Review: For Life Entertainment do well to rerelease yet another bunch of greats from a classic artist working in the Japanese genre of city pop. Along with her album Heaven Beach, Timely!! comes as an LP reissue of the 1983 original album. It's a propulsive jet-setter in the realm of honest 80s J-funk, backed up by weighty production, dynamically swung horn sections and prominent slap bass stylings. Toshiki Kadomatsu's production neatly backs up ANRI's incredible vocal range and dexterity, and without him, perhaps we wouldn't be blessed with the present-day microgrenre that is future funk.
Review: Last year, Marcel Vogel dusted down his Em Vee edit alias for the first time in three years, serving up a tasty four-pack of reworks for OYE's ongoing Edits series. It clearly inspired him to make more reworks, because now he's popped up on Razor-N-Tape with another fine selection of scalpel revisions. He begins by reworking a tongue-in-cheek chunk of disco silliness rich in spacey Moog lines and wonky vocals ("You Move Me"), before tweaking and rearranging a superb chunk of Latin-tinged tropical disco ("Spreading Energy"). "Don't Be Sabi Say" is a high-tempo chunk of Afrobeat/Afro-disco fusion full of ear-catching Nigerian vocals and bustling electric piano riffs, while "I Wish I Knew The Words" is a cheeky revision of an obscure Japanese synth-boogie number.
Hitomi Tohyama - "Sweet Soul Music (Kiss Of Life)" (3:50)
Review: For the latest edition of their essential Wamano A to Z compilation series - the third to date - DJ Yoshiwza Dynamite JP and Chintam have decided to focus on "Japanese light mellow funk, disco and boogie" tracks recorded between 1978 and '88. Like its' predecessors, the eight-track set is heavy on obscurities and little-known cuts, as well as bona fide killer cuts. There's much to savour throughout, from the intergalactic, slap-bass propelled boogie brilliance of Jadoes' 'Friday Night (Extended Mix)' and the laidback funk bliss of Yumi Sato's 'Ame', to the smooth jazz-funk lusciousness of Hitomi Tohyama's 'Rainy Driver' and the Latin-infused, Teena Marie style electrofunk brilliance of Mizuki Koyami's 'Kare Niwa Kanawanai'.
Review: This 7" vinyl marks the inauguration of the new Konbini Klassics label and it features expertly curated city pop and funk gems from Japan's golden era. The A-side offers 1983's 'Do What You Do' which is a relaxed synth-driven track with irresistibly catchy vocals. On the B-side you can enjoy the sounds of Cosmos, the all-female supergroup who deliver their slap-funk classic 'Midnight Shuffle' with its big horns, funky bass and twinkling synth melodies. A perfect 45 rpm gem, this release brings Japan's iconic sounds back to life and then some.
Review: Jazz and soul flavours from Tatsuro Yamashita, the Japanese guitar megastar whose original covers releases are coveted all over the world. In turn, you reap what you sow; many of his originals are likewise the targets of covers artists, and this isn't the first time we've encountered his song 'Ride On Time'. Yamashita's sixth single, it's a popular myth that the track marked the very beginning of the genre 'city pop'; true or not, the accompanying tracks on this album version are equally as slick.
Review: Shuya Okino is a DJ, club owner, writer and producer as well as being a part of the Kyoto Jazz Massive, and has been a vital figure in the Japanese club scene for over three decades. He is involved in a wide range of projects from Cosmic Village to Root Soul to Mondo Grosso, but his work with brother Yoshihiro as Kyoto Jazz Massive might be his best. This new album is another standout fusion of synth, broken beat and nu-jazz styles. Some of the tunes are pure dance floor heaters such as the prickly vibes of 'Get Up' while others gaze off to a cosmic future such as the gorgeous synths of 'Visions Of Tomorrow'. Essential.
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.
Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Love Theme From Sparticus" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj - Clear Day mix) (4:34)
Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.
Godiego - "The Birth Of The Odyssey - Monkey Magic" (5:00)
Ikue Sakakibara - "This Is Hot" (3:59)
Soul Media - "I Will Give You Samba" (4:21)
Hatsumi Shibata - "Purple Shadow" (3:49)
Yumi Murata - "Krishna" (4:55)
Yoshito Machida & Godiego - "Ame Wa Knife No Yo Sa" (3:34)
Pink Parachute - "Disco Great Tokyo" (4:31)
Hatsumi Shibata - "Hazumi De Daite (A Woman In A Man's World)" (3:38)
Review: In the late 1970s and early 80s, disco swept through dancefloors across the world, with musicians, producers and labels in all four corners of the world recording and releasing their own local variations on the New York-pioneered sound. This fine compilation digs into the Japanese interpretation of the sound, offering up a selection of gems pulled from the vaults of the Nippon Columbia imprint. As you'd expect, there are some genuinely soaring and delightfully over-the-top cuts on show (see Godiego's 'The Odyssey Begins - Monkey Magic' and the disco-funk mania of Ikue Sakakibara's bilingual 'This Is Hot'), alongside such forgotten or lesser-celebrated gems as Yumi Moreta's rubbery bass-propelled 'Krishna', the strings-and-synth-drenched brilliance of Pink Parachute's 'Disco Great' and the ridiculously grandiose 'Hazumi De Daitte (A Woman Inside a Man's Body)' by Hatsumi Shibata.
Review: Hitomi Toyama's 'Sweet Soul Music' originally made it to wax last year, when the track appeared as part of a rare Japanese funk compilation curated by the sound's brightest stars, Wamono. Now, though, it gets a proper release on 7", and is backended by the sultry B-side 'Wanna Kiss', which sounds pitched up and chirpy in its shrill alto vocals, which assure us we're held. The A, meanwhile, is as horny (in both senses of the word) as ever, quite obviously singing the praises of "sweet soul music... I love you!"
Review: While putting together last year's brilliant Tokyo Nights - Female J-Pop Boogie compilation, Cultures of Soul commissioned boogie revivalist Saucy Lady to record fresh covers of two of her favourites from the set. The Japan-born American has predictably done a bang up job. We're particularly enjoying the vocal and instrumental covers of Minako Yoshida's "Town"; while both contain a few contemporary touches - the beats are naturally closer to house than the '80s original - the synths, vocals and production touches are all faithful to the Saucy Lady's source material. She slows things down a little on the flipside, pushing her vocals to the fore on a gentle and rubbery cover of Toshinobu Kanesaka's "Honey Bee". Superb stuff, all told.
Review: Acclaimed Japanese producer, singer and songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita is the man credited with laying the early foundations for the city-pop sound. He put out a great run of albums, live albums and compilations and many of them are now being reissued. This one is a great hits collection on heavyweight vinyl that came in 1982 and rounds up the many standout works of his early period. All the tracks have had a fresh mastering job for this release and so classics like 'Sweet & Dangerous Scent', 'Draw Ai Let's Kiss The Sun' and 'The Door Into Summer' all sound as good as ever.
Review: DJ Notoya returns with another expertly curated selection of Japanese gems, this time delving into the funky, soulful, and city pop sounds of King Records. Spanning the years 1974 to 1988, this compilation is a treasure trove of forgotten classics and hidden gems, a sonic time capsule that transports listeners back to the neon-lit streets and vibrant nightlife of 1980s Japan. Buzz's 'Garasumado' kicks things off with an infectious groove and funky guitar riffs that could rival any Western funk classic. Mami Ayukawa's 'Sabita Gambler' adds a touch of soulful sophistication, her smooth vocals gliding over lush instrumentation. Keiko Toda's 'Fade In' is a city pop gem, its dreamy melodies and catchy hooks evoking a sense of carefree optimism and urban cool. Elsewhere, Johnny Yoshinaga's soulful ballad 'The Rain' provides a moment of introspection, while Kumiko Sawada's disco-infused 'Your Love's Away' will get you moving and grooving. The compilation closes with the feelgood sounds of Masatoshi Kanno's 'Day By Day', a perfect encapsulation of the city pop aesthetic.
Review: On this fresh disco 7", DJ Koco (aka. Shimokita) and DJ Kawasaki have re-edited and cut Nayutah's hit songs 'Keep It Up' and 'Stand Up' into an enduring pair of bright disco edits. Both Nayutah's original tracks really wanted us to keep it supine; Koco and Kawasaki act as commanders of this charge, not shying away from the ostensible stringy glitz of the original song. Kawasaki's edit skews funkier, employing live bass and rhythm guitar and adroit drumming to fit around Nayutah's agile, sisterly vocals, and drawing on his already extensive experience of working alongside Nayutah for her album, also called Keep It Up.
Bright Like Light (feat Sauce 81 - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Experimental Session) (3:59)
I'm So On Your Mind (feat Rasiyah - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (4:35)
So Far Away (DJ Kawasaki Recreated Jazzy reprise) (3:14)
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (feat N'Dea Davenport - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Latin Disco mix) (4:49)
Shinning (feat Bird - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (4:54)
Let The Music Play (feat Yoo Hee - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (3:55)
One (feat Lori Fine - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (4:27)
Shooting Star (DJ Kawasaki Recreated dub Tribute version) (3:58)
Review: Acclaimed DJ, singer, remixer and songwriter DJ KAWASAKI is a beat maker who does it all from broken beat and nu jazz to hip hop and deep house. Bridge Into The Future: Recreated Tracks finds him cooking up his own newly constructed takes on a range of classic source tunes. It makes for a broad and brilliant collection. 'I'm So On Your Mind' (feat Rasiyah - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) is a gloriously sunny sound with louche breakbeats at its core, and the Diana Ross classic 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (feat N'Dea Davenport - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Latin Disco mix) becomes a salsa tinged and gloriously steamy anthem.
Review: City Pop-era Japanese girl group Shohjo-Tai's 1984 EP with Red Bus Project (an alternative alias for their then synth-loving production outfit, Redbus), 'Escape', has long been a favourite amongst crate diggers - hence this handy reissue courtesy of Sound Metaphors offshoot Thank You. While the artwork has been refreshed, all three original tracks appear in freshly remastered form. On side A you'll find 'Forever', a body-popping slab of 1984 electro featuring Shohjo-Tai rapping in English over bubbly drum machine beats, squelchy bass, 'Rockit'-esque sounds and periodic horn breaks. Turn to the flip for Antal favourite 'Electric City', a driving City Pop-meets-Italo-disco club track blessed with a heavy and metronomic bassline, and the electro-goes-jazz-funk brilliance of 'Ku.Ro.O.Bi.Magic'.
Review: Light In The Attic only deals in records you absolutely must own, but this Pacific Breeze series in particular has been fantastic. Happy it now gets up to a third instalment with another laser focus on Japanese City POP, AOR and Boogie between the years of 1975 and 1987. And there is a wealth of material for them to go out. Across four sides of glorious green vinyl, we're treated to high-grade sounds from plenty of known and lesser-known artists such as Atsuko Nina, Yukako Hayase, 1986 Omega Tribe and many more. There is a melodic joy and cathartic cleanliness to these sounds that always leave you wanting more.
Review: For the last ten years Japan's reissue market has blossomed into one of the most fruitful for western listeners eager to explore very rare Japanese releases and artists from the 70s and 80s specifically. In no other genres has this been most displayed then in the new age, ambient, folk and synth realms. Alfa/Yen Records 1980-1987: Techno Pop & Other Electronic Adventures In Tokyo follows this fantastic era of passing on to a new generation. This compilation features many luminary figures in the Japanese scene with an extra emphasis of it honing in on Yellow Magic Orchestra and its members. After the popularity of similar compilations in the past five years, this looks to be one of the most successful reissues of Japanese electronic music in 2024!
Review: Hailing from Japan, the Cat Boys is a lounge funk band that has earned praise from Gilles Peterson. In 2023, they rose anew as Super Cats and unleashed their debut album under the same name. Inspired by 90s acid jazz, Sly Stone, and gospel, the album offers a soulful and funky journey while Yuima Enya's vocals, which come both in Japanese and English, add extra layers of enchantment. Tracks range from funky rap compositions to soul tunes, a psychedelic dub of Chaka Khan's hit, and a Japanese rendition of Roberta Flack's 'Feel Like Makin' Love.' With synth-driven disco and crossover house, the album explores melancholy and purity in alluring fashion.
Review: Choice Cuts 1978-1983 gathers eight tracks from four of Mimi's early albums-Sea Flight (1978), Coconuts High (1981), Nuts Nuts Nuts (1982), and Tropicana (1983). Opening with a funky, syncopated take on Sergio Mendes' 'Mas Que Nada' and the crisp techno-pop of 'Coffee Rumba,' all of which mean the compilation showcases Mimi's eclectic style. It also features the synth jam 'Quiet Explosion' and the piano samba 'Espresso.' Two standout tracks from Coconuts High-the sultry 'Crazy Love' and the lively 'Palm Sr'-highlight her playful Latin-tinged jazz fusion. Released on Takanaka's Kitty Records, this collection reveals Mimi's vibrant and innovative artistry.
Review: We're thrilled to see and help announce the reissue of Hitomi "Penny" Tohyama's iconic 1983 album Sexy Robot, a cornerstone of 80s Japanese AOR and city-pop. This reissue celebrates Tohyama's fifth release, which captures the vibrant New York sound of the era and paved the way for the Beacon Sound movement in Japan. The album features Tohyama's silky vocals paired with infectious beats and some of the best city-pop of the era. Sexy Robot stands out for its blend of smooth melodies and energetic rhythms, presenting an authentic slice of 80s music culture. This vinyl reissue offers a pristine listening experience, although the record has some noticeable scuffs that do not impact playback. This reissue is a fantastic entry point into the world of city-pop and a celebration of Hitomi Tohyama's enduring legacy.
Review: To kick off new label Takashimashuzo, Kammoushiki - who is presumably the boss - is dropping two new 12"s in the same week. This is the second and like the first, it is inspired house music that takes its cues from the 80s Ibiza party landscape. 'Magic Hour' has gurgling basslines riding up and down the scale with innocent keys and lazy drums. It's heartwarming stuff from sundown. 'Nakanaide' then ups the Balearic quotient with even more prominent and arcing guitar licks over bongos and soulful chords.
Review: Natsu Summer is a city pop and reggae sensation who is set to go to the next level with the release of her upcoming 2024 album Orange Airmail. She now teases it in fine style with this new limited 7" vinyl that has been produced by Cunimondo Takiguchi of RYUSENKEI. Teh single, '2025' is a vibrant and danceable lovers' rock track featuring amapiano rhythms and hot stepping rhythms that make it a real gem for enlivening any dance floor through a loud sound system. The B-side includes a special cover of a hidden Japanese lovers' rock classic from the '90s which adds a nostalgic touch to this delightful analogue release.
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.
Review: Originally released in 1983, Hitomi Tohyama's NEXT DOOR was the great Japanese artist's fourth album and now it makes a welcome return to the shelves thanks to this limited edition reissue on clear green vinyl. Deeply inspired by early 80s American pop, this City Pop classic captures the essence of urban life with every track. it is truly packed with sweet and infectious rhythms and nostalgic medics, lush hooks and effortless charm. As such NEXT DOOR is a toe-tapping journey through Tokyo's city lights that is sure to connect with a whole new generation.
Review: After a four-year hiatus, Urban Volcano Sounds returns with their eagerly awaited single, "Disco Taberna," released on 7" vinyl. Known for their Balearic crossover style, urban boogie influences, and elegant sound production, the track showcases their signature blend of lush strings and soulful melodies. "Disco Taberna" is a nod to the golden age of 70s disco, capturing the era's opulence with meticulous production. The track's lush arrangements and soaring strings reflect a deep respect for the classic disco era, while the urban boogie influences add a modern twist. The single's release follows the inclusion of their track "Ame no Uta" from their previous album "Blue Hour" in the "Tangent" compilation by Nick The Record & John Gomez, released by MR.BONGO in July. This feature has further cemented Urban Volcano Sounds' growing reputation, both in Japan and internationally. "Disco Taberna" not only reaffirms the group's commitment to high-quality sound but also highlights their evolving influence in the music scene. The single's blend of nostalgic and contemporary elements promises to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Review: In 2024, over 30 years after its release, Incognito's 1991 hit 'Crazy For You' has been reimagined by ONEGRAM with a stunning new arrangement. It brings out the soul with gorge vocals and lazy dub drums providing a perfect counterpoint. The B-side brings a vibrant twist featuring a groovier rhythm, ONEGRAM's signature horn section and lively steel pan melodies that blend Caribbean disco and reggae vibes. Adding to the fun, the ET Edit on the B-side is tailored for DJs and enhanced with tasteful effects for an energetic finish. This fresh take breathes new life into a beloved classic that showcases ONEGRAM's infectious sound.
Review: The 80s Japanese pop culture is back with the re-release of Toyama 'Penny' Hitomi's two popular albums. Among them, the 1983 album Next Door is a perfect blend of American and Japanese city pop, making it a must-listen for music lovers. The black vinyl pressing of this limited edition album is of high-quality Japanese import, bringing back the nostalgia of a classic era. This is the first time it has been released on wax since 1983, making it a rare and valuable addition to any music collection.
Review: Meiko Nakahara, a celebrated figure in the city pop revival, returns with a reissue of her eighth studio album, originally released in 1988. This captivating collection showcases Nakahara's signature blend of sophisticated pop, jazz influences, and smooth grooves, capturing the essence of the late 80s Japanese music scene. The album features the title track, 'Kagami no Nakano Actress', which served as the opening theme for the popular anime series 'Kimagure Orange Road', as well as the ending theme, 'Dance in the memories'. With its blend of catchy melodies, lush arrangements and Nakahara's expressive vocals make this a real, rediscovered classic.
Review: Portablist Lounge have put together this special 7" scratchsafe™ battle record which also includes a sticker. The record has a narrow head-gauged and has been deep cut which means it won't skip no matter how hard you work it, and it' features standard scratch samples with AI generated voices from well-known celebrities including Alex Jones, Bart Simpson, Kermit the Frog, Stan Marsh, Angry Male, Adam Sandler, Alan Partridge, Cleveland Brown, Jerry Springer, Rick Sanchez, Snoop Dogg, Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, Eric Cartman, Stewie Griffin, Greta Thumburg, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Rogan, Limmy, Peter Griffin, Peter Kay and Simon Cowell.
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