Somewhere Between: Sounds of Japan 1980-1988
Dive into the captivating sonic landscape of 1980s Japan with "Somewhere Between: Mutant Pop, Electronic Minimalism & Shadow Sounds of Japan 1980-1988." This compilation seamlessly hovers between the ambient atmospherics of Kankyō Ongaku and the metropolitan boogie of Pacific Breeze, encapsulating an era where aesthetic visions and consumerism intertwined.
A Sonic Journey Through Japan's Bubble Era
Featuring a range of styles from ambient pop to underground electronics and liminal minimalism, this collection showcases the innovative spirit of an era defined by prosperity and the luxury to dream. With tracks from avant-minimalists like Mkwaju Ensemble and Yoshio Ojima to leftfield techno-pop by Mishio Ogawa and Noriko Miyamoto, and highlights from the groundbreaking Vanity Records, this compilation is a testament to the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of 1980s Japan.
Tracklist
Explore the hazy and eclectic sounds that define this unique collection:
| Track |
1. Arrows & Eyes
2. Hikari No Ito Kin No Ito
3. WEIMAR 22
4. Mizu No Naka No Himitsu
5. Sweet Sultan
6. Dark Disco-Da·Da·Da·Da·Run
7. Area
8. Wedding With God (À Nijinski) |
Curated by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark "Frosty" McNeill of dublab, "Somewhere Between" is more than a collection of music—it's a celebration of the freedom found in the vibrant and transitioning soundscape of Japan during the 1980s. This double LP, housed in a wide-spine jacket with new liner notes and never-before-seen photos, is an essential addition for collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese music and culture.
