Share the post "Album review: LISA RONSON – Emperors Of Medieval Japan"
Maniac Squat Records [Release date 09.11.15]
Back in 1974 David Bowie, regaled us with tales of a skeletal post-apocalyptic landscape of Diamond Dogs. By then, Mick Ronson was no longer his trusted foil, but 40 years later Ronson’s daughter seems to have revisited the musical soundscape painted all those years ago by Bowie’s Future Vision.
A curious release, Emperors Of Medieval Japan features swirling pop synths melded with alternative rock – an emerging genre referred to by her fans as ‘Post Synthetic’. And there’s some heavyweight musical talent on display – former Bowie guitarists Reeves Gabrels and Earl Slick, Mott The Hoople keyboard player Morgan Fisher – whose rippling piano evoking memories of Mike Garson’s work with Bowie – guitarist / programmer Paul Cuddeford, and the absolute star of the show – Terry Edwards (PJ Harvey, Gallon Drunk, Yoko Ono) whose marvellously dirty and percussive saxophone work is highly reminiscent of that of Mel Collins circa Lizard era King Crimson.
The totality provides a canvas for Ronson’s dreamy semi-spoken vocals. There’s a couple tracks – ‘One Luna Month’ and ‘CKSB’ – that feel somewhat lightweight, echoing tones of Music-era Madonna and Debbie Harry, but for the most part Emperors Of Medieval Japan has the progressive intensity of early King Crimson – a quality rarely encountered these days.
And it’s nice to see a cover – in this case of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates’ 1960 hit ‘Shakin’ All Over’ – given an almost indistinguishable make-over – again with Edward’s sax being quite magnificent. And when the band is in full flow, as on ‘Get To You’, the glorious cacophony of guitar, keys, and sax interplay is quite outstanding.
The output of musical sons and daughters is usually a feeble whimper compared to that of their famous mother/father. But when Lisa Ronson spreads her wings she’s a force majeure. If you’re fed up with the ‘same old, same old’ give Emperors Of Medieval Japan a listen – it’s a splash of colour in an otherwise black and white music scene. ****1/2
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 14 April 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 9 April 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to an X (Twitter) account
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: LISA RONSON – Emperors Of Medieval Japan"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
