:
[Hitorimatatabi Special @ Hiroshima Shimin Stadium] JM
SEBL 33
2.23.2005
Amazing live concert on 10.30.2005 at the baseball stadium in Hiroshima - 232 minutes of magic with well over 30 songs. Highly recommended for all Tamio-addicts.
1 Song Single (+ karaoke, remix):
[Tripper]
SECL 222
10.5.2005
Will receive mine in a few weeks, with commentary to follow.
10th Album (7-Song Mini):
[Comp] JM
SECL 190
4.27.2005
I just received these 7 tasty new songs, and enjoyment abounds.
JM = Junk Magnet has this
Rough translations of some titles are given in parenthesis.
2 Song Single :
[Kyuujitsu] (Holiday)
SRDL 3525
8.29.1992
2 Song Single :
[Ai No Tame Ni] (For Love)
SRDL 3932
10.21.1994
2 Song Single :
[Musuko] (Son)
SRDL 3974
1.15.1995
1st Album:
[29] JM
Sony-J SRCL 3134
3.8.95
2 Song Single :
[Kohi] (Coffee)
SRDL 4025
5.21.1995
2nd Album:
[30] JM
Sony-J SRCL 3354
12.1.95
2 Song Single :
[Easy Rider]
SRDL 4213
6.21.1996
Album with Yosui Inoue:
[Shopping] JM
Sony-J SRCL 3769
3.19.97
3rd Album:
[Failbox] JM
Sony-J SRCL 3952
7.1.97
3 Song Single with Yosui Inoue:
[Arigato] (Thank You)
SRDL 4337
2.13.1997
3 Song Single :
[Koi No Kakeru]
SRDL 4424
11.1.1997
2 Song Single:
[Sasurai]
SRDL 4483
2.5.1998
4th Album:
[Matatabi] JM
Sony-J SRCL 4204
3.18.98
4 Song Single:
[Tsuki o Koeru] JM
SME SRCL 4507
2.20.99
3 Song Single:
[Mashimaro] JM
SME SRCL 4742
1.19.00
5th Album:
[Goldblend] JM
SME SRCL 4790
3.23.00
6th Album:
[Car Songs Of The Years] JM
SRCL 4976
1.11.2001
3 Song Single:
[The Standard] JM
SME SRCL 5126
7.25.2001
4 Track Single:
[Custom] JM
SME SRCL 5252
10.24.2001
3 Song Single:
[Hana Ni Naru] JM
SRCL 5329
3.20.2002
3 Song Single:
[He He He Hey] JM
SRCL 5407
9.4.2002
7th Album:
[E] JM
SRCL 5415
9.19.2002
3 Song Single:
[Man o Jishite] JM
SRCL 5456
10.23.2002
8th Album:
[Live Songs Of The Years] JM
SECL 39/40
11.6.2003
2 Song Single:
[Sound Of Music] JM
SECL 73
4.28.2004
2 Song Single:
[Skywalker] JM
SECL 83
6.30.2004
2 Song Single:
[Nan To Iu] JM
SECL 99
8.25.2004
9th Album:
[Lion] JM
SECL 126
10.6.2004
10th Album (7-Song Mini):
[Comp] JM
SECL 190
4.27.2005
1 Song Single (+ karaoke, remix):
[Tripper] JM
SECL 222
10.5.2005
tamio okuda
6.2.2006
Sony Page [J]
Official Site
Hit and Run Clips [E]
More Old Tracks
Discography [J]
Sony Page
Tomobiki [E]
Detailed Info
Discography [E]
From Limited Sector
Uni-Town [J]
Unicorn Related Site
weblog:
[junk.log]
[complete index]
search:
message board:
[jm:messages]
newsletter:
junk magnet
po box 11501
berkeley, ca
94712-2501
[e-mail me]
