Album Review: Summer Vacation Sunset Vehicle by Spaghetti Vabune!
Alright, so let me tell ya about this quirky little gem from 2003—Summer Vacation Sunset Vehicle by Spaghetti Vabune! If you're into Japanese pop-rock with a side of weirdness (and who isn’t?), this one’s worth checking out. Released under Bluebadge Label, it's got that early 2000s vibe but still feels fresh somehow. Like, imagine if your summer road trip playlist decided to take a detour through an anime opening sequence. Yeah, it’s kinda like that.
First off, the tracklist is wild. Songs like “Biscuit,” “Chocolate Song,” and “Pineapple Shirts!” make you think someone was just hungry while naming these tunes. But don’t let the goofy titles fool ya—there’s some real heart here. Two tracks stuck with me in particular: “Drive” and “My Summer Summary.”
“Drive” is exactly what you’d want from a song called “Drive.” It’s got this breezy, windows-down energy that makes you wanna hit the highway even if you’re just stuck on your couch. The guitar riffs are simple but catchy as heck, and the vocals have this laid-back charm that reminds me of cruising around aimlessly during those endless summer days. You know, when life felt easy? That’s “Drive” in a nutshell.
Then there’s “My Summer Summary,” which is basically the emotional gut-punch at the end of the album. It’s slower, more reflective, and honestly hits different after all the sugary fun of tracks like “Pastel Popcorn Spring Day” (yes, that’s a real title). There’s something about the way they wrap up the whole summer theme here—it’s nostalgic without being sappy, like flipping through old photos and realizing how much has changed since then.
Oh, and how could I forget “Grasshopper”? Not gonna lie, I only remember it because the word “grasshopper” makes me laugh every time. Still, it’s got this bouncy rhythm that sneaks its way into your brain and refuses to leave. Props to them for making insects sound cool.
So yeah, Summer Vacation Sunset Vehicle might not be perfect, but it’s got personality for days. Listening to it feels like hanging out with an eccentric friend who insists on showing you their weird art projects. Sure, some parts are a bit messy, but you can’t help but smile anyway.
Here’s the kicker though—Spaghetti Vabune! seems to have vanished after this album. Like, poof! Gone. No trace. Makes me wonder if they were aliens or time travelers or something. Either way, we got this album outta the deal, so I guess that’s a win?
If you’re looking for something unique to spice up your playlist, give this a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Pineapple Shirts!” becomes your new obsession.
