Shonen Knife NEW ALBUM 「Sweet Candy Power」 2019.6.5 release!

  • ロック伝道師＝少年ナイフの真髄！

    3年ぶりとなる待望のニュー・アルバム、ついに完成！　キャンディ・パワー炸裂のヴァラエティに富んだ珠玉の10トラック！

    前々作『嵐のオーバードライブ』、前作『アドベンチャーでぶっ飛ばせ』はハード・ロック寄りのアプローチでしたが、本作においてはより幅広くロック全般に対して深い愛情が込められています。

    パンクを中心に、ポップ、マージー・ビート、ガレージ、サザン・ロックなど、なおこの書き下ろしによる全10曲。もちろん、ハード・ロック～メタル・ナンバーも収録。
    ヴァラエティに富みながらもパンクなテイストが全編にあふれる楽しい作品です！

  • The missionary of ROCK music
    = The quintessence of Shonen Knife!

    Finally, the new album of Shonen Knife is arrived! It is the first release after 3 years. "Sweet Candy Power" consist of 10 wonderful "Candy Power" tunes which were written by Naoko with affection to ROCK music.

    They approached to Hard Rock at "Overdrive" (2014) and "Adventure"(2016). This new album "Sweet Candy Power" includes not only Hard Rock but Punk, Pop, Mersey Beat, Garage, Southern Rock and etc... various kinds of ROCK music. It's a very fun album of Punk Pop taste.

From Members

Shonen Knife "Dizzy" MV

SHONEN KNIFE SWEET CANDY POWER STUDIO SESSIONS

Naoko's Liner Notes

01. PartyNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Atsuko:Bass / Risa:Drums, Back Vocal / Ritsuko, Naru:Back Vocals

  • アルバムのオープニングは元気よく、パンクポップな曲調にしました。バイソンやジェリービーンズも登場。キミのパーティーに呼んでほしい！という曲です。
  • As a cheerful opening of this album, I made a punk-pop song. Bison and Jelly Beans appear on the lyrics. Invite us to your party!

02. DizzyNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Atsuko:Bass, Back Vocal / Risa:Drums, Back Vocal

  • ライブで客席と一緒に盛り上がることができる曲を作りたくて、手拍子足拍子を入れました。60年代後半か70年代前半のロック、そんなイメージです。
  • I want to share a groove with the audience at our show and put hand claps and foot stomps in this song. The image of the song is late 60’s or early 70’s rock.

03. Sweet Candy PowerNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Atsuko:Bass, Back Vocal / Risa:Drums, Back Vocal

  • ほとんど無意識の状態でメロディー作ったらこのような曲が出来上がりました。海外のライブツアーで毎日歌をうたって喉が疲れた時には飴を舐めるという、実体験に基づいた唄です。「甘い」と「Am I」、日本語と英語のことば遊びを思いついたので、歌詞に入れました。はじけた曲になりました。
  • I made this melody lines unconsciously. This song is about that I usually eat candies when I had sore throat during tours. The pronunciation “Am I” is “a-ma-i” which means “sweet” in Japanese. It’s a word game. This became a fun song.

04. My Independent CountryNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Naru:Bass / Risa:Drums

  • 70年代ブリティッシュハードロック調の曲を作ってみました。歌詞の内容は、自分一人だけの独立国家の開国宣言をする、という自分の妄想です。自分でデザインした国旗、自分で作詞作曲した国歌、すべての法律も自分で作る、なんて想像したら楽しくなりませんか？ヘヴィーなベースは、なるちゃんです。
  • I tried to make a 70’s British Hard Rock style song. This lyrics are about “a declaration of independence of my own country” from my imagination. Thinking about make your own National flag, anthem and law by yourself, don’t you think it’s so pleasant, do you? Naru plays the heavy bass.

05. Wave RockNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Atsuko:Bass, Back Vocal / Risa:Drums, Back Vocal

  • 2017年の秋にオーストラリア大陸の西の方にある、Wave Rockでライブしました。Wave Rockというのは波の形の大きな岩で、そこの景色がすごすぎて、歌にしちゃいました。ほんまに、雄大で素晴らしいんです！
  • We played at Wave Rock in the Western Australia in 2018, autumn. Wave Rock is a giant rock shaped like big wave. It is so beautiful and I wrote a song about it.

06. Ice Cream Cookie SandwichesRisa:Vocal, Drums / Atsuko:Bass, Back Vocal / Naoko:Guitar

  • ドラマー、りさちゃんが歌う曲として、彼女が好きなアイスクリームとクッキーをテーマに作りました。わたしもアイスクリームのクッキーサンドは大好きです。
  • I wrote this as Risa’s main vocal song. The theme is Ice Cream and Cookies which Risa’s favorite. Of course I love them too.

07. Never-Never LandNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Ritsuko:Bass / Risa:Drums

  • こういうタイプの曲は今までの少年ナイフにはなかったのではないでしょうか。これは、アレンジに一番苦労した曲です。70年代アメリカンサザンロック風にしてみたら、とてもカッコよくなりました。シブいベースは、りっこちゃんです。歌詞は私の体験実話です。
  • I’m sure that it is the first time for us to make a song like this. We made a lot of effort to decide the arrangement. We tried to make it like 70’s American Southern Rock style and it became very suitable. Ritsuko plays cool bass. They lyrics are from my experience.

08. Peppermint AttackNaoko:Vocal, Guitar / Atsuko:Bass, Back Vocal / Risa:Drums, Back Vocal

  • 毎年夏になると蚊の攻撃に合うのですが、去年はペパーミントを混ぜた虫よけスプレーを手作りして、それを使ったらすごく効果がありました。そういう歌詞です。メロディーとアレンジは60年代後期から70年代初期のクラシックサイケロックスタイルで。個性的な歌詞と渋めアレンジが絶妙な取り合わせになったと思います。
  • I always have mosquito bites in every summer but I didn’t get them so much last year by making peppermint spray. This lyrics are about my real experience. The melody lines and the arrangements are inspired by late 60’s and early 70’s classic psychedelic rock. The combination of unique lyrics and cool arrangement must be fun.

09. California Lemon TreesAtsuko:Vocal, Bass / Risa:Drums, Back Vocal / Naoko:Guitar, Back Vocal

  • アメリカ、カリフォルニア在住の、あつこの家にはレモンの木があって、たくさん実がとれます。遊びに行ったときに果汁をしぼって飲ませてもらいました。ビタミンCたっぷり摂れて美容と健康に良い感じ！ということで、あつこのメインボーカルです。日の光を浴びてすくすく育つレモン、すばらしい。
  • There are some lemon trees at Atuko’s garden in California, US. The trees are heavy with lemons. I squeezed lemons and drank juice when I visited her. It seemed so healthy with vitamin C. Atsuko sings this song as a main vocalist. Lemon trees under sunshine are wonderful.

10. Match 3Naoko:Vocal, Guitar / Atsuko:Bass / Risa:Drums

  • Match 3とは、落ちものゲームの事です。昔からパズルゲームが大好きで、いったい何時間費やしてきた事か！テレビでテニスの試合中継を流しながら、お菓子をつまみつつ落ちものゲームをしているのが私にとって至福の時です。アルバムの最後も元気に締めたいということで。
  • Match 3 is a category name of PC, TV or smart phone puzzle games. I love it and spent a lot of time to play it in my life. I feel happy when I’m playing match 3 games, watching a men’s pro tennis match on TV and eating delicious sweets at the same time. The final song of this album is a very cheerful song as the first one.

All songs written by Naoko

Lyrics

  • Party

    Please invite me to your party
    Please call me to your party
    Coming with my guitar
    Like a famous rock star I sing a song

    Please invite us to your party
    Please call us to your party
    Riding on a bison’s back
    Singing Flying Jelly Attack
    We’ll be there

    Let’s dance
    Let’s sing
    Let’s have a good time and make a toast

    Riding on a bison’s back
    Singing Flying Jelly Attack
    We’ll be there

  • Dizzy

    Dizzy, I feel dizzy

    Is it caused by lack of sleep or too much video games?
    Though I don’t have a party every night
    Is it caused by too much work or by some diet?
    But I’m not going to lose weight

    I know I have lots of doubts and too many anxieties
    It’s better for me to go to bed now
    And I put both legs into one leg of my pajamas
    I laugh away and a load is taken off my mind

    Dizzy, I feel dizzy

    Turn round and round
    I feel dizzy

    Getting up in the morning, I take a shower of sunshine
    Now everything became fun for me
    Drinking a cup of coffee and listening to the music
    I can make myself at home and loosen my way

    Easy, I feel easy

  • Sweet Candy Power

    When I take a walk
    Candies in my pocket
    When I go on tour
    Candies in my bag

    I like mint candies best
    They make me relax
    When I have a sore throat
    I eat honey candies

    Am I, am I, am I, am I, candy!
    Am I, am I, am I

    Sweet candy power
    I get energy
    Sweet candy power
    It’s a fantasy
    Sweet candy power
    Oh, power!
    Let’s go!

    Am I, am I, am I, am I, candy!
    Am I, am I, am I

    Sweet candy power
    Good bye my hunger
    Sweet candy power
    Good bye your anger
    Sweet candy power
    Oh, power!
    Let’s go!

    Am I, am I, am I!

  • My Independent Country

    Ladies and Gentlemen!
    I would like to tell you
    Now, I declare independence of my country
    You might think this story is funny
    But I'm the only one living in the country

    No one cares
    No one interferes
    Make a national flag
    Write a National Anthem

    My independent country on a tiny planet
    My independent country
    Beyond your vision

    Ladies and Gentlemen!
    I would like to tell you
    Now, I declare independence of my country
    There are no rules
    I make laws by myself
    I'm a ruler and a loser
    Everything is in my hands

  • Wave Rock

    Driving in a desert
    You can see the rock
    It is art created by the Earth

    Taking a long, long time
    Rainwater flows
    Made a lovely amazing shape

    Wave Rock, Wave Rock

    Someone used the magic
    To make the giant rock
    I would like to believe the story

    Climbing to the top
    The scenery is superb
    Feeling like I’m standing on Mars

    Wave Rock, Wave Rock

    Someday I want to take you to the place
    Let’s surf on the beautiful rock
    So nice, so good, so happy

    Wave Rock, I want to show you
    Wave Rock, I want to take you to
    Wave Rock, la, la, la…
    Wave Rock, amazing shape
    Wave Rock, Woo, yeah…
    Wave Rock, surf on the rock
    Wave Rock, wow, wow…
    Wave Rock, the beautiful nature

  • Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches

    I like cookies
    Tasty cookies
    I wanna eat them everyday
    I like ice cream
    Delicious ice cream
    I wanna eat it every night

    You ask me, “Which do you like better cookies or ice cream?”
    I can’t pick one

    Ice Cream Cookie, Ice Cream Cookie
    Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
    The best way to eat

    Woo, yesterday I ate Shortbread cookies
    Today I ate ice cream
    What shall I eat tomorrow?

    Ice Cream Cookie, Ice Cream Cookie
    Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
    The best way to eat

  • Never-Never Land

    Passing through the gate of never-never land
    Ride a roller coaster in wonderland
    It’s so scary but so fun
    Enjoy yourself under the sun

    Walking through the gate of never-never land
    Go to see a music show of a band
    It's a fantasy in the real world
    Duck and mouse are running around the band

    Standing in a long line
    My turn has come
    Took a ride and found
    I lost my glasses

    Where are my sunglasses
    I’ve lost my sunglasses
    Where are my sunglasses
    I’ve lost my sweet memories

    Asking a lady at the never-never land
    She said there was nothing on the ground
    Fireworks were so beautiful
    This is the memory of my vacation

    I took rides again and again
    To look for my glasses
    In the end, I gave up
    And made this song

    Where are my sunglasses
    I’ve lost my sunglasses
    Where are my sunglasses
    I’ve lost my sweet memories

  • Peppermint Attack

    Summer comes around
    Going out of town
    Let’s go to the mountain

    The train is southbound
    Pack clothes in a bag
    Let’s go to the ocean

    I hear the hum of mosquitoes
    Need to guard myself
    I’ve been losing the battle every year
    I must prepare an insect repellant spray

    Noise in my ears
    A great battle begins
    I get attacked by mosquitoes

    The target is me
    They have no mercy
    Take out my secret weapon

    Alcohol and peppermint oil
    Mixed with some water
    Victory is in my hand
    With a peppermint insect repellant spray

    Summer is over
    But I can’t feel relieved
    I still have bug bites

    Peppermint oil spray
    Always in my hand
    I don’t fear anymore

    Peppermint, Peppermint Attack

  • California Lemon Trees

    California Lemon Trees
    Growing under the bright sunshine
    California Lemon Trees
    Harvest the lemons and feeling fine

    Squeeze a lemon and get some juice
    Have some honey ginger lemon juice
    You will get more energetic
    Now you can jump to outer space
    California Lemon Trees
    California Lemon Trees
    Beauty, healthy, vitamin C for you

    California Lemon Trees
    Growing under the bright sunshine
    California Lemon Trees
    Harvest the lemons and feeling fine

    Slice it and put into a cup of tea
    Don’t need any medicine
    You will get more powerful
    Now you can lift an elephant
    California Lemon Trees
    California Lemon Trees
    Beauty, healthy, vitamin C for you

  • Match 3

    I’m in love with Match 3
    When I play the game, I’m free
    I’m in love with Match 3
    I play every day under the tree

    I'm charmed
    I'm captivated
    Fascinated by Match 3
    I'm charmed
    I'm captivated
    But sometimes Match 5

    Match 3 in my brain
    Match 3 in my mind
    Match 3 in a train
    Match 3 in my bed

    I’m in love with Match 3
    I can’t sleep without it
    I’m in love with Match 3
    Sometimes it keeps me awake

All lyrics written by Naoko

  • 712 DAY PARTY 2019 ～20th Anniversary～

    • 6月30日（日）大阪・アメリカ村 CLAPPER
    • 7月6日（土）東京・新代田 FEVER
    • 7月7日（日）名古屋・池下 CLUB UPSET

    Sweet Candy Power UK Tour 2019

    • July 16 Leicester - The Cookie
    • July 17 Oxford - The Bullingdon
    • July 18 London - The Underworld
    • July 19 Leeds - Brudenell Social Club
    • July 20 Newcastle - The Cluny
    • July 19-21 Port of Menteith - Doune the Rabbit Hole
    • July 23 Manchester - Night & Day Cafe
    • July 24 Birmingham - Hare & Hounds
    • July 25 Portsmouth - Wedgewood Rooms
    • July 26 Brighton - Hope & Ruin
    • July 27 Halifax - Square Chapel Arts Centre

    2019 North American Tour

    • 8/23: Los Angeles, CA at Bootleg Theater
    • 8/24: San Diego, CA at Soda Bar
    • 8/25: Las Vegas, NV at Hard Rock Hotel
    • 8/27: San Francisco, CA at Bottom Of The Hill
    • 8/28: Sacramento, CA at Goldfield Trading
    • 8/30: Seattle, WA at El Corazon
    • 8/31: Portland, OR at Dante’s
    • 9/3: Denver, CO at Oriental Theater
    • 9/4: Lincoln, NE at Bourbon Theater
    • 9/5: Rock Island, IL at Rock Island Brewing Company
    • 9/7: Buffalo, NY at The Music is Art Festival
    • 9/9: Columbus, OH at Rumba Cafe
    • 9/10: Cleveland, OH at Grog Shop
    • 9/11: Newport, KY at Southgate House
    • 9/13: Little Rock, AR at Stickyz Rock In
    • 9/14: Dallas, TX at Gas Monkey Live! (With Black Flag)
    • 9/15: Austin, TX at Empire Control
    • 9/16: Houston, TX at White Oak Music Hall
    • 9/18: Atlanta, GA at Smith’s Olde Bar
    • 9/19: Richmond, VA at The Camel
    • 9/20: Washington, DC at City Winery
    • 9/21: Teaneck, NJ at Debonair Music Hall
    • 9/22: Brooklyn, NY at Knitting Factory
    • 9/24: Ottawa, ON at The 27 Club
    • 9/25: Toronto, ON at Hard Luck Bar
    • 9/26: Montreal, QC at Pop Montreal
    • 9/27: Hamilton, ON at This Ain't Hollywood
    • 9/28: Ferndale, MI at Magic Bag
    • 9/30: Springfield, IL at ROCK’N’ROLL HARDEE’S ※Free Concert
    • 10/1: Chicago, IL at Subterranean
    • 10/2: Minneapolis, MN at Fine Line Music
    • 10/3: GREEN BAY, WI at Lyric Room Live Music
    • 0/5: Pittsburgh, PA at Cattivo

    Sweet Candy Australia/NewZealand style 2019

    • FRI 18 OCT - Adelaide THE GOV
    • SAT 19 OCT - Adelaide THE GOV
    • SUN 20 OCT - Hobart UNI BAR
    • THUR 24 OCT - Canberra THE BASEMENT
    • FRI 25 OCT - Kingscliff KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL
    • SAT 26 OCT - Brisbane THE TIVOLI
    • SUN 27 OCT - Brisbane THE TIVOLI
    • WED 30 OCT - Gold Coast SOUNDLOUNGE
    • FRI 1 NOV - Melbourne PRINCE BANDROOM
    • SAT 2 NOV - Melbourne THE CORNER
    • SUN 3 NOV - Werribee THE LOST LANDS
    • MON 4 NOV - Melbourne HOWLER
    • THUR 7 NOV - Newcastle CAMBRIDGE HOTEL
    • FRI 8 NOV - Sydney THE METRO
    • SAT 9 NOV - Sydney THE METRO
    • SUN 10 NOV - Wollongong UNIBAR
    • TUES 12 NOV - Wellington SAN FRAN
    • WED 13 NOV - Raglan YOT CLUB
    • THUR 14 NOV - Auckland WHAMMY BAR
    • FRI 15 NOV - Perth THE ASTOR
    • SAT 16 NOV - Fremantle METROPOLIS