Golden Best Shang Shang Typhoon

Movies can often be a great introduction to other artists, such as bands. The Isao Takahata Ghibli film Pom Poko used "Itsu Demo Dare Ka Ga" by Shang Shang Typhoon as its ending song, and after hearing it I immediately wanted to know more about this group with a distinctive Okinawan sound. This 80-minute 'Golden Best' album covers the group's first ten years, from 1990 to 1999. It's one of the best song compilations I've ever heard. Shang Shang Typhoon have a vibrant, positive sound. It's music to lift the spirits and raise a smile. Anyone interested in mainstream contemporary Japanese music that's outside the J-pop formula will find this album worthwhile. It's served as a gateway to exploring more music specifically from Okinawa, which is one of the most fascinating musical cultures in the world. Shang Shang Typhoon effectively disbanded around 2010, and don't seem to be as well known today. I wonder if people in Japan remember them? Most of their albums are out of print. This compilation CD absolutely worked as far as compelling me to investigate further, as I've bought as many Shang Shang Typhoon albums through CD Japan's proxy service as I could find. All of which were exceptionally good.