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Home  Tags  Japanese funk

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Products tagged as Japanese funk
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Items 1 to 22 of 22 on page 1 of 1
Nippon Girls 2: Japanese Pop Beat & Rock'n'Roll 1966-70
VARIOUS
Cat: HIQLP 022. Rel: 24 Oct 14
 
International
Kayoko Ishuu - "Bazazz No 1"
Reiko Mari - "Saike Na Machi"
Linda Yamamoto - "Furi Furi 5"
Mari Henmi - "Daniel Mon Amour"
Chiyo Okumura - "Koi Gurui"
Emy Jackson & Blue Comets - "Namida No Go Go"
Katsuko Kanai - "Mini Mini Girl"
Akiko Wada - "Boy & Girl"
Kemeko Matsudaira - "Watshi Ga Kemeko Yo"
Akiko Nakamura - "Namida No Mori No Monogatari"
The Peanuts - "Tokyo No Hito"
Kazumi Yasui - "Warui Kuse"
Review: This collection focuses in an era of Japanese music in which fashion, glamour and kitsch collided to create an addictive sound that morphed Westernized shapes into something kaleidoscopic and unique; the GS (or Group Sounds) phenomenon had seen Japanese artists attempting their own take on the high-energy onslaught of the Beatles and the British invasion, but elsewhere the female artists of the era were crafting a sound that tipped its hat to bossa nova, psych-pop and French ye-ye whilst maintaining a distinctly Japanese approach. Vibrant, eclectic and shot through with an insouciance and style rich even for this era, this is a compilation that sounds as exotic today as it did in the '60s.
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 in stock $26.52
Wamono A To Z Vol II: Japanese Funk 1970-1977
Cat: 180G WALP02. Rel: 08 Apr 21
 
Funk
Mieko Hirota - "Theme Of 'Doberman Cop'" (3:52)
Hiroshi Sato - "Bad Junky Blues" (3:48)
Sammy - "The In-&-Outer-Stomp-&-Shouter" (with Jiro Inagaki & Soul Media) (3:20)
Fujio Tokita - "Watashi No Beatles" (3:13)
School Band - "I Hope It's Fine" (4:03)
Bread & Butter - "Devil Woman" (2:57)
Hatsumi Shibata - "Singer Lady" (3:33)
Kan Mikami - "Jikokeno No Samba" (2:23)
Akira Yasuda & Beat Folk - "Yumura No Obaba" (3:04)
Pinky Chicks - "Tosetsu Donpan Bushi" (3:16)
Review: On the first instalment in the Wamono A to Z compilation series, released in September 2020, dusty-fingered diggers DJ Yoshizawa Dynamite.jp and Chintam focused on Japanese jazz-funk and rare groove gems recorded and released between 1968 and '80. For this speedy sequel, they've narrowed their focus further in order to showcase little-known Japanese funk slammers pressed to wax between 1970 and '77. As you'd expect, there's tons of absolute bangers amongst the 10 tracks on show, with highlights including the Blaxploitation movie soundtrack vibes of Mieko Hirota's 'Theme of Doberman Cop', the fuzzy, Hammond-sporting psych-funk of Fujio Tokita's quirky 'Watashi No Beatles', and the energetic, proto disco-funk of Hatsumi Shibata's 'Singer Lady'.
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 in stock $28.47
Muscle & Heat (reissue)
Muscle & Heat (reissue) (LP + booklet with obi-strip)
Cat: PROT 7109. Rel: 17 Jun 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Thermo Limbo (5:46)
Watashi No Suki Na Kuni (5:51)
Swimming Under The Glass (4:12)
Do The Wolf (4:33)
Exotic Dance (6:04)
Narcissa (5:18)
Dodo Bird (1:27)
Muscle & Heat (5:04)
Oriental Oriental (3:15)
 in stock $41.74
Wamono A To Z Vol 1: Japanese Jazz Funk & Rare Groove 1968-1980 (reissue)
Cat: 180GWALP 01RE. Rel: 02 Feb 22
 
Funk
Toshiko Yonekawa - "Soran Bushi" (2:45)
Takeo Yamashita - "A Touch Of Japanese Tone" (4:21)
Tadaaki Misago & Tokyo Cuban Boys - "Jongara Reggae" (3:38)
Chikara Ueda & The Power Station - "Cloudy" (6:08)
Chumei Watanabe - "Downtown Blues" (3:38)
Kifu Mitsuhashi - "Hanagasa Ondo" (2:51)
Monica Lassen & The Sounds - "Incitation" (5:29)
Norio Maeda, Jiro Inagaki & The All-Stars - "Go Go A Go Go" (3:19)
Akira Ishikawa & Count Buffalo & The Jazz Rock Band - "The Sidewinder" (2:41)
Masahiko Sato, Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media - "Sniper's Snooze" (6:42)
Review: Some compilations manage to both educate, inform and educate in equal measure; this fine collection from Japanese crate diggers DJ Yoshizawa Dynamite and Chintam is one such set. Comprising mostly little-known tracks recorded by Japanese artists between 1968 and '70, it offers up a wealth of cuts inspired by American jazz-funk "rare groove". There's much to admire across the ten tracks, from the mazy Rhodes solos, fizzing big band jazz grooves and traditional Eastern instrumentation of Toshiko Yonekawa's "Soran Bushi", and the languidly-slung brilliance of Tadaki Misago and Tokyo Cuban Boys' multi-faceted musical fusion "Jongara Reggae", to the Jimi Hendrix-goes-funk heaviness of "Incitation" by Monica Lassen & The Sounds, and the drums-driven dancefloor madness of Masahiko Sato Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media's "Sniper's Snooze". Recommended.
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 in stock $28.47
Funky King
Funky King (7" + insert)
Cat: CRK 1027. Rel: 29 Apr 22
 
Funk
Funky King (part 1) (5:01)
Go Go King (4:59)
 in stock $19.62
Uganda: Dawn Of African Rock
Uganda: Dawn Of African Rock (LP box set + insert)
Cat: MRBLP 239. Rel: 30 Sep 22
 
Progressive Rock
Wanyama Na Mapambazuko (11:40)
Na Tu Penda Sana (9:30)
Vita (7:43)
Pygmy (7:47)
Review: Japanese jazz drummer Akira Ishikawa's blistering 'Uganda (Dawn Of Rock)' makes a piognant claim as to the origins of rock n' roll, blending traditional African drumming workouts with the futuristic tropes belonging to psychedelic rock and fourth world music. Consisting of just four movements ranging from formless to the watery and rhythmic, its recording lies in the basis of just one legendary drummer, but in all its sonics sounds as though an enormous ensemble were behind it. A well-sought J-psych rarity.
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 in stock $35.66
Hit Machine (reissue)
Hit Machine (reissue) (LP + insert with obi-strip)
Cat: PROT 7213. Rel: 09 Nov 22
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Caribbean Dream (2:38)
Hit Machine (5:36)
Little Monster (3:28)
A Killer Smile (3:31)
Sexy Bus Stop (3:08)
Magic Of The Blue (3:08)
Ain't Nobody Straight In LA (3:17)
Union Man (3:33)
The Bumboo (3:05)
My Tiny Angel (3:38)
 in stock $41.18
Bomber
Bomber (7")
Cat: WQKL 15. Rel: 08 Dec 22
 
Funk
Bomber (2022 Remaster) (4:58)
Zero Chiten (2022 Remaster) (2:55)
 in stock $16.57
Funkin' For Jamaica
Cat: PMKA 1005. Rel: 23 Dec 22
 
Funk
Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Funkin' For Jamaica" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj) (4:07)
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.
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 in stock $22.94
Uganda: Dawn Of Rock (reissue)
Uganda: Dawn Of Rock (reissue) (LP with obi-strip)
Cat: MRBLP 239B. Rel: 14 Feb 24
 
International
Wanyama Na Mapambazuko (7:50)
Tu Penda Sana (13:12)
Vita (7:43)
Pygmy (7:48)
Review: Uganda: Dawn Of Rock is a great collision of creative talents from Akira Ishikawa and Count Buffaloes who combine to deliver a captivating exploration of rock music's emergence in Uganda. A classic since it was first issued, the album showcases Ishikawa's masterful drumming and Count Buffaloes' dynamic instrumentation. It overflows with infectious rhythms and soulful melodies and each track immerses listeners in the vibrant music scene of Uganda where rock and local African sounds are fused into something new. As such this is a record that offers a perfect glimpse into a pivotal moment in Uganda's musical history.
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 in stock $23.50
Thanatos Of Funk
Thanatos Of Funk (cassette limited to 100 copies)
Cat: CSIC 047. Rel: 08 Mar 24
 
Funk
Thanatopsis (6:38)
In Praise Of Mitochondria (2:57)
Shinzo-San (4:37)
It Isn't Because Of Hemoglobin (6:28)
Hensachi-Sama (4:54)
Foxy Lady (3:48)
Gals' Blues (2:46)
Panda Steak (3:37)
Disco Thesis (3:05)
Dompan (Private Funk) (6:34)
Foxy Lady (alternate version) (4:04)
Shinzo-San (SIC Exclusive demo instrumental) (5:00)
Thanatopsis (SIC Exclusive demo instrumental) (5:11)
 in stock $11.61
Super Cats
Cat: PARK 1059. Rel: 24 Apr 24
 
Soul
Funky Jesus
Life
Like Sugar
Feel Like Makin' Love
Best Match
IWGP
A Cat In The Sun
Track 8
 in stock $17.42
39 (Thank You)
Cat: HR 7S315. Rel: 10 Jun 24
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
39 (Thank You) (3:55)
39 (Thank You) (instrumental) (3:59)
 in stock $18.52
Escape (remastered)
Cat: THANKYOU 035. Rel: 06 Aug 24
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Forever (7:34)
Electric City (5:22)
KuRoOBi Magic (3:39)
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'.
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 in stock $23.50
Kokoro
Kokoro (LP + MP3 download code)
Cat: BTR 98LP. Rel: 11 Oct 24
 
International
Empty Hands (3:22)
Kokoro (4:14)
Halilim Halilim (3:49)
A Flower Called Indica (4:26)
Tokyo Midnight (4:26)
Nasnusa (5:14)
Crossroad Of Love (3:55)
Blue Universe (4:27)
Review: Israeli funk quartet Sababa 5 and Japanese singer-cum-bellydancer Yurika Hanashima join forces again on 'Kokoro', a combination of two song suites: four brand new concoctions and four beloved older tracks. Sababa 5's unique combination of Middle Eastern funk and Mediterranean rhythm makes a surprisingly sensational combination with Japanese Jazz-fusion sensibilities. Opening track 'Empty Hands' is a string-led proposition by Yurika: When your hands are empty, you hold everything you need. The guitars are expressive without overpowering Yurika's gentle vocals - it's the perfect track for a sunny drive home. The real selling point here is the clutch of tracks from Sababa and Yurika's storied past, namely 'Tokyo Midnights, a jangly, groove-filled song describing a smoke-filled, drink-fueled night through the capital. This version is pressed on classic black vinyl, but has been in high demand on the artist's own store - so act fast.
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 in stock $22.10
Question
Question (2xLP with obi-strip)
Cat: MHJL 342/3. Rel: 24 Oct 24
 
Pop
Reaction (5:00)
Sleepless Heart (5:50)
Sadly Jealousy (5:20)
Profile (4:57)
Embraced By You (4:27)
Summer On The Globe (4:34)
Let Me Dance (4:34)
Embraced By Sighs (4:39)
Paradise (5:06)
Panorama (4:48)
 in stock $55.27
Knights Company (remastered)
Knights Company (remastered) (limited LP + insert with obi-strip)
Cat: HRLP 354. Rel: 04 Nov 24
 
Jazz
Free Way Gang (4:06)
You Know Well What I Feel (4:01)
Track 3 (4:16)
Track 4 (3:37)
Lagy Girl (4:13)
Track 6 (5:20)
Drive (4:20)
Skating Baby (3:14)
Track 9 (4:42)
Last Concert (4:12)
Review: Originally self-produced and released in the mid-70s by members of Kitakyushu City University's Knights, a light music club, Knights Company was a rare two-disc set that came as an LP and EP and was sold in very limited quantities. Virtually unknown even among collectors, this album combines the high-energy soul influence of James Brown with a bluesy, melodic West Coast and AOR sound. Decades later, its appeal is undiminished as it captures the youthful spirit and talent of northern Kyushu's finest. This masterpiece has been revived as a compilation with high-quality remastering by 8ronix and a striking new design that makes it collectible all over again.
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 in stock $42.84
There For You
Cat: BLCR 2403. Rel: 19 Dec 24
 
Soul
There For You (3:35)
Shady Lady (4:25)
Review: Bloco & Soul Essentials are back with their smooth, feel-good vibes with their 7" There For You. Side-1 features the title track, a joyful slice of soul with a fantastic horn section and classy vocals. It captures a warm, 70s mood with smooth strings and an overall laid-back groove that's perfect for fans of classic soul sounds. On Side-2, 'Shady Lady' offers a slower, funkier groove. The track's funky bassline and gentle piano keys create a relaxed, sultry atmosphere, while the rich blend of guitar and smooth vocals tie everything together beautifully. There For You is an essential pick for anyone who enjoys soul music with a touch of Japanese funk and jazz influences, delivering timeless grooves with a modern edge.
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 in stock $19.89
Tokyo Bliss: Japanese Funk Boogie & City Pop From King Records 1974-88
DJ NOTOYA / VARIOUS
Cat: WWSCD 98. Rel: 13 Feb 25
 
Funk
Buzz - "Garasumado"
Mami Ayukawa - "Sabita Gambler"
Johnny Yoshinaga - "The Rain"
Keiko Toda - "Fade In"
Koji Kobayashi - "Bokura No Date"
Yuko Imai - "Hotel Twilight"
Kumiko Sawada - "Your Love's Away"
Masatoshi Kanno - "Day By Day"
Yuji Mitsuya - "After Five At Caf-Bar"
Fujimaru Band - "Paper Machine"
Review: Adding to the fervour around Japanese city pop - the genre is still a clogged but speculative seep for reissuers, who are keen to capitalise on the mainly Tokyo-born genre's still underground, under-recognised reserves of music - comes DJ Nutoya with a fresh and terse ten-tracker compilation: Tokyo Bliss. This breezy selection centres on the all-rounder genre's favourite international foci, boogie and funk: frissonic formulas for sensational home listening. Most tracks here make their debut on vinyl outside of Japan; from Buzz's pristine tremolo'er 'Garasumado', to Keiko Toda's escape-noteworthy 'Fade In' and Yuji Mitsuya's delirious summer disco dirge 'After Five At Caf-Bar', this is an impeccable curation job.
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 in stock $17.96
Tokyo Bliss: Japanese Funk Boogie & City Pop From King Records 1974-88
DJ NOTOYA / VARIOUS
Cat: WWSLP 98. Rel: 13 Feb 25
 
Funk
BUZZ - "Garasumado" (2:35)
Mami Ayukawa - "Sabita Gambler" (3:53)
Johnny Yoshinaga - "The Rain" (5:44)
Keiko Toda - "Fade In" (4:13)
Koji Kobayashi - "Bokura No Date" (3:07)
Yuko Imai - "Hotel Twilight 4:49" (4:46)
Kumiko Sawada - "Your Love's Away" (4:14)
Masatoshi Kanno - "Day By Day" (3:32)
Yuji Mitsuya - "After Five At Caf-Bar" (4:40)
Fujimaru Band - "Paper Machine" (2:26)
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.
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 in stock $35.93
Yamate Hotel
Cat: FWRF 009. Rel: 08 Apr 25
 
Soul
Yamate Hotel (3:59)
Bad Junkie Blues (3:49)
Review: Fourth Wave reissue one of the great works of Japanese composer, keyboardist and producer Hiroshi Sato. Forming part of a fresh flood of reissues that the label have explicitly mandated, Sato's are highlights among a discrete period of exquisitely recorded and visually designed LPs from the late 70s and early 80s. With a sleekly surreal cover artwork by Tadanori Yokoo - psych rock's pastiching answer to Vaughan Oliver - Sato brought chilled finger-flair to his various recorded synth patches, electric pianos, chamber brasses and guitars, all of which are recorded to produce a precise, razored sound in xpander-funk. Something latent - something much more - than mere smooth AOR is conveyed here. Perhaps it can be focalised in the LP's aura of effortless, disengaged mellowness, as if good comportment and style is an inevitability of life in cosmopolitan 80s Tokyo.
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 in stock $22.10
Summer Lady
Cat: FWRF 005. Rel: 08 Apr 25
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Summer Lady (3:48)
Friday Night (3:32)
Review: This classic Japanese funk tune has long been adored by erudite boogie, 80s funk and soul fans in Japan but also more internationally, and for the first time here it is now available as a 7" single. Produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu, the release includes one track each from the Jadoes albums It's Friday from 1986 and Free Drink in 1987, both of which are considered iconic in the Japanese boogie canon. 'Summer Lady' is full of glossy 80s drums and sparking melodies that bring unbridled joy and 'Friday Night' is a little more paired back but the stepping drums and male-female vocal interaction is a thing of beauty.
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 in stock $23.50
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