Avex Japan Vinyl & CDs

Review: 'Departures' is one of the most renowned singles by the Japanese band Globe, originally released in 1996. The track achieved significant success and became the group's second number-one hit on Oricon's weekly chart and went on to sell a total of a rather astonishing, especially in comparison to these digital times, 2.2 million copies, making it one of Japan's best-selling singles. Now the tune gets reissued on 7" and is a raw, dense pop-rock tune that comes with a bonus cut on the flip.

Review: Pikotaro is a fictional singer-songwriter created and portrayed by Japanese comedian Daimaou Kosaka; his persona's breakout single 'PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)' was first released on YouTube in 2016, becoming an overnight viral sensation. Once billed as the next 'Gangnam Style', 'PPAP' themes itself after an excruciatingly corny but funny household banality: Kosaka was allegedly sitting in his house, trying to come up with lyrics for his next song and realised that not only was he holding a pen, but also that there was a tin of pineapple slices resting on the kitchen counter. Thus, in the consequent music video, Pikotaro is seen dressed in a yellow leopard print costume, unaffectedly dancing around his living room, singing "I have a pen, I have an apple. Uh!", all while gesticulating and holding said items firmly in hand. Clearly, inspiration is a matter of feeling and intuition, not content. Only now, almost unbelievably, has this viral hit seen a 7" vinyl record release via Avex Japan.

Review: Sweetbox's 'Everything's Gonna Be Alright' ingeniously intertwines classical motifs with contemporary pop, creating a distinctive sonic experience. The title track stands out, seamlessly blending Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Air on the G String' with modern beats, resulting in a harmonious fusion that feels both timeless and fresh. Tina Harris's soulful vocals add depth, delivering uplifting lyrics that resonate with optimism. This innovative approach not only pays homage to classical compositions but also reimagines them within a pop context, offering listeners a refreshing take on familiar melodies.

Review: 'EZ Do Dance' by Japanese band TRF was released on June 21, 1993 as their second single and it proved to be a breakout hit that also helped to make dance music more popular in Japan. The group blended Yellow Magic Orchestra's techno-pop style with rock music and was later inspired by a visit to the UK when he experienced the second summer of love in 1998. Here we get the original 7" mix as well as a more piano-laced and vocal flipside joint 'Track 2'.