Anyone know about the Japanese band The Cartoon Characters? It seems they didn’t get to release any records but a bunch of their songs found their way on many compilations from the late 90s-early 2000s.
The first notice I have is from a fanzine called SPACE on its 8th issue dating from 1997. A cassette came with this zine that included two songs by the band on the A side: “She’s Good a New Spell” and “Transistor”. The other band on the B side was Momoiro Jenny who is actually an alter-ego of Jenny on the Planet who I’ve written about.
Then there is a gap of 3 years. We see the band back on another compilation tape in the year 2000. On the “Beady Compilation Vol. 2” released by Beady (BDCT-2) the band contributes 3 tracks, “The Marriage”, “The Warmest Room” and “Lovers Town Revisited”. There are some familiar bands on this tape like My Coffee Moment, Chain Letter, Bobbie’s Rockin’ Chair or Trans Alphabet.
The following year, 2001, the band has two songs on “Chaan! Ban! Thank You Ben.” released by Monarch Records (MNRC-001) on a limited to 500 copies CD compilation. The band’s contributions were “They Don’t Know” and “Sound of the Sea”.
The superb Bluebadge label would have them on their compilation tape “Boy Should Go! Bluebadge Compilation Tape Vol. 003” (BBCT 003) in 2001. The band would contribute “Strange World” and “Dark Night”. On the insert there is a name for the band members, but sadly I don’t understand Japanese! At least I know the band was formed by just one musician. I do think the last name is Ohashi though.
Then comes the song “Winter Song” from the “Winter Picnic – My Charm Ornament #3” compilation CD released by My Charm Ornament (MRC 001) in 2002. That same year the band works again with the Bluebadge label. They appear on the label’s first compilation CD “Send My Badge! – Bluebadge Compilation Vol. 1” (BBCD 001). Here they appear with “And Your Smile”.
Lastly in 2003 the band has the track “Spaceman” on “My Charm Ornament #6 Voyage a la Mode” released my My Charm Ornament (MCO 002) as a compilation CD.
So yeah, all of their songs on Japanese compilations. Nothing abroad.
And then I hit the jackpot. I figure out who is behind this project. It is Hirokazu Ohashi, the drummer and percussionist of the great band Dizzy Joghurt.
Now, if only I’d be able to get in touch, could interview him about his band and also about his solo project!
Anyone remember The Cartoon Characters? Did they release any other songs? Ever played live?
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