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Japanese pressing. Promo copy. Tiny wear, few scuffs.

Japanese pressing. Promo copy.

Japanese pressing. Promo copy. With OBI and insert. Cover and vinyl are very close to NM. With poster.

On Retinae' was released in 1989 by Dip in the Pool, which has been re-discovered from around the world, as proven by a reissue of the album from an overseas labels two years ago. This has been a long-awaited reissue! In addition to Masyako Koda and Tatsushi Kimura, members of MARIAH, Yasuaki Shimizu, etc. participated in this work through the album. The genre of New Wave, Ambient alone can not be stopped, the present has caught up with the style that was ahead of its time. Listen to this masterpiece now!

Midori Hara’s 2nd album. A masterpiece of 80s urban pop with mellow grooves. First class session musicians such as Hiroshi Sato (p), Kenji Takamizu (b), Shuichi Murakami (ds), and Masahiro Ikumi (g) participate.

* Originally released in 1981 * Pressed on Yellow Vinyl * Featuring Kenji Iwakura, Kenji Omura, Jun Aoyama + more! Released in 1981. The long-awaited reissue due to the re-evaluation of the city pop boom in recent years is now available on color vinyl! With Kenji Iwakura, Kenji Omura, Jun Aoyama, and other gorgeous members, the album faithfully reproduces the West Coast sound that was popular at the time, and also writes the lyrics himself. A work that can be heard without discomfort even in the current scene with a straight singing voice that has molted into an adult.

Kazuo Shiina, Hiroyuki Namba, Yoshihiro Naruse, Akira Inoue and other skilled musicians participated in Takako Mamiya's only album released in 1982, a masterpiece representing 80's city pop, on clear sky blue vinyl. Limited re-release!

Limited to 500 copies, worldwide, exclusively available at HHV. The latest chapter in the acclaimed Pacific Breeze series!

Artwork by renowned illustrator Hiroshi Nagai

Compiled by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark “Frosty” McNeill (dublab)

Newly remastered audio

2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with full color inner sleeves and custom die-cut OBI

Extensive artist bios by Yosuke Kitazawa

Digital mockups are not an exact representation of colors

Light in the Attic’s Pacific Breeze series has supplied the world’s growing legions of Japanese music fans with an expertly curated selection of the most sought-after City Pop recordings—the mesmerizing and nebulous genre of Japanese bubble-era music of the ‘70s-’80s that encompasses AOR, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, boogie and disco. These familiar sounds are spun through the unique lens of optimistic, cosmopolitan fantasy colored by Japan’s affluence at the time. Much of the music has previously been nearly impossible to acquire outside of Japan and continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of groove-laden escapism, even birthing wholly new genres such as Vaporwave.

Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987 marks the latest chapter in the famed series and features holy grails plus under-the-radar rarities. The collection bursts at the seams to reveal some of the greatest Japanese tracks ever laid to tape, pushing towards the edge of City Pop to reveal glimmers of the next waves of styles to spring forth from the country’s creative minds. The appearance of Pizzicato Five hint at the emergence of Shibuya-kei while the influence of hip hop and electro as an emerging global trend are also evident here through the prevalence of heavier programmed drum beats on tracks such as “Heartbeat” by Miho Fujiwara.

This volume of Pacific Breeze, like its predecessors, is a female-forward offering, with many tracks being voiced by women who would become household names in Japan as actresses and pop idols. Their songs here subvert the norm and brim with an innovative spirit that shatters gender roles in favor of sonic transcendence. Techno-pop classics from Susan, Miharu Koshi and Chiemi Manabe sit alongside sublime funk from Atsuko Nina and Naomi Akimoto, while Teresa Noda slides into the mix with a sultry reggae jam. The genre span is stretched wider with hypnotic jazz fusion by Parachute and Hiroyuki Namba, a synthesizer fantasy from Osamu Shoji, and magnetic pop by Makoto Matsushita and Chu Kosaka.

Although not front and center, the visionary members of Yellow Magic Orchestra are still very present on Pacific Breeze 3, with Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi taking up producer and musician roles on many of these tracks. Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

Originally released in 1980 Limited edition 180g vinyl Pressed on black vinyl Ride on Time is the fifth studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, released by Air/rvc in 1980. This record includes everything from up-tempo songs to ballads, making it an absolute masterpiece beloved by many.

Japanese pressing. With OBI and insert. Tiny wear. few scuffs.

Yukako Hayase’s 1988 debut album, “mizu to tsuchi”, is now being reissued for the first time ever! Hayase made a name for herself with her ennui, whisper voice along with her famous cover by Yuko Ando. Several artists have cited Hayase as an influence on their work, including Kahimi Karie. The record is made up of 7 songs, amounting to approximately 30 minutes of excellent pop music.

Japanese pressing with OBI and inserts. close to NM

* The latest chapter in the acclaimed Pacific Breeze series! * Artwork by renowned illustrator Hiroshi Nagai * Compiled by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark “Frosty” McNeill (dublab) * Newly remastered audio * 2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with full color inner sleeves and custom die-cut OBI * Extensive artist bios by Yosuke Kitazawa * Digital mockups are not an exact representation of colors * Available in two vinyl variants: Pink or Black Vinyl

Light in the Attic’s Pacific Breeze series has supplied the world’s growing legions of Japanese music fans with an expertly curated selection of the most sought-after City Pop recordings—the mesmerizing and nebulous genre of Japanese bubble-era music of the ‘70s-’80s that encompasses AOR, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, boogie and disco. These familiar sounds are spun through the unique lens of optimistic, cosmopolitan fantasy colored by Japan’s affluence at the time. Much of the music has previously been nearly impossible to acquire outside of Japan and continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of groove-laden escapism, even birthing wholly new genres such as Vaporwave.

Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987 marks the latest chapter in the famed series and features holy grails plus under-the-radar rarities. The collection bursts at the seams to reveal some of the greatest Japanese tracks ever laid to tape, pushing towards the edge of City Pop to reveal glimmers of the next waves of styles to spring forth from the country’s creative minds. The appearance of Pizzicato Five hint at the emergence of Shibuya-kei while the influence of hip hop and electro as an emerging global trend are also evident here through the prevalence of heavier programmed drum beats on tracks such as “Heartbeat” by Miho Fujiwara.

This volume of Pacific Breeze, like its predecessors, is a female-forward offering with many tracks being voiced by women who would become household names in Japan as actresses and pop idols. Their songs here subvert the norm and brim with an innovative spirit that shatters gender roles in favor of sonic transcendence. Techno-pop classics from Susan, Miharu Koshi and Chiemi Manabe sit alongside sublime funk from Atsuko Nina and Naomi Akimoto while Teresa Noda slides into the mix with a sultry reggae jam. The genre span is stretched wider with hypnotic jazz fusion by Parachute and Hiroyuki Namba, a synthesizer fantasy from Osamu Shoji, and magnetic pop by Makoto Matsushita and Chu Kosaka.

Although not front and center, the visionary members of Yellow Magic Orchestra are still very present on Pacific Breeze 3, with Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi taking up producer and musician roles on many of these tracks. Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

* The latest chapter in the acclaimed Pacific Breeze series! * Artwork by renowned illustrator Hiroshi Nagai * Compiled by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark “Frosty” McNeill (dublab) * Newly remastered audio * 2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with full color inner sleeves and custom die-cut OBI * Extensive artist bios by Yosuke Kitazawa * Digital mockups are not an exact representation of colors

Light in the Attic’s Pacific Breeze series has supplied the world’s growing legions of Japanese music fans with an expertly curated selection of the most sought-after City Pop recordings—the mesmerizing and nebulous genre of Japanese bubble-era music of the ‘70s-’80s that encompasses AOR, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, boogie and disco. These familiar sounds are spun through the unique lens of optimistic, cosmopolitan fantasy colored by Japan’s affluence at the time. Much of the music has previously been nearly impossible to acquire outside of Japan and continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of groove-laden escapism, even birthing wholly new genres such as Vaporwave.

Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987 marks the latest chapter in the famed series and features holy grails plus under-the-radar rarities. The collection bursts at the seams to reveal some of the greatest Japanese tracks ever laid to tape, pushing towards the edge of City Pop to reveal glimmers of the next waves of styles to spring forth from the country’s creative minds. The appearance of Pizzicato Five hint at the emergence of Shibuya-kei while the influence of hip hop and electro as an emerging global trend are also evident here through the prevalence of heavier programmed drum beats on tracks such as “Heartbeat” by Miho Fujiwara.

This volume of Pacific Breeze, like its predecessors, is a female-forward offering with many tracks being voiced by women who would become household names in Japan as actresses and pop idols. Their songs here subvert the norm and brim with an innovative spirit that shatters gender roles in favor of sonic transcendence. Techno-pop classics from Susan, Miharu Koshi and Chiemi Manabe sit alongside sublime funk from Atsuko Nina and Naomi Akimoto while Teresa Noda slides into the mix with a sultry reggae jam. The genre span is stretched wider with hypnotic jazz fusion by Parachute and Hiroyuki Namba, a synthesizer fantasy from Osamu Shoji, and magnetic pop by Makoto Matsushita and Chu Kosaka.

Although not front and center, the visionary members of Yellow Magic Orchestra are still very present on Pacific Breeze 3, with Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi taking up producer and musician roles on many of these tracks. Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

• Cover art by famed artist Hiroshi Nagai
• Extensive liner notes and bios
• Compiled by Andy Cabic (Vetiver), Zach Cowie (DJ & music supervisor) and Mark “Frosty” McNeill (dublab)
• 2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with over sized fold-out booklet, full color printed inner sleeves, and custom die-cut obi card
• Remastered audio

Pacific Breeze documents Japan’s blast into the stratosphere. By the 1960s, the nation had achieved a postwar miracle, soaring to become the world’s second largest economy. Thriving tech exports sent The Rising Sun over the moon. Its pocket cassette players, bleeping video games, and gleaming cars boomed worldwide, wooing pleasure points and pumping Japanese pockets full of yen.

Japan’s financial buoyancy also permeated its popular culture, birthing an audio analog called City Pop. This new sound arose in the mid ’70s and ruled through the ’80s, channeling the country’s contemporary psyche. It was sophisticated music mirroring Japan’s punch-drunk prosperity. City Pop epitomized the era, providing a soundtrack for emerging urbanites. An optimistic spirit buzzed through the music in neon-bathed, gauzy tableaus coated with groove-heavy strokes.

Pacific Breeze is an expertly compiled collection of choice cuts that range from silky smooth grooves to innovative techno pop bangers and everything in between. Long-revered by crate diggers and adventurous music heads, this music has never been released outside of Japan until now. Including key artists like Taeko Ohnuki and Minako Yoshida, as well as cult favorites Hitomi Tohyama and Hiroshi Sato, the long-awaited release also features newly commissioned cover painting by Tokyo-based artist Hiroshi Nagai, whose iconic images of resort living have graced the covers of many classic City Pop albums of the 1980s.

Many of the key City Pop players evolved from the Japanese New Music scene of the early ’70s, as heard on Light In The Attic’s acclaimed Even a Tree Can Shed Tears: Japanese Folk & Rock 1969-1973, the first release of the ongoing Japan Archival Series. In fact, you could say City Pop set sail with a champagne smash from Happy End, the freakishly talented subversives who included amongst their ranks Haruomi Hosono and Shigeru Suzuki, both featured on this compilation. As Michael K. Bourdaghs noted in his book, Sayonara Amerika, Sayonara Nippon, this music was, “Deconstructing the line between imitation and authenticity.” Some of the best City Pop teeters in this zone—easy listening with mutant exotica, tilted techno-pop, and steamy boogie bubbling beneath the gloss.

* The latest chapter in the acclaimed Pacific Breeze series! * Artwork by renowned illustrator Hiroshi Nagai * Compiled by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark “Frosty” McNeill (dublab) * Newly remastered audio * 2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with full color inner sleeves and custom die-cut OBI * Extensive artist bios by Yosuke Kitazawa * Digital mockups are not an exact representation of colors * Available in two vinyl variants: Pink or Black Vinyl

Light in the Attic’s Pacific Breeze series has supplied the world’s growing legions of Japanese music fans with an expertly curated selection of the most sought-after City Pop recordings—the mesmerizing and nebulous genre of Japanese bubble-era music of the ‘70s-’80s that encompasses AOR, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, boogie and disco. These familiar sounds are spun through the unique lens of optimistic, cosmopolitan fantasy colored by Japan’s affluence at the time. Much of the music has previously been nearly impossible to acquire outside of Japan and continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of groove-laden escapism, even birthing wholly new genres such as Vaporwave.

Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987 marks the latest chapter in the famed series and features holy grails plus under-the-radar rarities. The collection bursts at the seams to reveal some of the greatest Japanese tracks ever laid to tape, pushing towards the edge of City Pop to reveal glimmers of the next waves of styles to spring forth from the country’s creative minds. The appearance of Pizzicato Five hint at the emergence of Shibuya-kei while the influence of hip hop and electro as an emerging global trend are also evident here through the prevalence of heavier programmed drum beats on tracks such as “Heartbeat” by Miho Fujiwara.

This volume of Pacific Breeze, like its predecessors, is a female-forward offering with many tracks being voiced by women who would become household names in Japan as actresses and pop idols. Their songs here subvert the norm and brim with an innovative spirit that shatters gender roles in favor of sonic transcendence. Techno-pop classics from Susan, Miharu Koshi and Chiemi Manabe sit alongside sublime funk from Atsuko Nina and Naomi Akimoto while Teresa Noda slides into the mix with a sultry reggae jam. The genre span is stretched wider with hypnotic jazz fusion by Parachute and Hiroyuki Namba, a synthesizer fantasy from Osamu Shoji, and magnetic pop by Makoto Matsushita and Chu Kosaka.

Although not front and center, the visionary members of Yellow Magic Orchestra are still very present on Pacific Breeze 3, with Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi taking up producer and musician roles on many of these tracks. Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

A 2-disc set of the best albums released in 1983, including songs that appeared for the first time and were released on an album for the first time, such as "Love is Magic", a duet with Yoshinori Monta, and "A Love Affair", which was released as a commercial song for Clarion. Limited re-release on vinyl!

The 10th original album, "CRIMSON," includes the famous songs "Eki" and "OH NO, OH YES!" This luxurious album was completed with five songs each provided by two female musicians, Mariya Takeuchi and Akiko Kobayashi.

The second single collection features all 10 singles from the 14th single "desire - Jounetsu -" (winner of the 28th Japan Record Award) to the 22nd single "I Missed 'the Shock'" (including "Nonfiction Ecstasy" released as a single cassette). This best album was simultaneously released on December 24, 1988, in three formats—LP, cassette tape, and CD—each with a different cover photo pose.

The debut single collection, featuring all 13 singles from "Slow Motion" to the 13th single "SOLITUDE," includes a total of 13 tracks. This best album was simultaneously released in three formats—LP, cassette tape, and CD—on April 1, 1986.

Released in 1983, Fujimaru Yoshino's 2nd album 'romantic Guys' is the long-awaited first reissue!

This record is a masterpiece of city pop, backed by gorgeous overseas musicians such as Ab's members Makoto Matsushita, Naoki Watanabe, Atsuo Okamoto, Robben Ford, Nathan East, and Mike Baird. The album features nine tracks, including, 'Natsu no Onna', as well as a cover of the famous Shogun-era song, 'You're The One'.

"The long-awaited first album ""Nelson Magic"" by Nelson Super Project, a super band of nine gorgeous musicians who were indispensable for the tours of Tatsuro Yamashita and Mariya Takeuchi, has been released on analog for the first time!

Nelson Super Project is a super band of nine gorgeous musicians who gathered as the backing band for Tatsuro Yamashita's live tour ""Tatsuro Yamashita Performance '98-'99"" in 1998. Their debut album released in 2002 has been released on analog for the first time!

Nelson Super Project member profile Hidefumi Toki (Sax) A leading figure in the Japanese jazz world, he has played countless sessions with bands such as Chicken Shack. He is also the father of Asako Toki.

Yasuhiro Mitani (Vo) After debuting as a keyboardist for Stardust Revue 14 years ago, he left the band and has since been performing solo and in sessions.

Kumi Sasaki (Organ, Vo) Debuted with Masaki Ueda's band, playing organ and chorus. His chorus arrangements are the best in the world.

Yurie Kokubu (Vo) His duet with Toshiki Kadomatsu was a big hit, and he has been active as a solo artist ever since. He also wrote the lyrics for Miho Nakayama's million-selling hit.

Jun Aoyama (Dr) He dominated the music world as the most popular drummer in the studio during the 80s and 90s. He was also a member of Prism and Square.

Koki Ito (B) A versatile bass player who is indispensable to Tatsuro Yamashita.

Yoshiyuki Sahashi (G) A member of Yamagen, a session guitarist who was indispensable to J-pop in the 90s. His wife is Takako Matsu.

Toru Shigemi (Key) He has been active as a session musician since the early 80s. He is currently the band leader of MISIA's band.

Hiroyuki Namba (Key) Debuted with Mari Kaneko & Bugs Bunny. Although he is a leading figure in progressive rock, he is also active in a wide range of genres, covering all genres."

Japanese pressing. With OBI and insert.

Japanese pressing. OBI is missing.

Japanese pressing without OBI!

The 4th album "next DOOR," released in 1983 and heavily influenced by early 80s American pop, will be reissued as a limited edition on clear green vinyl. This city pop album exudes an urban atmosphere throughout.

Japanese pressing. 1983 reissue. Without OBI. vinyl has some slight scuffs. cover is close to NM

Japanese pressing. OBI is missing. close to NM. 1982 reissue.

More Relax', the fourth album released in 1984 by Aran Tomoko, which is currently the talk of the town after being sampled by The Weeknd, is being reissued in analog for the first time!

Arranged by Minoru Mukaiya, the performance team includes Tetsuo Sakurai, Akira Jinbo, and other members of Cassiopeia at the time, as well as Makoto Matsushita. This is a long-awaited reissue, as the price has skyrocketed on the used market.

Released in 1989, Mari Iijima's 7th album MY Heart IN RED is being reissued for the first time!

Recorded in Los Angeles at the time, the album features top players from the Toto area and Jerry Hey Horns Session from Seawind.

Cut on the latest remastered 96k24bit sound source in 2022, officially certified by the man himself.

To celebrate Christmas Eve’s 40th years anniversary, originally released in 1984, it will be released on 12-inch analog record. On side B, the different version of White Christmas will be recorded.

Japanese pressing without OBI, but with insert. Vinyl close to VG+

THE First Ever International Release OF Ryuichi Sakamoto's Landmark 1984 Album "ongaku Zukan" IN ITS TWO Rare Japanese Versions (normal AND Limited Edition).
Featuring Remastered Audio With Bonus Tracks, Original Gatefold Artwork AND NEW Liner Notes BY Andy Beta.

Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the release of Ryuichi Sakamoto's classic LP "Ongaku Zukan", originally issued in Japan on his own School label in 1984.
The reissue will replicate the original Japanese release which offered two versions: a normal edition featuring the LP with a bonus 2-track 7" EP (wwslp71), and a limited edition which includes a 3-track 12" EP in place of the 7" (wwslp72)
Remastered by Saidera Mastering in Tokyo the reissue boasts the original gatefold artwork plus an extra 2-page insert with new liner notes by Andy Beta

The early '80s were a turning point for Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. As a solo artist, the smash hit soundtrack he had composed for 1983's "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" (a film in which he had also acted), had put him on the verge of becoming a global superstar. Meanwhile he had called a halt to his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra; the influential, globally successful pop trio calling it quits after the release of their 1983 album "Naughty Boys".
Against this backdrop, Sakamoto descended on Tokyo's Onkyo Haus Studio to record his fourth solo album, "Ongaku Zukan" ("Musical Encyclopedia") accompanied by a handful of musicians including his ex-YMO partners Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, and the prolifically talented Yasuaki Shimizu, Tatsuro Yamashita and Toshinori Kondo. Sakamoto began with no particular plan in mind, recording 30 basic tracks over the best part of 1983. It was on his return to the studio the following year that the album truly began to take shape. Accompanied by a newly acquired Fairlight CMI sampler, the musician made extensive use of the revolutionary equipment to create a wide palette of sound textures which he added to the tracks, a creatively fertile process that was captured on film for the French documentary "Tokyo Melody, A Film about Ryuichi Sakamoto".)
Released in August 1984 the album "Ongaku Zukan" proved a huge success, providing Sakamoto with his first top 5 hit in Japan. Filled with inspired melodies that showcase his unique gift as a composer, it offers up a fascinating mix of styles. Asiatic electro pop nuggets ("Tibetan Dance") share space with futuristic ambient pieces ("Hane no Hayashi de"), and brilliantly creative fusions of jazz, funk, techno and reggae ("Etude" and "Tabi no Kyokuhoki.")
Two simultaneous editions of the album were released in Japan: the regular one featuring a bonus 7" EP with two extra tracks: "Replica" and "Ma Mère l'Oye" while a limited edition added a 12" EP (in lieu of the 7") which included a third track, "Tibetan Dance (Version)." An international version was released two years later in 1986 by 10 Records/Virgin under the title "Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia," but with a very different track list. Five tracks from "Ongaku Zukan" were dropped, namely "Self Portrait," "Tabi no kyokuhoku," "Mori no Hito," "A Tribute to N.J.P" and "Tibetan Dance (Version)", to be replaced by two non-album singles from 1985, "Stepping Into Asia" and "Field Work."
This is the very first time that the two 1984 Japanese editions of Ryuichi Sakamoto's classic album have been released internationally in collaboration with the artist's management and Midi Inc., with remastered audio and the original artwork faithfully reproduced, paying tribute to one of contemporary music's undisputed geniuses.

First LP reissue since 1988
Produced by Haruomi Hosono
Japanese pressing

World Standard is a stylish pop unit that incorporates a wide range of music from rock, techno to ambient. Their memorable first album, which debuted in 1985 on the Teichiku Non-Standard label produced by Haruomi Hosono, will be remastered and reissued under the supervision of Soichiro Suzuki!

Japanese pressing. OBI is missing. With insert. Vinyl has some scuffs. Cover is close to NM.

Japanese pressing. With OBI and insert. Tiny wear.

Named after one of the basic rhythms of Cuban folk music and drawing on influences from across the globe, Cho Co Pa Co Cho Co Quin Quin are quite simply a world unto itself. Comprised of three childhood friends, Daido, Yuta and So, who reconnected during the coronavirus pandemic, Cho Co Pa initially emerged as a playful way for the three 23-year-olds to pass the time. Tapping into their youthful connection, they created a sound that exudes confidence and curiosity, a homage to the masterful world of YMO’s and Happy End’s Haruomi Hosono, rooted in the trio’s own idiosyncratic experience of the present. Recorded at home and promoted on hugely popular DIY TikTok videos, their debut album Tradition is a technicolour exercise in armchair travelling – a kind of lockdown exotica for the housebound whose nostalgic flights of fancy are laced with a sense of whimsical melancholy for the lost freedoms of youth. Referencing everything from Afro-Cuban percussion to lo-fi beats, Buddhist spirituality to trap, each member of the band brings different musical inspirations to the table. Latin American and Middle Eastern styles sit adjacent to a fascination for the electronic music of Aphex Twin, Dorian Concept, Underworld and Daft Punk. At times, the music verges on acid pop bliss, at others, it grooves with the instrumental funk sensibility of Badbadnotgood. “In the first place, when I create a song, my goal is to transport the listener to a mysterious place,” vocalist Daido explained in a recent magazine interview. Using lyrics as another sonic texture in the composition of ideas, Cho Co Pa paint beguiling sonic postcards of far-flung moods across 12 highly original tracks. Marrying the organic and the electronic on rhythmically sophisticated compositions like ‘Chichibu’ and ‘Watatsumi’, it is on the album’s standout track ‘Gandhara’ that the experimental sound of Cho Co Pa comes to the fore. Referencing the ancient city of Gandhara through which Buddhism made its way from India to China, the track is a vocoder-trap-inspired, Udu drum-driven pop jam that lilts with unmistakable Balearic flair. If that’s difficult to imagine, then know simply that ‘Gandhara’ sounds like nothing else on this side of Saturn. Even Daido seemed surprised by the outcome: “I feel like we were able to create something that exceeded our abilities. That was huge!” Hugely popular in Japan, with festival appearances lined up alongside Badbadnotgood at Asagiri Jam in October, it's safe to say the success of Tradition has taken Cho Co Pa by surprise. Released digitally in July 2023, Tradition will get a full international vinyl release in January 2024. You won’t have heard anything like it.

"Makoto Matsushita's ""First Light"" will be reissued on clear color vinyl for the first time! Guitarist Makoto Matsushita is known for his participation in the fusion funk group AB's with Fujimaru Yoshino, and for his involvement in pop hits. The photo front cover by Kaoru Ijima has been faithfully reproduced exactly as it was on the original."

"Yoichi Takizawa's second album ""boy"" which follows his first album ""Leonids no Kanatani"", is miraculously released after more than 40 years!

This work was scheduled to be released on July 25, 1982, following his first single ""Sunday Park"". For unknown reasons, this is a phantom second album that was canceled just before its release.

*Also includes the original version of ""Kagirinaki Natsu"" from Hideki Saijo's 17th album ""gentle・a Man"" released on March 5, 1984.

The mixdown was once complete, but the original master of the 2-mix is currently missing, so the mixdown was done again for this album (except for Side B, 1st and 2nd tracks released as singles). The mix work this time was done based on the remaining karaoke masters of all the songs, and the album was revived as a supreme album that expresses a modern sound while staying as close to the original mix as possible.

The first album "" Leonids no Kanatani"" released by Alfa and traded at high prices long before the City Pop boom, has been reissued on vinyl. This second album is also finally being released in its entirety on vinyl for the first time in the world!"

"Yoshino Fujimaru's first solo album, ""yoshino Fujimal"" released in 1982 and produced with the members of Ab's, will be released on pink colored vinyl! The musicians who performed on the album included Makoto Matsushita, Naoki Watanabe, and Atsuo Okamoto, who would later become members of Ab's, with Haruko Kuwana on backing vocals and EPO also participating as backing chorus."

2022 repress; LP version. Obi strip; Includes two-page insert. Wewantsounds present a reissue of Akiko Yano's Tadaima., originally released in 1981. The first release Wewantsounds' ambitious program to release Akiko Yano's albums outside of Japan Tadaima. ("I'm home" in Japanese) is Yano's fifth studio album and a synth-pop masterpiece, co-produced by her then husband Ryuichi Sakamoto and featuring all the musicians from Yellow Magic Orchestra (Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, and Sakamoto), the group she was touring with at the time. Japan's best kept secret, Akiko Yano is one of the most ground-breaking artists to come out of the '70s Japanese music scene along with Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto. A piano child prodigy, Yano started her solo recording career in 1976 at just 21, recording her debut album Japanese Girl with no less than Little Feat as the backing band. This album created a stir on the Japanese scene and Yano was on the map. She went on to record a series of superb albums mixing funk, electro, and city pop featuring the cream of Japanese (and sometimes American and English) musicians; The fact she was producing, writing and composing herself made her a true maverick in a very male-dominated industry. These albums, incredibly, have never been released outside of Japan to this day. Tadaima. is Yano's first attempt to leave the acoustic piano aside and delve into the synth sounds of the early '80s. The result is a fascinating electro pop masterpiece showcasing her talent as a writer, musician, and singer, creating her own unique universe. Mixing Japanese and English lyrics, Yano crafts perfect pop songs such as "Tadaima.", "I Sing", "Harusaki Kobeni" (which became one of her most famous songs after its use in a Japanese cosmetics ad), while "Taiyo No Onara" is a suite composed of nine short stories written by children. Contributors on Tadaima. also include Shigesato Itoi, one of Japan's most famous copywriters (for Studio Ghibli among others) who wrote two tracks on the album and his friend legendary illustrator Teruhiko Yumura -- aka King Terry -- who revolutionized underground manga in the '70s with his "heta-uma" (bad-good) style, as showcased on the album's striking artwork. Tadaima. is the perfect entry point to Akiko Yano's unique body or work. This reissue includes original artwork by cult illustrator King Terry and a new introduction by renowned DJ Joakim.

1983 japanese reissue with insert. OBI is missing. close to NM

Neuromantic is Takahashi’s first solo release for Alfa and his third solo album overall. In addition to Japanese musicians Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Kenji Omura, the album also features Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay (Roxy Music), and Tony Mansfield whom he recorded with during a long stay in London. This record builds on the techno sound of YMO’s BGM (released the same year), infusing Takahashi’s unique romantic aesthetic and is considered one of his masterpieces. The sixth track, “Drip Dry Eyes' is a self-cover of a song that he wrote for Alfa artist artist Sandii.

Yukihiro Takahashi explains, “The early 80’s was one of the busiest periods of my music life...When I think back now, I think that my recording style and production process that I continue to this day may have been solidified then, during the early 80’s.”

The new reissue of Neuromatic is part of Alfa's ongoing reissue series featuring many of Yukihiro's early 80s solo albums from his first hit record Murdered by Music (1980) to his last record from his Alfa era Poisson D’Avril (1985 soundtrack to the film of the same name).

Wild & Moody is the artist's sixth and last studio solo album on the YEN Label. In contrast to his previous album Tomorrow’s Just Another Day, which mostly consisted of mellow tunes, where half had Japanese lyrics, this album explores digital funk sounds and features all English lyrics setting the stage to pursue a global audience. Iva Davies of the Australian band Icehouse appears on Tracks 2, 7, and 8; lyrics for track 2 were written by Steve Jansen from the band Japan, who considers Takahashi his mentor and Track 4 is a cover of the Neil Young classic taken from the 1970 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young album Deja Vu. Yoshinori Sunahara is credited for the remastering and vinyl-master cutting was done by Bernie Grundman. The Japan-only CD reissue and digital versions include a bonus track.

Original japanese pressing with obi and inserts. very close to NM

Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the reissue of Ammar El Sherei's superb instrumental album “Oriental Music” from 1976. Here, the iconic Egyptian musician and composer revisits six classic compositions by another Egyptian legend, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, in his own hypnotic way. This series of great Arabic music reissues, started with the Fairuz and Ziad Rahbani album reissues are curated by Lebanese-born Arabic music expert Mario Choueiry from Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. This reissue has been newly remastered and comes in its beautiful original artwork.

The late musician and composer Ammar El Sherei is one of Egypt's musical giants. Born in Upper Egypt in 1948 into an upper middle class family (his paternal grandfather had been an MP during King Fouad's reign and his eldest brother became the Egyptian ambassador to Australia) El Sherei moved to Cairo with his family when he was five and attended a special school for the blind (he had lost his eyesight in his early childhood). A child prodigy with a unique gift for music, he got noticed by his teachers who recommended him to the Hadley School for the Blind in America so he could perfect his studies by correspondence. El Sherei then quickly learn piano, oud and composition with unparalleled ease. Once he got his BA in English literature from Cairo's Ain Shams University, he decided to become a musician against the will of his family. He began playing accordion in the Cairo bars and clubs and started making a name for himself on the Cairo scene. El Sherei got his first taste of success when he managed to place a song with famed Egyptian singer Maha Sabry. This was the start of a long series of hit he composed for many established Egyptian artists. From then on, his ascension was meteoric and he went to to become a very successful composer for films and TV series especially. A true innovator who didn't hesitate to bring some western influences to traditional Egyptian music and was one of the musicians responsible for ending the lengthy song trend of the 70s. He embraced modern instrumentations and was asked by Japanese keyboard maker Yamaha Corp. to help develop new electronic keyboards that could handle quarter tone. Early in his career El Sherei recorded albums for Soutelphan, including "Oriental Music" celebrating the music of another Egyptian legend, composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab, who had co-founded Soutelphan. Here he masterfully interprets six classics from the Master including "Ana Wehabieby" (aka Ana Wa Habibi), "Ya Wabour Koly" and the classic "Ahwak" made famous by such talents as Abdel Halim Hafez or Fairuz. Using early electronic keyboards like the Steelphon S900 or the Farfisa as seen on the album cover, El Sherei creates beautifully hypnotic instrumentals that blend together traditional melodies with modern instrumentation, adding jazz and pop elements in the mix. Achieving cult status over the years with Arabic music collectors and vinyl diggers, "Oriental Music is now a sought-after album which command high prices on the international scene. Wewantsounds is delighted to make this unique album available on vinyl for the first time since it originally came out in Egypt in 1976.

Original japanese pressing without OBI!

Japanese pressing. Promo copy. With insert. OBI is missing. Slight foxing.