Controlled Karaoke: The Album Art Of Yoshitomo Nara

Today Slate features a slideshow feature on Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, coinciding with an exhibit of his art opening up in New York (link in the pic above). If that name doesn’t sound familiar, I’m sure the you’ve stumbled across the style (especially if you’re reading a blog about Japanese music). The slideshow mostly focuses on Nara’s art, coming to the conclusion that it’s “hollow.” I’ll save debate on that for someone more grounded in art…don’t forget this is Slate, though…and instead use this article to point out Nara has done a lot of cool album art! Rate Your Music user monocle created a list of records featuring his work as the cover. Check out some vintage Shonen Knife, R.E.M. and Bloodthirsty Butchers there.

Also of note…Nara’s art has influenced the music videos of Shonen Knife as well. Peep the clips for “Daydream Believer” and “Banana Chips” below.

[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9RAbi2xEvo”]

[youtube=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wa95CvhESQ”]