Yasuaki Shimizu
IQ 179
B&M (Japan) 1981
YF-7027-B (LP) Serial number. w/insert.
sleeve : EX-(some slightly dirts.)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly noises.)
This is the 1981 solo album by the genius artist and saxophonist, Yasuaki Shimizu, a celebrated figure in Japan known for his consistently creative endeavors from the 1970s to the present day, as introduced in the guidebook "OBSCURE SOUND REVISED EDITION." The album features backing support from members of Mariah such as Masanori Sasaji (keys, synth), Takayuki Doi (guitar), Hideo Yamaki (drums), Morio Watanabe (bass, drums), and Jimmy Murakawa (vocals), along with special guests like Kazumi Watanabe (guitar), Ryuichi Sakamoto (synth, drums), and Minako Yoshida (vocals). In addition to progressive and fusion-style tracks reminiscent of Mariah's albums released in the same year, such as "Auschwitz Dream" and "Marginal Love," the album includes a variety of superb compositions. These range from the R&B-infused grooves with a sense of restraint in A1 and B5, to the minimalist contemporary electronic sound of A3, the minimal electro tunes anticipating YMO's "Technodelic" in A4/B4, the avant-garde flavor prominently displayed in A5, a glimpse into Yasuaki Shimizu & Saxophonettes' future in A6, and experimental electronic music with various gimmicks like reverse playback in B2. While resonating with UK New Wave and US No Wave, it explores countless new directions, showcasing an abundance of cutting-edge and remarkable tracks. This album is a masterpiece within a masterpiece, filled with ideas that lead to "Scarecrow" and Mariah's "Uta Kata no Hibi."
A1: Crow
A4: Doll Play I
B2: IQ-179
B5: Shashin