Tokyo Bliss

Tokyo Bliss follows Tokyo Dreaming, Tokyo Glow, and Funk Tide as the fourth digital/vinyl/compact disc compilation of 70s and 80s Japanese music released by Frances Wewantsounds label. Tokyo native DJ Notoya selected the latter two and returns here to present a deep exploration of King Records. Its more eclectic than its full title indicates, extending to Buzzs tremulous soft rock/folk-rock hybrid (featuring the then rhythm section of Sadistic Mika Band, therefore future Yellow Magic Orchestra member Yukihiro Takahashi), straight-up AOR disco from Kimiko Sawada (with Synare lasers and an intro that recalls Steely Dans Aja), and Fujimaru Bands ready-made substitute for Bob James "Angela (Theme from Taxi)." Funk is not on tap, but some tracks do have funky qualities. A thick bassline helps place Yuji Mitsuyas "After Five at Cafe-Bar" somewhere between Slaves "Watching You" and Patrice Rushens "Forget Me Nots." Johnny Yoshinagas crisp jazz-funk-rock fusion from 1978 wouldnt be out of place beside certain songs off the albums Steve Winwood and Jan Akkerman released the previous year. Theres also more pop-flavored material, like Mami Ayukawas "Sabita Gambler," a bubbly second cousin to Nona Hendryxs "Why Should I Cry." All ten of these songs have been widely accessible on streaming services, but Notoya charts an inviting path through a vast catalog that would require countless hours to locate and scour as an outsider. Whats more, Notoyas liner notes provide illuminating context, observing that Kings lucrative licensing of other songs to TV commercials and programs bankrolled the sessions that yielded these largely sumptuous recordings. ~ Andy Kellman