Cherry Blossom Girl
by Air

Album: Talkie Walkie (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This depiction of shy love was released as the first single from Air's 2004 album Talkie Walkie. It achieved some chart success, reaching the Top 20 in Finland and the Top 100 in France, Germany and Italy. Air's Nicolas Godin told Radio.com: "We're not the kind of band to have very many hit songs, so when we do manage to create one, it's a big deal for us."
  • The song was sung by Air's Jean-Benoît Dunckel. He recalled to Radio.com the input of producer Nigel Godrich, who is best known for his work with Radiohead. "I like to think of Nigel as the guardian of the mood on Talkie Walkie," said Dunckel. "Like on 'Cherry Blossom Girl,' I wanted to redo some of the vocals. So I went into the studio and recorded more vocals for it, but Nigel didn't like them. He preferred the original take, even though there were some minor mistakes. He really helped us maintain the spirit throughout the whole album."
  • The 7" and CD single releases include an alternate version of the song that features Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star on vocals. Dunckel recalled: "We'd seen Mazzy Star play in France, and the experience was just so slow and beautiful. We were quite moved by the show, and inspired to write the slowest Air song ever, so we wrote 'Cherry Blossom Girl' with her in mind, and she was kind enough to sing it for us. It didn't work for the album, since it ended up just being JB and I on the record, but that version is very special to me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.