Artist Recommendation: MORRIE

Although many J-music fans are aware of MORRIE in some way, his small collection of solo releases is quite often overlooked. The more old-school Japanese music fans will be familiar with his work with DEAD END, whereas the new-school fans will probably be more familiar with Creature Creature. Needless to say, MORRIE helps make both bands instantly recognisable with his very distinctive, yet some how indescribable, vocals.

His solo career began after the disbandment of the hugely influential band DEAD END in 1990. He released several singles and albums until, in 1995, after the release of ignorance, his career came to a halt as he relocated to New York. He resurfaced a decade later with the album ectoplasm, which is his most recent solo album.

He has since been involved with several other projects, most notably appearing on Kiyoharu’s album Poetry and the side band creature creature alongside Tetsu (L’arc~en~Ciel) and Kojima (Mad Capsule Markets).

He is now 44-years old and has spent 24 of those years as an active musician in the Japanese mainstream. This dedication and the sheer breadth of his work has meant that he is one of the most influential Japanese musicians of all time.

Discography:

ignorance [1990]
Romantic na, amari ni romantic na [1992]
Kage no kyoen [1995]
ignorance (remaster) [1995]
ectoplasm [2005]

Recommended Release: ignorance

While this album may not be cutting edge it gives MORRIE the perfect platform to show off his unique vocal style with some very 80-sounding songs. It’s a good place for J-music fans who are interested in listening to some older stuff to start.

Links:

• JaME Artist File
• Creature Creature Official Site

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