Too Much

Release Overview

"Too Much" is the sole studio LP by the Japanese band Too Much, released in April 1971 on the Atlantic label. This album is a significant piece of Japanese rock history, emerging from the Kansai region, specifically Kobe and Osaka. The band was formed by former Helpful Soul vocalist Juni Rush, alongside guitarist Tsutomu Ogawa. The album features unique cover art designed by Hideki Kimura, a prominent artist known for his contributions to the rock scene in Japan.

Musical Composition

The album combines various genres, including blues rock, hard rock, and progressive rock. It presents a blend of heavy fuzz guitar riffs reminiscent of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, alongside blistering solos by Tsutomu Ogawa. Juni Rush delivers soulful English vocals that add a distinct character to the sound. The rhythm section, driven by Masayuki Aoki on bass and Hideya Kobayashi on drums, provides a robust foundation for the music.

Guest Contributions

Noteworthy guest musicians enhance the album's texture. Mickie Yoshino plays the Hammond organ and acoustic piano, contributing his expertise from bands like The Golden Cups and Godiego. Isao Tomita, a pioneering electronic music composer, arranged and conducted the strings, adding an orchestral depth to the tracks.

Track Highlights

The album opens with the hard-rocking "Grease It Out," setting the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include "I Shall Be Released," a heavy psych-blues interpretation of the Bob Dylan classic, and "Song For My Lady (Now I Found)," an expansive 9-minute orchestral rock piece. Each track showcases the band's musical range and ability to blend different styles within a single album.

Recording Details

"Too Much" was recorded at Warner-Pioneer Studios in Tokyo during early 1971. The engineering was managed by Jack Alman, ensuring a polished sound that complements the band's dynamic instrumentation and arrangements. This album serves as a representation of the vibrant rock scene in Japan during the early 1970s.

Too Much's album was released in Japan on Atlantic with the catalog numbers P-8088A and L-6008A.