Mahorka Records has surprised us with a release that leans less toward experimentation and more toward the style of Sakamoto. Although the talented Japanese artist Virgo is categorized as performing IDM (Intelligent Dance Music), this release is much more elegant than that genre suggests. In fact, it resembles something you Continue Reading
Japan
Merzbow – Tauromachine (Remastered)
Due to the vastness of Merzbow’s catalog, I took a break from keeping up with his work for a while. Today, I stumbled upon a release from 2023, and it remains as brutally noisy as ever. I have noticed that, with clearer editing and digital recording, the intense noise he Continue Reading
The Obi Strip: How a Japanese Paper Band Became a Collector’s Grail
Nick Zanca, writing for Discogs.com, discusses the ubiquitous obi strip, which is so common in Japan—and even in China—that it has become a significant part of record collecting culture. Ironically, these strips were originally intended to be discarded. Today, a mint condition obi strip can actually enhance the value of Continue Reading
Meiko Kaji – Yadokari + Shura No Hara 7-Inch
I can think of few record labels who so lovingly press their vinyl reissues like WewantSounds does. We’re thrilled to announce that they have republished Yadokari, a sublime work by Meiko Kaji, perhaps most well-known in America as one of Quentin Tarantino’s musical muses, but who wowed Japanese audiences with Continue Reading
No Reviews Today – Travel Day
I will be traveling from Tokyo to Beijing today. What an experience that was!
Ghost – Temple Stone
In honor of my first trip to Japan, I am pleased to present you with my favorite psych album from the country. Ghost was a collective led by multi-instrumentalist Masaki Batoh. This particular album is dripping with psychedelic folk references, bringing an eerie vibe to what would have been known Continue Reading
KK NULL – Extropy
From the days when his old band Zeni Geva were the kings of noise rock, KK Null has consistently published loud, noisy, brutal albums that would put most metal bands to shame. This is a bit different in focus, however, as the Bandcamp notes explain below: “From the opening track, Continue Reading
Lionel Marchetti & hamaYôko / Yôko Higashi – U chu Jin (les êtres en dehors de la Terre)
French electroacoustic composer Lionel Marchetti makes absolutely mind-blowing soundscapes made out of percussion and found sounds, which is impressive enough. However, in this 20-minute piece done in collaboration with vocalist hamaYôko, he puts a level of eeriness that will be extremely engaging to fans of avant-garde music.
Akira Kosemura – Rudy
No, nothing to do with yours truly, thankfully. My own biopic would be classified under surrealism/horror, I’m afraid. Instead, what you have here is what looks like an independent film about a girl who lives in Coventry, England. Should you click on the link, you’ll find more information on the Continue Reading
Yellow Magic Orchestra – Seoul Music
No posts today due to traveling. I’m in Seoul at the moment so enjoy some Seoul music!