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Items 1 to 27 of 27 on page 1 of 1
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Review: Ado's new album Ado No Utattemita has effectively been crowd-sourced - it features a collection of ten tunes that were all voted for by fans who were told to request their favourites for her to perform, including Vocaloid and J-Pop songs. That approach means the record transcends different eras and covers bits from the Reiwa era as well as pop songs from Showa era. This special Limited Edition version comes with an acrylic stand in the shape of Ado. It is the ultimate collector's piece for Ado fans.
… Read more in stock $31.12
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Yokobue/The World Of Michiko Akao (remastered) (limited LP + booklet with obi-strip)
Cat: PROT 7215. Rel: 09 Nov 22
Jazz
Review: The yokobue is a distinct Japanese make of flute, and it was mastered by one Michiko Akao, who brought the instrument to the popular sphere with 'The World Of Michiko Akao'. Spanning downtempo funk, robo-disco and loopy ambient, this new reissue of the album by LITA is its best rendition yet, with a new remaster shedding stellar light on the production chops of Shigeaki Saegusa. An instrumental dream for new age collectors the world over.
… Read more in stock $42.03
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Review: Jazz drummer Art Blakey's formative album Mosaic was important as the first of his albums to introduce what would become the finest lineup of his Jazz Messengers band, which included Wayne Shorter (tenor sax), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Cedar Walton (piano) and Jymie Merritt (bass). Blazing through the hard bop form like a dynamo wielding twin beaters made of the stuff magic wands are fashioned after, Blakey is heard on top form, flamming, rolling and double-tapping like it's nobody's business, and never breaking a sweat, or into a slow jam. The more measured cuts such as 'Crisis' are nonetheless as tight as ever and though Blakey is well into his career by this point, he's still at the height of it.
… Read more in stock $19.71
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Review: There are as many opinions on 'Now & Then' as there are people, but regardless of your own thoughts on this revived Lennon sketch there's no denying the arrival of the final Beatles single has been one of the major musical events of 2023. Collectors and completists, meanwhile, of which we gather The Beatles have more than a few, will be trampling on top of each other to get hold of these Japanese editions of the single.
… Read more in stock $32.69
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Review: Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue is one of the jazz great's most celebrated albums. It has been reissued several times over the years but remains popular and in demand, which is why it now arrive son CD courtesy of Universal Japan. The title track sets the mood with its laid-back groove and smoky atmosphere, while tracks like 'Chitlins Con Carne' showcase Burrell's soulful phrasing and melodic invention. Backed by a stellar ensemble including Stanley Turrentine on tenor saxophone, the album exudes elegance and cool sophistication. In short, jazz guitar mastery at its finest.
… Read morePre-orders at Juno
This CD is available for pre-order at Juno, for shipping on the release date. You won’t be charged until the order is despatched.
We'll keep you informed of your order at every stage, and let you know if the release date changes.
If the price of the item drops before it's released, you will pay the lower price, but if it increases, you'll only pay the price you see today.
If you also include in-stock items on your order, they’ll be charged and shipped within 24 hours as usual.est. release 19 Jun 24 $18.67
(No payment required now - pay when released)
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Dig Your Own Hole (25th Anniversary Japanese Edition) (limited 2xSHM-CD with obi-strip)
Cat: UICY 16083. Rel: 12 Sep 22
Breakbeat
Review: In hindsight, the summer of 1997 saw the release of some genuinely brilliant and ground-breaking dance albums - not least Chemical Brothers' second studio set, Dig Your Own Hole. As this expanded 25th anniversary edition proves, the album was the musical high point of the often painfully shallow big beat movement - a thrill-a-minute ride that races between funk-fuelled, break-heavy hits ('Block-Rockin' Beats'), rock-tinged heaviness (the title track), fuzz-fuelled post-techno hedonism (''Electrobank'), La Funk Mob-influenced trip-hop ('Pikup'), heady ambience ('Lost in the K-Hole') and riffs on the Beatles' 'Tomorrow Never Knows' ('Setting Sun' and the incredible 'My Private Psychedelic Reel'). CD two will delight fans, featuring as it does a quintet of previously unreleased tracks and alternate versions, with the opioid pulse of 'Cylinders' and the slamming 'It Doesn't Matter (alternate mix)' standing out.
… Read morein stock $28.22
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Review: Few albums epitomize the essence of hard bop jazz with such effortless groove and masterful improvisation as Sonny Clark's Cool Struttin'. Released in 1958, it showcases Clark's impeccable piano skills alongside a stellar lineup of jazz luminaries. From the infectious rhythm of the title track to the soulful melodies of 'Deep Night,' each composition radiates with Clark's trademark style and sophistication and with Lee Morgan's electrifying trumpet and Art Farmer's lyrical flugelhorn adding depth. All that means it stands tall as a timeless masterpiece in the annals of jazz history and one that really shows off Clark's brilliance.
… Read morePre-orders at Juno
This CD is available for pre-order at Juno, for shipping on the release date. You won’t be charged until the order is despatched.
We'll keep you informed of your order at every stage, and let you know if the release date changes.
If the price of the item drops before it's released, you will pay the lower price, but if it increases, you'll only pay the price you see today.
If you also include in-stock items on your order, they’ll be charged and shipped within 24 hours as usual.est. release 19 Jun 24 $18.67
(No payment required now - pay when released)
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Review: John Coltrane made many essential and influential albums over the course of his career, but few were quite as revolutionary at the time of release as 1965's "Ascension". Here presented in stunning new sound thanks to a meticulous re-mastering job, the album saw Coltrane abandon the constraints of the quartet in favour of a larger line-up of musicians and a freestyle approach in which each player was given carte blanche to improvise their own solo in turn. It was revolutionary at the time and remains a stunningly loose, ever-changing work that rewards repeat listens. Famously, two different editions, featuring slightly different recordings, were issued back in 1965; this CD edition includes both 40-minute works.
… Read morein stock $25.92
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Review: The late, great Jose Padilla was a big fan of the work of Stan Getz, whose easy-going, sun-soaked and accessible take on jazz - and especially his more Latin-tinged offerings - appeared frequently in the Balearic legend's DJ sets. Jazz Samba Encore, the saxophonist's 1963 collaboration with Brazilian jazz guitarist Luiz Bonfa, remains one of the most unashamedly joyous sets in his catalogue. Reissued here in a Japanese edition, it sees Getz and Bonfa trading solos over luscious bossa-nova and samba grooves. There are plenty of standout moments, with our picks including the dreamy 'Sambalero', the sparkling breeziness of 'Samba De Duas Notas (Two-Note Samba)', the glorious 'Suadade Vem Correndo' and smoky closing cut 'Ebondy Samba'.
… Read more in stock $14.01
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The Woman From Marusa/Marusa No Onna (Soundtrack) (reissue) (LP + insert with obi-strip)
Cat: PROT 7219. Rel: 06 Dec 22
Soundtracks
Review: Fans of this one have long been waiting for a reissue and it is now finally here. It's a soundtrack to the movie Marusa no Onna which was directed by Juzo Itami and was set in the National Tax Bureau Inspection Department. The film's main theme marks the start of the album with its epic sax melody. It really shows off Toshiyuki Honda's impressive sound and kicks off an immersive and evocative record that was first released back in 1987 and has been a real digger's delight ever since.
… Read morein stock $33.63
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Review: Kyoto Jazz Sextet are an acoustic jazz 'unit' established in 2015 fronted by Shuya Okino. After their first two albums 'Mission' and 'Unity' this new third album channels only the best of what Tokyo's jazz scene has to offer, illuminating both past and present musical narratives in Japan by enlisting both new artists and legends (Takeo Moryiama appears on drums) alike.
… Read morePlayed by: Mukatsuku Records Chart, * Record Breakin' Music *
in stock $29.06
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Mr Morale & The Big Steppers (Japanese Edition) (CD with obi-strip)
Cat: UICS 1394. Rel: 25 Jul 22
Hip Hop/R&B
Review: The reviews that followed the recent release of Kendrick Lamarr's first album in five years, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers, were universally positive. Of course, he's always been one of hip-hop's most insightful and thought-provoking MCs, with a passion for utilising backing tracks that sidestep hackneyed rap tropes and lazy samples, but even by his high standards this album is something special - as this differently packaged Japanese edition proves. Impeccably produced, with countless musical twists and turns, spellbinding instrumentation and all manner of guest stars, it sees Lamarr lyrically signposting his own failings and character flaws within a wider framework of accountability. It's brave but brilliant, with some of the topics covered including his relationship with money, his father, gender and generational trauma. A genuinely landmark album.
… Read morein stock $14.83
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Review: Paul McCartney gets a lot of (arguably unwarranted) stick, but the former Beatle has always been open to trying new things and allowing people to reinterpret his work. It's for this reason that he's allowed an interesting mixture of artists to remix his solo lockdown album, McCartney III. After opening with a pleasingly funk-some, low slung Beck hook-up (the excellent 'Find My Way'), we're treated to a mixture of collaborations (the stellar, laidback and psychedelic 'Pretty Boys' with Khruangbin), new cover versions by hand-picked artists (see the contributions by Dominic Fike and Phoebe Bridgers) and largely impressive remixes. In the latter category, we're particularly enjoying Damon Albarn's woozy, downtempo take on 'Long Tailed Winter Bird' and 3D RDN's 'Temporary Secretary'-esque version of 'Deep Deep Feeling'
… Read morein stock $11.21
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Four Jazz Compositions: Based On Japanese Classical Themes (remastered) (limited gatefold LP with obi-strip)
Cat: UPJY 9275. Rel: 29 Jun 23
Jazz
Review: Affectionally being considered to be part of a "herd" might not work for every supporting musician, but jazz mastermind Toshiyuki Miyama certainly managed to convince his fellow players. Miyama formed His New Herd Orchestra - considered a big band - way back in 1961. While their earlier albums are far more in line with what one might expect from a swingy big band, Four Jazz Compositions was far edgier, demonstrating the group's tangential flair for the dubious and wild creakings of free jazz, all while still basing the compositions on traditional Japanese melodies and scales.
… Read more in stock $39.18
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Review: Yumi Murata's Uterus Uterus is a jazz-pop classic from 1985. Yumi is a vocal coach and former singer who was active from the late 70s and through the 80s before opening her own Murata Yumi Vocal Training Room in 1991 and teaching ever since. This long-player was a later one out of the seven she released in all and is one of her most popular as it mixes up fusion, new wave, funk, pop and jazz across synth sounds. These are enjoyable and sophisticated sounds from this talented vocalist.
… Read more in stock $36.84
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Review: Blissful boogie reissue from Junko Ohashi, whose 7-inch promo for 'Dancin' here functioned as the promo material for the 1983 album 'Point Zero'. Sounding just as rough, farty and raw as its original LP cut, the track is a perfect example of what Japan brought to disco - blending it largely with city pop - at the time. 'In Your Lovin', as it did on the original album, brings up the B-side with a downer-tempo funk beat, and a lyrical subject dealing with a romanticized, ideal lover.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Funk
in stock $21.27
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Review: Japanese keys wizard Hiroshi Sato recorded many albums across his career, bringing the vibrant sound of synthesis into earshot with his earliest albums in the late 70s. Orient was his third solo album, released in 1979 on Kitty Records in a pitch-perfect daydream of AOR goodness. Tracks like 'Son Goku' sum up the persistent appeal of Sato's music, fusing the smoothest compositions with some playful sound design approaches, which show he was having fun with the studio gear beyond writing exquisite melodies. Elsewhere, he had fun going into full freak mode with the madcap ear candy of 'Donkama'. If you can't get enough of that era of Japanese synth pop, this reissue is an absolute must.
… Read more in stock $43.33
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Review: Japan's Hiroshi Sato is well known to record obsessives who value his ability to craft pure musical nostalgia for a place you haven't even been to, He has turnabout tens of essential records, many of which are in the process of being reissued right now. His masterful jazz-funk classic Orient is one of his best known works from 1979 but All Of Me is another classic. It came much later in 1995 and is a killer pop record with glistening synths, infectious drum programming and contributions from a number of guests.
… Read more in stock $40.46
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Why Are We Sleeping? (Japanese Edition) (7" + insert)
Cat: UIKY 75117. Rel: 05 Jun 23
Progressive Rock
Review: Pulled from the earliest days of The Soft Machine when they were closer to a psychedelic rock band than a tripped-out jazz concern, Universal Japan have reproduced a very limited single version of 'Why Are We Sleeping?'. The song itself is still a nebulous, twisting and turning freak ride riding on a satisfyingly heavy rhythm section, embellished with organs and following droll poetry to the pure 60s burst of the chorus, as masterful now as it was mind-blowing back in 1968. On the B-side, 'Joy Of A Toy' is a subtly funky affair laced with languid wah wah guitar and artful dynamic shifts from the mellow beginnings to a rollicking beatdown by the crescendo, and all in under three minutes. Collectors will especially enjoy the Japanese artwork on this unique single, but just having these two gems on a handy 7" is worth the price of entry alone.
… Read more in stock $19.47
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Review: Masayoshi Takanaka's An Insatiable High, initially released in 1977 and reissued in 2024, is a fusion masterpiece that seamlessly blends jazz, funk, soul and smooth jazz. Its innovative sound, where smooth jazz seamlessly intertwines with hip elevator music, has made it a highly sought-after album among music enthusiasts and collectors. Takanaka's groundbreaking work laid the groundwork for the development of video game music and the popular city pop genre. With its sophisticated melodies and infectious rhythms, An Insatiable High continues to captivate listeners, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
… Read morePre-orders at Juno
This vinyl is available for pre-order at Juno, for shipping on the release date. You won’t be charged until the order is despatched.
We'll keep you informed of your order at every stage, and let you know if the release date changes.
If the price of the item drops before it's released, you will pay the lower price, but if it increases, you'll only pay the price you see today.
If you also include in-stock items on your order, they’ll be charged and shipped within 24 hours as usual.est. release 07 Aug 24 $39.18
(No payment required now - pay when released)
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Review: Masayoshi Takanaka's debut album, Seychelles, serves as an excellent introduction to the vibrant world of Japanese city pop. Released in 1976, this album blends uptempo jazz fusion with tropical grooves, presenting dynamic chord progressions and groovy basslines that epitomize the genre's essence. Takanaka's mastery of the guitar shines throughout, supported by a stellar lineup of contributing artists, including Yukihiro Takahashi among others. Reprinted on LP, Seychelles retains its timeless appeal, offering an immersive listening experience characterized by its viiibes and easy-going tropical aesthetic. The remastering and cutting by Alex Wharton from Abbey Road Studios ensure the album's sonic clarity, while the inclusion of clear sky blue vinyl adds to its allure. For fans of city pop or those looking to delve into Japanese music, Seychelles is a great place to visit.
… Read morePre-orders at Juno
This vinyl is available for pre-order at Juno, for shipping on the release date. You won’t be charged until the order is despatched.
We'll keep you informed of your order at every stage, and let you know if the release date changes.
If the price of the item drops before it's released, you will pay the lower price, but if it increases, you'll only pay the price you see today.
If you also include in-stock items on your order, they’ll be charged and shipped within 24 hours as usual.est. release 07 Aug 24 $39.18
(No payment required now - pay when released)
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Review: With its release during the heyday of jazz fusion, Takanaka delivers a dynamic blend of intricate melodies, funky rhythms, and virtuosic guitar work. Masayoshi Takanaka's self-titled album, Takanaka, originally released in 1977 and now reissued in 2024, is a stellar showcase of his mastery in fusion and jazz-funk. Throughout the album, Takanaka shows his ability to seamlessly blend elements of jazz, funk and rock, creating a cohesive and captivating album. With its timeless sound and infectious energy, this album continues to delight jazz and funk enthusiasts alike, solidifying Masayoshi Takanaka's status as a pioneering figure in the genre.
… Read morePre-orders at Juno
This vinyl is available for pre-order at Juno, for shipping on the release date. You won’t be charged until the order is despatched.
We'll keep you informed of your order at every stage, and let you know if the release date changes.
If the price of the item drops before it's released, you will pay the lower price, but if it increases, you'll only pay the price you see today.
If you also include in-stock items on your order, they’ll be charged and shipped within 24 hours as usual.est. release 07 Aug 24 $39.18
(No payment required now - pay when released)
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Deep River (remastered) (limited gatefold 180 gram vinyl 2xLP + insert)
Cat: UPJY 9206. Rel: 22 Aug 22
Pop
Review: Hikaru Utada is one of Japan's biggest stars, regularly selling records by the millions since they began their career in the late 90s. Their third album Deep River became one of Japan's top-selling records of all time after its release in 2002, helped no end by the success of singles 'Hikari' 'Travelling' and 'Sakura Drops'. Not only the singer, Utada also wrote and produced much of the album, drawing on a sleek pop-folk sound which is now synonymous with modern J-pop. It's been nearly 20 years since the album was available on vinyl, so this repress is long overdue, not to mention hotly anticipated by Utada's fans worldwide.
… Read more in stock $45.41
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Review: Straight from the renegade minds of Italy's DUB (District Underground Bastards) - whose parties deal exclusively in untrodden, alternative locations not normally inhabited by DJs and crowds - comes 'Bersekr', the newest collab cut from Vadim Oslov and Denis Andreev. Together, the dark, minimal techno powerhouse deliver two back-to-back cuts of only the purest cleanliness and snap. 'Toltec Snippet' and 'Alexandra Snippet' expose themselves minimally but confidently, as Minilogue jerks and dub echoes unfurl across as dancefloor-taming 6 minutes.
… Read more in stock $41.51
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VARIOUS
Music From Konami Antiques Family Computer Vol 1 (LP + insert)
Cat: UPJY 9403. Rel: 03 Apr 24
Soundtracks
Review: There's niche, then there's niche. Universal Japan dive into the latter with a huge celebration of nostalgic sounds - a good chunk of the scores created for Konami's early video game catalogue. The definition of chip music, the album initially presents itself as the kind of release you'd discover and appreciate after spending some time exploring the many contemporary tracks which take inspiration from, but don't totally emulate, classic arcade and console titles. Remarkably, it quickly becomes clear the opposite might be true. Yes, there's something utterly naive and rather basic, compressed and unpolished about what's here. But then it's hard not to find yourself rapidly getting involved with 'Blank Mask (Stage 3 BGM)''s oddly hypnotic bleeped hook, becoming lost in the endless spirals of melody on 'Aircraft Carrier (Stage 6 BGM)', or feeling real joy at the celebratory 'Seisan'.
… Read more in stock $39.18
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Review: Classical and film composition legend John Williams, at the time of writing, is currently still in Tokyo; it was only two months ago, in February 2024, that Williams returned to Japan for two special concerts, held in Matsumoto and Tokyo respectively, to perform select pieces from his esteemed film score repertoire. Performed alongside conductor Seiji Ozawa - and this being his debut with the world famous Saito Kinen Orchestra - the second of these concerts is now available to purchase on vinyl here thanks to Deutsche Grammophon, complementing his prior concert albums The Berlin Concert and John Williams in Vienna.
… Read morePre-orders at Juno
This vinyl is available for pre-order at Juno, for shipping on the release date. You won’t be charged until the order is despatched.
We'll keep you informed of your order at every stage, and let you know if the release date changes.
If the price of the item drops before it's released, you will pay the lower price, but if it increases, you'll only pay the price you see today.
If you also include in-stock items on your order, they’ll be charged and shipped within 24 hours as usual.est. release 03 May 24 $53.96
(No payment required now - pay when released)
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Review: Larry Young's Unity was released in 1965 and has endured with a fine reputatopn for being a rather innovative work in the jazz realm. As a pivotal figure in the post-bop and modal jazz movements, Young's innovative organ playing redefined the possibilities of the instrument. Unity marked his debut as a bandleader and he did so alongside an exceptional lineup that featured Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, and Elvin Jones. The title track is a mesmerizing 16-minute exploration that showcases Young's mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ as he creates a spiritual and avant-garde atmosphere. The album's fusion of hard bop, modal jazz and experimental elements solidified Young's place in the pantheon of jazz greats you need to know, if you don't already.
… Read more in stock $19.71
Items 1 to 27 of 27 on page 1 of 1
