Oh, Yoko ‎- 2012 - Seashore

Oh, Yoko is an interesting duo. They claim (at least on Will Long's site) to be a pop band but they're really far from it. I mean you could consider this pop if all you listen is free improvisation and avant garde records from the 70s then yeah; it's pop. For a pleb like me this is more of an experimental or occidental folk with ambient layers for good measure. Seashore is a single but they also did an album a year later for which I don't really care much.

This single contains >the single<, an instrumental version of >the single< and a remix of >the single<. Three tracks, nothing too big or pompous. Looking at the cover you might get a feeling of melancholy mixed with nostalgia and regret. If you did then you already guessed how the single and its instrumental companion might sound but it's not a very cozy affair. Yes it contains all of these emotions and the vocals are distant, sad and at times a bit directionless but so is the music, it feels chopped at parts and disjointed. Perhaps akin to fuzzy memories. Yeah, I kinda like that idea of it. It's definitely not an easy listen but it does reward a careful listen.

Honestly the main attraction for me here is the remix done by the dude/gal who is behind the pseudonym of DJ Sprinkles. He keeps the feeling and ambiance of the original but brings out so much more personal meaning into it. The base beat is a bit bare but I grew to like it and the whole arrangement of the mix makes this a very enjoyable ride that rewards repeated listening as you discover something new with each new ride through its melancholy. A ride I would recommend dearly.

Get it.