When Radiohead release a new album there is plenty of publicity but for other equally essential artists with independent labels recording non-commercial songs, the internet can play a great role in spreading their work through word-of-mouth.

Susumu Yokota releases a new album in February, Love Or Die. For those of you not familiar with this prolific Japanese artist I would describe his music as sublime, beautiful, relaxing electronica music that spans a wide spectrum of influences and electronic genres from ambient to more beat-driven songs. What sets Susumu Yokota apart from most other electronica artists is his music has no boundaries, and often errs more towards classical than electronic music. The opening track on Love or Die is a good example of this. Yokota plays a dreamy rolling piano backed by a string section. A perfect way to start the day.

I was first introduced to Susumu Yokota in 2000 when I was fortunate to be give the album Magic Thread to review. Since then I have listened to most of his album releases, my favourites being Sakura (2000), The Grinning Cat (2001), Symbol (2004) and Wonder Waltz (2006). But Yokota has released many albums both as an artist and a house music dj.

Yokota’s albums regularly appear on his own Japanese label, Skintone, before being released on other labels worldwide. Leaf and Lo release his albums in the UK.

As if Yokota’s music isn’t far enough from the world of commercial pop music, the titles of each track on the new Love Or Die album sound more like paintings than song titles.

01 - for the other self who is far away that i can not reach [listen]
02 - a slowly fainting memory of love and respect,and hatred [listen]
03 - the loneliness of anarchic beauty achieved by my ego [listen]
04 - a heart-warming and beautiful flower will eventually wither away and become dir [listen]
05 - the sin of almighty god, respected and believed by the masses [listen]
06 - that persons hearsay protects my free spirit [listen]
07 - the things that i need to do for just one’s love [listen]
08 - the scream of a sage who lost freedom and love taken for granted before [listen]
09 - a song produced while floating alone on christmas day [listen]
10 - the now forgotten gods of rocky mountain residing in the back of the north wood [listen]
11 - the sacred ceremony concieved by chance from an evil lie [listen]
12 - the destiny fo the little bird trapped inside a small cage for life [listen]

There is plenty of awe-inspiring original music out there, away from the commercial plastic, money-making pop of the X Factor & Pop Idol. Susumu Yokota is one artist that everyone should listen to.

Susumu Yokota Official Website