TEARDROPS / Doodles (LP)

Teardrops, led by Fujio Yamaguchi (ex. Murahachibu), have released two of their classic albums from their Toshiba EMI days, "Rakugaki" and "MIXIN' LOVE," newly remastered and available on vinyl!
The second album "Rakugaki" will be released as a complete version with 10 songs, including two songs from the original CD.

The album title "Doodles" was Fujio Yamaguchi's own idea. It is a coined word that plays on the words "gaki" (kids having fun) and "gaki" (kids taking it easy), and is a reference to the "doodles" that children draw freely.
Released by Toshiba EMI on May 24, 1989, TEARDROPS' second album, "Rakugaki," debuted in the top 50 on the Oricon charts immediately after its release and quickly sold 15,000 copies. This must have been an incredibly challenging undertaking for Fujio Yamaguchi, whose musical career had always been rooted in the indie freakish spirit of bands like Murahachibu and Les Rallizes Hadaka. Eight of the ten tracks were written by Fujio Yamaguchi, and two by Shinichi Aoki, two of whom were Aoki's first works as a musician (not counting Whiskies' "Furafura"). With this album, Fujio Yamaguchi seems to be sending an anti-establishment message to young people (kids). Pieces like "Massacre Ballad," which tackle fundamental social issues surrounding race and territory, were later used as the title of a documentary film, symbolizing his approach to life. On the other hand, the single "If I Could Instantly Travel" is light and artificial, and it's interesting how the confusion of being released on a major label seems to have crept into the sound.
The cover photo was taken by Masayoshi Sukita, who is known for his work on the covers of David Bowie and others. This marks his second time working on this album in about 20 years, having previously photographed Fujio Yamaguchi when he was a member of Murahachibu.
(text by Toshiaki Kasuya)

TEARDROPS / Fujio Yamaguchi (Vo Gt), Shinichi Aoki (Vo Gt), Kazunori Nakajima (Ba), Kohei Sase (Dr)
Guest musicians: Takagi Chikashi (Sax) EVE (Cho)

■Track list:
Side A
1. Knockout Shutout
2. Are you trying to fool me?
3. Come anytime
4. NOWHERE MAN
5. Good Night

Side B
1. If I could teleport
2. Talk To Me Baby
3. Shakin' That Point
4. Bye Bye Baby
5. Massacre Ballad

Artist: TEARDROPS
Title: Doodles
Label: Universal Music / TUFF BEATS
Format: LP
Cat No.: TBV-0074
Barcode: 4580187181441
Price: 4,800 yen + tax
Release date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025