How odd that this should come up now... (Gordon> the interview and
photos are complete. How do you want 'em?)
>Haven't heard anyone talk about Spiritual Vibes. I picked up an
>expensive import of theirs in late 1994, no title, just Spiritual
>Vibes. It was recorded in Japan and produced by Nobukazu Takemura on
>Bellissima! records. Anyone hear of this guy? I'm really into this
>CD, I got lucky. Buying those imports is always risky. The girl
The "self-titled" Spiritual Vibes album I'm familiar with was released
'round 1993. Incidentally, "Bellissima!" has closed their UK office, and
returned to being a Japan-only label, with artists Akiko (an R&B singer)
and Cosa Nostra being their main acts. All other artists formerly on
Bellissima!, Silent Poets, Spiritual Vibes, Takemura and Natural Calamity,
are now on Idyllic Records, which _apparently_ has no current plans to
distribute internationally. For those who have heard of Lollop Records
(Takemura's produced all-vinyl Osaka-based label), apparently, they still
have no plans to release their items on any format other than vinyl, no
plan to release out of Osaka. This is unfortunate, since what I've heard
on Lollop has been the most progressive AJ stuff yet in Japan.
>singer is great even though one can't really tell if she is singing in
>English or Japanese. It is English and, actually, it is part of her
>charm. The mix is artfully done even with an intro of chirping birds
>on the first track. If you haven't heard this and can find it, I
>recommend it. But has anyone seen anything else by them? I'm curious
>if they have put out another album or if this was just a
>studio-once-off kinda deal. Any info greatly welcome.
They've also put out a mainly remix EP "Newly," with 4 remixes and 3 new
tracks, a maxi-single "Tender Blue" (two mixes apiece of two tracks, one
new track). While I like their work, I far prefer the works of Takemura
himself who is obviously the creative force behind "Vibes" as well.
As Jonathon mentioned, his first "Child's View" is a fabulous, multi-
influenced masterpiece. The "Child's View Remixes" album is probably a
good DJ's album, but as a listener's album it falls a little short.
-b
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