PSYENCE A GO GO & HIDE OUR PSYCHOMMUNITY

To celebrate the talent and work of hide, one of Japan's most memorable musicians, HEADWAX ORGANIZATION and UMusic Japan have announced the release of two exclusive live albums. The first, which was released on March 19th, featured material taken from hide's second solo tour.

PSYENCE A GO GO signaled the return of hide's interesting and colorful take on music and this particular CD showcases his wonderful talent. Taken from his 1996.10.20 performance at the Yoyogi Dai-ichi Taiikukan, the album spans a total of three discs with just over three hours of music. PSYENCE A GO GO naturally features performances taken from hide's second album, PSYENCE. With the CD featuring such notable tracks as BEAUTY & STUPID, GOOD BYE and LEMONed I Scream, the album is certain to please both die-hard and new fans alike.

Although PYSENCE remains the dominant feature of the live performance, the album also takes a selection of tracks from hide's debut album, HIDE YOUR FACE, which was released in 1994. For those fans who like to indulge in nostalgia, PSYENCE A GO GO also features performances of DICE, OBLAAT and D.O.D. (DRINK OR DIE).

While the album celebrates the life and work of hide, it also spotlights a number of people who worked alongside him throughout his career. PSYENCE A GO GO was chiefly produced by hide and co-produced by I.N.A., who was in charge of percussion and computers. Despite being a support member for hide at his lives, I.N.A. was also part of the unit hide with Spread Beaver, Dope HEADZ and Zilch.

The album also featured the talents of PATA, who is most famous for his role as bandmate and second guitarist of X JAPAN. KIYOSHI, who also filled the role of guitarist, has continued his project, machine, and also participates in Lucy. Their bassist, CHIROLYN has since gone on to play for miyavi, whilst activities surrounding JOE and D.I.E. have died down.

The second album, which was released on April 23rd, featured performances taken from hide's first solo tour. Comprising two discs of material taken from his 1994.4.10 performance at Yokohama Arena, HIDE OUR PSYCHOMMUNITY spans just over two hours. The album takes a selection of work from hide's debut album, HIDE YOUR FACE, including DOUBT, SCANNER and most interestingly, it offers an alternative take on the songs 50% & 50% and HONEY BLADE. What makes these two tracks particularly enjoyable is the use of acoustic guitar on stage.

This particular album also makes use of two tracks which are not a part of hide's discography. NEW ROSE appears courtesy of ROCK MUSIC COMPANY LIMITED, with music performed by Brian James and 21st CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN, as well as 21 seiki no seishin ijousha, which appears courtesy of Universal Music MGB Limited, with music performed by Robert Fripp, Peter Sinfield, Ian McDonald, Greg Lake and Michael Giles.

The crew that helped in the production HIDE OUR PSYCHOMMUNITY consists of the same support unit, aside from the appearance of RAN, who was originally a member of TWINZER. For those who worked alongside hide in the performance and production of the albums, this is a testament to their hard work as well as recognition for hide's outstanding achievements in the industry.

For those curious readers, the tracklisting for the albums are as follows:

PSYENCE A GO GO

Disc One (49:12)

PSYENCE (SE)
POSE
BACTERIA
DAMAGE
BEAUTY & STUPID
GENKAI HARETSU
Cafe Le Psyence
FLAME

Disc Two (76:50)

Hi-Ho～Drum Solo～NATURAL BORN ONANIST(D.I.E. Solo)～Hi-Ho
LEMONed I Scream
LASSIE
KIMI WA KAWATTCHIMATTA(CHIROLYN Solo)
MISERY
TELL ME
OEDO COWBOYS

Disc Three 55:31

ERASE
DOUBT
OBLAAT
D.O.D. (DRINK OR DIE)
DICE
GOOD BYE
GOOD BYE(SE)

HIDE OUR PSYCHOMMUNITY

Disc One (64:58)

OPENING(SE)
DOUBT
SCANNER
OBLAAT
NEW ROSE～CHIROLYN's Room
21 seiki no seishin ijousha～BLUE SKY COMPLEX～21 seiki no seishin ijousha
RAN's Room
DIGGER's JOB～FROZEN BUG '93
HONEY BLADE～JOE's Room
50% & 50%

Disc Two (62:02)

D.I.E.'s Room～EYES LOVE YOU (DEATH HOLLYWOOD Version)
EYES LOVE YOU
D.O.D.(DRINK OR DIE)
TELL ME
50% & 50%(unplugged)
HONEY BLADE(unplugged)
CELEBRATION
DICE
PSYCHOMMUNITY EXIT
A STORY(SE)

Whether you are a die-hard fan of hide or a newcomer to his music, these two albums display a varied selection of his work and create an intimate insight into the man who sadly passed away. If there are two albums you should purchase this year, these are two essentials to your collection.