Celebrated new wave compilation from Japan reissued for the first time on vinyl.
A much-cherished gem from the 1980s underground Japanese music scene returns as Soft Selection 84 is reissued by Glossy Mistakes for its 40th anniversary. Originally released on DIY label Soft, the compilation sees 13 tracks from nine acts spanning minimal, ambient, zolo and more for a beguiling listen.
The result is a charming time capsule of eclectic creativity in which nothing sounds dated. Take La Sellrose Can Can, whose two party jams predate Kero Kero Bonito's hyperpop by decades. In addition, an impeccable remastering from the original master tapes adds to the "could have been recorded yesterday" feel of the collection.
Soft Selection 84 also includes the eccentric Picky Picnic. One of the few featured artists with recordings beyond the anthology, the trio is an essential act for those curious about Japanese art pop of the era. There is also new wave introspection from Name, whose "Do We All Need Love" plays out as a sensual nod to John Lennon. In a similar vein is Clä-Sick, the recording name of Goro Some, the compilation's original producer and founder of Soft.
Tracklist
- Clä-Sick - Morning In China
- La Sellrose Can Can - Aerobicise
- Linolium - Unit 25
- Picky Picnic - Sume ba Mikayo
- Pink Label - Good Luck
- Name - N.H.K.
- Picky Picnic - Kibo No Asu
- Rever - Performan
- Name - Do We All Need Love
- Classic Pearl - Pearl
- La Sellrose Can Can - Happy Morning
- Clä-Sick - Every Night
- Clä-Sick - Black Nile
