Love Psychedelico - Love Psychedelico III (2004)

Japanese pop/rock duo Love Psychedelico's third album, helpfully titled Love Psychedelico III, continues the band's habit of self-consciously referencing the titles of old Beatles songs ("Mind Across the Universe") and writing nonsenical English lyrics (everything), although there are fewer painfully embarrassing lyrical moments this time round. There are also fewer overtly pop moments than on either of its predecessors, with the aforementioned "Love Across the Universe" built around a low, rumbling bassline that deliberately evokes the main riff of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song." Elsewhere there are hints of R&B on "All Over Love," and the country-tinged "Fleeing Star" provides further evidence vocalist Sato Kumi's steady metamorphosis into Japan's very own Sheryl Crow. Most of the songs are noticeably longer than before, with a majority topping five minutes, but unfortunately this is not to accommodate a burgeoning explosion of new musical ideas. As a result, songs like "Hadaka no Osama" tend to drag along; drearily and at roughly an hour in length, the album is in clear need of trimming. That said, Love Psychedelico III is no huge departure from the band's previous work. "Happiness," which features of the band's catchiest choruses, would not be out of place on either Greatest Hits or Love Psychedelic Orchestra, and fans will find plenty to enjoy, although they may find their finger a little more active on the skip button this time around.