Where's My Potato? is the debut studio album by the Japanese rock band [Alexandros], released under their former name, [Champagne]. It was released in Japan on January 20, 2010 through RX-Records, with the catalog number RX-034.
It reached number 119 on the Oricon Albums Chart. The band's official discography page identifies it as the band's first album and lists all eleven tracks, while contemporary coverage described it as the group's independent debut release.
Background In 2007, [Champagne] were signed to RX-Records. At the time of the album's release, the members were living together while pursuing the band full-time. Contemporary reporting presented Where's My Potato? as a record combining the energy and freshness of a debut with the band's distinctive sense of humour.
The band was still relatively unknown when the album was issued. Their profile subsequently grew through online attention, word of mouth and live performances. The final concert of the album's supporting tour reportedly sold out immediately, and the band went on to make its first appearances at several concerts and Japanese rock festivals during 2010.
Drummer Hiroki Ishikawa left [Champagne] on March 1, 2010, while they were touring in support of the record. As a result, Where's My Potato? was the only studio album released by the band during his tenure.
The album's lyrics frequently draw from songwriter and vocalist Yoohei Kawakami's own experiences.
Music and lyrics Where’s My Potato? is a rock album that combines elements of British rock, melodic punk and alternative rock. Contemporary descriptions highlighted Yoohei Kawakami's use of both English and Japanese lyrics, the band's prominent guitar riffs and the rapidly shifting musical developments within individual songs. HMV Japan described the group’s sound as a hybrid of melodic music, punk and British rock, while later coverage also noted its mixture of UK-rock melodies and alternative-punk elements.
All songs were written and composed by Yoohei Kawakami. The arrangements and production were handled by [Champagne]. Tower Records' album listing credits Kawakami as lyricist and composer and [Champagne] as arranger on every track.
Songs
"Burger Queen" "Burger Queen" is an instrumental composition that opens the album. It subsequently became a regular entrance theme and opening number at the band's concerts.
"For Freedom" "For Freedom" served as the album's principal promotional track. Kawakami based the musical atmosphere of the song on Braveheart, one of his favourite films.
A full-length music video was released through UK Project's official YouTube channel ahead of the album. Contemporary coverage highlighted the song's brisk and refreshing sound and identified it as one of the album's central tracks. The video also established a recurring feature of [Champagne]'s early promotional clips: bonus or comedic footage appearing after the main video. Kawakami later recalled that he had not expected the practice to continue in the band's subsequent videos.
"Don't Fuck With Yoohei Kawakami" "Don't Fuck With Yoohei Kawakami" was written and recorded at short notice. The band had originally planned to include "Rocknrolla!" on the album but abandoned that version after deciding that its groove did not suit the album. A replacement song was then created and included as the ninth track.
Release and promotion RX-Records released Where's My Potato? in Japan on January 20, 2010. Its original CD edition carried the catalogue number RX-034. The album was promoted with the music video for "For Freedom" and an accompanying release tour. Although issued by RX-Records, current digital editions identify UK Project as the recording copyright holder and record label. The record contains eleven songs, including "Burger Queen", "Untitled", "Wet Paint", "de Mexico" and the Japanese-language closing track "Kaerimichi". Its total duration is 44:44.
Track listing All songs arranged and produced by [Alexandros] (as [Champagne]).
Personnel Credits are retrieved from the album's liner notes, which are written in English.Where's My Potato? (booklet). RX-Records. 2010.
[Alexandros] (as [Champagne])
Yoohei Kawakami – vocals, guitar, producer Hiroyuki Isobe – bass, chorus, producer Masaki Shirai – guitar, producer Hiroki Ishikawa – drums, producer
Additional personnel
Ikki Chida – label producer for RX-Records Keiji Kondo – recording engineer, mixing Hiromichi "Tucky" Taniguchi – mastering (Parasight Mastering, Tokyo) Ryo Mukai – drum technician Hitoshi "Orochi Sano Chioro" Sato – RX-Records crew Eri Ichikawa – RX-Records crew UK Project – sales promotion, artist promotion Yuki Kawamoto – photography Sakaiwai – art design (Flashic Kitchen) Lance Henderstein – cover model
Acknowledgements The album's liner notes include special thanks to:
The members' families and friends Shougho Hamamoto Hatchi Yachiyo Katsuyama Tohru Karube The band's fans
Charts
Chart Peakposition Japanese Albums (Oricon) 119
Release history RegionDateFormatsLabelRef.JapanJanuary 20, 2010CD, digital downloadRX-RecordsWorldwideApril 1, 2013Digital download, streamingUK Project / RX-Records
References