Milla Noriko - Sweet Drugs

Milla Noriko - Sweet Drugs
NEC Avenue NACL-1060
1992.03.21

Here's one you've never heard. And you need to. This is, in this humble music lover's opinion, what i consider to be a near perfect pop album. NEC Avenue was home to some pretty important releases, and some stuff that was sort of on the fringe of pop, but a little darker, more thoughtful, less worried about paint by numbers and more about actually expressing themselves (ie. the amazing Crayon-sha). This album just hits a vibe that isn't easy to explain, but its powerful. if i ever get some spare time i'll look more into milla noriko and who might have been behind this release... but i don't have that time right now. just know that you need to put this on your to-do list asap.

Buy It. 

Simone Fukayuki - La Beaute Et La Crime

Simone Fukayuki - La Beaute Et La Crime
Bron Records BRON S-2
1992.12.25

Many of us who were around for the golden age of blogging about japanese music got a taste of Simone Fukayuki's "Josephine" 7" record. Well i'm here to tell you that there is an entire album of majestic, sensual, delicious music for you to devour. I've actually uncovered two of his (or her, depending on how you want to look at it) albums pressed on cd.. you can find them both on discogs presently. This one definitely stands out though. It is a perfect hybridization of what my brain wants to imagine as a sort of traditional japanese theater sound with french chanson music. The whole album is steeped in equal measures of magic, majesty and machismo. if that doesn't tempt you, not a damn thing will. an absolute pleasure to listen to. should be house music for a smokey, dimly lit, high class gentleman's club. essential listening.

Buy It.