Records from Japan

This extensive listing (by Ben List) was posted to the acidjazz mailing list.
Artist: United Future Organization
Title: No Sound is Too Taboo
Publisher: Brownswood (Nippon Phonogram)
Catalog #: PHCL-5
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 94.27.8
Genre: Acid Jazz
Comments: UFO's third album reveals their continuing evolution as a group and displays their particular talent as producers. In this venture they welcome the likes of Snowboy, DJ Krush, Osawa Shinichi (Mondo Grosso), Urban Poets Society and countless other guests. All recording was done on their relatively recent trip to England and upon their return to Japan, I had the pleasure to meet Tadashi Yabe when he DJed at a cozy gig at "Blue" in Nishi-Azabu. He played several tracks from this album at the time and I was blown away by the unique sound as well as the tight production that the group had put together. The album is excellent, but there are lulls in the pace at times. Raphael Sebbag's love for latin rhythm patterns breaks through on this album with nearly half of the tracks' rhythms being bossa. The album really shines, however, when they let loose, and tracks like "Make it Better" and "Bar-f-Out" (named after the local music magazine), are sheer coolness. Lyrics are in English.
Grade: A-
Artist: Super Junkey Monkey
Title: Kyabetsu (Cabbage)
Publisher: Riot Label
Catalog #: RICD-001
Retail price: Y2500
Release: 94.20.3
Genre: Funk Rock, Grunge Rock, Punk Rock, Rap
Comments: Excerpted from a "concert report": Super Junkey Monkey has released an indie live cd last year and been getting lots of attention in the local music press recently. They are responsible for a new MTV Japan theme, and video footage can be seen on the almost exclusively pop-oriented video show Video Jam recently, and they are making their major debut next month. The group consists of four girls, with varying ability levels. The bassist Shinobu (note name fix), while mediocre, smiles cheerfully while a raw, powerful sound screams out from the amps behind her. Mutsumi, the lead vocalist is a cute girl who jumps around the stage, sweating, shaking her fist around and rapping, sometimes grunting, and occasionally singing. They've got INCREDIBLE stage presence, powerful control over their primarily male audience and are a very tight band with a sound that causes the audience to swell, bounce and dance with an almost calculated power. Those in Japan these days are recommended to see the band _now_, before their debut, before the ticket prices go from Y2000 to Y6000, and before they hit it HUGE in the states (if anyone has the potential, its these girls). I can't highly recommend their current CD. They have to be seen to be appreciated, and live recording just lacks the impact of live performance.
Grade: B
Artist: Original Love
Title: Kaze no Oto wo Kike (Listen to the Sound of the Wind)
Publisher: Eastworld (Toshiba EMI)
Catalog #: TOCT-8450
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.27.6
Genre: Pops, Acid Jazz, Indie Rock
Comments: Singer Tajima Takao has described this album as being the closest one to his heart, and he really does bare alot here. The theme is "Life," the beauty and joy associated with living, and appreciation of the gift of life. As if born again, subject and style have changed Particularly noticeable is a calmer, perhaps more "adult" (=boring) musical sense, with Latin Jazz "kakushiaji." It lacks the bite of previous offerings, with rather surprising popularity perhaps due to the fact that a track was used for a shampoo commercial featuring Rie-chan in the shower. (!) Discussing the album with a fellow in the bar, he felt that they had "sold out," which seems to be a fairly common feeling among their long-time fans, but could easily be due to the fact that they are now more popular a band than ever. No matter what the reason, they are still one of the better groups in the industry these days. On this album, "The Rover" is a particularly powerful track, described as a "sequel" to "Let's Go!" from the previous album. Lyrics mostly in Japanese.
Grade: B+
Artist: Zingi
Title: Yume
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: TGCS-173
Retail price: Y2600
Release: 94.21.1
Genre: Rap, Hard Rock
Comments: Zingi have replaced their "Furyou Public Enemy" image for a gangster-look, with a hard-rock sound. The raps are still well though-out, often socially connscious, and well-delivered, but the tracks are tightest when its true to a hip-hop flavor, which on this album is... one track. Lyrics in Japanese (thank god!)
Grade: B
Artist: Original Love
Title: Soul Liberation (Kesshou)
Publisher: Toshiba EMI
Catalog #: TOCT-6471
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 92.5.1
Genre: Indie Rock, Pops, Acid Jazz, Club
Comments: One of Original Love's cooler albums. The source for most of the tracks from the remix album, "Sessions." Vocalist, Takao Tajima displays a pretty incredible range of vocal styles and the music, powerful, "oshare na" music is center stage. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A
Artist: Various
Title: Remix Trax Vol. 6 "Japanese New Vibes"
Publisher: Meldac Corp. (Nippon Crown)
Catalog #: MECP-30020
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.5.21
Genre: Club, Acid Jazz, Ska, House
Total time: 54:59
Track listing: 1. Yasuharu Konishi (of Pizzicato Five) - "Comme La Radio" (6:06) 2. KEM Production (Monday Michiru/DJ Krush) - "Soul Survivor" (4:44) 3. DJ Takemura presents Kool Jazz Productions - "Lethe" (6:17) 4. Yukihiro Fukitomi - "Its About Time" (7:47) 5. Kei Kobayashi presents Umar Bin Hassin with Buffalo Daughter - "Labor to Endeavor" (B) (4:59) 6. Dr. Tommy presents Jungle Oasis Inc. feat. Boogie O'banion (sic) - "Take You Higher" (4:20) 7. Hiroshi Kawanabe from Tokyo's No. 1 Soul Set - "The Big Dub '94 Light of August" (4:15) 8. Tetsutaro Sakurai from Cosa Nostra presents Cherry Sound System and DOLL - "Batsu" (4:48) 9. DJ Krush - "DJ Krush Theme" (5:23) 10. Jazzadelic & I-Hara (from VIP Crew) feat. CJ - "Give It Up To" (6:23)
Goodies: Card cover encloses slim paper case and 48-page booklet. Booklet includes liner notes about each artist, info about Tokyo clubs, Lyrics, and adverts for Remix (magazine) goods.
Comments: This album was worth it for me because of _one_ track. Never mind that todays top producers in the Japanese club music scene contributed numerous tracks for the album: DJ Krush, Monday Michiru, P5's Yasuharu Konishi (with a _ska_ version of Brigitte Fontaine's "Comme La Radio"), Tokyo's No. 1 Soul Set, Kei Kobayashi and more. The track, "Batsu," performed by the mysterious "DOLL," still has me mesmerized. She's just got this _fabulously_ sultry voice, and makes Japanese sound like the most emotional, sexual language in the world. The track owes alot to the production of Sakurai (Cosa/Cosa Nostra) as well, but "DOLL" is the name to look out for!
Grade: B+
Artist: Love TKO
Title: Head Turner
Publisher: Major Force
Catalog #: TGCS-170 (26MF048D)
Retail price: Y2600
Release: 94.1.7
Genre: Acid Jazz, Alternative, Shibuya-kei
Comments: Since their days in the band Melon, "Tosh and Kudo" have been active members of the UK club scene. For Melon they were pioneers in mixing tribal samples, rap-style cantor and layered rhythms. On their Love TKO (Tosh and Kudo's Organization) project they have returned to more traditional production methods and instrumentation with decent, but fairly unspectacular results. Vocals on this album are performed by no less than _5_ leads, all quite talented British female vocalists who apparently also contributed lyrics to the album. Guests include Scott Addison (Corduroy), Bernie Worrel (formerly of Parliament) and Inder "Goldfinger" Matharu (Fund-da-mental). The sound is a mellow groove, relatively varied in stance. Lyrics in (native) English. I should also note that this album is also available in domestic US/ European release (for less money!).
Grade: B
Artist: Cosa/Cosa Nostra
Title: Mind Songs
Publisher: Bellissima!
Catalog #: TFCC-88309
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.6.1
Genre: Acid Jazz, Shibuya-kei
Comments: Tetsutaro Sakurai's Cosa Nostra project solidified in 1992 with the band's first album as 'Cosa,' "Medicated Soul." Since then, Sakurai has been an active producer and is making valuable contributions to the Tokyo scene. Unfortunately, the idea that one must sing in English to be accepted by the masses does not escape this excellent band. Its the imperfection of the pronunciation (more grating than just _bad_ pronunciation which can actually be somewhat cute), and the enescable oddness of the lyrics that make this album difficult for me to handle. Momoko Suzuki's performance on the previous album seems almost less tolerable than before, but in retrospect, it may be because that previous album had enough unique variety that the occasional female vocal in less than perfect English went almost unnoticed. However, on this album, nearly every track features her singing. This reliance on female vocals could be partially due to the popularity of the Brand New Heavies and Incognito among the young acid-jazz heads. Music production on this is tight, and consistent, making the lack of pure instrumentals somehwhat unfortunate, but there are a couple tracks stand out as being particularly unique and creative. Lyrics in (Japanese) English.
Grade: B
Artist: Studio Apes
Title: Studio Apes ep
Publisher: Olive Recordings
Catalog #: OR-2001PM
Retail price: Y1400
Release: Summer 1994
Genre: Acid Jazz, Jazz funk, Shibuya-kei
Comments: Somehow the Apes, who practically made El Malo's "Starship in Worship" the incredible album that it is, just don't sound as tight when not being produced by the El Malo crew. Nor does the vocalist's voice adequately support the music, the sound levels are wrong, and the music lacks any of the polish one would normally expect. Still, these faults are like cute little "character-builders" that give the music some charm in a different sense. Its probably best to just wait for the next El Malo album. Lyrics in English.
Grade: B-
Artist: Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set
Title: Young Guys, Gifted and Slack!
Publisher: Nutmeg
Catalog #: NC-2050
Retail price: Y2300
Release: Fall 1992
Genre: Rap
Comments: Debut album by "LB" members Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set. Perhaps one of the groups with the highest _potential_ in Japanese Rap today, with funky beats, good production, and decent use of samples and scratching. The quality of rap music is ideally, however, dependent on the quality of the rap itself, as much as it is dependent on the music. While this album is about half instrumentals, when they do rap, its often in _really bad English_. I'm hoping for more from these guys in the future.
Grade: B-
Artist: Cool Acid Suckers
Title: Itsu made mo Ogenki de
Publisher: Nao Enterprise Co, Ltd.
Catalog #: ?
Retail price: Y2500
Release: Early 1994
Genre: Funk Rock, Thrash Metal, Rap
Comments: Terrific debut album (and perhaps final album) by this group, one of the better Funk Rock bands to show up in recent years. I'd heard them before on the "Dance to Noise" compilations and also on the all Funk Rock compilation "Shake a Move," but they're especially impressive when their various tracks are brought together. My friend Rob, who actually did the turntable work on this album, tells me that the lead singer, Nao, was arrested for heroine possession, and as its his third time, may not be getting out any time soon. At any rate, it might be awhile before this band is heard from again. Lyrics in Japanese. Incidentally, as this album does not have any catalog numbers, it may be difficult to find at the local cd shop, or even Tower. I got mine at the Wave.
Grade: A-
Artist: Various
Title: Hello Young Lovers
Publisher: Crue-L
Catalog #: KYTHMAK 008MD
Retail price: Y2100
Release: 1993
Genre: Acid Soul, Acid Jazz
Comments: Crue-L records, with its staff of one (Takimi Kenji), and short history, has produced some _remarkably_ good acts in the past couple years. Notably, Love Tambourines has been getting tremendous attention in the local press for their polished, funky sound and Ellie's soulful voice. Her voice just good enough to excuse the mediocre English lyrics, something some of the other groups on this album can't say. The music is all excellent, however, and this album deserves a listen, if for nothing else, to at least see where the spirit of a large group of young Tokyoites is at these days.
Grade: A-
Artist: Pizzicato Five
Title: Josei Joui Jidai (AKA "This Year's Girl")
Publisher: Seven Gods (Nippon Columbia)
Catalog #: COCA 7575
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 1991
Genre: Shibuya-kei, Acid Jazz, Pops, Club This album is actually the last of five in what was known as the "Five by Five" campaign. Four eps ("Gakkou he Ikou!" "Saishinkei no Pichika-to Faivu," "Chouonsoku no Pichika-to Faivu," "Redimeido no Pichika-to Faivu") and this final, full album were (apparently) a campaign to welcome new vocalist Nomiya Maki into the group after Takao Tajima left on mostly pleasant terms in 1990. This album is about half new tracks and about half remixes of songs off of the eps. The production quality is about consistent with recent work (Bossanova 2001), though perhaps comparitively spare. In prime form, there are jazz riffs, cool backbeats, and and flukey samples blended and weaved behind the simple, catchy melodies. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Dassen Trio
Title: Bachilika
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: TGCS-186
Retail price: Y2600
Release: 94.7.21
Genre: Rap, Manzai
Comments: It may be mere coincidence that Dassen Trio sound like they could be the Kansai edition of Scha Dara Parr. Not necessarily, as this album was produced by SDP and Takagikan. They _are_, nonetheless, unique and quite funny, with classic Osaka manzai style mixed in with the rapping and B-Boy themes. The music and raps do lag on occasion, but overall quite an interesting album.
Grade: B+
Artist: Various
Title: Menu 42/A Trattoria Selection
Publisher: Trattoria (Polystar)
Catalog #: PSCR-5313
Retail price: Y2400
Release: 94.8.1
Genre: Shibuya-kei, Indie Rock, Acid Jazz, Jazz Funk
Comments: Excellent compilation from Polystar's Trattoria label. While being a decent sample of the label's current offerings, there are also several previously unreleased tracks. Artists include Oyamada Keigo's (formerly Flipper's Guitar) Cornelius with a funked up live version of "Pele," Wack Wack Rhythm Band, who have been getting attention from magazine "Straight No Chaser" editor Paul Bradshaw earlier this year (1994). Compiled by Oyamada Keigo. Most lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Ram Jam World
Title: How Do You Do?
Publisher: BMG Victor
Catalog #: BVCR-76
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 92.4.21
Genre: Alternative, Techno, Club, Dub, Acid Jazz, Ambient
Comments: First album from this "Deee-Lite" like group that mixes Techno, Dub, good beats along with a unique, somewhat alternative sound. Publicity sticker on packaging: As if secretly arranged by Kyon2 and Chieko Beauty, with the production of Denki Groove and the assistance of Scha Dara Parr, Takagikan and even the now deceased "Pa-furi-Tachi," Asamoto Hirofumi (ex Mute Beat), has formed a mysterious new unit! The members are secret, but we hear that the vocalist, "Granada" is actually the Go-Bangs Moriwaka Kaori... Simple while melodious while danceable. The pleasurable sound of computer sampling and live instrumentation."
Grade: A-
Artist: Various / Denki Groove
Title: Drill King Anthology
Publisher: Ki/oon (Sony)
Catalog #: KSC2-85
Retail price: Y2200
Release: 94.8.1
Genre: Techno, Enka, ?
Comments: Denki Groove's recent popularity has allowed them the freedom to create the way they've apparently been wanting to create. This ep, for who knows what reason, has DG posing as several different music groups, and the album itself is labeled as an Omnibus. The music is pretty status quo for DG (except that they keep getting better and better), with several tracks that defy explanation like Pierre Taki's enka-fuu "Jinsei." The album includes a remix of that same "Jinsei" by none other than German Hardcore Techno band "Hardfloor." Also notable is the DG cover version of Kraftwerk's "Tour De France" on track 5. The packaging includes a hilarious booklet designed by graphic artist Suzy Amagane with cute, but fictional, liner notes about "each group."
Grade: A
Artist: Kyoto Jazz Massive / Various
Title: Kyoto Jazz Massive
Publisher: For Life
Catalog #: FLCF-3502
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.4.21
Genre: Acid Jazz, Jazz, Rap, Soul
Total time: 53:28
Track listing: 1. Intro / B-BandJ & Ohtsuka (:41) 2. Vibe PM / Mondo Grosso (remixed by Yoshihiro Okino) (4:36) 3. Melting Pot / DJ Yamaguchi (5:03) 4. The Habit / B-BandJ feat DJ Krush (4:04) 5. Somewhere Not Here / Bahia Sunsets (4:43) 6. Mas Que Nada / Bossa Free (5:09) 7. Black Forest / Conga Strings (5:53) 8. City Folklore (remix of Maiku Hama (Mike Hammer) theme) original composed and performed by Meyna Co. / Symphonic Defoggers (4:13) 9. Changulu / Changulu (6:37) 10. Sleep Walker / Big Wrong (5:42) 11. Souffles H (King St. Club Mix) / Mondo Grosso (remix by Masters at Work) (6:44)
Goodies: Clear jewelbox with booklet with lyrics notes and photos.
Comments: The conglomeration of Kyoto area acid jazz artists first compilation album. A splendid window into the many flavors of acid jazz from some of the local pioneers of the genre. Well-known NY House DJ Little Louie Vega (a regular at Roppongi's "Gold") contributes what must be the millionth remix of MG's "Souffles H." Other notable members include Monday Michiru, Shuya Okino and DJ Krush.
Grade: A
Artist: Bingo Bongo
Title: Wild Pitch
Publisher: Ki/oon (Sony)
Catalog #: KSC2 73
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 94.4.21
Genre: Salsa, Pop, Jazz Funk, Latin, Rock
Comments: Residents of Japan may know vocalist "Yuusuke Santa Maria" as the host of Asian Beat, a TV show that introduces the music of artists from all over Asia (though primarily Hong Kong and Taiwan). Being that he is the host, they are currently using M-2, which is probably their most representative track, as the theme song for the TV show. Their sound is pop music with a latin-jazz flavor. Its a good, wholesome, fun sound and well-received as demonstrated by their popularity which is impressive. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Librodisia
Title: Got To Be Real
Publisher: Crue-L Records
Catalog #: KYTHMAK 007D
Retail price: Y1500
Release: 1993?
Genre: Acid Soul, Acid Jazz
Comments: As is common with Crue-L releases, this disk contains few tracks, and worse, this is 4 mixes of the same song! If it wasn't such a great song, I'd be pissed. The "Drink or Dub" mix is particularly funky!
Grade: B+ (points down for "4 mixes")
Artist: Love Tambourines
Title: Cherish Our Love
Publisher: Crue-L Records
Catalog #: KYTHMAK 005D
Retail price: Y1500
Release: 1993?
Genre: Acid Soul, Acid Jazz
Comments: Love Tambourines is probably the "representative" group for Crue-L records and for good reason. They've gotten substantial attention from the local press for Ellie's terrific voice (she reminds me of those old "Little Stevie Wonder" recordings), and funky, "authentic" musical arrangements. Lyrics in (Japanese) English.
Grade: A
Artist: Silent Poets
Title: Words and Silence
Publisher: Toy's Factory
Catalog #: TFCC-88310
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.9.1
Genre: Acid Jazz, Rap
Comments: The Silent Poets, whose sound seemed focused on a slow, dubby, slightly Techno tinged sound on their premiere album, have broadenen their focus a bit welcoming French rapper Menelik and DJ Jimmy Jay, Last Poets members Jalal and Sulieman, and Ranking Ann. They may have broadened, but they have far from diluted themselves. The arrangements seem tighter and the beats fatter. This new balance may be, in part, thanks to the talents of the guests, like the Last Poets, and Menelik, whose track "Un Petit Rien De Jazz" from 1993's "Les Cools Sessions" practically _made_ that album. Lyrics in English and French.
Grade: A
Artist: Ram Jam World
Title: RJW meets Chica Colombiana
Publisher: Triad (Columbia)
Catalog #: COCA-11557
Retail price: Y2500
Release: 94.3.21
Genre: Alternative, Techno, Club, Dub, Acid Jazz, Ambient
Comments: RJW's 3rd album welcomes "Chica Colombiana" as vocalist. Also victim to the "English virus," the vocals on this album are skilled, though not quite as unique as that of former vocalist "Granada" (Moriwaka Kaori). The instrumentals and Japanese versions of the songs are particularly good. Lyrics mostly in English.
Grade: A-
Artist: Ice
Title: Wake Up Everybody
Publisher: Toshiba EMI
Catalog #: TOCT-8290
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.1.24
Genre: Acid Jazz, Pop, Soul, Club
Comments: When visiting the "Rolling Stone" bar in Shinjuku, I noticed that the DJ had this in his personal collection and asked him what it was (I had heard of the group quite alot since they were on the charts around this time, and selling out their live shows) He told me that it was sort of a "female vocal" version of Original Love, which was enough to send me out to buy the disk. Apparently, this is the group's second album, and unlike their first, is strongly influenced by the sounds of the recent Tokyo Acid Jazz scene. The group, originally a pop group, still retains alot of its pop roots, so its not as progressive as alot of what's out there, but definitely an excellent intro into the genre for those looking for something new. Lyrics in Japanese and English.
Grade: B+
Artist: Kimidori
Title: Kimidori
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 23FR010
Retail price: Y2300
Release: 93.10.23
Genre: Rap
Comments: Debut album by one of the more "real" sounding of Japanese Rap groups. Decent rhymes, better mixing than most. I've seen these guys live a couple times and they are often joined by funk rock band Acrobat Bunch. It would have been nice to have one or two of their collaberations on this album. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Pizzicato Five
Title: Soft Landing on the Moon
Publisher: CBS/Sony
Catalog #: CSCL 1149
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 90.5.21
Genre: Shibuya-kei, Pop, Club, Jazz
Comments: Pizzicato Five's last album with Tajima Takao as a regular member. Now regular member Nomiya Maki makes only a brief appearance. This is also the first album where they started getting loose and opening their music up to more soul. This album is very broad, and even includes some very unusual versions of otherwise very inconspicuous tracks from the previous album, "Couples." Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A
Artist: Various
Title: East Edge Sampler - Electronic Planet Vol. 3
Publisher: TDK Records
Catalog #: TDCD-1038
Retail price: Y2500
Release: 94.7.25
Genre: Ambient, Trance, Techno
Total time: 73:32
Track listing: 1. Moist Water - "Sweetness and Decency" 2. Urban Groove - "Unknown" 3. Enitokwa - "On the Mars" 4. Masayuki Kurihara - "Spirits Dancing" 5. DJ K.U.D.O. - Grow Phase III 6. Buddhastick Transparent featuring Something in the Air - "Spiral Castle in the Air (Gaia Edit)" 7. DJ Fumi - "Desert (Impressive Mix)" 8. Cradle Instrumetal Grave - "Soukyokusen" 9. M - "Lagrange Point"
Goodies: Clear jewelbox with booklet with liner notes.
Comments: Club Yellow in Nishi-Azabu does a trance show on the first and third Fridays of every month known as Zero. The DJ K.u.d.o. on this album often hosts the show, which is just sublime. Perhaps Tokyo is thought of as being a city where Techno music would be just bursting at the seams. Truth be told, the Techno music scene has only started blossoming within that last couple years. In this new period, artists are still experimenting, finding their individual sounds and styles and evolving. This album is representative of this period of evolution more than anything else. The sound is very professional, mind you, but there is very little individual character within any of the songs despite being created by different artists.
Grade: C+
Artist: Gas Boys
Title: Gas
Publisher: Triad (Columbia)
Catalog #: COCA-11925
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 94.8.21
Genre: Rap
Comments: The Gas Boys have toned down their Beastie Boys imitation and gone more in their own direction. While I liked their previous album "Baka and Shirouto," I'm glad to see such a turnaround. They've gotten rid of the hard-rock sound that was the best part of "Baka." Even without it on this album, they're really better than ever, with fatter beats, better production, and they play with the hip-hop sound more than ever (different rap delivery styles, rythms, etc.). Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Gult Dep
Title: Infinite Polyhedron
Publisher: Invitation (Victor)
Catalog #: VICL-387
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 93.3.24
Genre: Hardcore Techno, Alternative Rock
Comments: Gult Dep brand "in your face" Techno. Yes, they're getting better. They're not, however, any easier to listen to for long periods at a time (read: "album length"). This album includes their unusual (read: "off-key") version of The Cure's "The Walk."
Grade: B-
Artist: Piranians
Title: Piranians
Publisher: Pony Canyon
Catalog #: PCCA-00622
Retail price: Y2500?
Release: 94.7.21
Genre: Alternative, Acoustic, Jazz
Comments: Pianica Maeda is a common figure in the Chuo area, sometimes a street performer, but always said to be seen with his pianica (small wind instrument with piano keys). He's made many a guest appearance throughout pop and alternative music, and is now seen on the "Takashiro X" TV show. The Piranians is his acoustic quartet, a group that is well-loved among many a young Tokyo music lover. They've got a quaint, kitzch (sp?) sound that almost no modern artist would be dead with, but pull it off nicely and with flavor. All instrumental.
Grade: A
Artist: Various
Title: Transonic 2
Publisher: Transonic Records
Catalog #: TRS-25002
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 1994
Genre: Techno
Total time: 71:59
Track listing: 1. Auroral Heat - "Mushroom Now!" 2. Through Traffic - "From Time to Time 4" 3. Smooth Combat - "Pacific Child" 4. Unidentified Walking Object - "Organization" 5. Ground Wound - "Interspace Research of Music" 6. Miracle Tone - "DVP" 7. Saheen - "The King of Opus Sound System" 8. Blasting Soul - "Interferon" 9. Skywalk - "Mind Design"
Goodies: Clear jewelbox.
Comments: Decent collection of recent Japanese techno. Primarily Trance, with smatterings of Ambient techno. Similar to the US "Artificial Intelligence" series in terms of style.
Grade: B+
Artist: Various
Title: Best of Japanese Hip Hop, The
Publisher: Crown
Catalog #: CRCP-20094
Retail price: Y2500
Release: 94.7.21
Genre: Rap, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop
Total time: 41:00
Track listing: 1. East End - "In Your Jeep" (A-) 2. Jupiter Project - "Kool Nights" (A+) 3. Da Uptown Crew - "Keep it Rough" (B-) 4. ZenRa - "Fake Gangs on Sale" (C-) 5. Shitamachi Kyoudai - "Yopparatte Hoteru de H" (C+) 6. Krush featuring Koichiro Samukawa - "Krushnotized" (A+) 7. DJ "CPM" Marvin & MJ Raa-Dee - "Shock Wave" (B-) 8. Hugeass Jam - "My Melody" (C+) 9. DJ Masa - "Ianuba" (B+) 10. CJ - "Move Ya Body" (B-)
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with booklet.
Comments: Don't take the word for the title. I actually felt victimized while I was listening to this album. Some tracks are actually quite good, others don't fit the bill. Great tracks from East End, Jupiter Project and DJ Krush. Most other tracks particularly M-5 ("Zenra=ZenNipponRappuRengoukai") pissed me off. Too many bad English rappers (hired for their "blackness" and not for ability), and too many Japanese rappers talking about how real they are between their habitual usage of Japanized versions of "Yo yo yo" and the ever-familiar "aw shit." *sigh* Someone's just not getting it.
Grade: C+
Artist: A.K.I. Productions
Title: Japanese Psycho
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 23FR007D
Retail price: Y2300
Release: 1993
Genre: Hip Hop, Grindcore
Comments: Very odd combination of Rap music mixing with Grindcore style vocals. Extremely funny cover of Pizzicato Five's "Tout Va Bien." Really dippy looking Anime Otaku Fuu guys on the mike. Funny, well-produced, but a little hard to stomach for too long. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: B
Artist: Original Love
Title: Sessions
Publisher: Toshiba EMI
Catalog #: TOCT-6623
Retail price: Y2600
Release: 92.8.26
Genre: Acid Jazz, Pop
Total time: 43:21
Track listing: 1. Tsuki no Ura de Aimashou (Vocal and Piano Version) 2. Shinrigaku (feat Arthur H) 3. Million Secrets of Jazz (United Future Organization remix) 4. Love Vista (feat Clementine, Mr. Fingers remix) 5. Scandal (Brand New Heavies remix) 6. Shinrigaku (Takao Tajima, Egaitsu Hiroshi remix) 7. Jumping Jack Jive (feat Mitsuyoshi Azuma) 8. Venus (Vocal and Piano Version)
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with foldout with lyrics and photos.
Comments: Incredible remix album of "fundamentally funky" Original Love songs, mostly from previous album "Soul Liberation." Notable contributions from internationally-known artists BNH and UFO, but the best track on the album, "Shinrigaku," is 100% home grown. Props to the group for providing much better than your average "Best of..." album.
Grade: A
Artist: Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, The
Title: World Famous
Publisher: Epic/Sony
Catalog #: ESCB 1158
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 91.6.21
Genre: Ska, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Rock
Comments: My favorite Sukapara album. While they are known for their own brand of Jamaican style Ska music (as opposed to the 70's British Ska), on this album, they also treat their listeners to some Jazz, and a little Funk here and there. Probably their most well-rounded album yet (as of 1994). Album is primarily instrumental, but existing lyrics are in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Tokyo's Coolest Combo
Title: Tokyo's Coolest Combo in Tokyo
Publisher: Triad (Nippon Columbia)
Catalog #: COCA-10867
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 93.7.1
Genre: Jazz, P5
Comments: Konishi Yasuharu's (Pizzicato 5) instrumental Jazz band. Excellent covers of several P5 songs, a Flipper's Guitar song, an Original Love, and then some guy named Henry Mancini :). Sometimes light often funky Jazz, with trippy xylophones, a Hammond organ and soft latin rhythms. Instrumentals.
Grade: A
Artist: Audio Sports
Title: Strange Fruits
Publisher: All Access
Catalog #: AACD-004
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 94.7.21
Genre: Acid Jazz, Rap
Comments: Audio Sports' second album. The absence of Yamatsuka Eye (Boredoms) is made up for by guest appearances from D-Zine, Monday Michiru, and Nobukazu "Kool Jazz" Takemura (Spiritual Vibes). Leader Aki Onda once again puts together some amazing stuff, with a far more developed sound than their first album, better arrangement, crazy sampling and great beats. Lyrics in English.
Grade: A
Artist: Cool Spoon
Title: Assembler!
Publisher: Lovin' Circle (File Records)
Catalog #: LOVE-004D
Retail price: Y2000
Release: 93.2.5
Genre: Acid Jazz, Jazz Funk
Comments: First ep by the world famous Cool Spoon. Very funky Jazz stuff from a band whose name appears throughout Japanese Acid Jazz. Good stuff! Instrumentals.
Grade: A
Artist: Vibrastone
Title: National
Publisher: Pony Canyon
Catalog #: PCCA-00639
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.9.21
Genre: Rap, Funk, Acid Jazz
Comments: Based on previous Vibrastone releases, I probably wouldn't have bought this one if it wasn't for the review hype I've been seeing about it. I have no regrets. Its doubtlessly the best Vibrastone album to date. Though I never did care much for Chikado Haruo's style of delivery (somewhat like old Run DMC), the music is just so fat, so juiced up, that it makes up for the vocal insufficiencies. In terms of genre, Vibra really spreads it around this time, from straight up Rap tracks, to housy dance tracks, to punked up Funk, and funky jazz, they deliver the goods.
Grade: A-
Artist: Tokyo No.1 Soul Set
Title: Romantexikku Densetsu
Publisher: Edoya Records (BMG Victor)
Catalog #: EDCR-8801
Retail price: Y1200
Release: 94.9.21
Genre: Alternative, Club, Rap
Comments: Long overdue major debut by "alternative rap" group Tokyo's no.1 Soul Set. Very ecclectic mix of sounds that blend quite well. Unfortunately, their debut consists of this 4-track EP, just barely over 15 minutes long. Nonetheless, an excellent release.
Grade: A
Artist: Pizzicato Five
Title: Overdose
Publisher: Triad (Columbia)
Catalog #: COCA-11999
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.10.1
Genre: Pops, Acid Jazz, P5, Shibuya-kei, Club
Comments: It's been said that Pizzicato Five _is_ the sound of Tokyo. Actually, they've said it themselves, even putting such words on the cover of their albums. In an interview around the time of this album's release, member Konishi Yasuharu clarified what he meant by "Tokyo." "The Tokyo we sing about is actually different from the Tokyo we're living in now. You might say its a "symbolic" Tokyo. [In other words,] Pizzicato's 'Tokyo' is the kind of place we would normally picture New York, or Paris to be." An interesting point, particularly to someone like myself, who feels that P5's Tokyo is the place I'm currently living in. Yet more, "Overdose" is the sound of Tokyo _now_, October 1994. Possibly due to Takanami Keitarou's reduced influence on this album, stylistically, they're becoming more experimental. Kitzch jazzy riffs and French pops flavor still abounds, but particularly significant on this album is the Techno/House sounds of tracks like "If I Were a Groupie" and the latest version of "The Night is Still Young" remixed by prominent producer Fukitomi Yukihiro. Other guests include rapper Takagikan, Watanabe Takahiro (Ram Jam World), Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius) and others. This album is the last album with long-time member Takanami Keitarou, who concurrently left the group to pursue solo projects. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A
Artist: Yellow Monkey Crew
Title: Yo! Nippon Ichi
Publisher: Nippon Ichi Records
Catalog #: NR-0001
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 1994
Genre: Rap
Comments: I'll cut right to the chase on this one. This is about as bad as Japanese Rap can get. Listening to this album one understands why Rap Music was said to be impossible to do in the Japanese language. YMC made an appearance on the Major Force "Check Your Mike" compilation. They try to create a unique style by concen- trating more on straight rhymes, totally at the expense of an even remotely interesting sound. Mediocre production, half-baked delivery, and lame subject matter, combined with the bragging and boasting and putting other rappers down makes them almost laughably bad.
Grade: D-
Artist: Nav Katze
Title: Never Mind the Distortion
Publisher: Invitation (Victor)
Catalog #: VICL-568
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.9.21
Genre: Ambient Techno, Club, Psychadelic, Alternative Rock
Total time: 53:40
Track listing: 1. Nobody Home (Ultramarine Mix) Remixed by Ultramarine 2. Ziggy (Aphex Twin Mix #1) Remixed by Aphex Twin 3. Never Not (Black Dog Mix #1) Remixed by Black Dog Productions 4. Crazy Dream (Retro 313 Future Memory Mix) Remixed by Reload 5. Change (Aphex Twin Mix #2) Remixed by Aphex Twin 6. More Than a Feeling (Black Dog Mix #2) Remixed by Black Dog Productions 7. Wild Horse (Global Mix Communication) Remixed by Global Communication
Goodies: Clear jewelbox with foldout.
Comments: Pretty smooth album of Nav Katze remixes by notable Techno and Ambient Techno artists. Unusually tight and interesting, with all remixers staying true to Nav Katze's native sound while expanding out in some pretty mind-knumbing directions.
Grade: A
Artist: DJ Peah
Title: DJ Peah
Publisher: Aja Records
Catalog #: AJA-1305
Retail price: Y2000
Release: 94.9.21
Genre: Techno, Club
Comments: After several years in the "Jesus Jones Clone" band M-Age, this talented producer, who placed a mere 18th place in the 1992 DMC DJ Championship releases his first solo effort under the banner of Victor's "Real Techno Intelligence" series. Listening to this, I'm beginning to think that his showing in the DMC contest was related more to style of sound, rather than actual ability, or quality. That is, Peah's sound is largely a combination of Deep House and so-called Euro-Trance, while the top 3 DMC DJs were all hip-hop DJs, and as far as his Techno sound is concerned, he's an extremely talented sound producer. I liken his stuff to recent releases along the lines of the Artificial Intelligence series and Black Dog Productions with similarly high quality and expectations for his further projects.
Grade: A
Artist: Tangos
Title: Suiden
Publisher: Endorphin (Victor)
Catalog #: VICL-565
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.9.7
Genre: Pop, World, Hip-Hop
Total time: 59:21
Comments: The Tangos are surely not without promise. I leave it to their vocalist, "Minami Sasuga" to decide their fate. Production quality is extremely high, with most support coming from Vibrastone member "OTO" whose ability at combining non-genre world music sounds, hip-hop rhythms, housey beats seamlessly and splendidly is doubtless. Lyrical contribution comes from Takahashi Sayoko, Sandii, and Koizumi Kyouko who also contributes background chorus support on a couple tracks. Considering the the progressive music in the back, this is probably closer to Pop Music than to any other genre, and the vocals are occasionally, a bit...well...annoying.
Grade: B+
Artist: Ken Ishii
Title: Innerelements
Publisher: R & S Records (Sony Records)
Catalog #: SRCS-7443
Retail price: Y2300
Release: 94.9.21
Genre: Techno, Detroit, Trance
Comments: >From the English liner notes: "With Japan only just exposed to the underground Techno moevement, it was quite a revalation to hear Tokyo-based prodigy Ken Ishii (Sapporo, 1970) deliver such elaborate and idiosyncratic music as could be found on his crucial first release for R & S records. His double 12-inch "Garden of the Palm" spoke to the listener in a soothing timbre, offering the combined luxury of dancable, sensuous stimuli and an evocative, natural calm. On 'Pneuma' and 'Deep Sleep' (the latter on R&S Ambient subsidiary, Apollo Records) we were provided with an even broader view on Ishii's talent: hovering between techno based avant-garde textures and sonic bliss, the man clearly aiming for musical enchantment of a different kind. Finally tangled notes, as far removed as possible from what is known as popular music, was of an unheard timeless quality, with four tracks defying all preconceived notions of sound, rhythm and tonality." "For those as yet unfamiliar with Ishii's work, 'Innerelements' offers a CD-only selection from the recordings above (plus the titles 'Encoding' and 'Decoding'), both especially composed to highlight this collection, and the previously unreleased tracks 'Ricochet' and 'Fragments of Yesterday') and should put the richness of Ken Ishii's art in full perspective. Having assimilated a wide array of influences (YMO, DAF, Hajime Tachibana, Kraftwerk, Nitzer Ebb, Derrick May...), Ishii manages to make them all come alive in a context that surpasses all comparison. Its not Detroit, it's not Ambient, it's not Trance. It's totally and utterly... music. Ken Ishii's music. The first of the Oriental luminaries has arrived."
Grade: A
Artist: Astro Age Steel Orchestra
Title: Happy Living
Publisher: Sony Records
Catalog #: SRCS-7415
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 94.7.21
Genre: Steel Drum, Ambient
Comments: Another very hip, tripped out album from Yann Tomita's Audio Science Lab and the Astro Age Steel Orchestra. A good follow-up to his previous album, "Music for the Astro Age," Tomita's Steel Pan troupe dishes up more Ambient weirdness with lots of cool surprises from fat beats, to cool thematic samples, to guests from Trinidad and of course the distinctive sound of the Steel Drum. Very cool cover medley of Western Movie Soundtrack classics "Another Day Another Sunset" and "Wagon Train."
Grade: A-
Artist: Scha Dara Parr
Title: Poten Hits - The Singles Collection
Publisher: Ki/oon (Sony)
Catalog #: KSC2-93
Retail price: Y3000
Release: 94.10.21
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop, Acid Jazz
Total time: 69:31
Track listing: 1. N.I.C.E. GUY (Nice Guitar Dub) 2. Ani yo Maiku wo Tore 3. Ge-mu Boizu 4. Anta Dare (Remix) 5. Bits of "NONSENSE" 6. Trio the Caps 7. Schadarange-ji - Shitsumon: Are ha Nanda? - (Prince Paul Mix) 8. SHINCO ABOUT IT 9. SANTAFUL WORLD 10. Korokoro Naru Mama 11. Konya ha Bugi- Bakku (Live at the Big Egg) 12. Korokoro Naru Mama (featuring Sanami Keiya (Toshiotoko To-i Mix) 13. Toraberu Chansu (Crab Tunin') 14. SANTASTIC MIX featuring PIANO SEIJIN - Hoshi ni Negai wo 15. Little Bird Strut (Live)
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with lyrics booklet. Card slipcover encloses box and booklet with discography, trivia questions, liner notes, "Schadara History" and on and on...
Comments: A completionists album if there ever was one. SDP brings together new remixes, single-only releases, B-Sides and live versions all onto one album. Despite the randomness of the material and the fact that the material itself stretches over 4 years, this is possibly one of the best, most together albums to date. Superb remixes of "Anta Dare" and then Prince Paul lends his genius to a remix of "Are ha Nanda." Complete satisfaction.
Grade: A+
Artist: Towa Tei
Title: Future Listening
Publisher: gu(umlaut)t (For Life)
Catalog #: FLCG-3004
Retail price: Y2800
Release: 94.10.21
Genre: Club, Techno, Acid Jazz
Total time: 51:30
Track listing: 1. I Want to Relax Please 2. Technova (La Em Copacabana) 3. Batucuda 4. Luv Connection 5. Meditation! 6. Raga Musgo 7. Son of Bambi 8. Amai Seikatsu (La Douce Vie) 9. Obrigado 10. Dubnova
Goodies: "Environmentally sensitive" packaging encloses foldout with lyrics.
Comments: Excerpt from Pia magazine (translated from Japanese): "Central member of Dee-Lite, and recently known for his work (with Sakamoto Ryuichi) on the Geisha Girls recent releases, has, with the help of former YMO family, released his first solo. Tracks like M-2, whose mix of Bossanova and Techno sounds, gives it an overall impression of latin, or jazz, as well as tracks like M-3, featuring Takano Hiroshi on Electric Sitar who lends it a powerful "oriental flavor" all work splendidly. This sharp sense of blending is unique to someone who is truly the hero of the 'sampling age.' But a more important point is that this is just as much freaked out cutting edge club sound as it is catchy pop music. With kitchz that touches people's nostalgic sense, its not hard to believe that he was positioned in the heart of New York's new wave." Truly incredible album. Guest appearances by Sakamoto Ryuichi, Hosono Haruomi (YMO), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Bebel Gilberto, Nomiya Maki (Pizzicato Five), and Tomiie Satoshi.
Grade: A+
Artist: Nihongo Rappu
Title: Daiseikou wo Kizamu
Track listing: 1. Ito Seiko - "MESS/AGE" 2. Scha Dara Parr - "5th Wheel to the Coach" 3. Shake - "Monkey Rap" 4. News From Street Connection - "Life of a Little Island" 5. Tokyo No.1 Soul Set - "Triple Barrel" 6. Elephant Love - "Kouya no Elephant Love" 7. Takagi Kan - "Fruits of the Rhythm" 8. Tokyo No. 1 Soul Set - "Tosagare '95" 9. Gwashi - "Gwashi Single" 10. Rhymester - "Egotopia"
Plus: A. Moon Trap / Marc Panther - "Luna XXX The Earth" B. Havana Exotica - "Hello! Martian!!!!"
Comments: Japan is currently going through a Rap renaissance. Thanks to chart hits by former Flipper's Guitar's member Ozawa Kenji w/ rap group Scha Dara Parr's "Konya ha Boogie Back," a song which placed 6th on the local singles chart and even made its way into Karaoke last year, and more recently, songs by "East End x Yuri," who have managed to bring fairly straightforward rap sounds (albeit "pop") into the charts, companies who had begun to drop Rap artists and projects from their rosters have picked up the reins again and are bringing rap into limelight as a legitimate media phenomenon. Naturally, because of East End x Yuri's successes, the major labels have begun looking for copies, and some have tried pressuring their artists into a similar sound. Thankfully, the die-hard independent labels remain true to the genre and are producing acts at an undrecedented pace. In recent days, the Japanese scene has been getting significant props in the west. Since 1989 artists such as Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jamalski, have been recognizing the Japanese scene in various ways, and recent collaborations with Souls of Mischief for Microphone Pager, Del tha Funkee Homosapien for Gwashi, Prince Paul for Scha Dara Parr and a possible remix collaboration by the Beatnuts for Japanese group Ryhmester have giving local artists some of the perspective they needed, a realization that there is something important happening here and that the respect born of admiration is being reciprocated by those they've been idolizing for so long. The majority of the reviews below represent major Japanese Rap releases so far this year with this exception of two rereleases, and two slightly off genre releases. Other major releases expected this year include albums from core scene groups Microphone Pager, Mellow Yellow, GamaReno and King Giddra within the near future. You don't stop!
Artist: Ito Seiko
Title: MESS/AGE
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 23FR031D
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap, Acid Jazz
Comment: In my opinion, one of the best Japanese albums ever... Itou Seikou, a designer, artist, and musician tried his hand at participation in the budding Japanese Rap scene in the late 80's, and this album, previously only available limited release (5000 copy press) CD, and vinyl, is the result of his joining up with sound "scientist" "Dr." Yann Tomita, and Dub (and Techno) artist "DubMaster X" Miyazaki in 1989, in an effort to create an album that would still sound fresh 5 years later. Now, in 1995, the album has been rereleased under the File Records banner, and it holds up more than sufficiently. Is it fresh? "Fresh" maybe, but not timeless by any means. Itou's rap style is strictly old school, slightly corny, monotone and wordy. While this should have detracted from the product, ironically, this nonsense-heavy, wordy old-school style blends perfectly with Tomita's sound production. This sound, is indeed the strong point of this album, unlike anything else in the world rap scene at the time (even today?), with live drum beats, jazzy riffs, and at times spacy, dark samples. Cheers to File for this rerelease, and strong support of the Japanese Hip Hop scene! Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A+
Artist: Scha Dara Parr
Title: 5th Wheel to the Coach
Publisher: Toshiba EMI
Catalog #: TOCT-8865
Total Time: 52:44
Genre: Rap, Hip hop
Comments: This, the fourth full album and first after switching labels from Ki/oon Sony over to Toshiba EMI, is possibly the group's finest to date. While SDP's albums have always been of consistent high quality, particularly for the last couple years, this one has an strong sense of "togetherness" from track to track, without being a concept album per se. This fine piece of work also offers up a solid Hip Hop sound blended with SDP's excellent sense for unusual sampling, and loose, casual lyricism. Guests include members of Dassen Trio and Yotsukaidou Nature. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A
Artist: Shake
Title: Monkey Rap
Publisher: Koolkut
Catalog #: K-001
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: This album is the first release by independent label "Koolkut Records" a company who appears to be aiming to be the definitive Hip Hop label in Japan right from the start by making such bold claims as the following: "Don't judge Japanese Rap until you've heard this album." They seem sincere, though the execution only proves that the label is in no position to make such statements. Shake's delivery is dry, and while the music is a decent G-Funk copy, it is cheaply produced and unconvincing. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: D+
Artist: News from Street Connection
Title: Life of a Little Island
Publisher: F.R.D Records
Catalog #: FRD-CD001
Genre: Alternative Hip Hop, Rap, Soul
Comments: A very pleasant surprise, first release from Osaka startup label FRD Records. With an unusual and quite effective mix of Hip Hop sounds with Blues, Reggae and simple Soul, "News From Street Connection" offers a souflul, likeable street sound uncommon in the Rap world. "Poet" rapper Yo! Honno delivers song-like lyrics in deep gravelly voice with an unusual sing-songy Rap style similar to only perhaps to some of the more songlike tracks from perhaps Arrested Development. The comparison doesn't stop there, particular in the extensive sampling of Blues music common to both bands. Nonetheless, a fine album. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A
Artist: Tokyo No.1 Soul Set
Title: TRIPLE BARREL
Publisher: Edoya Records
Catalog #: EDCR-30005
Genre: Alternative Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: Pretty fine album from SDP's "Little Bird Nation" member, Japan's one and only "Soul Set." This group has gotten serious critical attention for their unusual blend of rap and laid back rock, and this, their first full album, is a multi-influenced, accomplished work with serious lyrical power and a nonstop groove, tied together with smart, melodic choruses and the fine production of Kawanabe Hiroshi. Critically acclaimed tracks "Romantic Densetsu" and "Tosagare 95" from recent maxi-single releases are included on this album, but, unfornately, B-Sides are only found on the single releases. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Elephant Love
Title: Kouya no Elephant Love
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 23FR-034D
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: Elephant Love was signed to File Records in 1994 amid considerable hype and reputation. Their single appearance on the TV program "All Night Fuji" earned them a reputation for quality production and straightforward lyrics and delivery reminiscent perhaps of Beastie Boys circa "Licensed to Ill." That said, they're not much better then that... They've got an amusing sense of humour and their decidedly slanted approach to rap music has an appeal to the non-purists (and young women...), but the rap purists are likely to detract for the sake of the stylistic shallowness in delivery and a deemphasis on "verbal gymnastics". Personally, I quite like the music production on the album, particularly the fine scratching by DJ BariK-n of the Gas Boys. Incidentally, one of Elephant Love's members is actually a member of rock group duo, the Magokoro Brothers. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: B+
Artist: Takagi Kan
Title: Fruits of the Rhythm
Publisher: Epic/Sony Records
Catalog #: ECSB-1135
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Comments: This album, produced by Takagi Kan in 1989, should be one of the classics of Japanese Hip Hop. Created by recognized Rap supporter and popular figure in the Tokyo club scene, this album was the first complete Japanese Rap album to be released on a major label, and includes, among other treats, guest appearances by Jamalski, A Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip, and Jungle Brothers member Afrika, as well as locals ECD, SDP, Boy Ken and others. Unfortunately, Kan's rap style is mediocre, his subject matter and lyrics laughable. Even the quest appearances can't save the rapping, themselves ending up silly and simple. On the positive side, this album, which features music produced by Kan in conjunction with Dr. Yann Tomita, K.U.D.O. and Chikada Haruo, is mostly solid, and funky, about right for 1989. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: C
Artist: Tokyo No.1 Soul Set
Title: Tosagare '95 - Taiyou no Kisetsu
Publisher: Edoya Records
Catalog #: EDCR-12001
Genre: Alternative Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: Single release for "Tosagare 95," which is, while a lyrically strong track, pales musically in comparison to the incredible weave of choruses and samples on "BOTSU." "Cannonball," an instrumental track is an interesting instrumental, but its existance on this single is while nice to have, is a bit noisy and not likely to find much of an audience.
Grade: B+
Artist: Gwashi
Title: Gwashi (Produced by Del the Funkee Homosapien)
Publisher: Heavy Shit
Catalog #: HSCD-001
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: On a recent tour visit to Tokyo, Oakland Rapper, Del apparently met up with this group. They went drinking together and he offered to produce some tracks for them. The result is some decent music production, (though Del is obviously cutting corners) with rather unappealing, slightly badly produced Japanese Rap lyrics on top. These guys are a little better when seen live, and I imagine part of the problem on this single is that the engineering on the vocal tracks aren't too good, the essence of the problem is that these boys don't care a whole lot about their unappealing delivery. Actually, it may be no mere coincidence that they sound an awful lot like the Gas Boys one of whom makes an appearance on this both vocal tracks.
Grade: B-
Artist: Rhymester
Title: Egotopia
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 23FR-035D
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: After a 2 year blank, Rhymester release their second full album. Pretty damn fine album it is, perhaps a classic for Japanese Rap. These guys just keep better and better, and in all ways this album is superior to their previous album, the already impressive "Ore ni Iwaserya." One of the few Japanese Rap groups notably applying the "art" of rap rhyming, from freestyle, to beatboxing, to fat sampling, scratching, and heavy, dope music production reminiscent of artists such as Premier (Gangstarr), or the Souls of Mischief's A Plus. Except for the inexplicable "Egotopia" track, a trap recorded on low speed and sped up to sound like "the Chipmunks," every track is excellent. Guests on this album include King Giddra, Soul Scream and East End. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A+
Artist: Moon Trap / Marc Panther
Title: LUNA XXX THE EARTH
Publisher: Sony Records
Catalog #: SRCL-3227
Genre: Hip Hop, Dance, Jungle
Comments: I actually admit to expecting alot more from this album produced by Komuro Tetsuya (TM Network). He brings together unknown rap group "Moon Trap" and French-born half-Japanese Marc Panther for this album. While one track, "Honnou: The Weekend Flavor" is actually quite a fine track with a convincing female rap vocalist and pretty decent backing track, the rest of the album is pure crap. Komuro proves that he either had no interest in poroducing this album well, or he just plain didn't have the ability to produce quality Rap and Jungle backing tracks, genres which may not be his forte. His blatant use of the Funky Drummer beat on "PANIC PANIC" is particularly inexcusable.
Grade: D
Artist: Havana Exotica
Title: Hello! Martian!!!!
Publisher: MIDI Inc.
Catalog #: MDC8-1175
Genre: Retro-pop, Funk Rock, Rap, Groove Rock, Poetry
Comments: This album produced by Pizzicato Five's Konishi Yasuharu proved to be Havana Exotica's last, an unfortunate result, since the band had more than proven their incredible ability by this time. A great album it is, though, with a full mix of good groove and many influences from funk rock, to fusion jazz, to rap, to inexplicably spacy madness. Konishi's influence is relatively unfelt, almost except for the very P5-like pop sound of track one, which may ultimately be a coincidence... Nonetheless, a perfect album and a good argument for Moog preservation. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A+
Title: Acid Jazz Issue
Track listing: 1. El-Malo - "FOOLS e.p." 2. Various Artists - "Omoshiro Yukai de Natsukashi Genban" 3. Cosa Nostra - "Love the Music" 4. Kahimi Karie - "I am a Kitten (Kahjmi Karie Sings Momus in Paris" 5. Kahimi Karie - "My First Karie" 6. GOTA & THE LOW DOG - "Live Wired Electro" 7. Various Artists - "Seishun Gurafuti - Nyuu Myujikku Sedai ni Sasagu - V.3" 8. Audio Active - "HAPPY HAPPER" 9. Freedom Suite - "Something in the Air" 10. Silent Poets - "Drawing" 11. Tosh & Silver Arks - "Cleopatra & Noah's Ark" 12. Mondo Grosso - "Pieces from the Editing Floor" 13. Natural Calamity - "Sun Dance" 14. Various - "The Historic Recordings from Girl Girl Girl Vol.3"
Artist: Microphone Pager
Title: Don't Turn Off Your Light
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 25FR-027D
Price: Y2500
Release: 95.7.25
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Total Time: 48:20
Track Listing: 1. Itamu Machi 2. Shittenbattou 3. Toukyou Chikadou 4. GIVE YA CHILL 5. Rapperz are Danger 6. Yonaka no Banchou to Kimi 7. Don't Turn Off Your Light - 89Tec9Mix (mixed by Stretch Armstrong) 8. Don't Turn Off Your Light 9. Rappers are Danger - Mischievous Mix (mixed by A-Plus) 10. Don't Turn Off Your Light - 89Tec9Mix Instr.
Comments: Simply put, this "album" contains at least two of the best rap tracks in the history of Japanese rap. The production is so fine, and the skills of Muro and Twigy (sic) (long recognized here as "Japan's Best Rapper") are so on point, with strong backup from Lamp Eye, Stretch Armstrong and the Souls of Mischief, that this project takes on historical significance, and makes the recent breakup of this unit as a group all the more unfortunate. Problems? A couple of lagging tracks, and a couple which either lack in production, or the effort by the MCs, or the disappointly bland mix by Stretch Armstrong, this first and last album by "Japan's Hardest Group" isn't without its rough points, but when they're on, they are SO on, and tracks like "Itamu Machi, "Rapperz are Danger" and "Don't Turn Off Your Light" are some of the finest heard on any shore. One note to point is that this group lacks any of the "tongue in cheek" flavor common in Japanese Rap these days, their "pure" hardness is likely to keep them from any widespread popularity oustide of the "underground" market, but they _do_ represent! Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: DJ Krush
Title: MEISO
Publisher: Sony Records
Catalog #: SRCS-7752
Price: Y2300
Release: 95.7.21
Genre: Hip Hop, Abstract, Rap
Total Time: 49:09
Track Listing: 1. ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE (with CL SMOOTH) 2. ANTICIPATION 3. WHAT'S BEHIND DARKNESS 4. MEISO (with BLACK THOUGHT and MALIK B of THE ROOTS) 5. BYPATH 1 6. BLANK 7. GROUND (with DEFLON SALLAHR of HEADRUSH) 8. BYPATH 2 9. MOST WANTED MAN (with GURU of GANG STARR & BIG SHUG) 10. BYPATH 3 11. 3RD EYE 12. OCE 9504 13. BYPATH - WOULD YOU TAKE IT
Goodies: Clear jewelbox with lyrics and liner notes.
Comments: DJ Krush's awaited third album makes its appearance on Sony Records at a low Y2300 (bypassing Japanese label Avex Trax which charged Y3000 for domestic release of his "Truntableized"). Apparently "MEISO" is also scheduled to be released on UK's Mo' Wax label in the near future, but in the meantime Japanese listener's are blessed with an "advance" listen of Krush's most "advanced" album to date. This album may be the finest package put together yet by Krush, who's gone back into his rap roots a bit, this time welcoming noteable's such as CL Smooth, GURU, BIG SHUG, Malik B and Black Thought of the Roots and Deflon Sallahr of Headrush, a group which James Lavelle is said to be supporting for release in the near future. Krush's penciant for fine abstract instrumentals with heavy beats and skillful scratching are also present, with treats such as lone loops bridging more epic tracks, a somewhat uncharacteristically "jolly" track (which pulls in samples of playing children for a happy atmosphere, but fades in the sound of knives to remind that danger is always around the corner), and an epic track "Duality" with Mo' Wax artist and fellow abstract pioneer DJ Shadow, where the two go off on an unprecedented journey of beats, scratches, samples and "wabisabi" that sounds like potential sequal to Shadow's "What Does Your Soul Look Like." Krush has blessed us also with liner notes this time, which are a fascinating, and in retrospect, absolutely necessary to really "understand" this album. Lyrics in English. NOTE: Sony's marketing of this one is interesting. they've put together a fine promotional video for both the CL Smooth track and the Shadow track. I'd be interested in tracking down a copy of this video if possible, but so far have no info. Also, as is common with Japanese releases, the genre of the album is printed on the spine of the release (in this case CD). Most "rap" albums are therefore labelled "rap" or "hip-hop." It strikes me as interesting that this one is simply labelled "KRUSH."
Grade: A
Artist: MELLOW YELLOW
Title: MELLOW YELLOW BABY
Publisher: File Records
Catalog #: 25FR-037D
Price: Y2500
Release: 95.7.21
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Total Time: 47:20
Track Listing: 1. INTRO 2. MELLOW YELLOW BABY (with COOL SPOON) 3. JINGLE JAM #1 4. Kirai ja Nai (produced by Mummy-D of Rhymester) 5. JINGLE JAM #2 6. Dauto 7. Nara Sore Ore Morai (produced by Mummy-D of Rhymester) 8. JINGLE JAM #3 9. IN THE ROOM 10. PIZZA & COKE (produced by Mummy-D of Rhymester) 11. SURE SHOT feat. R.I.P. Slyme (produced by Yoggy of East End) 12. OUTRO 13. C (Remix by Mummy-D of Rhymester)
Goodies: Slim jewelbox with 5 "VORTEX Records" promotional stickers.
Comments: Debut album from Funky Grammar (FG) Unit group Mellow Yellow. This 3 member (+ 1 DJ) group has gotten some attention for their long-active activity in the live scene with fellow FG members Rhymester and East End whose members have provided production support for this first album. What is appealing about these guys is their individual characters, and fine production, largely due to the talent of Rhymester's Mummy-D who provide support on a couple tracks (and most spledidly on the fat dubby sound of "Nara Sore Ore Morai"). Also, an unexpected live track with Cool Spoon is a pleasant surprise that really captures the raw, live sound of the MC's and Tokyo's funkiest live band. The characters, especially the relative sharpness of Kohei, and the voice of Kin whose style can't help but remind one of LA's Pharcyde, provide a nice sonic balance. Unfortunetaly, as with many Japanese groups, while these guys are completely convincing, they haven't gone out of their way to hone their rap skills, which can be a little too simple to be "impressive." Still, this first album is a fine first effort, and with fat smooth sounds, and laid back lyrical delivery, its a positive sign of where this group may be headed. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: B+
Artist: Various
Title: The Best of Japanese Hip Hop - Volume 2
Publisher: Nippn Crown
Catalog #: CRCP-20108
Price: Y2500
Release: 95.7.21
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Total Time: 57:58
Track Listing: 1. MC ZINGI feat, DOHZI-T, GAI - "NIGHT TRAIN" 2. DJ BEAT feat. SOUL SCREAM - "FREE WAY" 3. DJ MA$A feat. MURO - "AMEI SENSOU" 4. SAGA of K.G. (King Giddra) - "Mikakunin Hikou Buttai Sekkinchuu" 5. E-DOC - "G-FUNK LOVE" 6. OZ (Yamatsuka Eye of Boredoms) - "LAST TRIBE" 7. KRUSHNOTIZED - DJ Krush (arrange by Jupiter Project) feat. SOUL SCREAM 8. JUPITER PROJECT feat, MC ZINGI, DOHZI-T, GAI & skipp - "BAKURETSU TOSHI" 9. CRAZY-A - "STYLE WARS" 10. T-KURA - "SHAKE IT ALL RIGHT" 11. GM YO-C feat. T2-G - "LOVER'S GROOVE" 12. NU ZENRA '95 - "WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"
Goodies: Clear jewelbox with booklet with photos.
Comments: "The Best of Japanese Hip Hop" seems to be a series with a dubious existance, and whose title seems to exist only to inspire sales, or perhaps to assure its continued production. After all, major participants such as Crazy A and Zingi who lost their contracts after wack releases in 1992 and 1994 successively, haaven't had any work in a while. Its a shame they have to pose this badly just to get tracks on wax, and while this release does have a couple good tracks (notably Soul Scream's nice raps on a mediocre DJ Beat mix, and King Giddra's decent effort on track 5), the album is largely crap (albeit a far improvement over Volume 1. Particular disappointing is the weak arrangement of Krushnotized by the aforementioned Jupiter Project with raps by a slightly phased Soul Scream and weak production by DJ MA$A on track 4. Lyrics in mostly in Japanese.
Grade: C
Artist: Various
Title: Omoshiro Yukai de Natsukashiki Genban
Publisher: Minoruphone (Tokuma Japan)
Catalog #: CHOP D-040
Price: Y2800
Release: 1995
Genre: 70's Japanese Rare Groove
Total Time:
Track Listing: 1. Minoruphone Theme Song 2. Gou Tatsuya - "Aishite Aishite Toppashire" 3. Torio za Mantisu - "Anata ga Suki Suki" 4. Fuji Kenji - "Denshi no Rokku" (Dialogue) 5. The Mummies - "Boogaloo No.1" 6. Fuji Junko - Taiei Eiga "Tousei Kobore Hana" (Dialogue) 7. Ookawa Kazuya - "Tsurugame Ondo" 8. Katou Yoshirou - "Omae Onna ka ne Otoko ka ne" 9. Yamamoto Rinda - "Mini Mini De-to" 10. Yamamoto Rinda - "Tonbo no Megane" 11. Ishibashi Shirou to So-rufo- - "Koi no Shingaringu" 12. Taki Shinji - "Kemeko ga Nandai" 13. Noburaku Makoto - "Tarirariran Buru-zu" 14. Matsuzaka Reiko - Taiei Eiga "Yoru no Chinsaishitsu" (Dialogue) 15. Harenchi Gakuen Ko-rasubu - "Juubei no Konna Koto tte Aru Kashira" 16. Yamamoto Rinda - "Sekai no Kuni Kara Konnichiha" 17. Hatsumi & Hitomi - "Asobisugita Nichiyoubi" 18. Kamiyoshi Kichijirou - Takechi Toyoko - "Kamiyoshi/Toyoko no Harenchi Amore"
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with booklet with lyrics and record jacket cuts.
Comments: One of the more interesting, some might say "extreme" of recent 70's material compilations is this Minoruphone label based compilation. The included material is an interesting mix of jazz, bossa and boogaloo, with a rather large amount of dialogue clips from CMs and films of the era.
Grade: A
Artist: Various
Title: Hi-Panoramic Series - Japanese 70's Bomb - Peacock Baby
Publisher: Victor
Catalog #: VICL-5255
Price: Y3000
Release: 94.5.21
Genre: 70's Japanese Rare Groove
Total Time: 45:15
Track Listing 1. Giants - "Suke-to Yarou" 2. Fuji Yuki - "Mini Mini De-to" 3. Oohara Reiko - "Pi-kokku Beibi-" 4. Pinky Chicks - "Yopparatta Ojousan" 5. Vagabonds - "Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band" 6. Nakao Mie - "Koi no Sha-rokku" 7. Hara Toshiharu to B and B7 - "Futari de Odorou" 8. Mari Keiko to Leo Alma - "Tsuki Kage no Randebu-" 9. Matsumoto Hiroshi to Blue Nights - "Itoshi no Makkusu" 10. Honey Nights - "Love Samba" 11. Kinoshita Setsuko - "Ekizochikku Rabu" 12. Mari Keiko / Honey Nights / Moondrops - "Gojira tai Hedora" 13. Nakayama Chinatsu - "Uchuu ni Tobikome" 14. Yasuda Minami - "Ironside" (from the film soundtrack) 15. Jakki- Yoshikawa to Blue Comets - "Koi ni Kubittake" 16. Communication '72 - "Uiki Uiki Jetto"
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with booklet with lyrics and record jacket cuts.
Comments: Apparently the second disk in the "70's Bomb" rerelease section of the multi-label compilation series, "Hi-Panoramic," compiled by Komoesta Yaegashi of Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys and Soul Bossa Trio. This disk covers oddball releases from the Victor label during the 70's and matches up well with the Toshiba compilation "Docking Dance" which was published around the same time in 1994. Its a shame, but these fantastic disks may be out of print, and the series never went beyond these two releases. This one features the mysteriously stupid track "skate yarou" with classic lyrics like "totemo ikasu ze Suke-to sugata, Kawaii ano ko ha bokura no nakama" (perfect :) ), and a rare groove gem, none other then the theme to the Japanese release of the "Ironside" film. A couple tracks on this compilation aren't worth mentioning, but a large majority of this disk is makes it well worth tracking down if you can. Silly, funky, and at times, very cool. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A
Artist: Hidari Tonpei
Title: Tonpei no Hei Yuu Buru-zu
Publisher: Alfa Music
Catalog #: ALCA-5028
Price: Y1200
Release: 95.1.25
Genre: 70's Japanese Rare Groove, Soul Jazz
Total Time: 13:30
Track Listing 1. Tonpei no Hei Yuu Buru-zu 2. Toukyou tte Ii Machi da na 3. Tonpei no Sake Bitari Jinsei 4. Tsuzuki: Toukyou tte Ii Machi da na
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with foldout with lyrics and record jacket cuts.
Comments: Popular comedian "Hidari Tonpei" released this Japanese Rare Groove gem in the early 70's amidst a minor jazz funk boom in Tokyo music. Its recent rerelease and CD remastering have sold surprisingly well, surprising, even amidst the recent boom in soul jazz-style sounds and retro styles. Produced by Mickey Curtis, Tonpei doesn't sing these tracks as much as speak them, giving this rather famous EP the rather dubious honor of being one of the most cited origins of Japanese Rap (references within LB-kei rap are numerous), or at least a significant influence on a number of so-called "omoro Rap" groups. It's cute and silly, at times it has its cool moments, but a lot of it, in terms of humour, style, and context is uniquely unfitting in modern adult society and has the odd effect of alientationg the listener a bit. Lyrics mostly in Japanese.
Grade: B+
Artist: Various
Title: Hi-Panoramic Series - Tokyo Beatnicks - Victor Vol. 2
Publisher: Victor
Catalog #: VICL-5246
Price: Y2500
Release: 94.1.21
Genre: 60's Japanese R&R, Groove Pop, etc.
Total Time: 39:37
Track Listing 1. The Cupids - "She Loves You" (Beatles Cover) 2. Ken Sanders - "Eburishingu Oorai" 3. Tokyo Beatles - "Can't Buy Me Love" (Beatles Cover) 4. The Spacemen - "Hot Docking" 5. Jani-zu - "Batman Theme" (Batman TV Theme for Japanese Broadcast) 6. Ishida Ayumi - "So Long Babe" (Del Shannon Cover) 7. Hata Michiru - "Kurutta Ha-to" 8. Nakao Mie - "Namida no Shanson Nikki" (Serge Gainesbourgh Cover) 9. Itou Aiko - "Soyo Kaze ni Notte" 10. Nakao Mie - "Haro- Putifi-yu" (Beatles Cover) 11. Micchi- Sahara - "Mahha de Ikou" 12. Hirao Masafumi - "Supi-do Yarou" 13. Kamei Nobuo & Spacemen - "Checchecche" 14. Kazuhisata Ryuu - "Panchi Yarou" 15. Mita Akira - "Touch and Go" 16. Hashi Yukio - "Wakamono no Komoriuta"
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with booklet with lyrics and photos.
Comments: Volume 2 of the Victor edition of the 1960's Hi-Panoramic series of unusual Japanese music, "Tokyo Beatnicks." Unfortunately, this disk is comprised largely of cover versions of well-known western songs of the period (with no less than 3 Beatles covers), a bit of a shame, since what is so fascinating about these rereleases is that they capture the flavor and trends of Japanese youth of the period, and while the covers reflect this to a degree, no one really wants hear technically inferior versions of the classics in any language (except for Ishida Ayumi's cover of Del Shannon's "So Long Babe" and the Jani-zu version of the "Batman TV Theme," which more than give the originals a run for their money, while adding a significant amount of new flavor). The large percentage of covers may have reflected Victor's policy towards this style of music on a level where they could assure sales, even on unfamiliar genres such as rock, during a period when the label's most solid sales base was in Enka and an budding pop market. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: B-
Artist: Various
Title: Hi-Panoramic Series - Tokyo Beatnicks - Polydor Vol. 2
Publisher: Polydor
Catalog #: POCH-1332
Price: Y2500
Release: 94.3.25
Genre: 60's Japanese R&R, Groove Pop, etc.
Total Time: 46:05
Track Listing 1. Chari- Ishiguro to Toukyou Panchos - "Taiyou no Kanata he" 2. Aoyama Michi - "Taiyou no Koi Go Go" 3. Aoyama Michi - "Suteki na Anata" 4. Kashima Jun - "Sekyou no Minato" 5. Tamura Emi - "Kuroi Taiyou" 6. Kanou Shuuji - "Spy Catcher" 7. Otsuki Rie - "Sunny Boy" 8. Otsuki Rie - "Swing Girl" 9. Honey Maki - "Kimagure Angel" 10. Nishi Sennori - "Koi no Shuba" 11. The Freshmen - "Surf Jam" 12. Aoyama Michi - "Namida no Taiyou" 13. Aoyama Michi - "Yume no Chou Tokkyuu" 14. Fuji Kouichi - "Kokkyou no Kanashikiya" 15. Tamura Emi - "Tasogare no Sunahama" 16. Kazuki Sako - "Aoi Yuuhi"
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with booklet with lyrics and photos.
Comments: "Tokyo Beatnicks, the first series in the "Hi Panoramic" series organized by Komoesta Yaegashi of the Tokyo Panorama Mambo Boys, is comprised of unusual tracks from various Japanese labels during the 1960's. This particular disk, Volume 2 of the Polydor series, contains a fair number of interesting tracks, but I admit finding most of them a bit too simplistic to find them entertaining. Kitschy works like Kanou Shuuji's "Spy Catcher" are fun, but not to be taken seriously. An interesting disk, and fairly approachable for those who may have been especially for those who may be curious about some of the experiments happening in older Japanese music, but without the gut-wrenching weirdness of some of the 70's comps. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: B
Artist: Various
Title: Lupin III - Best Collection
Publisher: Columbia
Catalog #: 32C35-7902
Price: Y3008
Release: 87.3.20
Genre: Soundtrack, Pops, Oshare
Total Time: 53:19
Track Listing 1. Rupan Sansei Sono 2 - Chari- Ko-se- 2. Rupan Sansei no Te-ma - You & The Explosion Band 3. I MISS YOU BABE (Daite Rupan) - Sandra Hohn 4. Rupan Sansei Ai no Te-ma - You & The Explosion Band 5. Rupan Sansei no Te-ma - Pete Mack Junior 6. Rupan Sansei no Te-ma - Mizuki Ichirou 7. LUPIN III '79 8. Love Squall - Sandra Hohn 9. LUPIN III '80 10. LOVIN' YOU (LUCKY) - Tommy Snyder 11. LOVE IS EVERYTHING - Kimura Susumu 12. Honou no Takaramono - Bobi- 13. MANHATTAN JOKE - Kawaai Naoko 14. SONG OF BABYLON - Kawaai Naoko 15. SUPER HERO - Tommy Snyder 16. Rupan Sansei Sono 1 - Chari- Ko-hi-
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with foldout with lyrics.
Comments: During its broadcast in the 70's and the early 80's, the "Lupin the Third" series was one of the best loved animated series in Japan, and still remains popular in afternoon rebroadcasts, and in frequent feature films and specials. Along with a slick and entertaining story, with suave characters and exotic locales, the series was also known for its cool, but very cheesy soundtrack. This disk brings together the music of the show, which includes some loungy jazz stlye ballads and "hip" material and some rather mediocre material into one package. Its a pretty nice disk for a fan of the show and a prime source for sampling material but probably a bit too insipid for the average listener.
Grade: B
Artist: Shakkazombie
Title: Shakkattack
Publisher: Natural
Catalog #: NATURAL-203
Price: Y1280
Release: 95.8.25
Genre: Hip Hop
Total Time: 29:13
Track Listing 1. SHAKKATTACK - (feat. Kuro-Ovi) 2. SHAKKATTACK - (Tsutchie Mix) 3. Mugen no Space 4. SHAKKATTACK (Instrumental) 5. Mugen no Space (Instrumental) 6. SHAKKATTACK (Kubota's Groove)
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with foldout with lyrics.
Comments: This disk features two tracks and multiple remixes by Shakkazombie, a new powerhouse rap group who're bound to make waves in the local scene supported particularly by the crazy abstract lyrics and style provided primarily by their 100+ kg. frontman Osumi. The production is nicely provided via support from Kimidori member Kubota and Illicit Tsuboi (who's sure had his share of activity lately).
Grade: A-
Artist: Yotsukaidou Nature
Title: Yotsukaidou Nature
Publisher: Vortex
Catalog #: PHCL-12004
Price: Y1200
Release: 95.8.25
Genre: Hip Hop
Total Time: 13:04
Track Listing 1. Ano Shuugouchi 2. Hirari 3. Masshiro 4. Ashita Asatte
Goodies: Slim Jewelbox with foldout with lyrics and photos.
Comments: Yotsukaidou Nature have been active on the rim of the Japanese scene for several years now, much of their activity linked to the LB Nation, a group of rap groups who've come up together and includes illustrious members such as Dassen Trio, Tokyo's Number One Soul Set and Scha Dara Parr. This, their first published work is a mellowly produced and features the distinctive, slightly off-center style of member Mike Akira. The group is in good form, but just a little unchallenging, and lyricly not _particularly_ advanced.
Grade: B+
Artist: Small Circle of Friends
Title: Quiet Neighbors
Publisher: Brownswood
Catalog #: PHCL-8702
Price: Y1500
Release: 95.8.25
Genre: Hip Hop, Acid Jazz, Alternative
Total Time: 21:13
Track Listing 1. Fancy Free 2. Yume no Naka de 3. Ka-nibaru 4. A Quiet Sound
Goodies: Slim jewelbox with foldout with lyrics.
Comments: Pretty hip alternative rap styles from the UFO produced Small Circle of Friends. This group made a decent first appearance on the UFO-produced "Multidirections" compilation and followed up with a smooth first maxi-single. This second maxi-single is a nice successive step up showing off the impressive, though rather light-headed and plainly delivered lyricism, and flowing production of this rather promising group.
Grade: A-
Artist: Naohirock & Suzuki Smooth
Title: Everybody Loves Sunshine
Publisher: Natural
Catalog #: NATURAL-201
Price: Y1280
Release: 95.8.25
Genre: Hip Hop
Total Time: 28:15
Track Listing 1. Everybody Loves Sunshine 2. Everybody Loves Sunshine (King 3K Surfmix) 3. Keep Rock On 4. Everybody Loves Sunshine / Instrumental 5. Everybody Loves Sunshine / Instrumental (King 3K Surfmix) 6. Keep Rock On / Instrumental
Goodies: Standard jewelbox with foldout with lyrics.
Comments: LB Nation members Naohirock and Suzuki Smooth are the lucky ones in today's rap boom. They've got connections, and decent production, but rather limited lyrical ability. Its enough to get them an independent record deal within the current rap boom, and therefore may be the first forewarning of an upcoming glut in the market. More specifically, bland lyrics, delivered off rhythm, with a tad too much badly pronounced English Rap slang thrown in on top are classic downfalls in Japanese Rap of several years ago, and these boys are still tripping themselves in classic style. If the production wasn't as smooth as it is, and the presence of King SK (Dassen Trio) on track 2, this disk would arleady be resting comfortably in the circular file. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for their tastes, but its going to be a miracle to see these two get to a point where they can compete in the soon-to-become-competetive Japanese Rap scene.
Grade: C+
Artist: Fujiwara Hiroshi
Title: in Dub Conference
Publisher: Victor
Catalog #: VICP-23118
Price: Y2300
Release: 95.6.21
Genre: Ambient, Dub, Trip Hop
Total Time: 30:56
Track Listing 1. UNIVERSAL DUB 2. NATURAL BORN DUB 3. ICE FROM THE SKY DUB 4. CRYSTAL DUB 5. HARD BOILED DUB 6. FIVE X DUB
Goodies: Environmental sleeve with insert.
Comments: Dub project by Fujiwara and Asamoto Hirofumi. Soundscapes built up around a piano performance that sounds like it came out of a 1970's film about a Massachusetts boarding school rowing team. By track two, the dubby rhythms begin lilting in for one odd combination of sounds which blend strangely well together. Latter tracks bring in a chinese violin for another oddly effective dub combination (and yet fatter rhythms to back it up). Despite this, a large portion of this album is these instruments solo, regardless titles which declare dub. When this album is effective, its a mind-blower, however in remaining moments it frankly lags hard.
Grade: B+
Artist: El Malo
Title: Fools e.p.
Publisher: Toys Factory
Catalog #: TFCC-88058
Price: Y1800
Release: 95.4.1
Genre: Funk, Pop, Acid Jazz, Rock, Techno
Total Time: 27:27
Track Listing 1. LAUGHTER 2. PEACE TRAIN 3. FOOLS 4. DRIVE
Goodies: Environmental box with lyrics insert and sticker.
Comments: El Malo established themselves as a serious force to be reckoned with in the Japanese Acid Jazz scene in 1992 and shocked their fans with a notably wordier album with "Worst International Jetset" at the end of 1994. The inevetable conclusion was a move away from the club label Bellissima into the hands of parent label Toys Factory, and an apparent acceptance of their desire to achieve rock star status. They still doing some of the most interesting pop music in the world, but their detractors are calling them sellouts these days, and while I thought their older sound was superior to the direction they're taking recently, I quite like their new works as well, which again, are splendid pop/rock tunes unlike anything being done elsewhere, as usual, mixing multiple influences from Rock and Blues to Funk, Dub and Hip Hop, and unlike some similar attempts at such blends, they know exactly what they're doing. This e.p., which predates their third album "III" due for release in the beginning of September, is a prime example of their "new" genius. Their old flavor makes a brief cameo on a crazy bonus track tacked onto the end of track 4. Lyrics in Japanese.
Grade: A-
Artist: Omoide Hatoba
Title: Kinsei
Catalog #: MECI-28001
Genre: Alternative, Techno, Avante-Garde
Comments: Omoide Hatoba welcomes their first major release, and sixth full album to date. Long known as a Boredoms spin-off, what they're doing here really is on a unique tangeant. It might be said that they are to the Boredoms what the Jack Officers were to the Butthole surfers. Obscure as that reference may be, there are really very few ways to describe what they're doing here, and at the same time they've put together some pretty splendid "pop" songs amidst all these random experimentative meanderings. However, while the little instrumental jaunts are interesting, indeed entertaining, they don't make for a very solid album on the whole. Still, quite interesting for a drastic change of pace.
Grade: B
Artist: Tuttle & Dynamo Laboratory
Title: Dainipponkonchuuki
Catalog #: PUSCD-001
Genre: Techno, Acid Jazz, Avante-Garde
Comments: Simply put, one of the most impressive "Abstract"/Techno/Acid Jazz releases I've heard in quite some time. Layered upon leyered tracks, with complex arrangements that are effortlessly enjoyed, and have created a very "human" montage within the context of electronic music. Genius rendition of "Big Chief" is particularly notable. Ironically, this album's genius is due almost completely to Kimura Toshihiro, a humble remixer who isn't even credited as a band member. But anyone who's heard the master tapes will tell you that this album was nothing until he stepped in. This album is also notable because it is being release for Y1200, a mere 40% of the average cost of most CDs nowadays in Japan
Grade: A
Artist: Silent Poets
Title: drawing
Catalog #: TFCC-88319
Genre: Acid Jazz, Abstract
Comments: What should be the Silent Poets' fourth album is actually a remix album with an additional couple new tracks. While the presence of notables such as Palm Skin Productions, Jimmy Jay and the Sandal's Ian simmonds would normally be a welcome combination, I have to admit expecting more for this project. As usual Takemura Nobukazu's remix of "Going Home" is an incredible success, but even Palm Skin can't save "Shalom" from the grating voice of one Ranking Ann, and Jimmy Jay's new rendition of La Vie is almost weaker than the original. As a "new album" this one was a bit of a disappointment. I'd like to see this label concentrate more on putting out _new_music_ instead of trying to impress the world with its connections (via multitudes of remixes).
Grade:
Artist: Doopies
Title: Doopie Time
Catalog #: FLCF-3594
Genre: Cute Music
Comments: Yann Tomita, wielder of steel pan and transistor radio produces mysterious band "Doopies" led by the equally mysterious "Caroline Novac" (one rumour says that all the voices on this one are actually Tomita himself). One can understand why this album has been selling so well in the local HMV store (#1 for two weeks thus far). Its CUTE!!!! :) This is not an "idol pop" cuteness, however, this is pure unadulterated, unfiltered CUTENESS extract, just add water. Doopies are the remedy for a country whose appreciation for things cute is nearly religious, in an era where "idol pops" are stigmatized by a very manic, nerdy image, and the world around seems particarly devious and anarchic, this rather odd album seems almost abnormally sane.
Grade: A+
Artist: Various
Title: Multidirection 2
Catalog #: PHCL-6
Genre: Acid Jazz, Abstract
Comments: This compilation album produced by United Future Organization is the second of its series. While the first album featured only Japanese artists, this one welcomes a couple international participants including Kruder & Dorfmeister and Love TKO (strictly speaking "Cleo" is not a Japanese person). Several tracks on this one are quite good, really tops, particularly Diet Music's "Por El," Kruder & Dorfmeister's "A Tune For Us" and Jazz Brother's "Spontanaity." However, and I suppose its a matter of taste, but I find a couple of the tracks on this one a bit mediocre.
Grade: B+
Artist: Chieko Beauty
Title: Sweeter
Catalog #: JPR-2
Genre: Pop, Dub, Reggae
Comments: This EP with good ol' pop reggae vocalist Chieko Beauty actually teams her up with none other than dub legend Mad Professor for some decent backing tracks. That said, its unfortunate that her voice can't carry the tracks and the mediocre english lyricism is hard to look beyond. The tracks themselves are distinctly created by Mad Professor, but that said, one senses a bit of cutting of corners, perhaps a little less effort than is usually witnessed in his fine instrumental works. All in all, just a little disappointing EP.
Grade: C+
Artist: El Malo
Title: III
Catalog #: TFCC-88062
Genre: Rock, Alternative
Comments: El Malo's evolution in the last couple years has alienated some of their fans. According to the group themselves, they claim that their recent move to producing music with lyrics is a direction that has aided in categorizing their music, and therefore making them more accessible to listeners. Some might call this "selling out," but even within their recent works a sense of multiple influences and intense creative spirit is present, even if their approach has changed. This, their third full album has a much stronger "rock" approach than in their previous works, but as usual infleunces from rock to punk to jazz and hip hop are all present. Most importantly, within the modern pop context, their unusual sense for good hooks, solid melodies and creative arrangement makes one wonder why the public _still_ settles for mediocrity even in the face of such genius.
Grade: A-
Artist: Various Artists
Title: Akumyou
Catalog #: JPR-3
Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop
Comments: Considering the incredible talents (Rino, Twigy, Naked Artz) participating on this Hip-Hop compilation album, it should be one of the best in history. All in all though, its oddly mediocre, particularly in track production which has likely been limited for the small budget. It would be nice to see these artists operate with some more freedom, but the limitations of this label are more apparent than anything, and tracks such as one by the Rappagariya are fundamentally hopeless.
Grade: C
Artist: Buffalo Daughter
Title: Amoebae Sound System
Catalog #: BDCAR-CS0004
Genre: Alternative
Comments: This two-track ep actually stretches over 30 minutes in length, and sees Buffalo Daughter on the verge of an eminent US debut. As usual, a fine product with BD proffering up a jury-rigged version of their tribute to the Roland TB-303 which actually takes up 25 minutes of the album and is a long-time favorite of their live shows. Excellent.
Grade: A
Artist: Cool Spoon
Title: Elegant Girl's Thinking
Catalog #: TGCS-239
Genre: Acid Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop
Comments: Remix ep of "Elegant Girl's Thinking" from their second album "Two Mohicans." While the remix's on this EP are more than welcome, what's more notable than anything on this album is the Illicit Tsuboi produced "Ugly Youth Thinking" Rap version featuring Tokyo Ruffneck Foundation (TRF), members of Yotsukaidou Nature, Kimidori and Shakkazombie. Truly a classic. Also on this EP is a previously unreleased track, "1 Down 2 to Go," which is a decent edition to Cool Spoon's instrumental library.
Grade: A
Artist: Bonnie Pink
Title: Blue Jam
Catalog #: PCCA-00799
Genre: Rock, Pop, Shibuya-kei, Funk
Comments: Young vocalist Asada Kaori (AKA Bonnie Pink), after being discovered singing at her university's school festival, releases her first album produced by Ide Yasushi. However, unlike many albums with such powerhouse producers, Asada is fully responsible for her lyrics and melodies, with Ide providing only direction in arrangement. Indeed, this album is filled with Asada's own personality, which runs emotionally throughout her lyricism, expressed through a unique, soulful singing style perhaps unheard of in Japanese. Musically this one is multi-edged, with influences from 60's rock to modern funk, and a wide range of guests. Quite a solid first effort.
Grade: A
Artist: Natural Calamity
Title: Andalucian Moon
Catalog #: TFCC-88202
Genre: Mellow Rock, Instrumental
Comments: Oddly "unfunky" release from Idyllic Records (formerly Bellissima!) from Natural Calamity, a group who've earned substantial local critical acclaim and attention for their blend of mellow rock/country sounds often generalized as "nagomimono" (or "relaxing music") locally. Frankly, to my ears, this sounds like the kind of thing my mother listens to when she meditates (thats right... I grew up in California). Me, I cannot get into it, even if someone were to try and convince me that something "spiritual" is happening here I have to admit that I just don't sense the "soul" in this work. Also, as is common with Bellissima! releases, we have the common problem of mediocre English lyricism, this time by Nakanishi Toshio (Love TKO, etc., etc.) who really should know better.
Grade: B
Artist: Cornelius
Title: 69/96
Catalog #: PSCR-5420
Genre: Funk, Alternative, Rock, Shibuya-kei
Comments: Oyamada Keigo's second album as "Cornelius" is substantially "harder" than his first. Indeed this album is being labelled as his "heavy metal" album with some critics saying that it sounds like everyone from Iron Maiden, to Prince (0+>). Oyamada himself has been seen in interviews recently donning Judas Priest T-Shirts, showing the "sign of the devil" and claiming (coyly) that this hand signal will catch on as the sign of the youth from now on. To make it clear here, there's very little "metal" in this album, it is very hip, often funky, and occasionally hard, but always progressive. There is perhaps some referencing to some specific "metal classics," and sampling seems frequent, but it is definitely not metal in and of itself. The irony of this is that Japanese Oyamada fan "hipsters" are now going out to dig up mid-80's heavy metal "just because" of his references to the music have made it "kosher." (welcome to Japan).
Grade: A+
Artist: Spiritual Vibes
Title: Yawaraka na Kaze
Catalog #: TFCC-88204
Genre: Acid Jazz, Jazz, Dub
Comments: New single by Spiritual Vibes brought to the world via the new Idyllic label (formerly Bellissima!). A _decent_ track, unfortunately featuring the vocals of Kiku, whose frankly "weak" voice normally sounds almost flavorful within the context of an entire album, but far from carries a lone single. This single contains four tracks, actually the main single track plus alternate mixes including a Takemura Nobukazu produced "dub mix" which is instrumental, and alright. I have to say that I rather object to this format as well, particularly since one is essentially forced to pay Y1200 ($12US) for what really only amounts to _one_ track, never mind the remixes, which were self- produced. There's no reason, especially considering the relatively low cost packaging and lack of tracks, that this single should be nearly this expensive, even here in Japan.
Grade: C
Artist: Takemura Nobukazu
Title: Child's View REMIX
Catalog #: TFCC-88205
Genre: Acid Jazz, Techno, Jungle, Abstract
Comments: Another solid remix project from Idyllic Records (formerly Bellissima!), this time centering around tracks from Takemura Nobukazu's "Child's View" album. Remix artists include such notables as Roni Size, Cold Cut, Wagon Christ, Aphex Twin, Mad Professor, and new faces Reflection. Quite an impressive set of mixes from Dub, to Abstract, to Jungle, and back to Jazz again. Particularly impressive is Reflection who take their version of "For Tomorrow" into slight hints of Jungle, keeping the listener on edge and then effectively not delivering. The oddly straightforward, and somewhat stark mix of "Let My Fish Loose" by Aphex Twin is also notable. Quite a solid set of mixes, and all in all a decent deal within the local price context.
Grade: A-
Artist: Sugar Babe
Title: Songs
Catalog #: AMCM-44188
Genre: Pop, Rock, Jazz, "Retro"
Comments: This classic first offering from Ootaki Eikichi's Niagara label has recently witnessed a welcome reissue some 20 years later. Sugar Babe is the legendary band where Oonuki Taeko and Yamashita Tatsurou first began their professional music activity and left an incredible legacy of quality pop songs in the mid-70's. This also their first, and last album. Tracks on here are classics from one to the next, with a solid combination of groove and pop sensibility. This release also includes some previously unreleased alternate takes and live versions.
Grade: A
Artist: Various Artists
Title: Lollop Sampler
Catalog #: LRCD-001
Genre: Abstract, Acid Jazz, Techno, Dub
Comments: Oosaka label Lollop Records, said to be established by Takemura Nobukazu, has for the last couple years been releasing Acid Jazz vinyl by some extremely notable artists. '95 welcomes this label's first CD compilation "Lollop Sampler," an incredible collection of new music and styles. Artists from Takemura himself as Child's View, Kimura Takashi (remixer for recent masterpieces as Tuttle & Dynamo Laboratory) as "Filter Works" on a genius track called "LAG," DJ Matsuoka as Modern Conception, and Reflection, who were featured remixers on Takemura's recent "Child's View REMIXES" project. This compilation covers things in great style and is arguably one of the most listenable of recent such "Abstract" compilations. [Silly me, I just spotted an error. "Filter Works'" Takashi Kimura is not the remixer for Tuttle. He's another DJ/creator who came up with Takemura via "Kool Jazz Productions" sort of a jazz DJ posse in Osaka.]
Grade: A+
Artist: United Future Organization
Title: Cosmic Gypsy
Catalog #: PHCL-8703
Genre: Acid Jazz, Abstract
Comments: 4 track single release from United Future Organization featuring two new tracks and two remixes of previously released material. Particularly notable are "Cosmic Gypsy" with thick a thick percussive layer over the heavy salsa beat, with spanish guitar peaking through just the right points. Also splendid is the junglist mix of "On Est Ensemble Sans Se Parler" put together by Kruder & Dorfmeister. Incidentally, the "Paul Borg Back to the Future Mix" of "Loud Minority" sounds suspiciously like the version featured on the Talking Loud sampler.
Grade: B+
Artist: Butter Finger
Title: Play It Loud
Catalog #: 9-LDKCD
Genre: Funk, Acid Jazz
Comments: Decent first EP by local band Butter Finger. Wocka wocka guitars and humming organs remind one more of the 90's retro boom then they do the purity of the original. Its a bit unfortunate, but while these guys are technically alright, this product lacks just a little in its variety. I suppose I'd like to hear this band experiment a little more in its arrangements... go for a little more complexity than sort of just "filling out the form." Standouts might include the "Intro" which could have benefitted from a more unique ryhthm arrangement. The cover of Gil Scoot Heron's "When You Are Who You Are" is curious, a bit unfortunate as the something is horribly out of key, and the lyrics aren't perfectly pronounced.... I wanted to say something tacky like "you shouldn't call this one "play it loud"... how about "Turn It Down," but its not really as bad as all that.
Grade: B-
Artist: Audio Active and Laraaji
Title: Way Out is the Way In, The
Catalog #: ASCD26
Genre: Dub, Abstract, Techno, Avante Garde
Comments: Difficult to describe project with some really powerful tracks, and then some oddly weak tracks sort of coexisting on the same album. As is usual with Audio Active, this album features some odd, nearly Lo-Fi Ambient Dub arrangements with significant use of unusual sounds and samples that at times sound inspired by the Talking Heads of all bands. Laraaji, a spoken artist sort of introduced to the public on a large scale by Brian Eno provides spoken word accompanyment that is at times, frankly, rather shallowly mixed in. I can't help but feel this is a calculated error, however, particularly when the vocals are as clear cut as they are in later tracks. All in all, quite an unusual album.
Grade: A
Artist: Chibo Matto
Title: Chibo Matto
Catalog #: JPR-4
Genre: Alternative, Low-Fi, Rap
Comments: This female duo apparently first met and formed on stage at a New York live house in march of 1994. They've been especially well received in the alternative set, thanks largely to co-performances with the likes of Soul Coughin' and members of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, reputation grew and were quickly signed to warner. Two tracks on this EP predate their signing and were originally released on El Diablo as a 7" single, plus three tracks from private recordings. The sound is mixed, with the first two tracks being particularly hip-hop influenced. "Know Your Chicken" is distinctly low-fi alternative and the last two tracks are thick with ambience and mellow experimentative noise. Vocals are cute, with silly lyrics, sung in slightly "uncomfortable" english, but their is nothing particularly displeasing within the style. "Black Hole Sun" in particular, is a reassuring proof of their control of melody and ambient entrancing vocalisms. A band sure to make waves in the US college radio market.
Grade: A-
Artist: Various Artists
Title: Free Colors Hip Hop Underground - Hey! Young World
Catalog #: TACF-1003
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap, Dancehall
Comments: One disappointing trend of the recent Rap boom occuring in Japan is that all the record labels out their are jumping on the bandwagon to produce their own compilations, but none of them are willing to put money into necessities such as royalties and samples clearance. Thus we have a situation where there are many new Hip-Hop compilations being released lately, but the production values on most of them have suffered considerably. As strong as some of the participants on this album should be representing, it is limitations such as this which have created conditions where the product will go in no other direction but mediocrity. This album includes powerhouses such as Twigy (with DJ Shu of CL Massive) who represent fairly well, Naked Artz (with an "unobtrusive" track), GK Maryan feat. Kaminari (with a surprisingly mediocre track), female duo Section S posing, LB members Three One Lengs and dancehaller Chappie.
Grade: C+
Artist: Kaseki Saidaa
Title: Kaseki Saidaa
Catalog #: NATURAL-204(8704-P)
Genre: Rap, Alternative, Acid Jazz
Comments: A fantastic, pleasant experience somewhere between the sound of XTC and recent Tokyo No.1 Soul Set product, Kaseki Saida- has created an incredible album. While this is more like to thrill fans of mondo and alternative than your hard-core Rap fan, its plain to anyone who gives a listen that this guy is a major creative force with a splendid sense for creating a sound which is pure jolly bliss with frolicking lyricism and simple unalderated groove. This one is loooovely.
Grade: A+
Artist: Saho
Title: Flaming Girl
Catalog #: ESCB-3017
Genre: Alternative, Abstract
Comments: Splendid coproduct of female vocalist Saho and the instrumental genius of Buffalo Daughter come together for this fantastic EP. Influences from Ambient, to Blues, Hip Hop, Rock and all over the modern musical spectrum coexist seemlessly in the mix, with the Saho's confident vocal's playing lead. As good as her vocals are however, the real stars of this EP are Buffalo Daughter, who, as usual, are producing a truly fascinating aural gumbo so thick in flavor that does no less than set the mind spinning.
Grade: A+
Artist: Scha Dara Parr
Title: Cycle Hits - Remix Best Collection
Catalog #: KSC2 134
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop, Noise
Comments: This solid collection of remixes of Ki/oon Sony-era Scha Dara Parr tracks is actually a minor source of concern for some in Japanese Hip-Hop. Let's just say that the line-up of remixers is absolutely top-notch, with a wide range of representation in various genres. The controversy surrounds five NY remix producer's: DJ Premier, Buck-wild, GJ Milo, No I.D. and Pete Rock who are reported to have been paid gargantuan amounts of money with no negotiation, no argument. This becomes a grave issue in the young Japanese Hip-Hop movement as young artists desire more and more such international cooperation, but won't be able to avoid the image that Japanese have so much money that they don't know what to do with, within a local industry which has decided that local rap is worth producing, but isn't worth "investing in." How is the album? Terrific, really... except that all the material predates their Toshiba EMI album work, one can't complain with all these fantastic remix talents involved: Oyamada Keigo (Cornelius), Buffalo Daughter, DJ Premier, Kaneko Asuka, DJ Milo, DJ Bari"K"-n, Buck Wild, Illicit Tsuboi, NO I.D., Pete Rock, Bouryoku Onsen Geisha, and Takagi Kan with KUDO.
Grade: A
Artist: Dassen Three
Title: XXX Japan
Catalog #: ESCB 1704
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Comments: With four tracks co-produced by Beastie Boys engineer Mario Caldato Jr., guest appearances by Adam Horowitz and Mark Nishita, this album may sound like some to be a Beastie Boys rip-off. To me it goes way beyond that, with sharp social criticism, a strong sense of the inane and alot less of the B-Boy posings. Another album strong on the whole, with little to offer in the way of "single material."
Grade: A+
Artist: King Giddra
Title: Sora Kara no Chikara
Catalog #: PCD-1768
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Comments: A strong first release from local underground favorites, King Giddra. While the group shone its best when they were performing regularly with 3 MCs up til last year, Zeebra and K-Dub Shine manage to carry their recent stuff through with variety and skills on a platter. Music tracks produced by Zeebra are also very tight, unfortunately though, there is a slight lack of depth in the mix, and no particularly "incredible," distinctive hooks. Underground favorites are reborn on this album, with "Mimawasou" "Ousouji" and the title track coming down particularly strong.
Grade: A-
Artist: Lamp Eye
Title: "Shougen" (CD)
Catalog #: PSCR-5547
Comments: Longtime underground Hip Hop group "Lamp Eye" and the Kaminari crew have been pretty much leading the underground Japanese Hip Hop scene for the last three years, and their "representative" track, "Shougen" had remained unpublished and sorely sought until it was first released on limited vinyl in mid-96. Here we are in Winter 96 and the vinyl version has seen three pressings, and has now become a CD with national distribution. All that said, Polystar's involvement in this release appears to be that of the dubious distributor, and while the band retains rights to their works, advertising is limited to a low-budget video self-produced by the band, and word of mouth on the streets. The title track is THA BOMB really, and while simple in execution, contains the best performance of 7 of Japan's best MCs (Rino, You The Rock, GK Maryan, Zeebra, Twigy, Gama and Dev-Large) and a rolling beat topped by a chugging piano loop brought to you by DJ Yas. I won't even go into the importance of this single tune to the local scene suffice to say that alot of kids out here have been feinding for this song for a LONG time, and its now available to the masses. This IS just an EP, though, and the remaining tracks, "Dai2Sen" (The Second Battle), and "Manhole" are by Rino and Gama doing their respective solos in good form. I still say that Rino is Japan's most talented MC, but Gama has shown in recent days that "style," even a tripped out style like he weilds, can make one a contender. A hidden track on the CD contains a possibly superior remix of "Dai2Sen" also by DJ Yas. (These new tracks formerly unavailable on vinyl MAY BE made available on a new pressing in early 1997)
Comments:
zero_mag@cyborg.or.jp 
Ben List* - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ! 
(Editors note: Ben has now (1997 Sept. 1) left Ludens 
               and is now a freelancer.)

2-38-4-202 Kitazawa
Setagaya-ku Tokyo-to
155-0031 JAPAN
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