One record at a time: 491. Yellow Magic Orchestra - X∞Multiplies

When "X∞Multiplies" was originally released in Japan during 1980 it was considered a 'mini album' as it only contained a scattering of original songs alongside comedy sketches by a troupe called 'Snakeman Show'. The international release saw the album morph into a weird hybrid that dumped most of the comedy numbers and added previously released songs in their place. My copy of the original UK pressing is on yellow vinyl and sounds really nice.

Side one opens with a trio of songs from previous album "Solid State Survivor" followed by a trio from their eponymous debut. The track selections are pretty much as to be expected with "Behind the Mask" and "Firecracker" being the standouts. 

The meat of "X∞Multiplies" begins on the flip side with a brief jingle (which is strangely credited as "Snakeman Show") before launching into a great track called "Nice Age". There's no doubt this is a pop number with a good hook and a groovy verses. As well as the members of YMO there is an uncredited female vocal on this track which the internet tells me is by Mika Fukui. A hidden gem if ever there was one.

The title track is a strange and disappointing Ska pastiche that appears to be recorded on traditional instruments. I'm not really sure what the band were aiming for here but it falls short in my opinion. Next we encounter the only true "Snakeman Show" comedy sketch which appears to be a less than subtle critique of Western perceptions of Japanese people. The trouble with the sketch is that it isn't the least bit amusing and its message is probably completely lost on those it is aimed at. It's no surprise that four additional Snakeman skits featured on the Japanese version of the record are culled from the UK cut. 

"Citizens of Science" is a mildly melodic number that I can leave or take. The final track is a cover version of "Tighten Up" which is very entertaining but again, I fear their attempted subversion of Western stereotypes of Japanese culture will be lost on most of their audience.

I could be wrong, but I'm left with the feeling that this record is a somewhat cynical reaction to the attitudes the band encountered on their first tour. Whilst there is still some joy to be found in these grooves the record doesn't feel cohesive and if it weren't for "Nice Age" it might not be so appealing. 2.5/5