The goosebump-inducing voice that made me ask the shopkeeper, 'Who is this?' - Today's Song #50

T字路s "Beautiful Person"

I have had the experience of doing that in establishments like rock cafes or music bars.
But in a regular izakaya, that was the first and only time I ever found myself asking the shopkeeper.

It was nearly 10 years ago.
I had wandered into an izakaya, and the music playing in the shop was T字路s.

What pierced my ears was "As Time Goes By".

Overwhelmed by that unique, standout singing voice, I was, as you might expect, instantly hooked.

Without a second thought, I asked the shopkeeper, "Who is the music playing right now?" They told me it was T字路s.

When it comes to Japanese female vocalists of this type, the first name I always bring up is Yoko Utsumi. Her voice is soulful and gritty. Above all, her singing ability is off the charts and top-tier. Ever since the shock of Mescaline Drive, that top spot hasn't changed for over 35 years.

Amidst that personal history, T字路s (Taeko Ito) suddenly entered my ears as if to form a pair with her.

Actually, I still haven't experienced a T字路s live show. I've only heard their voice through recordings and videos, so I keep thinking, "Someday, I want to bathe in that singing voice live..."

From their major 1st album "MAGIC TIME" released in November, which is lined with gems, I've chosen their debut single "Beautiful Person" as today's song.