Listen: Ben Gibbard - Ichiro’s Theme
In case you don’t know who Ichiro is… (Let a mild baseball fan tell you.)
Ichiro Suzuki is a baseball player, who came over from Japan in 2001. He came to the States as a perennial hitter, playing for the Seattle Mariners. He did so well in his first season that he won the AL (American League) MVP and Rookie of the Year. He revitalized a franchise’s fan base and led the team, while having very little English-speaking capabilities. In 2004, he hit successfully 262 in 162 games, breaking the record for most hits in one season. At one point in his famed career, he hit 200 times in ten straight seasons. He’s never won a championship, sadly.
Ben Gibbard, a native of Washington, wrote a tribute. Why? Ichiro was traded away from Seattle to the Bronx. The Yankees now have got him, and I’m going to suppose Gibbard somewhat cares. Otherwise, he wouldn’t write a somewhat heartfelt song like this one. He’s (apparently) a baseball fan. (Would’ve never ever thought this.)
The song is light and happy and sublime. It talks about Ichiro’s baseball skills and such. It’s a very catchy track with its chanting chorus and simple melody. Seriously, a very fun three-minute track. Jangly guitars and a very simple beat, you can’t resist tapping your foot and bobbing your head a little. Infectious would be the perfect word for it. “Ichiro’s Theme” was actually written years ago, but just now released, due to the trade.
Gibbard, the Death Cab for Cutie frontman, is working on his first solo album, titled Former Lives. It’s due October 16th.
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