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

Jean-Michel Jarre – Deserted Palace

Much respect to Transversales Disques who have lovingly reissued (on vinyl and digital, no less!) the first album of Jean-Michel Jarre before he became a commercial success in France and then worldwide.  From the label’s Bandcamp site: “Transversales Disques proudly presents the first official LP reissue of Deserted Palace, a 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

Andy Summers & Robert Fripp – The Complete Recordings

No reviews today thanks to having to have a hospital visit, but I would like to announce one of my favorite guitar albums in its most complete glory.  DGM Live Records offers the original albums remastered plus previously unreleased material.  From the website: “‘The Complete Recordings 1981-1984’ by Andy Summers Continue Reading

Steve Beresford – Dancing the Lines – Gatefold sleeve and 2p Insert (Black Vinyl)

Our friends at Wewantsounds have dug deep for this one, and of course, they have found gold.  This album, available from the label as a vinyl-only release, sits in a strange apex of electronic music, soul, pop, jazz and the avant-garde, which is the first genre I would have associated Continue Reading

Norio Maeda “Rock Communication Yagibushi” LP – Gatefold sleeve and 2pp Insert (Black Vinyl)

Folks, this is another stunner from our friends at Wewantsounds!  Norio Maeda’s sound crosses funky Blaxploitation grooves with music you would find from a 70s ‘krimi’ soundtrack out of Italy or Germany.  Expect to find heavyweight vinyl with gorgeous packaging.  This one is NOT to be missed!  Check out the Continue Reading

Fumio Itabashi – Watarase

Our friends over at Wewantsounds have released a post-bop gem by pianist Fumio Itabashi which will be available in April 5th, 2024.  From their Bandcamp site: “Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue Fumio Itabashi’s sought-after album “Watarase” hailed as one of the great Japanese jazz albums and featuring Itabashi on piano Continue Reading

Luther Thomas Human Arts Ensemble – Funky Donkey Vol. 1

Yet another vinyl masterpiece, reissued to perfection, comes to us from Wewantsounds.  This gem features a big player in the St. Louis jazz scene, Luther Thomas.  From the label’s press release: “A gang reunion, an effort of revitalization, a headbangers’ blowout, a legendary “lost” recording, a snapshot of its time, Continue Reading