Haruomi Hosono - Paraiso (1977)

It goes without saying that Haruomi Hosono (細野晴臣) is one of the most eclectic composers and singer-songwriters Japan has to offer. His most famous albums fall under either Electronic/Techno-pop (Philharmony) or Tropical Exotica-inspired folk (Tropical Dandy), the album in question is an exciting and bizarre fusion of both. Paraiso is Hosono's third solo album in his "Tropical '' period, beginning with Tropical Dandy (1975), followed by Bon Voyage Co (1976). The album is credited to Haroumi Hosono and the Yellow Magic Band, which can be considered a precursor to his Yellow Magic Orchestra since it features future longtime collaborators, the late & great Yukihiro Takahashi on drums, and Ryuichi Sakamoto on keyboards. The album also features other well-known musicians like Taeko Ohnuki, Hiroshi Sato, Hiroshi Kamayasu, Tatsuo Hayashi, and Nobu Saito.

TRACKLIST

1. 
   Tokyo Rush ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Shimendoka ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Japanese Rhumba⭐⭐⭐
4. Asatoya Yunta⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Fujiyama Mama ⭐⭐⭐
6. Femme Fatale⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Shambhala Signal⭐⭐
8. Worry Beads⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. Paraiso ⭐⭐⭐⭐

THE VERDICT

Building on the influences of the previous albums, Paraiso is a collection of Exotica-infused Jazz-funk, as if  Little Feat were produced by Martin Denny, this time with an extra layer of Synthesizers to add some texture to the ambiance. The opening song "Tokyo Rush" is probably the most energetic out of the bunch.  "Femme Fatale" is another great tune that uses synths to add to the jungle ambiance, bridging the gap between lounge music and technopop. There are also some interesting covers, including a reggae rendition of an Okinawan folk song in "Asatoya Yunta" and a humorous take on the American song Fujiyama Mama, written by Jack Hammer, best known as the co-writer of "Great Balls of Fire". Overall, Paraiso proves to be a great compromise between the Tropical and Electronic eras of Hosono's career, and a great jumping point for people to get introduced to his discography pre-YMO.

Dixie Fever by Makoto Kubota & The Sunset Gang - 1977

What happens when four Japanese guys head to Hawaii to make a hit record? If you didn't guess a country rock album, you might not be ready for Dixie Fever. I wasn't either when I first heard it. But if you're this far down the Japanese music rabbit hole, you might as well give this one a chance. Recorded in 1976, Dixie Fever was the third album of The Sunset Gang, led by folk singer Makoto Kubota, along with Keni Inoue (guitar), Yosuke Fujita (slide guitar), and Takashi Onzo (bass). 

Nohelani Cypriano

The album also features the legendary Haruomi Hosono as co-producer, as well as notable Hawaiian talents like pianist Dennis Graue, and his wife, Nohelani Cypriano who performed backing vocals along with future permanent band member Aya "Sandii" Suzuki. And of course, it's not Hosono production without at least one Tin Pan Alley member, for which we have Tatsuo Hayashi on drums. The album was recorded at the famed Sounds of Hawaii Studios, one of the oldest studios on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and released in Japan in 1977 under the Showboat Label.

THE MUSIC

1. 

   "Sandii" Suzuki

   Dixie Fever ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Wild About My Lovin' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Camel Blues ⭐⭐⭐
4. Heart Melody ⭐⭐⭐
5. Hoshikuzu (Stardust) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Chinatown Blues ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Captain Banana⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. When I Was a Cowboy ⭐⭐⭐⭐
9. 一つだけ光るもの (The Only Thing That Shines) ⭐⭐⭐

THE VERDICT 

 Makoto's Sunset Gang was already known for combining American blues, and country folk with Okinawan and tropical stylings, Dixie Fever takes a full-on trip down the bible belt to add some good ol' fashion New Orleans Funk & R&B into the mix. The album shines most when it goes full honkey tonk, with songs like the soulful "Chinatown Blues", and the titular hoedown, "Dixie Fever", There's even a great cover of Jim Jackson's hokum classic "Wild About my Lovin'". There's also a little detour into Margaritaville with songs like "Stardust" and "Heart Melody". Despite the excellent musicianship, it's definitely offputting the first listen around, the songs sound authentic enough until you hear a Japanese man calling out different Dixie line states as if he's actually been there before and name-checking Buffalo Bill. Kubota's Kermit-Esque voice definitely fits the style, but it's still weird. If you're able to get past it, however, you're in for some silly yet surprisingly endearing Country Pop.