‘Selection Collection:’ Underrated 2005 classic

Look for a stunning Hello Project Summer 2008 concert this year (Aug. 1-2) at Yoyogi National Gymnasium, also known as Yoyogi Hippodrome, as the huge annual spectacle shifts from Saitama Super Arena where it was staged last year.

 

If H!P history is in any way accurate on the Internet, Yoyogi was also used in summer 2006 during the Mako-Konno graduation concert. It was also site of one of the pivotal concerts in all of Hello Project history, July 24, 2005, when the “Selection Collection” summer blowout rocked Japan.

 

“Selection Collection” has never been recognized as a premier event in H!P lore because, frankly, it was packaged in a rather glaring, commercial manner with eye-opening vinyl costuming that came off as somewhat cheap and tacky, though staggeringly colorful.

 

But make no mistake, “Selection Collection” was an ungodly killer event. For those who argue that 2005 was at the tail-end of the glory days of Morning Musume, there is considerable supporting evidence at this concert. Miki and Yossie were still going strong, but the grand breakup was already underway. To wit:

 

*** Abe had just graduated the previous year, but still appeared as a soloist, which she has at Hello Project concerts since, including the January 2008 winter event. Gomacki was also going strong as a soloist.

 

*** “W” with Aibon and Nono were at their peak and added considerable clout to a number of joint numbers. Both had also graduated from Morning Musume the year before.

 

*** The H!P unit known as °C-ute was formally launched at this concert. The group started with eight, and the ill-fated Megumi – who was later to exit the following year under a boyfriend cloud – shined in this debut and was stunning in other roles, especially as part of a trio, “Sexy Otonajan,” with Miki and Miyabi of Berryz Kobo, which also made an appearance, a very strong one, at “Selection Collection.” Hagiwara, then a 9-year-old girl wonder, starred and even helped MC as did a tiny Chisato.

 

*** A “Love Machine” reunion featuring many original and recently graduated members of the group, was included.

 

*** Despite the disintegration of the “classic” Morning Musume unit, most of the key characters were still around, making the overall lineup a smash for those fortunate enough to have scored tickets to this one.

 

*** One newcomer to Morning Musume, a skinny kid named Koharu Kusumi, parachuted into this event and became an immediate hit.

 

*** A V-u-den number, "Kaccoii ze! Japan" was embellished via a mind-bending appearance by MC Makato, now 39, who has also been a drummer in Hello Project founder Tsunku’s band Sharon Q.

 

One extraordinary song appeared to stick out above the others. Melon Kinenbi’s “This is Unmei,” normally blown off by Hello Project purists as a nonsensical kids’ song, was a spectacular hit. The chorus, “Do you love me?” was a resounding crowd-pleaser.

 

“Selection Collection” is often overlooked, but is an amazing visual display that grows on you more every time you run it through your region-free DVD player. The U-shaped Yoyogi stags is reminiscent of Yokohama Arena’s now-famous oval walkway, and audience access is excellent.

 

There are many other reasons to take a second look at “Selection Collection” and put it right up there as one of the greatest musical events of all time.

 

This is Radicalipton signing off – for now.