Adam KennySUMMER IS HERE
We’re getting to that time of the year. The rain is less frequent. Evenings are getting longer. Evening sunsets are looking like cotton candy that you wish you could slurp up. The beach is calling. Summer has come upon us once again. I often find that at this point in the year, much like I put away my coats, I put away some albums for a few months. Colder, blue and downtrodden albums can sit back. It’s time to bring out the floral shirts. Pop music, summer fun and classic rock albums. I have many albums that I wish to revisit going into the summer. One of the most important ones however, was AN INSATIABLE HIGH.
MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA AND THE LEGEND OF THE SURFBOARD GUITAR
Masayoshi Takanaka is a Japanese producer, musician and professional cool dude. He has seen a resurgence in the past 10 years or so, becoming an endearing and beloved musician amongst the younger generation and it’s easy to see why. Known for his flashy, energetic and quick guitar work whilst emanating a chill and cool demeanor. If you open up the dictionary and look up cool, you’ll see a photo of Masayoshi and his iconic surfboard guitar.
AN INSATIABLE HIGH was Masayoshi’s third solo album and has remained my go to Summer starter for a few years now. The energy and excitement as well as the temparment of his songs is so easy to get caught up in. It could be 10am or 10pm, AN INSATIABLE HIGH will just make any time feel like the best one.
Although Masayoshi is known for his guitar work, his over composition and production is brilliant. At first listen you might think Masayoshi’s solo work is just one big guitar solo, but upon further listening you’ll find that’s the furthest from the truth.
HYPNOTIC VACATION
AN INSATIABLE HIGH is a kaleidoscopic display of colour, joy and radiance. The music just makes you feel like you’re at some high end resort miles away from all your troubles. The first track on the album, “SEXY DANCE”, is an evocative and breezy and funky introduction. Sonically, Masayoshi’s music is full of jazz infused funk with some hints of city pop sprinkled through the melodies. Masayoshi himself does not speak nor sing on the album. His music is all he needs to say anything. “SEXY DANCE” is a perfect starting track that showcases what’s to come. Guitar work that will make your head spin. Saxophones that get your feet moving, and some synthesizers that keep you on your toes, and finally, some wonderful and sexy backing vocals that is reminiscent of American acapella groups.
AN INSATIABLE HIGH’s production and pacing is amazing. Once the intro is over, you move into “MALIBU” which slows things down for a moment. Masayoshi’s music is not just about partying till you drop, it’s about relaxing. Being on vacation from your thoughts and troubles. Take off your blazer, pull out a marlboro with a cold beer and sit by the pool with “MALIBU” playing in the background. Wash down that frog in your throat, take a deep breath and chill. You’re on vacation with Masayoshi Takanaka.
COOLING DOWN
Once you’ve taken some time for yourself, Masayoshi drags you over to gym for a workout while listening to the titular track “AN INSATIABLE HIGH”. Standing at a cool and easy 10 minutes, Masayoshi wants to get you moving. Not sprinting at full speed, but bopping along on a sweet and easy jog. The track has a ripping pace that is lead by Masayoshi on guitar before turning into a hectic but confident piano solo. High octane fun time for 7 minutes of the track that keeps you on your feet, before swimming into a dreamy evening guitar where you’re floating in the water exhausted but the most relaxed you’ve ever been.
Morning time. You’re completely relaxed. You’re having a coffee at the restaurant of the resort and suddenly your eyes are caught with the person whom you were talking with last night. Masayoshi takes this as his cue to start into “E.S.P”, which stands for Extra Sensory Perception, the ability to perceive emotions and feelings outside of your usual senses. This track is special, as it’s the most traditional of the bunch where we are joined by a cool grooving vocalist and the previous backing vocalists being back. A fitting and evolving track that keeps your ears perked up. Vocally, the lead vocalist has this soothing and relaxing tone that works perfectly with Masayoshi’s guitar work. The chorus however is lead by some other string instruments like violins that are backed up by trumpets. Masayoshi’s guitar acting as the wing man for the verse and chorus.
THE CALM BEFORE THE WAVE
The next two tracks, “M5” and “SUNDROPS” follow many of the other motifs that the other tracks had. “M5” particularly having a blitzing pace that you get swept into like a marathon. “SUNDROPS” being a laid back end to the day where you’re beginning to pack your things up and say your goodbyes to the friends you’ve made on holidays, before we’re brought to the final track of the album “GOOD (BAD?) OLD DAYS”. A perfect fit for the final swan song of the album. Masayoshi’s guitar is weeping, it’s time to say goodbye to vacation, to the resort, to the high flying waves and sunshine. His surfboard guitar bringing us out to the sea one last time to catch one last wave. A somber, dreamy and nostalgic track that helps you think about everything that’s happened over the course of the album.
Masayoshi’s music, for all it’s glitz and glam, has so much soul and love in it. Each track has its own personality and vibrancy that you can listen and soak in forever. “GOOD (BAD?) OLD DAYS” brings this album to a wonderful close. A sad ending to what will one day be seen as the good old days. Back at the resort with Masayoshi and friends.
OVERALL
AN INSATIABLE HIGH is one of the most endearing albums I’ve ever listened to. Masaysohi is more than just a dude with a cool looking guitar and outrageously cool personality. He’s an artist. A master at his craft. A professional cool dude who wants to make you feel just as cool as he does.
AN INSATIABLE HIGH is a summer staple for me, and will be for years to come. Masayoshi has a long and eclectic discography, but AN INSATIABLE HIGH will always be my favourite holiday.
