#pocket park

[hotwaterandmilk]

Series: Pocket Park Artist: Yagi Chiaki Publication: Nakayoshi Magazine (01/1993) Details: Pretty Otoshidama Bukuro Source: Scanned from my personal collection

[wojnalik]

Thesis has been defended yeppieeee x] I can say I'm a landscape architect now Have some pics from the process of my poster making, It was so frustrating but also the most enjoyable part of this whole thing The thesis was about a pocket park project with usage of insect attracting plants and small architecture around it, basically a small resting area for people, but also with some biodiverse benefits on a side

additional doodles from mid-January meltdown episode... brain damage hasn't gone yet I'm still in my stress and insomnia recovery ajksbdkjb

[calpicoboys]

[ondinaaa]

Miki Matsubara 

Stay with me (1980)

[parcspace]

Sumiyoshimachi Pocket Park

[illusionstravels]

ra obelisk, columbia, south carolina

[wii-party]

"Pocket Park" (1980) by Miki Matsubara (松原みき) is one of that unforgettable albums. Personally, it left a mark on me. I'm always talking about nostalgia when I refer to city pop records, but in this case it's different: the nostalgic feeling is so strong that it's even painful. Like the other albums, I have edited the art cover to give more quality to it. I hope you enjoy it. Let's introduce you the main tracks.

The record starts with "真夜中のドア/Stay With Me", one of the most famous city pop songs along with "Plastic Love" by Mariya Takeuchi, "Magic Ways" by Tatsuro Yamashita or "4:00 AM" by Taeko Ohnuki. An indispensable song in the discography of my life and fundamental to understand this genre. It has magical verses, an unbelievable chorus and a neat instrumentation. Such an emotional song. Also, Miki's vocal range reaches distant notes, impossible for any human being. She is an angel and this song is the prove. Although it lasts about 5 minutes, I wish it was longer. She still surprises us with tracks like "It's so Creamy", "Cryin'" or "Manhattan Wind", which bring some very chic tunes; but my favourite one is "愛はエネルギー", a song that has an incredible love energy (like its title). It's catchy, innocent and fresh, filled with devotion. Without a doubt, it has become another song that made me love city pop. It's been a long time and I still can't get it out of my mind. Production-wise, it isn't bad. "His Woman" and "Trouble Maker" are two raw song, where Miki's voice gets hard and torn. Instead, "そうして私が" is more relaxed, feeling like a lullaby. Miki has an incredible ability to adjust her voice to the different tones of the songs. The last song I would like to comment on is "Mind Game", a casual song that invites us to dance. It has a very fun chorus and a similar energy as "愛はエネルギ". Also, the Japanese mixed with English gives the piece a very nice tone.

I love the versatility of this record and I think it hasn't been given enough attention to it, it's too underrated. Miki, you are art. Wherever you are, I hope you rest in peace.

[neimkoaishara]

Miki Matsubara