You may recognize James Ford as one-half of the first-rate electro act, Simian Mobile Disco (a.k.a. Perez Hilton’s’s favorite new act). Or, perhaps you’d recognize him for his work producing some of Britain’s best young bands - namely The Arctic Monkeys, Klaxons, and Mystery Jets. Regardless, the London-based artist’s name is one to know – it carries a fair amount of musical credibility, lending (dare we say) a ‘cool indie edge’ to seemingly any project it graces.

At present, Ford is in New York taking a break after completing a grueling string of CMJ dates. In November he pops to Japan to support Underworld in Tokyo. With this destination in mind, psychoPEDIA decided to take James to the recently-opened Tokyo Bar in Tribeca. Tokyo Bar prides itself on the fact that it is the only place that serves ‘new Japanese comfort food’ -- which, judging by the menu, entails Japanese versions of a selection of dishes from around the world. Easily excited by the modern anime-style interior, neon lights, and a menu including Berkshire Sausage, James sat down with us at Tokyo Bar and talked mood, food and Acid Jazz.

Welcome, James. How does this bar compare to real Tokyo?
Well I went for the first time about a month ago and it totally blew my mind, it was amazing, it was just very neon and you know Tokyo Bar looks like it's tried to touch on that with its neon lights -- but obviously real Tokyo’s on a different level.

What about the décor -- how do you like the anime feel?
Well I thought that guy there was a cock and that woman looks like she has a big strap-on. It’s all very phallic.

Mmmm, sex and Sake sounds good to me. How was CMJ for you?
CMJ was a bit shit, really, slightly boring, a bit ‘industry’, and there wasn’t anyone that good I wanted to see.

Did you see anything you liked?
I saw a band called Yeasayer who were good, a Brooklyn band. They reminded me a bit of Genesis.

Genesis?
Well more because of their African influences, ok, let's say a bit like TV on the Radio for argument's sake. A lot of nice, interesting vocals.

How was your show in the Apple store?
Really weird, it was in the middle of the day, we had to do the full thing, with the lighting rig and everything. Shoppers mooching about getting their iPods fixed, weird.

[The food arrives] For starters you ordered the Berkshire Pork Sausages. Have you ever been to Berkshire?
Where is Berkshire? In England? What towns are in Berkshire? Maidenhead maybe?

So, no then. What do you imagine Berkshire sausages to really be like?
Quite fat and crunchy sausages, a bit herby perhaps. These are basically little grilled frankfurter sausages from Frankfurt. Hot dogs with salad. I don’t mind it though. In a way Japanese people, part of the charm of it is how they get Western things slightly wrong -- and maybe that’s the case here. It’s charming. They are very nice sausages, just not Berkshire ones, a case of misinterpretation. But on another level what if these are supposed to be from the Berkshires, in America?

Didn’t think of that one. What do you think of the music in here?
Like the menu - a bit of a hodgepodge of everything. The menu has so many things from around the world but done in a Japanese interpretation, and the music kind of follows suit. Although there isn’t enough J-pop playing. I love J-Pop and Japanese classical as well, its really crazy. I don’t know what this is playing? Acid Jazz I think, the last taboo.

We have three main courses here to try: Tokyo rib-eye steak, parmesan-flavored pork loin cutlet and, your choice, the sautéed salmon steak. Are you a big seafood man?
I’m a big anything-food man really, I’m a big man.

How does the food on tour in America compare to food on tour in the UK?
The worst place to tour food wise is England. The promoters will give a bag of crisps and that’ll be it, if you’re lucky. We haven’t had a bad meal since we’ve been here.

How’s the salmon coming along?
Its pretty nice, very simple, slightly peppery, it is like they say - comfort food. It’s not meant to be a taste bud explosion; it’s meant to be comforting. Which I would say this is.

What about the steak and the pork on a comfort level?
The steak comes with some mash and sweet corn, which is comforting. I really like the steak. The pork’s ok, I’d say a little bit fatty to be picky but all the same it's good and comforting, which is the aim here. I think the mistake here is maybe to come expecting a proper Japanese meal. But here it’s simple and nice.

Is the atmosphere doing it for you?
Well, it’s hard to say, as we are the only people in here and it’s a Monday night. It’s not in a bad area, I imagine with a lot more people it would have a great atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that seems like it thrives on its liveliness, which is lacking tonight. You could probably have an amazing night in here if it was real busy on a weekend. With the lively décor and music the place shouts out ‘have a fun time.’

~Kevin Soar

Go There:
Tokyo Bar, 277 Church Street, NYC, (212) 966-2787