Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 119 - Obituary Yukihiro Takahashi’s Spirited Light

Obituary of Yukihiro Takahashi

On January 16, 2023, the morning paper reported the death of Yukihiro Takahashi, composer of YMO's “Rydeen”.... The same thing was written in the lead of TV news and wide shows.
Yukihiro Takahashi was the drummer of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, and his work as YMO is well known around the world. The newspaper headlines were followed by the news that Yukihiro Takahashi, a musician who created a techno boom around the world, died of aspiration pneumonia, a complication caused by a brain tumor, on January 11 at the age of 70. It was a big obituary for a musician, which is probably right considering YMO's influence on the world.
However, Yukihiro Takahashi was, in my opinion, more of a musician than just a “drummer” in YMO. He was a musician, but I think he was a composer with more diverse sophistication. He had a great sense of style and in several of his bands, his talents were expressed in a wide range of areas, from music, to band promotion, to stage costumes. I am deeply saddened by his passing.

I am one of those who grew up listening to Yukihiro Takahashi's music when I was young. The stylish spice in his music shines through in his songs and reaches us softly. It has a kind of universality that never gets old even when you listen to it again now.
This time, we would like to introduce the music produced by Yukihiro Takahashi, including the music on the eve of YMO, and would like everyone to experience his music.

■ Recommended Album: Sadistic Mika Band Kurofune (1974)

Sadistic Mika Band was a unique band among Japanese rock bands. Kazuhiko Kato (Vo, G), Mika (Vo), Rei Obara (B), Yukihiro Takahashi (Dr), Hiroshi Imai (Key), Masayoshi Takanaka (G). The band featured top musicians in Japan and their performance was excellent. Later, Tsugitoshi Goto (B) replaced Obara. The reason I wrote “unique” is because in the 70's, rock music was considered to be music played by delinquents. In such an era, Sadistic Mika Band debuted as a band in a completely different phase.
As you know, Kazuhiko Kato was a musician overflowing with intelligence and selling a stylish sense of style. Yukihiro Takahashi was no different, and he brought his musical sense to the Mika Band.
This album is a new musical experiment in many ways, with each member refining their own songs.
From the opening track “To the Land of Ink Painting” - “Something is Coming to the Sea” - “Time Machine ni Onegai” - “Kurofune”, the composition and development of this well thought-out concept album is overwhelming. It is full of intellectual sense.

Recommended song: “Dontaku”

The song begins with Takahashi's drums fading in from the ding-dong-ya style music from the beginning of the B-side “Yoroshiku Douzo”. The song is well written and I can't imagine this song without Yukihiro Takahashi. The groove of perfect just and exact beat is one-of-a-kind, and the drums bring out the fun of the song.

Recommended song: “Kurofune (Kaei Roku Nen Roku Gatsu Futsuka, Mikka, Yokka)”

The song begins with the refrain of the well-known song “Time machine ni Onegai” ~♬ by Mika Band, which you may know.
The song breaks off with “Time Machine ni Onegai” ~♬ “Tie” ~♬, and then Yukihiro Takahashi's drum fill-in leads us into the epic story of “Kurofune.” Kurofune” is in suite form, and it is a startling fact that in 1974, a Japanese band had an album that mixed classical suites and pop music.
When I think of the drummer Yukihiro Takahashi, the drum fill-in at the beginning of “Kurofune” is the first thing that comes to mind. I can't figure out which part is the top. It is so stylish that I cannot forget it once I listen to it. I think it is the very phrase that represents him. Also, after the beginning of the song, there is a lot of playing that I can only describe as outstanding.

■ Recommended album: Sadistics, Sadistics (1977)

This is a masterpiece album by the Sadistics, formed by Yukihiro Takahashi (Dr.), Masayoshi Takanaka (G), Tsugitoshi Goto (B), and Yutaka Imai (Key) after the breakup of Sadistic Mika Band in 1975.
The A-side of this album, like the song “Kurofune” (Black Ship), is a suite of songs inspired by circumnavigating the world, pirates, and so on. The setting is simply stunning. The album jacket, in which Yukihiro Takahashi chose pirates as the album concept, is also a cool piece of artwork.
Although Yukihiro Takahashi did not appear in the production credits when he was with Sadistic Mika Band, he wrote most of the lyrics on this album. He also put his name to composing the music, which is also excellent.
The band members were first callers of their time, and their stylish sound won them many fans.
The B-side of the album features a lineup of stylish J-pop songs, setting the precedent for trendy pop music.
Mr. Takahashi was able to take a bird's eye view of music. You can imagine that he was a rare musician who could comprehensively produce not only music but also create visual scenes.
This influenced YMO and the bands he would later be involved with, along with Yukihiro Takahashi's sense of style is scattered throughout the J-pop world.

Recommended song: “Tokyo Taste”

A hidden masterpiece in the history of J-pop. The melody at the beginning of the duet between Raj and Alex, and the line that follows, were unthinkable in pop music of the time. Yukihiro Takahashi's stylishness comes to the fore. It could be considered too sophisticated for J-pop at that time.
It reflects Mr. Takahashi's residence, orientation, and way of life. The seeds he sowed during this period would later bloom into a great flower in the J-pop world. This song was later covered by Yoshitaka Minami and the synthesizer solo in the song is quite stylish.

Recommended music: “Ima Goro Kimi wa ......"

Composed by Masayoshi Takanaka, lyrics by Yukihiro Takahashi. A fine song with a pop melody. It shows the gentle side of Takahashi. The Hammond organ solo by Yutaka Imai adds a nice touch.

■ Recommended album: YMO- Solid State Survivor (1979)

This is the second album by YMO, which touted the antithesis of music created by humans being constrained by computers. The core of computer-synchronized techno music was played by Yukihiro Takahashi. The square beats he created were an essential element of this music, and he was an indispensable member to the band. More than any other drummer in Japan, his beats were suited to YMO. And, he had the skills and mind to embody that progressive spirit.
The Chinese-style costumes worn by the three members around the mahjong table were made by Yukihiro Takahashi. Mr. Takahashi not only created the music for YMO, but he also was a creative director. His directing skills would go on to flourish in London as well.

Recommended song: “Rydeen”

YMO's biggest hit. The composer of this song, based on the motif of the god of thunder, is Yukihiro Takahashi. The stylish Sadistics of Tokyo Taste are also a part of Yukihiro Takahashi's style, and the straight, pop, almost man-eating chorus melody line of Rydeen is also a result of Takahashi's extraction. The addition of his own beats to the song makes it a masterpiece that will enchant children and adults alike.

Musicians, albums, and recommendations featured in this issue

• Artist：Yukihiro Takahashi, Sadistic Mika Band, Sadistics
• Albums：Kurofune, Sadistics, Solid State Survivor
• Songs: “Dontaku,” “Kurofune,” “Tokyo Taste,” “Now You,” “Rydeen

The “sound & person” column is made up of contributions from you.
For details about contributing, click here.