Various Artists - Soft Selection 84

Glossy Mistakes

£25.90

Format: LP
Catalogue No.: GLOSSY021
Barcode: 8425402803967
Release Date: 15 Mar 2024
Genre: Japanese/Synth Pop/Minimal

Celebrated new wave compilation from Japan reissued for the first time on Glossy Mistakes.

A much-cherished gem from the 1980s underground Japanese music scene returns as Soft Selection 84 is reissued by Glossy Mistakes for its 40th anniversary.

Originally released on DIY labelSoft, the compilation sees 13 tracks from nine acts spanning minimal, ambient, zolo and more for a beguiling listen.

The result is a charming time capsule of eclectic creativity in which nothing sounds dated. Take La Sellrose Can Can, whose two party jams predate Kero Kero Bonito's hyperpop by decades. In addition, an impeccable remastering from the original master tapes adds to the "could have been recorded yesterday" feel of the collection.

Soft Selection 84 also includes the eccentric Picky Picnic. One of the few featured artists with recordings beyond the anthology, the trio is an essential act for those curious about Japanese art pop of the era. There is also new wave introspection from Name, whose "Do We All Need Love" plays out as a sensual nod to John Lennon. In a similar vein is Clä-Sick, the recording name of Goro Some, the compilation's original producer and founder of Soft.

The record's rerelease comes with Some's blessing, along with his original artwork and photography. Ultimately, the listener is left tantalised by his selection and its bold excursions into no wave, synth pop, radioplay and bizzaro house. Most of the artists on this release would fade into obscurity, but the transient nature of the potential showcased has helped cement the compilation's reputation over the years.

Soft Selection will be released on vinyl LP by Glossy Mistakes on March 2024, with a remasteringnfrom the original master tapes.

Tracklist: Side A A1. clä-sick - Morning in China A2. La Sellrose Can Can - Aerobicise A3. Linolium - Unit 25 A4. Sume ba Miyako A5. Pink Label - Good Luck A6. NAME - N.H.K. A7. Picky Picnic - Kibo no Asu A8. ReveR – Performan
Side B B1. NAME - Do We All Need Love B2. Classic Pearl - Pearl B3. La Sellrose Can Can - Happy Morning B4. clä-sick - Every Night B5. clä-sick - Black Nile