Amazon prices the imported album at $57.99--pretty steep, especially because Filipinos can purchase Monday Michiru's MY EVER CHANGING MOODS locally for just P350.00 or $7.I have always thought that the Japanese-American's distinct brand of 70's-inspired soul-funk appealed to such a minority in the Philippines, but I guess Universal Records saw the wisdom of bringing Michiru's recording to Manila and promoting it locally just recently. The artist has had close to 20 albums since the mid-90s, but as I recall, only 2 have found their way here: OPTIMISTA (1999) and now, MY EVER CHANGING MOODS (2007).
Like all her past projects, MY EVER CHANGING MOODS showcases the artist's passion for acid jazz and dance, blending elements of R&B, and club while injecting some Brazilian groove. This time, however, Michiru chooses to cover the works of artists who have somehow influenced her music; and the range is diverse: Barry White (I'M GONNA LOVE YOU JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE BABE), Patrice Rushen (REMIND ME), The Police (WALKING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS), Blondie (CALL ME--samba style), Cyndi Lauper TRUE COLORS), and Style Council (MY EVER CHANGING MOODS), among others.
Some may find Michiru's usual loungey, underground electronic vibe a tad too psychedelic, but this album practices much restraint (perhaps a reason why Universal brought it to the Philippines); nonetheless, I still prefer to listen to this CD any other of Michiru's after I've had a drink or two. My particular faves are her sexy cosmopolitan take on Barry White, and her dizzying vocals on ALDEIA DE OGUM from Brazilian singer Joyce. But truly, all tracks carry her inventive signature. And this is perhaps what makes Monday Michiru such an artist--though all covers of other artists, the songs in the CD reflect no one else's ever changing moods but her own.
Check out the title track, MY EVER CHANGING MOODS:
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