Sheena Ringo is amazing. Many people, Japanese or not, knew this well before I realized it; in fact, ever since I started this site, her name has been popping up as a recommendation more than any other artist.

That said, I didn't actually go out and pick up some of her music until a few years ago, and as I scanned the shelves, I suddenly realized that she had been haunting my shopping as of late. I just never put a voice, a sound, to her face - until now.

And what a sound she puts forth. Densely layered avant-rock-pop with arty-electro sensibilities, her music both immediately jumps out at you, and continues to shake you silly well after multiple listenings.

Like I said, I'm fairy new to her party, so basically I know things like that she has been performing at least since was 15, first with various bands (Marvelous Marbles, anyone?) and then with Toshiba-EMI from 1998 until the present.

Her first album, [Muzai Moratorium] was well received by both the press and public, and is a certified bolt from the blue. Filled with amazingly catchy and profound songs, it's a great start to an even greater career.

Her second album, [Shoso Strip], upped the ante with an absolutely brilliant sound that honestly shocked me when I first heard it. It was so dense and layered, yet primal in its impact. If you check out any Sheena Ringo album, this should be the one.

Another item of interest is [Ze-Chyou Syuu], a 3 mini-CD set collecting tracks from what I take are "side" projects, like Hatsuiku Status, which includes Hisako Tabuchi - the guitarist from Number Girl).

After a personal holiday from recording, Sheena came on strong in the middle of 2002 with the abolutely amazing [Utaite Myouri Sono 1], a 2CD collection of cover songs that flies through Japanese, English, French and German, not to mention a great duet with Hikaru Utada

This year has been even better, with a short movie on DVD to go with her latest masterpiece, [Karuki Zamen Kuri no Hana]. Her fourth album is more askew than earlier work, with influences coming from all over the place, from traditional Japanese music to the furthest avant guarde work. I really dig it, and how some of the tracks were used in the aforementioned movie, [Hyaku Iro Megane], which doesn't actually feature Sheena until the very end, yet still is worth every penny (plus, the Japanese release has English subtitles for those in the need).

Finally, the past few months have seen the latest releases in her live concert and video collection DVD series. I haven't acquired the concert footage, but I highly recommend [Seiteki Healing Sono 3], and all other parts of the series. The videos are imaginative and even beautiful, plus it has the English version of [la salle de bain], which can only exist in a perfect world.

Quite simply, Sheena Ringo is one of my most favorite musicians, and I fully implore you to check her out if you haven't already. My life has been made that much better over the past few years with the addition of her music.

English speakers - Please realize that her name is sometimes spelled "Shena", "Shina" or "Shiina" - this might help in your searching.

Also realize that she adores Blankey Jet City, her label mates on Toshiba-EMI. Isn't that reason enough to look further into BJC?

Sheena Ringo is now a member of Tokyo Incidents (Tokyo Jihen), so make sure to check out my page on that great band.