Name: Ai Ga Nakucha Ne
Brand: Akiko Yano

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

WWSLP 047LP

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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

Gatefold. Includes 24-pg booklet.

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Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2021-10-29

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Forced Exposure

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

3700604729853

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Akiko Yano

Genre US

Asian

Label US

Wewantsounds

Akiko Yano, born as Akiko Suzuki on 13 February 1955 in Tokyo, is a renowned Japanese artist. She studied jazz piano in high school and released her first album, "Japanese Girl," in 1976. With her unique blend of a wispy, girlish voice and the ability to improvise on the piano, Yano stood out from the Japanese pop scene at that time. She gained international recognition as she toured worldwide with Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) as their support keyboardist. Yano's collaborations include working with Little Feat on the West Coast and recording with UK rock band Japan.

After separating from Ryuichi Sakamoto, her former husband and musical partner, Yano moved to New York in the '90s where she continues to perform regularly and collaborate with various musicians primarily in the jazz genre. Her music has garnered a dedicated following both in Japan and abroad.

In addition to her successful career as an artist, Yano is also known for being the mother of Miu Sakamoto alias Sister M. Her unique style has influenced many artists including Tomoyo Harada, Sketch Show, Chu Kosaka, Minako Yoshida, Cornelius, and more.

Wewantsounds reissue Akiko Yano's cult classic Ai Ga Nakucha Ne, recorded in 1982 and co-produced by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Ai Ga Nakucha Ne ("there must be love" in Japanese) is Akiko Yano's sixth studio album and follows Tadaima in 1981. It continues exploring the electro-pop sound of its predecessor, hot on the heels of her touring with Yellow Magic Orchestra between 1979 and 1980. For this album, Akiko decided to try something new; she enrolled English musicians Mick Karn, Steve Jansen and David Sylvian from Japan and booked the Air Studios in London under the supervision of engineer Steve Nye. Over a couple of weeks, the musicians created a fascinating soundscape full of catchy pop tunes, sung in both Japanese and English. Reminiscing about the studio sessions, Steve Jansen notes "Our music's different but we maybe had a similar process of working. It was a great environment because the studio was a great place to work. It was very insular. There were four studios and there were always groups working in there 24/7." The eleven tracks featured on Ai Ga Nakucha Ne, mostly composed by Akiko -- are a great collection of catchy tunes featuring her distinctive vocals and accompanied by the Japan musicians. As Akiko explains about the creative process, "I didn't think to imitate or to make another Tin Drum. But I had Steve Jansen and Mick Karn, these excellent musicians. They were eager to understand the songs, then they put in everything they had. I knew the material was different from what they usually played in Japan. But it was a great experience working with them." There are many highlights on the album, from the pop edge of "Aisuru Hito Yo" to the avant groove of "Another Wedding Song", each song is memorable and the album ends with the superb "Good Night" sung by Akiko and David Sylvian. The original 1982 LP release included a 24-page booklet featuring many photos by Pennie Smith and Japanese photographer Bishin Jumonji. The booklet is reproduced in its entirety here and the album on top of contributions by Mac DeMarco, a longtime fan of the album. Also includes a dual interview with Akiko Yano and Steve Jansen by journalist Paul Bowler. Audio remastered from the original tapes by Mitsuo Koike.

Ai Ga Nakucha Ne

Music US