As I wrote before, they have a full, satisfying classic rock style, full of meaty chords and singalong melodies. Good luck actually singing along, however. Kumi’s lyrics drift in and out of English at will, and meaning becomes elusive. It’s like trying to study a landscape through the fluttering of a gauzy, windblown curtain.

And if you think that image was obscure and overwrought, there are plenty more where that came from.

It’s a pretty solid collection and seems to represent the band well, from the obviously beatles-inspired “Lady Madonna” to the country twang of “These Days” and the solid, acoustic melodica of my own fave, “Neverland.” I would have liked to have seen “Everyone, Everyone” or “Aha! (All We Want)” which are my own top tunes from the Japanese duo, but that’s merely an observation. The collection is as solid as they come.

1. Standing Bird
2. Your Song
3. Everybody Needs Somebody
4. Lady Madonna
5. Fantastic World
6. Unchained
7. My Last Fight
8. Last Smile
9. All Over Love
10. “O”
11. These Days
12. Neverland
13. A Day For You

Love Psychedelico – “A Day For You”

on the Web: amazon, hacktone records, myspace, wikipedia