Cornelius’ Point is short on lyrics and lyrical substance, but that’s beside the point. Japan’s Beck-like, musical alchemist (a.k.a. Keigo Oyamada) takes you on dreamy, vivid journeys while effortlessly blending an array of musical styles and unlikely noises. Waves crashing, bathtub water sloshing and a synthesized power drill are some of the rhythmic timekeepers supporting 70s arena rock riffs, folky acoustic guitars, and a lazy lounge-like trumpet, among others. Regardless of what he throws into the mix, all his electro-pop comes out as blissful, head-bopping fun. And when he sings, (usually in Japanese) sweet and innocent verses lead to bright layers of vocal harmonies in the choruses. The improbably successful aural mishmash demands repeated listening to decipher why it works so well.

– Dave Powers
(As posted 1/22/02 on 3wk.com)