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

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.