ALFA/YEN Records 1980-1987: Techno Pop and Other Electronic Adventures in Tokyo
ALFA/YEN Records 1980-1987 is a definitive survey of the futuristic Japanese techno-pop, electronic, and experimental sounds that emerged from Tokyo during the 1980s. Across 21 tracks, this Japanese-import compilation brings together landmark recordings by Yellow Magic Orchestra, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, Jun Togawa, Miharu Koshi, Testpattern, Interior, and other adventurous artists associated with the ALFA and YEN Records orbit.
Established within Alfa Records by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, YEN Records became a creative center for artists exploring computer-controlled rhythms, synthesizers, art pop, new wave, and the rapidly changing possibilities of digital recording. This black double-vinyl edition presents both celebrated classics and difficult-to-find selections, including several tracks receiving their first vinyl release.
Highlights
- Japanese-import black double-vinyl edition
- 21-track celebration of Tokyo’s influential 1980s techno-pop scene
- Features Yellow Magic Orchestra, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jun Togawa, Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, and more
- Includes the first vinyl release of several rare tracks
- Track selection and liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha
- Mastered and cut by Bernie Grundman
- Art direction by Takashi Okada
- Light in the Attic worldwide exclusive
About ALFA/YEN Records
YEN Records was founded in 1982 by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi as an artist-driven imprint within Alfa Records. Although the label’s original run was brief, its catalog helped define Japanese techno pop and left a lasting imprint on electronic music, art pop, synth-pop, and the international rediscovery of 1980s Japanese music.
Tracklist
| Side |
Artist |
Track |
| A1 |
Yellow Magic Orchestra |
Seoul Music = 京城音楽 |
| A2 |
Sandii |
Zoot Kook |
| A3 |
You An' Me Orgasmus Orchestra |
Sakisaka To Momonai No Gokigen Image One Two Three = 咲坂と桃内のごきげんいかが ワン・ツゥ・スリー |
| A4 |
Yukihiro Takahashi = 高橋幸宏 |
Drip Dry Eyes = ドリップ・ドライ・アイズ |
| B1 |
Jun Togawa = 戸川純 |
Suki Suki Daisuki = 好き好き大好き |
| B2 |
Miharu Koshi = コシミハル |
Parallellisme = パラレリズム |
| B3 |
Haruomi Hosono ・ Yukihiro Takahashi = 細野晴臣 ・ 高橋幸宏 |
Bikkuri Party No Theme = ビックリパーティーのテーマ |
| B4 |
Apogee & Perigee = アポジー＆ペリジー |
Sakasa Kenjin Egas = 逆さ賢人・イーガス |
| B5 |
Haruomi Hosono = 細野晴臣 |
Yumemiru Yakusoku = 夢見る約束 |
| B6 |
Hajime Tachibana = 立花ハジメ |
Rock |
| C1 |
Ryuichi Sakamoto = 坂本龍一 |
Riot In Lagos |
| C2 |
Jun Togawa = 戸川純 |
Radarman = レーダーマン |
| C3 |
Haruomi Hosono = 細野晴臣 |
Platonic = プラトニック |
| C4 |
Super Eccentric Theater = スーパー・エキセントリック・シアター |
Beat The Rap |
| C5 |
Yellow Magic Orchestra |
Rap Phenomena = ラップ現象 |
| D1 |
Ryuichi Sakamoto = 坂本龍一 |
Lexington Queen |
| D2 |
Sheena = シーナ |
Chanel No. #5 No On The Rock = シャネルの5番のオン・ザ・ロック |
| D3 |
Testpattern |
Beach Girl |
| D4 |
Yukihiro Takahashi = 高橋幸宏 |
Flashback |
| D5 |
Tamao Koike = 小池玉緒 |
Automne Dans Un Miroir = 鏡の中の十月 |
| D6 |
Interior |
Ascending |
