Review: Kuchu: The Best Of Fishmans was first released in 2005 as the indie-label (Pony Canyon) follow-up to Fishmans' first best of compilation; the blue to Universal Music's orange, this compilation was first issued on CD only, and charted at least 20 tracks' worth of both greatest hits and rarities, neither of which could possibly all fit on a single vinyl record at the time. That all changes with this retroactive vinyl reissue of the compilation, which cuts things down to just a dozen selections, hand-picked by drummer Kinichi Motegi, from the dreamy Shibuya, dub and experimental band's discography. Held in high regard for all too long, we're very happy this one's made a comeback.
Review: The Fishmans are a Japanese band who were very ahead of their time. Formed in 1987, they mixed reggae, dub and psychedelia into their live ensemble. If that wasn't groundbreaking enough, through the 90s they also added elements of ambient, synth pop and shoegaze. This double album, originally released in 2005, is now available on vinyl for the first time. Standouts include the live version of the shimmering 'A Piece of Future', the spacey lullaby 'Weather Report' and the rocksteady 'Magic Love'. The charm of the band is immediately understood after one listen to this album - one of our favourite Japanese vinyl transfers of the year so far.
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