Blog#6: Southern All Stars

Name: Natsue Yagio

   Do you know “Southern All Stars”? I think the group is one of the most famous rock band groups in Japan. I’ ll introduce the band.

   “Southern All Stars” made its debut with “Katteni Sindobatto” in1975. The members are five, a vocalist, a bass guitarist, a drummer, a keyboard and percussion. They have put 53 single CDs on sale by now. The 44^th single “TSUNAMI” is most popular of their single CDs. The song which was put on sale in 2000 has sold about 2.93 million by now. The record has taken first place of the successive ranking of the oricon as single CD. It is amazing record, isn’t it? I really like the song.(The video is just guitar version.)

   The reason why I like them is that the words of their songs are so beautiful, and match the melodies. Almost their songs are written words and composed by Keisuke Kuwata. There are various songs, for example up-tempo songs, ballades, satirical jokey songs and so on, so I enjoy listening to their songs.

   In2008, they announced that they will stop their activities as “Southern All Stars” for an indefinite period from 2009. I was sad to hear the news. I don’t know when they start their activities as the band, but I hope that “Southern All Stars” will come back as the band!!
   The vocalist, Keisuke Kuwata, has been active with solo since 1985. I like the 5^th solo single “Matsurino Ato” in 1994. His new album, I LOVE YOU-now & forever-, will be put on sale on July 18, so please listen to his solo songs too!

Web site: http://www.sas-fan.net/kuwata2012/