Description

Pioneers, innovators, explorers, extraordinary, ambitious, fearless, contemporary, artistic, talented; these are just a few of the references made to identify YMO. The collaboration started in 1978 in Tokyo by keyboardist Ryuichi Sakamoto, drummer Yukihiro Takahashi and bassist Haruomi Hosono. YMO took their chance and showed the world what they were capable of with new technology made available to them at the time. In the course of their careers in the music business, YMO got involved in film music, collaborations with artists all over the scope (from Hip-Hop to Rock), inventing the House/Acid sound and getting involved in numerous projects. The impact of this Japanese trio is not to be reckoned with and has become a given, inspiring many in the music industry.

“Public Pressure” is YMO‘s first live recorded album and their second number 1 album in Japan. Several concerts were recorded on this album, all in 1979 (The Venue in London, Greek Theater in LA, Bottom Line in NYC, Sun Plaza in Nakano). Unfortunately due to contract issues with the record company, Kazumi Watanabe guitar playing was removed from this release and compensated with keyboards from Haruomu Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Akiko Yano. Later YMO would release the original recordings too. Evidently this album contains first class recordings, clear and sparkling; YMO is at it’s best with an audience. Akiko Yano is a welcomed addition to YMO, with her sublime vocals she completes YMO as a band. This live recorded album has a much more relaxed approach to the music, it almost feels like their jamming on stage and having fun with the music and clearly enjoying themselves!