Rating : - a colourful ride
there was a point in time where so many japanese artists were making a heavy splash on the international electronic/indy scene. names like Pizzicato Five, Buffalo Daughter, Cornelius, Cibo Matto were all the rage. their blend of french pop, asian chic, and that "space age bachelor pad" motif were probably a big relief to those who needed a breather from the grunge-soaked musical landscape. and despite their disposable kitsch factor associated with most of these groups, they seemed to stick around long enough for most people to take them seriously. Takako Minekawa may not be quite as well known as those other groups i mentioned, but her music is a treat for those who can appreciate simple, charming music; made with a childlike sense of amusement and a wonderful appreciation for sound.

Cloudy Cloud Calculator certainly has it's moments of uninspired noodling that seem like Takako is just filling up the white spaces with her pastel sounds, but when she puts her mind to record a really great pop song, the hooks just can't be denied! such is the case with "Milk Rock" a fun rollercoaster ride that slides up and down on a multicoloured racing track with dainty drums, dreamy vocals, and a little electric guitar thrown in, as well. the same can be said for "Cat House"; another great little song that is harmless simple fun. things get a little weirder and more experimental on this record than previous releases, most noticeably on the disturbing "Kangaroo Pocket Calculator" where a pulsing blip is set as the backdrop to a mechanical voice reciting numbers and the relationships therein.

there are elements of old fashioned electronic music here. a love of Kraftwerk, YMO, and Brian Eno are all apparent. but Takako absorbs these influences and manages to produce music of interesting sonic elements and childlike beauty. Cloudy Cloud Calculator was not one of my favorite releases when i first heard it many years ago when it first came out, but it seems to have stood the test of time a bit better than some of her earlier albums. it could be her best. worth exploring for fans of Stereolab, Kahimi Karie, Cibo Matto.