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Air — Alone In Kyoto
Album: Talkie Walkie
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4095









Released: 2004
Length: 4:09
Plays (last 30 days): 2
(Instrumental)
Comments (301)add comment
Surprised this is 2004.  Totally sounds like one of those catchy instrumental songs you'd hear on the radio around 1986-1987.
Lost in Translation every single time I hear this.  lovely song and movie. 
Listening in Kyoto, alone now as my wife is out, kansha!
Love this tune.
Listened to it when I was waiting in Kyoto main station for my Shinkansen to Tokyo.
Was also alone on my way that time.
The main station is already an impressive architecture and nice to walk around, especially through the roof. 
Unfortunately, I did not had enough time to go through the city itself and see the nice old buildings, but Nara (where I was coming from) was also nice.

One day I definitely will go back there, but hopefully that time with my wife and kid. 
The new "Sex On a Train".
 robus wrote:

I was actually thinking this was Ryuichi Sakamato before double checking.




For anyone who enjoys this and does not recognize the name, check this out:

Instant frisson....
 ojibwe wrote:

I thought it was a great movie. Definitely one of my top 50 of all time. It speaks to some strong themes of isolation and loneliness. The distance between Bill Murray (a genius casting move, btw) and Scarlett Johanssen was achingly painful to watch. The mundaneness of his life in America, compared to his near-superstar status in Japan, made the gaps only that much deeper. 

It was a fantastic movie, very beautiful and moving, and a great joy to watch. 



I worked in media (voice over, TV and film) abroad for many years. I was a 'celebrity' there and back home, pretty much invisible. I can SO relate to the film. With tears at times. It is brilliant.
 inbagt wrote:

My wedding song.




LOL!!      
My wedding song.
Listening from Kyoto, beautiful.
 Canadese wrote:
 
 It would be nice to hear some Tangerine Dream on RP



Oui !!! Et Air ce sont 2 frenchies !!!!! YEESSS !!!!!!!
good music for walking and thinking...
 fedtho wrote:
I notice several comments pointing to Tangerine Dream, whom I only know by name.
I would have said Cocteau Twins, who are obviously much more recent.
So I should give TD a try - thanks to all for the tip {#Sunny}

One of the common mistakes (one I made myself at first) about AIR: listening to it as background music. It is easy to dismiss them as such.
But they only come through when heard in their own right, at volume loud enough, and doing nothing else
(no cooking, no video games, no online payments etc., whatever you do listening to RP {#Wink})


"when heard in their own right, at volume loud enough, and doing nothing else"

IsnĀ“t that actually the best way to listen to most music?
 sajitjacob wrote:
My guess is that there was only one pair of gloves, and so they had to share and try and look all tough.
 
Except for the gloves are different styles.
 robus wrote:
I was actually thinking this was Ryuichi Sakamato before double checking.
 
I thought the same. Gorgeous melodies.
The transition from Dandy Warhols' Godless took this to a 7.
Anybody else hear Spacegrass from Clutch in this intro?  Speaking of which, Spacegrass would play well in RP!  : )
My guess is that there was only one pair of gloves, and so they had to share and try and look all tough.
so beautiful...
I just love being able to simply listen to MY favourites thank you for creating it.
up from 8 to 10

First heard this in a chillout room ...it just pulls my emotions so much I love it.
Maybe inspired The Laziest River by Destroyer?
Oops,  I just dropped one of my glow sticks
 Canadese wrote:
 twp wrote:
I enjoy this track a lot, but I must confess that it sounds to my ear very much like the Tangerine Dream soundtrack to Risky Business.
 It would be nice to hear some Tangerine Dream on RP

 
Yes, I totally agree!
Very likable and effective instrumental, especially it's use in the film. But, I keep thinking the tune could resolve / end differently, from when the piano enters till the birds sing.
 twp wrote:
I enjoy this track a lot, but I must confess that it sounds to my ear very much like the Tangerine Dream soundtrack to Risky Business.
 It would be nice to hear some Tangerine Dream on RP

That song always make me think about a Tomb Raider 2 videogame tune :)
Finally a "French touch" act which is not overrated.
Such a great song. Thanks so much.
 the_jake wrote:

Huh?  Is she in this recording? 

 
Nope.
 Ableragtacker wrote:
Kate Bush....Always a 10...thanks Kate

 
Huh?  Is she in this recording? 
 ojibwe wrote:

I thought it was a great movie. Definitely one of my top 50 of all time. It speaks to some strong themes of isolation and loneliness. The distance between Bill Murray (a genius casting move, btw) and Scarlett Johanssen was achingly painful to watch. The mundaneness of his life in America, compared to his near-superstar status in Japan, made the gaps only that much deeper. 

It was a fantastic movie, very beautiful and moving, and a great joy to watch. 


To be honest I only remember the movie for the great graphical setting, mood and music. Got in a very relaxed state after watching the movie. That's a certain quality too.


 Schmoogsley wrote:
What a horrible movie. 
 
I thought it was a great movie. Definitely one of my top 50 of all time. It speaks to some strong themes of isolation and loneliness. The distance between Bill Murray (a genius casting move, btw) and Scarlett Johanssen was achingly painful to watch. The mundaneness of his life in America, compared to his near-superstar status in Japan, made the gaps only that much deeper. 

It was a fantastic movie, very beautiful and moving, and a great joy to watch. 
a 9 in honor of highlowsels comment.
What a horrible movie. 
 westslope wrote:
Simple and brilliant.

Or is that simply brilliant?

Or.... Brilliantly simple?   

 
HA!  A musical haiku, perhaps?  {#Whistle}
As a child I spent a number of years in a prefect outside of Tokyo known as Haijima.  My father was in the American military and we were stationed at Yokota Air Base at that time.  This tune sets me in mind of many wanderings (on my bicycle) I did through that area; especially during cherry blossom time.  For me it's a perfect musical depiction of a certain aspect of Japan, and the lyrical aspects of their philosophy as well.

Highlow
American Net'Zen 
I was actually thinking this was Ryuichi Sakamato before double checking.
I know I've heard Air before here on RP but today this song strikes me.  Pretty good.
It's almost midnight here in Kyoto, the cherry blossoms are in near full bloom, this comes on and I smile. It's true.
 ddog wrote:
Morcheeba The Sea next..

 
Nope! 
Eagles! 
I notice several comments pointing to Tangerine Dream, whom I only know by name.
I would have said Cocteau Twins, who are obviously much more recent.
So I should give TD a try - thanks to all for the tip {#Sunny}

One of the common mistakes (one I made myself at first) about AIR: listening to it as background music. It is easy to dismiss them as such.
But they only come through when heard in their own right, at volume loud enough, and doing nothing else
(no cooking, no video games, no online payments etc., whatever you do listening to RP {#Wink})
Bought this after hearing it here. A nice LP.
Simple and brilliant.

Or is that simply brilliant?

Or.... Brilliantly simple?   
Morcheeba The Sea next..
Instant chill. {#Chillpill}
I love this song!
Ever since i watched Lost in Translation this song reminds me of that movie.
Goodness :) 
Wow, this track is oddly soothing. Like, it caught me off guard. I was responding to emails and doing my thing at work and all of a sudden I noticed that my shoulders were more relaxed and my mind less tense. Amazing, the power of music!
Superb choices on this night, RP. 
ever since Sophia Coppola used Air for Virgin Suicides soundtrack, I've been entranced....

what's with the gloves, though, in this photo? 
Many of their music is used as soundtracks!
{#Sleep} (in a good way)
 twp wrote:
I enjoy this track a lot, but I must confess that it sounds to my ear very much like the Tangerine Dream soundtrack to Risky Business.

 
That was my exact thought at first as well - very similar music patterns.
  I like this too
Kind of reminds me of Arthawan and I really like Arthawan. I guess I'll have to buy another cd.
i have been alone in kyoto, i can relate, this sounds right
Sounds good at high sound pressure levels.

 
 railroadwail wrote:
Hey. Bill. Remember that 70s-80s band Hiroshima?  They'd be a good follow-up to this.

 
Hey, yes indeedy it would! 
Listening from Kyoto, thankfully not alone, walking alone in some temples, fitting this would be........
 jmsmy wrote:
Sounds like the music they play at the dog track - the last 2 minutes to post your bet.

 
They play music at dog tracks?  Where do you go to dog tracks: Monte Carlo?
I've always loved this track... and I discovered it here at RP. {#Sunny}
like the Velveteen Rabit
 jmsmy wrote:
Sounds like the music they play at the dog track - the last 2 minutes to post your bet.

 

bwahahahaha!!
This one goes to 11.
Hey. Bill. Remember that 70s-80s band Hiroshima?  They'd be a good follow-up to this.
Love it - so relaxing.  I want to be sitting by that ocean.
It gives me a Lost in Translation swoon. 
Yes, this track reminds me to dig out my T.Dream CDs and give them a blast....
Certainly derirative of many other 'oriental' themed pieces much mentioned in the last few pages; I would add in some of Mr Kitaro's Silk Road too....
Sounds like the music they play at the dog track - the last 2 minutes to post your bet.
Merry Christmas Mr Laurence is dying to burst out of there...
{#Rolleyes}{#Sleep}
Three letters..."Y", "E" and "S"....for "A", "I" and "R".
I like this!
sorry iTunes...tell me why I should have paid $.30 more at your store. Go Amazon!

(yet another rp inspired purchase)
 stickvaughn wrote:
Theme from E.R.?
 
kinda close in a way I guess.....Massive Attack was the band where the ER theme music came from.
 stickvaughn wrote:
Theme from E.R.?
 

I cant E.aR. it..........
Theme from E.R.?
 expatlar wrote:
Stop making me log in just to say "Thanks for playing that."
 
LOL - just stay logged in, it's faster that way!

Like this one, never heard it before but it works for me. {#Clap} 
7 —> 8
Hearing this song a lot on TV these days, on the commercial for the Samsung Galaxy, I believe.
that repetitive note is like Chinese Water Torture......aaaahhhhiiiieeee
 mcYammer wrote:
I am an Air convert. Thought it was all pretension at first. Now just relieves my tension.
 

There are better ways.
I enjoy this track a lot, but I must confess that it sounds to my ear very much like the Tangerine Dream soundtrack to Risky Business.
Stop making me log in just to say "Thanks for playing that."
 mcYammer wrote:
I am an Air convert. Thought it was all pretension at first. Now just relieves my tension.
 
And that's a good thing (the tension relief).  Some of  their stuff catches my ear.

I am an Air convert. Thought it was all pretension at first. Now just relieves my tension.
Great flick....and tune. Well done.
Smooth sauce: 

Zero-7's "Destiny" to Air's "Alone in Kyoto"

Dang, it's late, I gotta get up too early tomorrow, but the hits!  They just keep comin'!  Thanks for the chills RP.
 bluefrog wrote:
My appreciation for Air continues to grow.

 
Check: www.arte.tv , One shot not.


My appreciation for Air continues to grow.

 Sasha2001 wrote:
As lauded as "Lost in Translation was," how come I've nenver had any interest in seeing a second time?
 
It was lauded for the reason art always is: because it is evocative.  So you either didn't have the emotional background to properly appreciate the movie, or else, you did, but you simply don't find the emotions it evoked pleasant. 
 marcucho wrote:

she was alone in Kyoto.

 
Thank you!  I was trying to think where I knew the song from.
Higher and higher...{#Chillpill} {#Good-vibes}
ahhhh....love this groove

10:42 pm
Air
Alone In Kyoto


 
10:37 pmBlackfield
End of the World


 
10:34 pmThrowing Muses
Teller


 
10:29 pmBand Of Horses
The Funeral


 
10:12 pmPink Floyd
Us & Them -> Eclipse


 
10:09 pmGary Jules
Mad World 

Nice!
I really love the waves on a rocky shore sound at the end of this lovely number. Air are so cool you could keep a side of meat in them for a month (as Zaphod Beeblebrox said).
 MrDill wrote:
Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence?
or is it just me  {#Stupid}
 
Absolutely

Love playing this song during a long boss fight. :)
Need to listen to this CD.
Nice song, great album.
 planetclare wrote:
This always reminds me of Art of Noise's "Moments in Love"
 
Yea, it's got some of that in it.
As lauded as "Lost in Translation was," how come I've nenver had any interest in seeing a second time?
 Det wrote:
no point to share my feelings with it
 
Why?  If it's negative, you'll probably get flack. If it's positive, you'll probably get flack. Either way, don't just censor yourself, Det - write what you think. Goodness knows, the rest of us do! {#Lol}
no point to share my feelings with it
Short, beautiful, evocative. I close my eyes and see a lot of possibilities for a story.  And Bill's put "Even in the Quietest Moments" right after it.  Holy wow - here's a soundtrack a creative person could write a screenplay to/for... Gotta go... To find a creative person.{#Bounce}
Need to have seen the movie to really feel this I think.  It's just so downbeat but as the background texture to the images during these scenes it's perfect.
Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence?
or is it just me  {#Stupid}
 ambrebalte wrote:


Ha ha I like this comment
And love the music! A I R - aérien
 
I like that you like RP!  This song is cool too.

This always reminds me of Art of Noise's "Moments in Love"
 chirpie wrote:
Think about it, China has 4 (!!!!) times the US population. If they junked the world per capital like we do, they'd be in waaaay worse shape than they are. You think as many people in the US ride as many bikes as the Chinese do? ^_^
 
China?  Kyoto is in Japan; AIR is from France.  It's an excellent song.  Straighten up and fly right.

chirpie wrote:
Think about it, China has 4 (!!!!) times the US population. If they junked the world per capital like we do, they'd be in waaaay worse shape than they are. You think as many people in the US ride as many bikes as the Chinese do? ^_^

I really enjoyed this song, despite the self loathing naive political commentary inexplicably attached to it. Buy a few plane tickets, do a few years of observation, study world history and construct a few Venn diagrams. Indeed, please do think about it.

Meanwhile, isn't this a beautiful recording?



 marcucho wrote:

she was alone in Kyoto.


 

Nice picture, the right mood for this song. Thank you
I love Bill Murray by the way
 chirpie wrote:


Think about it, China has 4 (!!!!) times the US population. If they junked the world per capital like we do, they'd be in waaaay worse shape than they are.

You think as many people in the US ride as many bikes as the Chinese do? ^_^
 

Ha ha I like this comment
And love the music! A I R - aérien

she was alone in Kyoto.


Just needs some rain drops in the background :)
Great for a rainy monday morning at work :D
Decent mood music I guess, but not radio music by any means. Pretty, but depressing. Not how I want to spend my Saturday.
 CaptTofu wrote:
Makes me think of a Peter Gabriel song with Kate Bush also singing.
 
You must mean "Don't give up". (wikipedia )
Personally I can't hear a resemblance. 


 Darkmatter wrote:


Word. And on top of that, the USA is the most wasteful society in the history of man. If the world still looks to the US for an example these days, it is for self destruction.
 

You have obviously never read Beyond the Urals or The Gulag Archipelago.
Makes me think of a Peter Gabriel song with Kate Bush also singing.