Harumi “Harumi”
There are many albums by unknown artists that deserve to be dug up and reexamined (or perhaps examined for the first time). Then there are the very few that reach up and grab you by the ears, making you wonder why they were ever forgotten in the first place. Harumi falls into the second category.
Somehow an unknown from Japan (with feminine name) managed to locate one of the most renowned producers of the day to record his self titled debut record for Verve in 1968. Tom Wilson, the impresario behind both Dylan and Nico’s best loved albums heard something special in Harumi’s psyched out English-penned originals and we are still reaping the benefits of that union today.
Comparisons don’t give this music its due. Easy references like mid period Byrds or Jefferson Airplane might be obvious because of the relatively familiar aesthetic (for the time period) , but there is much to this record that greatly sets it apart from the more successful contemporary acts.
The main draw here is Harumi’s exceptional original songs and the way his drugged out voice navigates them. “First Impressions” begins with a Zombie-esque guitar and organ lick before catapulting into full pop mode with strings and brass. Harumi sounds haunting here, especially when he glides back in after the baroque instrumental break in the middle. This track drips with an endless summer vibe that spills over on the rest of the record.
Organ and jazzy vibraphone (along with assorted Japanese instruments) are present on nearly every track, filling out an already tight rhythm section. Little subtleties, like the phase effect on Harumi’s vocals on “Sugar in Your Tea”, or the Eastern sounding guitar on “We Love” crawl to the fore on repeat listens. The latter song is one of the best here- it grooves steadily through the haze and features some lyrical highlights like “Would you like to say hello to everyone that you have ever known?” and “You are me and I am you- there is no comparison for two”.
From start to finish (including the 2 extended cuts that make up the second half of this double album), Harumi is a remarkable listen that sets a very persistent vibe.
“First Impressions”
Original | 1968 | Verve Forecase | search ebay ]
Reissue | Don’t Buy Fallout ]
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Really an extraordinary record! I will admit that over the years my willingness to sit through the entirety of “Twice Told Tales” has deteriorated somewhat, but cuts like “Hunters of Heaven” and “Talk About It” have always been strong favorites. What ever happened to this guy?
I love these tracks! I’d never heard of this band. Thanks.
–David
I’ve spent some time researching him and there’s no real concrete information online anywhere. I really want to know more of his background and where he ended up- if anyone knows of any leads, please point me in the right direction. Marvelous album though, I believe he recorded one more after this but I’ve yet to find it.
I’ve had this CD for a couple years and was thinking about selling it. The back-story is interesting and the music is interesting conceptually, but i remember not liking it much. Since Rising Storm has turned me on to some great obscurities I’ll have to give this another chance.
I purchased this album in 1968 and still have it. I don’t know much about Harumi. I know that in 1968 a lot of cultures were experimenting with rock and roll. Japan was not different. He did produce another album. From there, obscurity.
hey frank, love your reviews, found this gem of baroque pop online, would love to see a review http://soundcloud.com/western-man
On “Twice Told Tales of the Pomegranate Forest” – is that Roscoe from WNEW FM narrating with Harumi?
I found this album during the lockdown (thanks to this website). How did I go over 50 years without ever hearing of it? Good question. The word “genius” is thrown around pretty casually these days, but in my opinion it applies to Harumi. I found the melodies and rhythms captivating from first listen, but over time it yields even more treasure. It’s one that I keep going back to. Won’t someone please give this a 21st century remaster? It deserves it.