2020s 200 Items

Percussionist Pecker came to Jamaica in 1980 to reissue the Japanese DUB original work he created with The Wailers and Sly & Robbie!

Pecker Power, Japan's first dub album, was produced in 1980 by Pecker, a percussionist who created Japan's first salsa band, Orquesta del Sol. This stateless dub sound was born from sessions with The Wailers at Bob Marley's studio ``tuff Gong'' and sessions with Sly and Robbie at ``channel One'' and was titled ``21st Century Dub.'' A strange masterpiece that was distributed in the United States in 1987 and has since become known all over the world.

■Japanese dub originator Dub, which originated in Jamaica, was adopted by British rock bands such as The Clash and the Rolling Stones in 1980. Pecker produced this dub work around the same time. By the way, Mute Beat, known as Japan's first dub band, started their activities in 1982. This shows how advanced this work is.

■Authentic dub session This work is based on a session with The Wailers at the ``tuff Gong'' studio and a session with Sly & Robbie at the ``channel One'' studio. The former includes the rhythm section of the Barrett brothers from Aston and Carlton, Marcia Griffiths from I-3, Judy Mowat, and other fierce performers who supported Bob Marley's golden age. The latter was gaining momentum and popularity at the time, featuring an ironclad rhythm section of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, who were still in their 20s, and Augustus Pablo on piano. Additionally, Rico Rodriguez, the trombonist from The Specials, flew in from Berlin for both sessions. The two teams, who viewed each other as rivals at the time, competed with their high-potential performances, resulting in a miraculous recording that brought out their best performance.

■Started as a sequel to Katsumi Watanabe's album "kylyn" Initially, the plan was to record in New York as the second part of the ``kylyn'' session, but the core members, Kazumi Watanabe and Ryuichi Sakamoto, became busy, so the plan was changed to Jamaica recording as Pecker's solo work. In addition to Pecker, Minako Yoshida and Naoya Matsuoka will be traveling to Jamaica. The legendary session mentioned above was held. After returning to Japan, Kenji Omura's guitar was overdubbed at Columbia Studios.

■World-recognized DUB from Tokyo The album ``Pecker Power'' (released on July 25, 1980) and the 10-inch album ``Instant Rasta'' (released on September 25, 1980) that were completed in this way received high praise in some quarters, but their content was timeless. Perhaps because we were too proactive, it did not lead to sales. However, in 1987, a cassette was released under the title ``21st Century Dub'' by the New York label ``roir'', and the unique, stateless DUB received high praise. It was later released on CD in 1999 and became known to DUB enthusiasts around the world.

■Recording location Channel ONE session (Sly & Robbie): Track.A1, A3, B2, B4 Tuff Gong session (The Wailers): Track. A5, B1, B3 Tokyo session：Track. A2, A4

■Musicians Pecker, Minako Yoshida, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Aston Barrett, Carlton Barrett, Augustus Pablo, Rico Rodriguez, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowat, Kenji Omura

Love Deluxe is the fourth studio album by the British band Sade, released on October 26, 1992. The album is widely regarded as one of the band’s most critically acclaimed works, featuring a smooth, soulful blend of R&B, jazz, and sophisti-pop, with lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and introspection. Fronted by the captivating vocals of Sade Adu, the band created an atmospheric, emotionally rich album that remains one of their signature works.

Love Deluxe marked a return after a four-year hiatus following their previous album, Stronger Than Pride (1988). The band continued to refine their signature smooth, sensual sound while introducing new elements, such as more pronounced soul and trip-hop influences.
The album was both a commercial and critical success, peaking at #3 on the US Billboard 200 and earning platinum certifications in multiple countries. Its success solidified Sade's position as one of the most important and enduring acts in contemporary music.
Lyrically, the album revolves around themes of love in all its forms—romantic, painful, and self-reflective. It balances deep vulnerability with strength, as Sade Adu's mesmerizing voice delivers the poetic lyrics with grace and subtlety.

The album combines elements of smooth jazz, soul, R&B, and ambient music, creating a lush and atmospheric soundscape.
The production is minimalist yet sophisticated, with the band opting for understated instrumentation that allows Sade Adu’s vocals to take center stage. The music is moody and introspective, often using spare arrangements to highlight emotion.
There are hints of early trip-hop in some of the tracks, with slower beats and a focus on deep bass and textured sound design, particularly in songs like "Feel No Pain."

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"No Ordinary Love" – One of Sade’s most iconic songs, this track features a mesmerizing bassline, lush synths, and Sade’s haunting vocals. The song explores the pain and intensity of unrequited love. Its atmospheric production and emotional depth made it one of the standout singles from the album.
"Feel No Pain" – A politically charged track, this song addresses themes of poverty and social struggle, reflecting on the effects of unemployment and hardship on families. It features a groovy bassline and more prominent use of percussion, adding a subtle funk influence to the smooth jazz sound.
"Kiss of Life" – A breezy, upbeat song compared to some of the darker tracks on the album, "Kiss of Life" is a love song that feels light and joyful. The smooth, soulful arrangement and optimistic lyrics make it one of the most uplifting moments on the album.
"Cherish the Day" – A standout track known for its hypnotic guitar riff and understated groove. This song is both romantic and meditative, with Sade’s voice soaring above the dreamy instrumental backdrop, expressing devotion and love.
"Bullet Proof Soul" – One of the more emotionally complex tracks on the album, "Bullet Proof Soul" reflects on the aftermath of heartbreak and the armor people build to protect themselves from further pain. The song’s slow, sultry rhythm and melancholic lyrics add to its emotional weight.
"Pearls" – A powerful, introspective ballad that takes on a more global perspective, dealing with the suffering of women in the developing world. Sade Adu’s voice is filled with emotion as she reflects on themes of sacrifice and hardship. The sparse arrangement, featuring strings and soft percussion, complements the poignancy of the lyrics.
"Like a Tattoo" – This track is a quiet, intimate ballad that deals with memory, regret, and the lasting impact of love. The acoustic guitar and Sade’s delicate vocals give the song a fragile yet beautiful quality.

Love and Heartbreak: Many of the songs, such as "No Ordinary Love" and "Cherish the Day," explore the complexities of romantic relationships, touching on themes of devotion, longing, and heartbreak. The lyrics often reflect on love’s power to both uplift and wound.
Resilience and Strength: Tracks like "Bullet Proof Soul" and "Feel No Pain" delve into themes of emotional resilience and survival, both on a personal level (in love and heartbreak) and in the face of societal struggles like poverty.
Global and Social Concerns: "Feel No Pain" and "Pearls" reflect on broader social issues, such as economic inequality and global suffering, adding a layer of socio-political consciousness to the album.
Production and Sound:
The production on Love Deluxe is both sophisticated and restrained. Stuart Matthewman (guitar, saxophone), Paul S. Denman (bass), and Andrew Hale (keyboards) work together to create a cohesive sound that relies on subtle, detailed arrangements.
The use of space in the production is key to the album’s atmosphere. The arrangements are minimal, allowing Sade’s voice to carry much of the emotional weight. This approach highlights the introspective nature of the songs and gives them a cinematic quality.
The instrumentation features a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, often layering guitars, bass, and keyboards to create lush textures. There is also a strong emphasis on rhythm, with percussive elements adding depth to the slower, groove-based tracks.

Upon release, Love Deluxe received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its emotional depth, elegant production, and Sade Adu’s vocal performance. The album’s timeless quality has made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
It was lauded for continuing to push the boundaries of sophisti-pop and smooth jazz, blending these genres with elements of trip-hop, R&B, and world music.
The album was commercially successful, selling millions of copies worldwide, and it has since been recognized as one of Sade’s best works. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Legacy and Impact:
Love Deluxe remains one of Sade’s most iconic albums, with tracks like "No Ordinary Love" and "Cherish the Day" becoming staples in their live performances and enduring as fan favorites.
The album’s influence extends beyond the soul and R&B genres, with artists in neo-soul and alternative R&B citing it as an inspiration. The album’s minimalist production, emphasis on mood and texture, and themes of emotional complexity have influenced a generation of artists, including Maxwell, D'Angelo, and The Weeknd.
"No Ordinary Love" has been covered and remixed by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its place in popular culture.

Love Deluxe is a beautifully crafted album that captures Sade at the peak of their creative powers. Its blend of sensuality, introspection, and sophistication makes it one of the defining albums of the early 1990s. With its timeless themes of love and resilience, the album continues to resonate with listeners today and remains a cornerstone in Sade’s illustrious career.

Cover with seam split on spine