Album Review: ゆうれい船長がハナシてくれたこと by Losalios (2006)
Alright, let me tell ya—this album? It’s like stumbling into a smoky jazz club at midnight and realizing the band on stage is about to blow your mind. ゆうれい船長がハナシてくれたこと ("The Ghost Captain Told Me Stories") from Losalios is one of those records that sneaks up on you. Released in 2006 under Columbia Japan, it's this wild mix of rock grit and jazzy smoothness—a perfect cocktail for anyone who loves their music unpredictable.
First off, can we talk about how tight this lineup is? You’ve got Tokie laying down basslines so groovy they feel alive, Tatsuya Nakamura keeping time with drumming that's both sharp and soulful, and guitar work from Shigekazu Aida and Takashi Kato that dances between chaos and control. And Greg Calbi mastering it all? That just seals the deal. The whole thing feels polished but not overdone—like someone trusted these guys enough to let them breathe.
Now, onto the tracks. I gotta single out "Motor School" because holy crap, does it slap. It starts with this funky little riff that worms its way into your brain and refuses to leave. Then the rhythm kicks in, and suddenly you're not just listening—you’re moving. Whether you mean to or not, your foot taps, your head nods, maybe even your shoulders shimmy a bit. It’s got this playful energy, almost like Losalios are daring you to sit still while they jam. By the time the horns come in halfway through, you realize this isn’t just a song—it’s an experience. Like being chased by a runaway train full of musicians having the time of their lives.
Then there’s "若い大尉は死ななければならない" ("The Young Lieutenant Must Die"), which hits totally different. This one feels heavier, more brooding. There’s this tension in the chords, like something big is looming just outta reach. When the vocals kick in, they’re raw, almost haunting—as if the ghost captain himself is telling you his tale. It builds slowly, layer by layer, until BAM, everything explodes into this chaotic yet beautiful climax. Honestly, it gave me chills. Few songs manage to balance melancholy and power like this one does.
What sticks with me most about this record is how damn human it feels. Every track has personality—flaws, quirks, moments where it stumbles before finding its footing again. It’s messy in the best possible way, like life itself. Plus, Mitsuo Shindo’s art direction and photography give it this eerie charm that matches the vibe perfectly.
Here’s the kicker though: after spinning this album a few times, I couldn’t help but think—what kind of stories would a ghost captain tell? Probably ones filled with adventure, heartbreak, and maybe a dash of regret. Kinda like this album, really. It’s a journey, man. A weird, wonderful journey.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something that’ll make you feel things you didn’t know you could feel, check out ゆうれい船長がハナシてくれたこと. Just don’t blame me when Motor School becomes your new earworm.
