Bunglalow's
Escalator Records, Tokyo collects hard-to-find singles and rarities from one of Japan's few remaining independent labels. Though Escalator's roster includes the Swedish pop group Super and the multi-cultural, eclectic
Stereo Total, this album focuses on the label's Japanese acts, which are also extremely diverse. From the atmospheric, sample-friendly pop of Cubismo Grafico's "Salon a Sunday" and "I'm Still Sleeping" to Yukari Fresh's girlish vocals on "Paul Scholes" and "Yukarimpid 1/2/3" to Montparnasse's big beat workout "The Wiggley Cat Walk!," Escalator's native lineup captures the clever, light-hearted sounds of Tokyo's Shibuya district. The High Yummies' thumping "Mog Alphonso" and Neil & Iraiza's smooth, sophisticated "Middle Man" are some of the other highlights of
Escalator Records, Tokyo, which is well worthwhile for anyone interested in global indie pop or curious about Shibuya-kei beyond Pizzicato 5, Cornelius, or the style's other usual suspects. ~ Heather Phares