Name: Gincho Wataridori
Brand: Meiko Kaji

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

WWSLP83

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Housed in Gatefold Sleeve with OBI

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-02-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Kudos

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

3700604752110

Total Cap

Black LP

WWSCD83

3700604752103

Artist

Meiko Kaji

Genre GB

Rest of World

Label GB

Wewantsounds

Wewantsounds is a global label specializing in reissuing hard to find vinyl albums and releasing curated compilations. They work directly with the master owners to ensure that all releases are officially licensed. The label's range of music is diverse, spanning genres from Japan, the US, France, and the Middle East. Each release is carefully remastered for vinyl, preserving the original sound quality. Additionally, Wewantsounds prioritizes using original artwork whenever possible.

Meiko Kaji is a Japanese actress and singer, known for her work in the 1970s. Born on March 24, 1947 in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan, she was active as both a modern kayōkyoku singer and a film actress. With her captivating performances and powerful voice, Meiko became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry during that era.

As an actress, Meiko starred in numerous films and gained recognition for her roles. Her talent and versatility allowed her to portray various characters with depth and authenticity. Alongside her acting career, she also pursued music as a singer.

With her enchanting vocals and unique style, Meiko made waves as a modern kayōkyoku singer. Her songs resonated with audiences across Japan and solidified her status as a talented artist. Today, Meiko's contributions to both film and music continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

Wewantsounds continue its extensive Meiko Kaji reissue program in partnership with Teichiku Records and Meiko Kaji herself, with the release of Gincho Wataridori, her debut album from 1972. This is the first time the album is reissued since release and it comes with its original Japanese artwork and newly remastered audio.

Famous for her 70s exploitation movies (Lady Snowblood, Female Prisoner Scorpion and Stray Cat Rock series) and revered by Quentin Tarantino, Meiko Kaji also released a string of great albums on Teichiku mixing Japanese Pop and cinematic grooves.

This reissue comes with Deluxe Gatefold Sleeve, OBI Strip and a 2-P insert featuring new liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha.

Japanese actress Meiko Kaji, who was born in Tokyo, has become a worldwide cult icon thanks to Quentin Tarantino when he heavily based his Kill Bill films on the 1973 revenge genre film 'Lady Snowblood,' one of Kaji's most famous films. Renowned for her roles in the highly acclaimed 'Stray Cat Rock' and 'Female Prisoner Scorpion' film series, Kaji became one of the most famous exploitation actresses in Japan in the early 70s. Invited by film studios to sing the theme for many of her films, she ended up recording five albums for Teichiku between 1972 and 1974, which have become increasingly sought-after over the years. 

Gincho Wataridori was the very first album released by Meiko Kaji in 1972 and is a great mix of kayokyoku (Japanese Pop), traditional Enka Music, psych rock and 70s cinematic groove. The album features the song "Gincho Wataridori" a theme song for the eponymous gangster film released by Toei Films in 1972 (and known outside of Japan as "Wandering Ginza Butterfly"). On the cover of the album, Meiko actually wears the kimono she wears in the film. The song showcases Kaji's distinctive singing over a funky backbeat and fuzz guitar. It was recorded straight after the shooting of the film and Kaji remembers the recording process, as told to Hashim Bharoocha for the liner notes: "After two weeks of filming, mentally I’m still in my character, so I would go to the studio to record the song in that mindset. So when I’m recording my vocals, I’m still acting.” Ginchou Wataridori was produced by two seasoned Teichiku producers, Yorifumi Ito and Kenji Nakajima and features a superb mix of pop songs ("Hakodate Monogatari"), funky ones ("Koini Inochio," "Shitto") and atmospheric ones ("Jingi Komoriuta") making the perfect setting for Meiko Kaji's unique singing, reflecting the cool, dangerous atmosphere of the films she would star in. The first of a series of five LPs produced for Teichiku between 1972 and 1974, Gincho Wataridori marks the beginning of Meiko Kaji's fruitful career as a recording artist and is a unique testament of her singing talent which Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue in its full glory with gatefold sleeve, remastered from the original master tapes.

Gincho Wataridori

Music GB

Discover Gincho Wataridori by Meiko Kaji. Reissued for the first time since 1972, this vinyl album features original artwork and remastered audio. From Wewantsounds and Teichiku Records.