CONCISE DISCOGRAPHY

The Essential Albums
Shonen Knife
   Combines the two ten-inch Japanese releases Burning Farm
   and Yamano Attchan. Brilliant debut. Fully showcases
   the magic that is Shonen Knife. Clearly proclaims that 
   Shonen Knife is the world's greatest band.

Pretty Little Baka Guy
   A favorite of many Knife fans, contains classics like 
   "Public Bath," "Ice Cream City" and "Riding on the Rocket."

712
   Another masterpiece, includes "Lazybone," "My Favorite Town 
   Osaka" and a cover of "Rain."

Let's Knife
   Their first album on a major label (Virgin), contains new 
   recordings of old favorites plus some great new material.

Rock Animals
   Going for a heavy guitar attack, has my favorite song, 
   "Butterfly Boy," the very metal "Tomato Head" and "Cobra 
   Versus Mongoose," plus the sad and reflective "Another Day."

Brand New Knife
   A great mix of styles, loads of wonderful power pop, most 
   notably "E.S.P." and "Frogphobia."

Happy Hour
   The last album with the original line-up, and the best 
   studio representation of their energetic live sound. The 
   stand-out track is "Jackalope," and then there's "His Pet," 
   which will make anyone afraid of carp. Also a cover of 
   "Daydream Believer." (One great song, "Huge Snail," can 
   unfortunately only be found on the promo CD.)

The Essential EPs
We Are Very Happy You Came
   (English release) Live in England! Seven tracks, a classic. 
   Atsuko sings "Boys"!

It's a New Find
   (Japanese release) Several versions of the title track 
   (a really fun song) and all about the "Mysterious Drugstore."

The Essential Singles
Neon Zebra
   (Subpop 7") Raw, rockin' version of "Neon Zebra" that
   can't be found elsewhere. Part of it sung in Japanese!
   The flip side is a great live version of "Bear Up Bison."

Space Christmas
   (English release) Now a holiday tradition in my house. 
   Includes "Christmas Message '91," a parody of the 
   Beatles' fan club messages.

Get the Wow
   (English release) There are two versions. Each contains 
   the title song, plus three others that are different on 
   each CD. I recommend the one with "Neon Zebra" (if you 
   have to pick just one).

Wonder Wine
   (Japanese release) I include this because it's the only 
   place you can find my second-favorite Knife song, "Merman."



Here are a couple discographies that are more comprehensive:

Hi Fi Bliss


Katana Collectors




Flaming in the Hazy Sunlight