Final verdict: 9/10 ★★★★⋆˙⟡
I fear it’s time to answer the question that has tormented humanity for ages – what does it mean to be a Solid State Survivor? From a clearly semantic point of view, this album’s title makes zero sense. So let’s try to make sense of it from another perspective.
For there to be a survivor of the so-called “Solid State”, we must first define what a “Solid State” actually is, and in what ways it differs from human nature. Clearly, a “Solid State” is no natural state – it has to be somehow dangerous to mankind, for there to exist a “Survivor” of it.
The natural state of things, as perceived by humans, at least, cannot be defined as simply “solid”, “liquid”, or “gas”, since it encompasses all three of those elements simultaneously. Therefore, if we were to narrow it all down to a “solid” state, the outcome would be one of the following: a) everything that is liquid or gas (including but not only limited to water and air) ceases to exist, leaving only solid things in existence, or b) everything that is liquid or gas is somehow converted to solids, again ensuring that everything in existence is a solid, hence in a “Solid State”. Both of the above scenarios are obviously harmful to humankind, as there is no breathable air or drinkable water, which is an inconvenience, unless the human race somehow adapts to these unfortunate circumstances, something that’s unlikely, given it probably wouldn’t survive for more than a couple of minutes to begin with.
This is where I come into a bit of a cul-de-sac with regards to this theory; the Solid State is lethal for humans in effectively every foreseeable case, which means it cannot logically be survived, therefore there is no Survivor of the Solid State. There can’t be. But this album exists, and I know that for a fact, because I’ve listened to it before. So what is the truth?
You see, all of the above assumes our hypothetical Survivor is human. But that’s a mere hypothesis that cannot be proven. Therefore, the Survivor could be a being of any kind, or even a fictional non-being! The possibilities are endless, really.
The conclusion I’m trying to come to with all of the above…? I have no clue. I apologize. And as for how it all ties in with “Solid State Survivor”, the 1979 album by Japanese electronic group YMO? I’m just as confused as you are, my dear reader. But you put up with my bullshit all this while, so here’s an actual attempt at a review;
Nearly a full year after the release of their self-titled debut record, YMO were already primed for their even more successful sophomore album. Long gone were the disco influences – on “Solid State Survivor”, it was all about New Wave. This album more or less pioneered the “Techno Kayō” subgenre that took over Japanese popular music in the 80s, setting the standard for what music of its kind should be. And though “Yellow Magic Orchestra USA” came a few months before it, it wasn’t until the release of megahits such as “Rydeen” (included on this album) that YMO really started to pop off internationally, as well. And it’s all justified; the album cover’s already reached iconic status, the title arouses one’s interest (tell me about it), and the music’s great.
YMO has got to be the coolest band in the history of history, and this album only verifies that fact. Right off the bat, you’re slapped in the face with “Technopolis”. A song that I suspect is about the inevitable urban nightmare Tokyo was to become, given YMO’s tendency to comment on current events through a political and sociological lens, and the two words making up its lyrics; “T-E-C-H-N-O-P-O-L-I-S, Tokyo”. Or maybe I’m just tripping balls.
Then, what’s next? “Absolute Ego Dance”, which is another noteworthy song, primarily for its use of Ryukyuan song structure and aggressive synths (just listen to those arpeggios). Sandii’s vocals are absolutely bonkers, as well, and do you hear how the outro blends right in with the intro of “Rydeen”? Wild shit dude, I’m tellin’ ye.
And then yeah you got “Rydeen”. Which is just about the catchiest song of all time. Then “Behind the Mask”, which is actually a banger, some of y’all are just haters. No fucking wonder Michael Jackson-san felt the need to cover it. But wait for it… wait for it… “Day Tripper”. You’ve got to listen to this absolutely wasted rendition of the classic Beatles song. God, I hate the Beatles and everything that relates to them, but I’ll be damned if this cover isn’t a discography highlight for YMO. I guess we’ve got McCartney and Lennon to be grateful for, after all.
THE STRANGENESS OF THE STRANGERS 🗣️ SECOND HAND TEENAGERS 🗣️ FACE TO FACE THEY FACE 🗣️ A CHEMICAL RACE 🗣️
Sorry, got carried away there. I really like the title track, I think it’s the most underrated song on this album actually. Give it some love, please!
There’s really no complaints to be made about this album, for the most part. Content-wise, it would’ve been an easy 10/10, however I do sadly have to dock a point for its poor structure. Where YMO’s debut felt like a full-fledged album, this one feels like a randomly sequenced compilation of whatever the YMO boys were doing at the time. Only because all 8 tracks are total bangers am I overlooking the aforementioned fact and giving the record a generous rating of 9/10.
Silia 
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