Yoshida Brothers 3
Playing the unlikely instrument of Tsugaru Shamisen, the Yoshida Brothers have become bone fide rock stars in Japan. Staging their own version of Kabuki theater, these guys dress like samurai when they perform live, but their instrumental prowess on this three-string folk instrument (often referred to as the Japanese banjo) transcends both instrument and tradition. Here on the duo's third domestic effort, they again play a wide variety of contexts -- they do pop songs and traditional songs, interpret songs by Brian Eno and John Lennon, and even do suite-like tribute to film composer Ennio Morricone. This is all well and good, but the duo make a downright revelatory connection when they tackle a stumbling country original entitled "Overland Blues." The brothers' instruments sound Eastern but their playing has a natural-sounding country twang to it. East meets West with a pop star twist? Sure. But there are definitely some interesting moments here to ponder. --Tad Hendrickson