This follow-up to the Sushi 3003 compilation features more in the way of Shibuya-issued Japanese pop from 1996-1998. Like the previous collection,
Sushi 4004 packs it in with 16 stunning slices of hyper-eclectic music. Including fine cuts by 3003 alum
Cornelius and
Pizzicato Five, 4004 also includes the varied likes of Neil and Iraiza, Collette, Yukari Fresh,
Fantastic Plastic Machine, and Oh! Penelope. The tracks swirl in their own slickly lo-fi club mix, finding plenty of room on several extended plays.
Esquivel,
Brian Wilson, lounge jazz, fusion, surf guitar, electronica, and club pop are all referenced and reconfigured fetchingly. Highlights include Sean O' Hagan's mix of
Cornelius' "The Microdisneycal World Tour" and
Pizzicato Five's "Lesson 3003 (Part 1)." ~ Stephen Cook