DJ Hong Kwon's Highball Crisis: YMO Tribute

HIGHBALL CRISIS: YMO TRIBUTE

On November 25, 1978, Yellow Magic Orchestra released their self-titled debut album, introducing a sound that would reshape Japanese pop and influence electronic music around the world.

YMO became one of Japan’s most internationally recognized groups, blending electronic experimentation, pop, and technology in ways that were ahead of their time. Its three members—Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono, and Yukihiro Takahashi—each went on to influential solo careers, while producing, writing, arranging, and performing with artists across Japan’s music scene.

This Sunday, November 8, I’ll be exploring the music of YMO and its wider musical orbit: selections from the group’s catalog, the members’ solo work, and albums by artists they produced, collaborated with, or supported as musicians. At 9 PM, I’ll do a full vinyl playthrough of their 1978 debut album.

The rest of the evening will also feature Japanese city pop, fusion, and jazz funk.