Disco de Air: “Cherry Blossom Girl”

WOW! There is 2:52 minutes of pure etheral bliss on this single and it's the ever elusive and reclusive Hope Sandoval. Her version of "Cherry Blossom Girl" would be right at home on a Mazzy Star or Hope Sandoval CD -- but even better because it's with AIR. Yep, it's worth every penny here -- one of the truly great tracks of 2004. the rest of the single.....well, I have no idea -- I'll let you know if I ever listen to them!

"I don't want to be shy

Can't stand it anymore

I just want to say `Hi'

To the one I love

Cherry blossom girl"

Sweet innocence and a sense of shyness permeate this beautiful song about romantic dreams and tentative longings. The lyrics and creative playfulness are enhanced by an evocative voice flowing like a river trying to reach the sea.

There are four versions to enjoy, although the first is my personal favorite. The last version is purely instrumental and emphasizes the haunting elements of flute. Hope Sandoval's version is breathy and dreamy with more variety in the lyrics.

The mix version doesn't seem to exemplify the innocence I love in the song and seems to muddy up the image of the sweet dreamy mood with much more intense and sensual beats.

"I'll never love again

Can I say that to you

Will you run away

If I try to be true

Cherry blossom girl"

~The Rebecca Review