Specialist reissue label WeWantSounds release »Tokyo Bliss« that explores unearthed 70s and 80s Japan groove scene gems with longtime collaborator DJ Notoya. After getting into the vaults of labels Nippon Columbia and Electric Bird for the »Tokyo Glow« and »Funk Tide« compilations, this time Notoya curates from King Records 1974 – 1988 back catalogue, with most of the releases making their debut outside of Japan.
And the first track captures this idea of »bliss«. Produced by Nobuyuki Takahashi, brother of YMO’s Yukihiro Takahashi who plays the drums on »Garasumado«, the gentle vocal tones compliment the summery guitar and synths that reverberate out. The slick disco of »After Five At Café-Bar« has the phattest bass on the compilation and is reminiscent of Bootsy Collins, while the instrumental »Paper machine« grooves delightfully underneath the interplay of the guitar, the Rhodes, and the Moog.
Distinct elements of this era of Japanese City Pop feature wailing guitar solos and »Tokyo Bliss« doesn’t disappoint. Kumiko Sawada’s shredding on »Your Love’s Away« feels over the top but in all the right ways, and equally on Masatoshi Kanno’s »Day By Day« it cuts through the funk. Keiko Toda’s beautiful vocals on »Fade in« are complimented by hazy synths and a low-slung groove and is one of the strongest selections from Notoya. The warm, loving »Hotel Twilight« uses horns and dramatic strings to produce a joyous feeling, melding the funk rhythms and catchy City Pop that make »Tokyo Bliss« a delight.
