Sneer at it because there are already way too many
Yellow Magic Orchestra comps in the bins already, but the plainly titled
YMO does serve a purpose. Plus, raising money for the Japanese Red Cross Society's relief fund for the victims of the 2011 Japan earthquake is one great purpose, but this compilation is also one of the few to feature the Japanese trio's post-
YMO project HASYMO, represented by the closing number, "Tokyo Town Pages." Otherwise, this is the usual mix of hits and fan favorites, from their debut album version of
Martin Denny's "Firecracker" to late-era songs like "Light in Darkness," where things got deeper and more demure. Stuck in the middle is the ridiculous and ridiculously fun cover of
Archie Bell & the Drells' "Tighten Up," while "Tong Poo," "Day Tripper," and "Key" are all offered in live versions. Nice set, great cause, and an iconic synth pop band.