The very first album from long-running Japanese singer Akira Kushida – a set that bursts out with the word "soulful" on the cover, and definitely follows through with its promise! Given that Akira sings in Japanese on many cuts, the sound isn't exactly the same as James Brown on King Records – but it's also clear that Kushida draws plenty of inspiration from American soul, which is also reflected in the arrangements, not just the raspy style that he brings to the lyrics! There's definitely a fair bit of English on the record – and the vibe is maybe a bit like some of the blue-eyed soul styles of the UK mod scene, served up on titles that include "Vecchio Sam", "For The Love Of A Woman", "Cry Like A Baby", "Forgive Me My Love", and "Lonesome Sad & Blue". LP, Vinyl record album

A record of incredible beauty, yet one that's also almost impossible to describe in words – as this second set from Japanese singer Hako Yamasaki has her really moving past the first one – coming across with an even richer sound in her vocals, and mixing just the right amount of electric piano and electric guitar in with the acoustic elements in the music! The song styles here join together wonderfully – and the album's a rich tapestry of subtle emotions that transcends the boundaries of language – and which is very different than both the quirky Japanese rock experiments of the time, or the more polished work of the city pop generation to come. Titles include "Shiroi Hana, "Mukai Kaze", "Tsunawatari", "Harmonica Fuki No Otoko", "Help Me", and "Tanjo Iwai". LP, Vinyl record album