Documentary Recording of Famous Temple Bells of Japan with Narration
Sound of Repose
CBS/Sony (Japan) 1973
SODL-12 (LP) gatefold sleeve. w/cap obi, insert.
sleeve : EX-(IN SHRINK, wear on corner, some light dirts.)
media : EX-/EX-(some light noise.)
Released in 1973 as the first title in CBS Sony’s Documentary Records of On-Site Recordings and Narration series, this album features the sounds of seventeen different bonshō temple bells from historic temples across Japan—including Sensō-ji in Asakusa, Kan’ei-ji in Ueno, Zōjō-ji in Shiba, Chūson-ji in Hiraizumi, Engaku-ji in Kamakura, Hōryū-ji in Nara, and Chion-in in Kyoto—accompanied by narration from former NHK announcer Jirō Yagi. These bells were once used as “time bells” to mark the hours, and while such soundscapes are fading today, the lingering low overtones that swell and continue after the initial metallic strike evoke something that feels elemental, almost encoded in our DNA. Perfect as a rich source for sampling or as a DJ tool.