BABA Signal
Ukare Kappa
Forming in the summer of 1994, BABA Signal wasted no time releasing their rightfully acclaimed "Star Single" seven-incher before beginning sessions for "Ukare Kappa" both in their Asagaya, Tokyo rehearsal studio and bassist Atsushi's home. Rarely has the joyous bash 'n pop of Big Star, not to mention their innumerable brethren, been so effortlessly captured in two solid minutes flat. But what then of this song's story-line, struggling so deeply in the mix (in true circa-"Satisfaction" Stones fashion)? Hiroshi explains: "Ukare means Cheerful, and Kappa are imaginary creatures who live in the rivers of Japan and play tricks on people who swim there. Their favorite food is cucumber." I see! For further sonic investigations into this intriguingly aquatic field of research, the keen student is directed as well towards Shonen Knife's noteworthy "Kappa Ex." Also well worth this long, strange trip is Hiroshi's stunningly produced "Rhythm & Pencil" fanzine, by the way.