Love Ghost – “Uewo Muite Aruko” (上を向いて歩こう)
This…was a freakin’ spectacular idea.
Even though we’re all fairly isolated right now, we’re not alone. Back in 2019 Love Ghost toured through Japan, and they’ve been looking forward to making their return ever since. Flash forward not too far ahead to brutal ol’ 2020 and no one’s going anywhere at all right now…so to say the least, their plan to head back across the ocean and play more shows to the fine people of Japan has been delayed. For now…
Like more than a few folks out there in the world right now that are stuck miles apart & away from the ones they love, people are gettin’ downright creative and all kinds of awesome in communicating from even the longest of distances. In that respect, the internet in particular, has become the most essential & crucial instrument we share, even when sending out our love via the world’s most universal language. And make no mistake, that’s genuinely what you’ll find this new single is…it’s a cover song yes, but it’s also a sincere love-letter from Love Ghost, reaching out to an entire country of people they adore; it’s not too often you find a song like this out there to begin with, let alone one created at such an odd time in our history. Aside from the simple fact that I am absolutely 100% freakin’ STOKED about what Love Ghost has pulled off here – I think it’s more than commendable that they’re reaching out across the globe at a moment when people really need to feel a connection coming from somewhere. This isn’t just about using your time wisely…though that’s definitely true as well…it’s more about putting your heart into a project that matters…making music for a specific purpose…and guided by the best of their intentions, Love Ghost has pumped out a cover of a timeless song & made it one of their own highlights.
“Uewo Muite Aruko” – I’m going to credit Love Ghost for the spelling here and assume they know what’s up with that much better than I ever would…my Japanese is…well…it’s non-existent. I’m completely inept when it comes to learning other languages, though I do get right into the history channel & learning about other cultures I’d be scared to visit without being able to break through the language barrier enough to even find a toilet somewhere. Anyhow, the point is – whether you know it by this name, or one of its several slight variations out there on the internet – or how it’s often more typically known across the west as “Sukiyaki” – this classic song has never gone stale and can be found essentially year after year out there, covered by someone or sampled into the musical world in some way, shape, or form. Still don’t think you know the song? Trust me, you do – you’ve just never heard it like THIS – check out this rad cover & what Love Ghost brings to “Uewo Muite Aruko” – click play below!
When things are meant to be, they sound like this. From their heartfelt message to their Japanese fans at the beginning of the video, to the scorching hot Alt/Pop/Punk approach they take to this cover, I love 100% of what they done with “Uewo Muite Aruko” – this absolutely ROCKS. Being no stranger to the music of Love Ghost personally, after having reviewed the band several times over the years now, I can also vouch for the fact that this is unquestionably one of the tightest performances I’ve ever witnessed from the band all-around. We’re talking zero weak-points, no break in the energy or intensity, gripping melody, and a riotously great time in both listening to & watching this single come to life through your speakers & screens. Finn Bell is kicking all the ass from the mic and the band is right there with him at every turn – the harmonies, lead, energy, and effects on the vocals of this cover are straight-up sonically spectacular. Love Ghost is a band I’ve already come to expect big things from, but they’ve truly blown me away with how they’ve cranked the energy up to eleven and preserved the heart & melody of this song so perfectly. To a degree, they’ve employed a Weezer-esque approach to how they’ve gone about it all – but much more amped-up & lively than you’d tend to find that band rocking a recording; Love Ghost has infused their cover of “Uewo Muite Aruko” with pure live energy, which the video also shows ya. You’re never gonna find me complaining about a comparison like that though – I ride or die for Weezer.
I mean, you just gotta love it, full-stop. How could you not? From the moment the music begins with its traditional vibes, to the squelch of a needle ripping across a record, to the static burst that cues you in to hang the fuck on, Love Ghost is surging with confidence, professionalism, and raging melodic passion. I ain’t gonna lie to ya – at the heart of it all, lies a bulletproof song that’s become a cross-cultural phenomenon over the years – but I’d be lying to ya by omission if I didn’t say this is the best cover of “Uewo Muite Aruko” that I’ve personally ever heard. Considering how much I truly love the original and most of the covers, and how generally it’s a song handled with gentle respect & delicate care – to hear it come out this stellar in this explosively energetic version by Love Ghost was a massive treat for the ears to experience. Tight AF from beginning to end, I’m honestly not sure if I’ve ever heard the band in better shape or more into the moment than what I’m hearing in this cover of “Uewo Muite Aruko” – Love Ghost proves that when your heart is in the right place, the results are bound to be as good as gold.
Find out more about Love Ghost from their official pages below!
Homepage: https://loveghost.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveghost_official
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveGhost_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveghost.official
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/loveghost_official
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