marty friedman tokyo jukebox

Released: 22 February 2010 Label: Mascot Records

So, you’re a renowned American metal guitarist, most famous for the decade you spent in Megadeth, when you develop somewhat of a fixation with Japanese music and culture. What would you do?

Well, if you’re Marty Friedman, you move to Tokyo and totally immerse yourself in the artistic and musical scenes of your adopted home, carving out a hugely successful solo career, the latest episode of which is this album. Featuring twelve rock and metal interpretations of classic J-pop hits, this album displays a side to Friedman that many metalheads will be unfamiliar with.

Fans of more traditional instrumental guitar music shouldn’t worry as there is still plenty of heavy riffing and fast fingered soloing to be found here. But freed from the shackles of a rigid metal formula, Friedman displays a fine ear for melody and shows himself to be a skilled arranger.

Never is this more apparent than on album standout Polyrhythm, a drastic reworking of a dance track given a full force rock makeover and showcasing some superlative musicianship all round. The dance vibe features again on Gift which has an electro-pop rhythmic base, over which Friedman is given free rein to riff and solo like a man possessed with what he describes as ‘an army of guitars.’

Don’t panic though, despite the wide range of styles and influences displayed here, this is a bonafide rock album, albeit an unusual one, full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s an album that doesn’t play by any rules and is all the more effective for it.

There are moments when the interest wanes slightly; there is a lot to take on for all but the most committed of guitar geeks. But overall, it remains a dynamic piece of music. Exciting, challenging and innovative, this has potential for anyone who likes their metal to be a little bit leftfield.


by Marcus Jervis