Southern All Stars
Southern All Stars | |
|---|---|
 left to right: Hideyuki Nozawa, Yuko Hara, Keisuke Kuwata, Hiroshi Matsuda, Kazuyuki Sekiguchi | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Kanagawa Japan |
| Years active | 1978-present |
| Members | Keisuke Kuwata Kazuyuki Sekiguchi Yuko Hara Hiroshi Matsuda Hideyuki "Kegani" Nozawa |
| Past members | Takashi Omori |
Southern All Stars (サザンオールスターズ) is a Japanese rock band. The Southern All Stars are more of a phenomenon than just a rock band, as it is believed that they single-handedly caused a cultural revolution in Japan. Many of the quirky, unique, and eccentric customs that define modern Japan can be traced back to the beginning of this "All Star" band.[citation needed]
In 2003, HMV Japan announced Southern All Stars to be the No.1 Japanese pop artist in its survey of "Top 100 Japanese pops Artists" all-time.
The band has sold over 200 million albums worldwide.
Band members
The Southern All Stars consists of five members.
- Keisuke Kuwata (b. February 26, 1956 in Chigasaki) is the lead vocalist and plays guitar. He writes most of the lyrics and the music for the band.
- Yuko Hara (b. December 11, 1956 in Yokohama, nicknamed "Harabo") plays the keyboards.
- Kazuyuki Sekiguchi (b. December 21, 1955 in Niigata) plays the bass guitar. He also has a solo career.
- Hiroshi Matsuda (b. April 4, 1956 in Miyazaki) plays the drums.
- Hideyuki Nozawa (b. October 19, 1954 in Tokyo, (nicknamed "Kegani (Hairy Crab)") plays the percussion, and is the mood maker for the band.
In addition, Takashi Omori played the guitar until August 2001, when he left the band.
History
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Early years
While Keisuke Kuwata was a student at Aoyama Gakuin University, he was in a band called "Better Days." There, he met Yuko Hara and Kazuyuki Sekiguchi. This marked the start of the Southern All Stars.
Southern All Stars released their debut single, "勝手にシンドバッド (Katte ni Sinbad)", on June 25, 1978. With stylish lyrics and characteristic vocals, the name "Southern All Stars" spread throughout Japan. Because of their unique performance, they were criticized as a comic band at first. However, since the third single "いとしのエリー (Itoshi no Ellie)" became a big success in 1979, Southern All Stars became a band that represented Japan.
1980s
1990s: Glorious success and second industrial depression
In 1995 and 1996, all their records had became million-sellers. Above all, their eleventh studio album Young Love(1996) sold over double-million copies.[1] This album was mastered by George Marino; who was famous for works in Edie Brickell and New Bohemians, John Lennon and Yoko Ono albums.[2]
Around 1997, Kuwata had groped new music stile of the band. His challenge caused decline of their popularity. Their record sales became smaller and smaller in the end of 1990s, and he had worried about that problem. However, their first official compilation album Umi no Yeah!! (1998) sold over 3300,000 copies and it became biggest selling album for them.[3] According to statistics by Oricon and RIAJ, Umi no Yeah!! is the highest-selling double-album in Japan ,[4]
Enormous hit of "Tsunami" and Omori's independence
On January 26 2000, their 44th single that titled "Tsunami" was released. "Tsunami" was used as theme song of "Mirai Nikki III"; a popular corner of TBS program that called Un-nan no Hontoko!, and made a strong impression to many people. Including another issue, this single sold about 3000,000 copies. This single is the third best-selling single in Japan all the time. On New Year's Eve of this year, it won the 42nd Japan Record Prize. After the enormous success of the single, the works of the band became conservative. They released several singles; and all of them became smash hit.
After the concert tour in 2000, Takashi Omori announced stop the work and he left from the band in August of 2001. Omori and his wife were very famous as pious and influential Soka Gakkai adherents.[5] Therefore, this personal happening caused various rumors about religious problem between the other members and him among mass media and many fans[6].
In early 2000s, each members had played an active part in their own works. Particularly, Kuwata produced three million-selling records and one album around 2001 and 2002.
Recent years
In October of 2006, their latest double-album Killer Street was released. This album has ever sold over million set.
Facts
- "Itoshi no Ellie" was covered as "Ellie my love" by Ray Charles. His cover version single was released in Japan only.
- Hong Kong artist Jacky Cheung translated and gave his rendition of "Manatsu no Kajitsu", which was known as "每天愛你多一些 (Loving You a Little More Each Day)".
Characteristics of Southern All Stars
The band's songs cover many genres, including: love songs, ballads, social songs, and humorous songs.
Discography
Singles
- 1: Ranked #1 on Oricon chart.
- R: Reissued version ranked #1 on Oricon chart.
- M: Sold more than million copies.
- 2M: Sold more than 2 million copies.
- A: Double A-side singles.
| Original Japanese title | Title in romaji | Title translation | Release date | Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 勝手にシンドバッド | Katte ni Shindobaddo | Willfully, Sinbad | 25 June 1978 R | 7” vinyl |
| 気分しだいで責めないで | Kibun Shidai de Semenaide | Don’t Pet Me So Freely | 25 November 1978 | 7” vinyl |
| いとしのエリー | Itoshi no Erī | My Dear Ellie | 25 March 1979 | 7” vinyl |
| 思い過ごしも恋のうち | Omoi-Sugoshi mo Koi no Uchi | Imagining Things is also Love | 25 July 1979 | 7” vinyl |
| C調言葉に御用心 | Shī-Chō Kotoba ni Goyōjin | Beware of Breezy Words | 25 October 1979 | 7” vinyl |
| 涙のアベニュー | Namida no Abenyū | Avenue of Tears | 21 February 1980 | 7” vinyl |
| 恋するマンスリー・デイ | Koi Suru Mansurī Dei | Loving Monthly Day | 21 March 1980 | 7” vinyl |
| いなせなロコモーション | Inase na Rokomōshon | Chic Locomotion | 21 May 1980 | 7” vinyl |
| ジャズマン (JAZZ MAN) | Jazu Man | Jazz Man | 21 June 1980 | 7” vinyl |
| わすれじのレイド・バック | Wasureji no Reido Bakku | Laid Back That You Can’t Forget | 21 July 1980 | 7” vinyl |
| シャ・ラ・ラ／ごめんねチャーリー | Sha Ra Ra / Gomenne Chārī | Sha La La / I'm Sorry, Charlie | 21 Novenber 1980 A | 7” vinyl |
| Big Star Blues (ビッグスターの悲劇) | Biggu Sutā Burūsu (Biggu Sutā no Higeki) | Big Star Blues (Tragedy of the Big Star) | 21 June 1981 | 7” vinyl |
| 栞のテーマ | Shiori no Tēma | Theme of Shiori | 21 September 1981 | 7” vinyl |
| チャコの海岸物語 | Chako no Kaigan Monogatari | Chako’s Coastal Story | 21 January 1982 | 7” vinyl |
| 匂艶 THE NIGHT CLUB | Nijiiro Za Naito Kurabu | The Rainbow Color Night Club | 21 May 1982 | 7” vinyl |
| Ya Ya (あの時代を忘れない) | Ya Ya (Ano Toki o Wasure Nai) | Ya Ya (I'll Never Forget Those Times) | 5 October 1982 | 7” vinyl |
| ボディ・スペシャル II (BODY SPECIAL) | Bodī Supesharu Tsū (Bodī Supesharu) | Body Special II (Body Special) | 5 March 1983 | 7” vinyl |
| EMANON | 5 July 1983 | 7” vinyl | ||
| 東京シャッフル | Tōkyō Shaffuru | Tokyo Shuffle | 5 November 1983 | 7” vinyl |
| ミス・ブランニュー・デイ (MISS BRAND-NEW DAY) | Misu Burannyū Dei | Miss Brand-New Day | 25 June 1984 | 7” vinyl |
| Tarako | Cod Roe | 21 October 1984 | 7” vinyl | |
| Bye Bye My Love (U are the one) | Bai Bai Mai Rabu (Yū ā za Wan) | 21 October 1984 | 7” vinyl | |
| メロディ (Melody) | Merodī | Melody | 21 October 1984 | 7” vinyl |
| みんなのうた | Minna no Uta | Everyone's Song | 25 June 1988 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| 女神達への情歌 (報道されないY型の彼方へ) | Megami Tachi e no Jōka (Hōdō Sarenai Wai-Kei no Kanata e) | Love Song for Goddesses (Beyond the Y-Shape That is Never Reported) | 12 April 1989 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| さよならベイビー | Sayonara Beibī | Goodbye Baby | 7 June 1989 1 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| フリフリ'65 | Furi Furi Shikkusutī-Faibu | Swingin’ ‘65 | 21 November 1989 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| 真夏の果実 | Manatsu no Kajitsu | Midsummer Fruit | 25 July 1990 | 8cm CD |
| ネオ・ブラボー!! | Neo Burabō!! | Neo Bravo!! | 10 July 1991 1 | 8cm CD |
| シュラバ★ラ★バンバ SHULABA-LA-BAMBA／君だけに夢をもう一度 | Shuraba-Ra-Banba / Kimi Dake ni Yume o Mō Ichi-do | Shambles-La-Bamba / Dream Just For You Again | 18 July 1992 | 8cm CD |
| 涙のキッス | Namida no Kissu | Kiss of Tears | 18 July 1992 1 M | 8cm CD |
| エロティカ・セブン EROTICA SEVEN | Erotika Sebun | Erotica Seven | 21 July 1993 1 M | 8cm CD |
| 素敵なバーディー (NO NO BIRDY) | Suteki Na Bādī (Nō Nō Bādī) | Wonderful Birdie (No No Birdie) | 21 July 1993 | 8cm CD |
| クリスマス・ラブ (涙のあとには白い雪が降る) | Kurisumasu Rabu (Namida no Ato ni wa Shiroi Yuki ga Furu) | Christmas Love (After the Tears, a White Snow Fall) | 20 November 1993 | 8cm CD |
| マンピーのG★SPOT | Manpī no Jī-Supotto | Puss-P’s G-Spot | 22 May 1995 | 8cm CD |
| あなただけを ～Summer Heartbreak～ | Anata Dake o — Samā Hātobureiku — | Only You — Summer Heartbreak — | 17 July 1995 1 M | 8cm CD |
| 愛の言霊 ～Spiritual Message | Ai no Kotodama — Supirichuaru Messēji | Spirit of the Word Called Love — Spiritual Message | 20 May 1996 1 M | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| 太陽は罪な奴 | Taiyō wa Tsumi na Yatsu | The Sun is a Bad Guy | 25 June 1996 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| 01MESSENGER ～電子狂の詩～ | Zero Wan Messenjā — Denshi Kyō no Uta — | 01 Messenger — Electronic Maniac's Song — | 21 August 1997 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| BLUE HEAVEN | Burū Hebun | 6 November 1997 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl | |
| LOVE AFFAIR ～秘密のデート～ | Rabu Afeā — Himitsu no Dēto — | Love Affair — Secret Date — | 11 February 1998 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| PARADISE | Paradaisu | 29 July 1998 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl | |
| イエローマン ～星の王子様～ | Ierō Man — Hoshi no Ōji-sama — | Yellow Man — The Little Prince — | 25 March 1999 | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| TSUNAMI | 26 January 2000 1 2M | 8cm CD, 7” vinyl | ||
| HOTEL PACIFIC | Hoteru Pashifikku | 19 July 2000 | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl | |
| この青い空、みどり ～BLUE IN GREEN～ | Kono Aoi Sora, Midori — Burū in Gurīn — | This Blue Sky, is Green — Blue in Green — | 1 November 2000 | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| 涙の海で抱かれたい ～SEA OF LOVE～ | Namida no Umi de Dakare Tai — Shī obu Rabu — | I Want to be Held in the Sea of Tears — Sea of Love — | 23 July 2003 1 | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| 彩 ～Aja～ | Aya | Aja | 14 April 2004 1 | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl |
| 君こそスターだ／夢に消えたジュリア | Kimi Koso Sutā da / Yume ni Kieta Juria | You are the Star / Julia Disappeared in a Dream | 21 July 2004 1 A | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| 愛と欲望の日々 | Ai to Yokubō no Hibi | Days of Love and Desire | 24 November 2004 1 | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| BOHBO No.5／神の島遥か国 | Bōbo Nanbā Faibu / Kami no Shima Haruka Kuni | Bohbo No.5 / God's Island, The Country So Far | 20 July 2005 A | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl, CT |
| DIRTY OLD MAN ～さらば夏よ～ | Dātī Ōrudo Man — Saraba Natsu yo — | Dirty Old Man — Goodbye Summer — | 9 August 2006 | 12cm CD, 7” vinyl |
Reissues
| 1st (Katte ni Sinbad) to 23rd (Melody) singles are reissued as remastered 8cm CDs. | 25 June 1988 |
| Itoshi no Ellie is reissued with a slightly different sleeve. | 23 April 1997 |
| 1st to 34th (Christmas Love) single CDs are reissued with slightly different sleeves. | 11 February 1998 |
| Katte ni Sinbad is reissued as the "Willfully, Sinbad — Uneasy Special Box" (勝手にシンドバッド 胸さわぎのスペシャルボックス, Katte ni Shindobaddo — Muna-Sawagi no Supesharu Bokkusu) for the 25th anniversary of the group. | 25 June 2003 |
| 1st to 44th (Tsunami) singles and the Katte ni Sinbad — Muna-Sawagi no Special Box are reissued as remastered 12cm CDs. | 25 June 2005 |
Albums
- 1: Ranked #1 on Oricon chart.
- M: Sold more than million copies.
- 2M: Sold more than 2 million copies.
- 3M: Sold more than 3 million copies.
- L: Limited release.
Original Albums
| Original Japanese title | Title in romaji | Title translation | Release date | Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 熱い胸さわぎ | Atsui Muna-Sawagi | Hot Uneasiness | 25 August 1978 | LP, CT |
| 10ナンバーズ・からっと | Ten Nanbāzu Karatto | Ten-Numbers Carat | 5 April 1979 | LP, CT |
| タイニイ・バブルス | Tainī Baburusu | Tiny Bubbles | 21 March 1980 1 | LP, CT |
| ステレオ太陽族 | Sutereo Taiyō-zoku | Stereo Sunny Youth | 21 July 1981 1 | LP, CT |
| NUDE MAN | Nūdo Man | 21 July 1982 1 | LP, CT | |
| 綺麗 | Kirei | Beautiful | 5 July 1983 1 | CD, LP, CT |
| 人気者で行こう | Ninki-Mono de Ikō | Go the Way of Stars | 7 July 1984 1 | CD, LP, CT |
| KAMAKURA | 14 September 1985 1 | 2 CDs, 2 LPs, 2 CTs | ||
| Southern All Stars | Sazan Ōru Sutāzu | 13 January 1990 1 M | CD, LP, CT | |
| 世に万葉の花が咲くなり | Yo ni Man’yō no Hana ga Saku Nari | The Flower of Myriad Leaves Blooms in the World | 26 September 1992 1 M | CD, CT |
| Young Love | Yangu Rabu | 20 July 1996 1 2M | CD, 2 LPs, MD | |
| さくら | Sakura | Cherry Blossoms | 21 October 1998 1 | CD, 2 LPs, MD |
| キラーストリート | Kirā Sutorīto | Killer Street | 5 October 2005 1 M | 2 CDs, 3 LPs |
Best Albums
| Original Japanese title | Title in romaji | Title translation | Release date | Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| バラッド '77～'82 | Baraddo Sebuntī-Sebun Eitī-Tsū | Ballads '77-'82 | 5 December 1982 1 | 2 CDs, 2 CTs |
| バラッド2 '83～'86 | Baraddo Tsū Eitī-Surī Eitī-Shikkusu | Ballads 2 '83-'86 | 21 June 1987 1 | 2 CDs, 2 CTs |
| すいか SOUTHERN ALL STARS 61SONGS | Suika — Sazan Ōru Sutāzu Shikkusutī-Wan Songusu | Watermelon — 61 Southern All Stars Songs | 21 July 1989 L | 4 CDs, 4 CTs |
| HAPPY! | Happī! | 24 June 1995 1 L | 3 CDs | |
| 海のYeah!! | Umi no Yē!! | Yeah!! of the Sea | 25 June 1998 1 3M | 2 CDs |
| バラッド3 ～the album of LOVE～ | Baraddo Surī — Ji Arubamu obu Rabu — | Ballads 3 — The Album of Love — | 22 November 2000 1 2M | 2 CDs |
Other Albums
| Original Japanese title | Title in romaji | Title translation | Release date | Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 稲村ジェーン I | Inamura Jēn | Inamura Jane | 1 September 1990 1 M | CD |
| 江ノ島 ～Southern All Stars Golden Hits Medley E | Enoshima — Sazan Ōru Sutāzu Gōruden Hittsu Medorē | Enoshima — Southern All Stars Golden Hits Medley | 8 September 1993 | CD, LP |
- I: By Southern All Stars & All Stars (サザンオールスターズ&オールスターズ, Sazan Ōru Sutāzu ando Ōru Sutāzu). A soundtrack album for the same titled movie, directed by Keisuke Kuwata.
- E: By Z-Dan (Z団, Zetto-Dan). A mega remix of hit singles.
Reissues
| 1st (Atsui Muna-Sawagi) to 5th (Nude Man) albums are reissued as CDs. | 21 June 1984 |
| 1st to 7th (Ninki-Mono de Ikō) CDs are reissued. | 25 June 1989 |
| 1st to 6th (Kirei) CDs are reissued. | 22 April 1998 |
| 7th to 10th (Yo ni Man’yō no Hana ga Saku Nari) CDs and Inamura Jane are reissued. | 22 May 1998 |
| Ballads and Ballads 2 are reissued. | 25 June 1998 |
Discontinued Albums
All released in Compact Cassette format only.
| Original Japanese title | Title in romaji | Title translation | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ベスト・オブ・サザンオールスターズ | Besuto obu Sazan Ōru Sutāzu | Best of Southern All Stars | 25 November 1979 1 |
| Kick Off! | Kikku Ofu! | 5 July 1980 1 | |
| アーリー・サザンオールスターズ | Ārī Sazan Ōru Sutāzu | Early Southern All Stars | 5 December 1980 1 |
| SOUTHERN ALL STARS BEST | Sazan Ōru Sutāzu Besuto | 21 October 1981 | |
| BEST ONE '82 | Besuto Wan Eitī-Tsū | 21 October 1981 | |
| Shout! | Shauto! | 1 March 1982 | |
| 原由子 with サザンオールスターズ | Hara Yūko wizu Sazan Ōru Sutāzu | Yuko Hara with Southern All Stars | 16 December 1983 |
Videos
| Contents | Original Japanese title | Title in romaji | Title translation | Release date | Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live video | 武道館コンサート | Budōkan Konsāto | Live at Budokan | 8 September 1982 | VHS, Betamax, VHD |
| Live video, PVs | Southern All Stars THE BEST | Sazan Ōru Sutāzu Za Besuto | 26 January 1983 | VHS, Betamax | |
| Live video, PVs | 匂艶 THE NIGHT CLUB | Nijiiro Za Naito Kurabu | The Rainbow Color Night Club | 26 January 1983 | VHS, Betamax |
| PVs | サ吉のみやげ話 | Sakichi no Miyage-Banashi | Sakichi's Travel Story | 21 December 1984 | VHS, Betamax, VHD, LD |
| Video single | 女神達への情歌 (報道されないY型の彼方へ) | Megami Tachi e no Jōka (Hōdō Sarenai Wai-Kei no Kanata e) | Love Song for Goddesses (Beyond the Y-Shape That is Never Reported) | 12 April 1989 | VHS, VHD, LD |
| Live video | 歌う日本シリーズ1992～1993 LIVE at YOKOHAMA ARENA 29th Dec.1992 | Utau Nippon Shirīzu Naintīn Naintī-Tsū Naintīn Naintī-Surī Raibu atto Yokohama Arīna Tuwentī-Nainsu Dissenbā Naintīn Naintī-Tsū | Singing Japan Series 1992-1993 Live at Yokohama Arena 29th Dec.1992 | 27 March 1993 | VHS, LD |
| Live video | ホタル・カリフォルニア | Hotaru Kariforunia | Hotaru (firefly) California | 2 December 1995 | 2 VHSs, LD, DVD |
| PVs, Live clips | 平和の琉歌 ～Stadium Tour 1996 "ザ・ガールズ万座ビーチ" in 沖縄～ | Heiwa no Ryūka — Sutajiamu Tsuā Naintīn Naintī-Shikkusu "Za Gāruzu Manza Bīchi" in Okinawa — | The Ryukyuan Song for the Peace — Stadium Tour 1996 "The Girls Only Manza Beach" in Okinawa — | 5 March 1997 | VHS, DVD |
| Live video | 1998 スーパーライブ in 渚園 | Naintīn Naintī-Eito Sūpā Raibu in Nagisaen | 1998 Super Live in Nagisaen | 12 December 1998 | 2 VHSs, 2 DVDs |
| PVs, Live clips | SPACE MOSA | Supēsu Mosa | 10 December 1999 | DVD | |
| Live video | シークレットライブ'99 SAS 事件簿 in 歌舞伎町 | Shīkuretto Raibu Naintī-Nain Sasu Jikenbo in Kabukichō | Secret Live ’99 SAS Case File in Kabukicho | 26 February 2000 | VHS |
| Image video | Inside Outside U･M･I | Insaido Autosaido Yū-Emu-Ai | Inside Outside UMI | 30 August 2003 | DVD |
| Live video | SUMMER LIVE 2003「流石だスペシャルボックス」胸いっぱいの "LIVE in 沖縄" ＆ 愛と情熱の "真夏ツアー完全版" | Samā Raibu Tsū Sauzando Surī “Sasuga da Supesharu Bokkusu” Mune ippai no “Raibu in Okinawa” ando Ai to Jōnetsu no “Manatsu Tsuā Kanzen-Ban” | Summer Live 2002 “So Great Special Box” The Stirring “Live in Okinawa” & “Midsummer Tour Complete Version” for Love and Passion | 17 December 2003 | 4 DVDs |
| PVs | ベストヒットUSAS (Ultra Southern All Stars) | Besuto Hitto Yū-Esu-Ei-Esu (Urutora Sazan Ōru Sutāzu) | Best Hit USAS (Ultra Southern All Stars) | 15 December 2005 | DVD |
| Live video, documentary | FILM KILLER STREET (Director's Cut) & LIVE at TOKYO DOME | Firumu Kirā Sutorīto (Direkutāzu Katto) ando Raibu atto Tōkyō Dōmu | 15 March 2006 | 5 DVDs, 4 DVDs |