Half Japanese - 1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts (4LP) - NM/NM - Deluxe Edition

"1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts" is the debut release by the experimental rock band Half Japanese, led by brothers Jad and David Fair. Originally released in 1980, this colossal triple album is a fascinating delve into the world of lo-fi, outsider art, and DIY ethos. Its sprawling nature, combining punk rock, noise, blues, and folk influences, makes it a peculiar and challenging listen. Yet, within the cacophony, there's an undeniable charm and sincerity that appeals to a certain niche of listeners.

The album is a testament to uninhibited creativity. From the onset, it's clear that Half Japanese is not concerned with conforming to traditional musical conventions. The album is an eclectic mixture of original compositions, cover songs, and spoken word segments that defy categorization. The recording quality is distinctly lo-fi, in stark contrast to the polished sounds of mainstream music at the time.

Tracks like "No Direct Line From My Brain To My Heart" and "Ann Arbor, MI" capture the band's raw and erratic energy. They oscillate between discordant guitar riffs and frenzied vocals, presenting a sonic experience that is both disorienting and captivating. The music is unpredictable, and the listener is taken on a ride that can feel chaotic yet strangely intriguing.

Half Japanese's cover choices on the album are equally eclectic and bold. They tackle songs by Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, and The Temptations, reconstructing them in their unique style. For instance, their rendition of "My Girl" strips the soul classic down to its skeletal form, infusing it with an amateurish charm.

The album also contains numerous spoken word segments and sound experiments. Tracks like "Du Du Du / Du Du Du" and "Shhh/ Shhh/ Shhh" eschew traditional song structure altogether and delve into avant-garde and noise territories. These tracks might challenge some listeners but are integral to understanding the band's disregard for boundaries and their embrace of pure expression.

What stands out in "1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts" is the undeniable authenticity and unfiltered emotion. Songs like "Her Parents Came Home" and "I Can't Stand It Any More" exhibit a directness and rawness in their portrayal of teenage angst and romantic longing. Jad Fair's vocal delivery is earnest, even if occasionally off-key, adding to the album's charm.

Critical reception to "1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts" has been mixed but generally leans towards the positive. Some critics laud the album as a pioneering work in the realm of lo-fi and outsider music. Others find the sheer volume and erratic nature of the tracks overwhelming. Regardless, it has undeniably cemented its place as a cult classic.

The album's influence is evident in the world of indie and alternative music. Bands and artists who cherish a DIY approach and value authenticity over technical perfection can trace their lineage back to Half Japanese's fearless experimentation.

In retrospect, "1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts" is a bold statement of artistry without compromise. It is a celebration of imperfection and an invitation to explore the fringes of musical expression. The album may not cater to everyone's taste, but it certainly offers a unique experience that is rare to find.

In sum, Half Japanese's debut is an adventurous journey that disregards conventional norms in favor of unbridled creativity. With "1/2 Gentlemen / Not Beasts," Jad and David Fair created a world that is chaotic, earnest, and unmistakably their own. The album stands as a testament to the power of raw expression and remains a fascinating piece of musical history.