"Dub 16" and "Dub 14," "Void" and "Restraint"—a deep, sharp, and solid modular dubwise experiment. Highly recommended. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

Having worked with labels such as Honest Jon’s and The Trilogy Tapes, Cafer Oto, and others, and possesses a deep knowledge of genres ranging from reggae, blues, and world music to new wave and experimental music. As “Japan Blues”—aka Howard Williams—he has introduced Japanese music to the UK and the rest of the world from a unique perspective that ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Saito) is neither City Pop nor Showa-era pop. Japan Blues has also produced compilations featuring Maki Asakawa, Takeshi Terauchi, Masaaki Hirao, and music from the 1960s and 1970s associated with Japanese cinema.
The appeal of Ririi and the Bye Bye Session Band, spanning blues, New Soul by artists like Curtis Mayfield, jazz-funk, and psychedelic rock. The album comes with a 4-page booklet featuring English translations of the liner notes by producer Koji Teramoto—who has worked on her various works as well as those of Maki Asakawa, Masato Minami, and Masahiro Kuwana—along with photographs. (Original Japanese text by Saito)

Marva Whitney, who supported the James Brown band as the most “raw” and “brassy” diva—a voice that paired perfectly with brass sounds. The A-side, “Unwind Yourself,” is a genuine, raw funk-breaking classic that’s been sampled by DJ KOOL and others, including The 45King on “The 900 Number.” The laid-back, playful horn intro is irresistible! The B-si ...Read more (Original Japanese text by KANO)de features the JB-produced, top-notch “sister funk” track “What Do I Have To Do To Prove My Love to You,” the original version of which is considered extremely rare! (Original Japanese text by KANO)

Side A features the single “You’re Welcome, Stop On By,” released in 1995 under the name Momie-O with her husband Bobby Byrd—who is also known as James Brown’s right-hand man. This is a duet cover of a classic produced by Bobby Womack, performed by one of the most influential couples in the funk world—a timeless soul classic that has been sampled a ...Read more (Original Japanese text by KANO)nd remixed by countless artists. Furthermore, the B-side features the bluesy proto-funk track “Baby, Don’t You Know,” produced by the King himself, James Brown. It’s just too cool. (Original Japanese text by KANO)

Originally released in ’76, “Jolene” is a country-disco classic that has been loved across generations and is also known for covers by artists such as Olivia Newton-John and The White Stripes. This is an edit version by Norwegian edit master Todd Terje. Although it was originally released by TTJ in 2015, this underground hit—which had been played e ...Read more (Original Japanese text by KANO)xtensively by DJs of the time even before that—is now being released unofficially on 7-inch vinyl. The first half keeps you hooked with the beat being added and removed, while the mid-section features Dolly Parton’s wistful vocals cutting in—a great progression. It retains a folksy vibe while coming together as a country-Balearic downtempo edit. (Original Japanese text by KANO)

On the eve of SCHEMA’s founding, a bossa nova-jazz-funk masterpiece from Mediterranean Italy during the heyday of acid jazz! This classic track is released on 7-inch vinyl for the first time!! Wonderful.
In the early ’90s, the Bari, Italy-based “Fez” collective—led by Nicola Conte—redefined contemporary jazz by fusing groove, an experimental sp ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)irit, and a distinctly Mediterranean sensibility. It was in this environment that the early recordings of the project—which would later evolve into “Schema Records”—were born, initially released on the “Right Tempo” label. Now, Schema Records looks back on these pioneering works with the release of three 7-inch singles (45s).
Each release has been newly remastered from the original masters. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

Side A features “Senza Paura” (sample 1), a classic by Brazilian legends Tocinho and Vinícius Moraes—best known for Italian singer Ornella Vanoni’s iconic rendition—reimagined as a fusion of Brazilian music and Italian pop, reconstructed with delicate jazz harmonies and an elegant groove Side B features a superb cover of a classic by Jorge Ben, whi ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)ch perfectly embodies Quintetto X’s musical identity through a masterful fusion of sophisticated rhythms, jazz harmonies, inspiration from Brazilian music, and elements of acid jazz—a trend prevalent in the European club music scene at the time “Balança Pema” (sample 2)—a superb cover of a classic by Jorge Ben that perfectly embodies Quintetto X’s musical identity through its sophisticated rhythms, jazz harmonies, and inspiration drawn from Brazilian music, along with elements of acid jazz, which was also a trend in the European club music scene at the time. A 2026 remastered reissue of a key track from the era leading up to *Schema*! Released for the first time on 7-inch vinyl. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

A legendary cover that masterfully embodies Quintetto X’s musical identity—featuring sophisticated rhythms, jazz harmonies, and a melodic sensibility that fuses inspiration from Brazilian music with elements of acid jazz, which was also a major trend in the European club music scene at the time. Originally released in 1994 as a rare EP, this excell ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)ent cover has been remastered and released for the first time on 7-inch vinyl as a two-part set on the A and B sides. A 2026 remastered reissue of a key track from the era just before Schema! (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

Singer/pianist Ella Blue (daughter) is rapidly emerging as a rising star in the contemporary modern new jazz scene, while Magrus Borges (father), a legendary drummer and percussionist, has long enjoyed international acclaim through collaborations with the likes of Astrud Gilberto, Bebeu Gilberto, Grace Jones, Shakira, Caetano Veloso, and others—thi ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)s father-daughter duo features Ella Blue (daughter) and Magrus Borges (father), a legendary drummer and master percussionist who has earned international acclaim over many years. The album features 10 tracks written specifically by the duo, with backing by TOCO—a leading Brazilian singer on the SCHEMA label—and sung in English, Portuguese, and Italian, this album features 10 tracks that blend Brazilian grooves with Italian Mediterranean Balearic sounds to create a chill-out atmosphere—all with an exquisitely languid balance. You’ll be gently enveloped in the supreme, daydream-like comfort characteristic of Schema. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

From Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, BBC Radio 6 Music, the Toronto Star, DJ Mag, Crack Magazine, Mixmag, Exclaim!, La Presse, Cult MTL, and the Montreal Gazette to Radio-Canada / CBC, and RIBF / Tarmac, among others—this highly anticipated release has already garnered acclaim and support from media outlets and radio stations around the world. ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)
Following the success of his debut album “Mascarade,” this work can be seen as a chronicle of a musical journey born from a decade of traveling the globe—reflecting on Gayance’s experiences in Brazil, Brussels, Amsterdam, and beyond, as well as his roots in Haiti and his life in Lisbon, Portugal—where he now resides—all while redefining his relationship with each of these places. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

This release pairs the thrilling “Houdini,” driven by a roll drum and piano, with “Miss Neptune feat. Elizabeth Steiner,” a unique track featuring a reggae bass and harp—a combination that offers a sensual, rich groove that feels both familiar yet fresh, sprinkled with reverse playback and echoes. A stellar lineup of guest musicians—including Molly ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM) Lewis, Dave Guy, and harpist Elizabeth Steiner—enhances the cinematic atmosphere. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

The album opens with the upbeat “Frizzante”—which was also released as a 7-inch single—followed by the dreamy and melancholic “I Can’t Control This Bliss,” featuring the dream pop indie band Dream Crease, the mellow track “Crema” (sample_1), which weaves a sound as lustrous as a pearl; “Miss Neptune feat. Elizabeth Steiner” (sample_2), featuring a ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)reggae bassline and harp—an unexpected yet exquisite combination of richness and groove; “Catoni” (sample_3), a collaboration with labelmates 13th Ward Social Club—a band known for their hip-hop-infused beats and cinematic sound; the thrilling fusion number “Sprezzatura,” which evokes car chase scenes; and “Hip Then,” reminiscent of Labi Siffre’s “I Got The...” and sure to make rare groove fans smile—these are just a few of the 14 tracks on this album, from which it’s impossible to narrow down the best picks.
This album began as a personal creative experiment, inspired by Italian film music and melodies, with songs written purely on intuition. It features a stellar lineup of guests—including Molly Lewis, Dave Guy, and harpist Elizabeth Steiner—who enhance the cinematic atmosphere. Be sure to check out the tracks on the tracklist. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

This work realistically portrays a love story that isn’t just about a happy ending. All 11 members took on specific roles in the production, striving to create an ensemble that transcends individual performances and resembles a single painting. Featuring a nostalgic, warm sound reminiscent of the 1960s—such as upright bass and amplified guitar—alon ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)g with string arrangements by the new members, this album showcases a mature atmosphere that reflects the band’s significant growth since their previous release. The photo-frame-style artwork is also quite understated and elegant. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Billed as the Terrestrial Radio series, it's a stylish concept run that plays through all kinds of genres like a radio mix, and this record marks its final chapter. With intros and outros that flow into one another, plus interludes along the way, it's meant to be enjoyed like a DJ mix. Sixteen tracks of jazz-funk built around beats with a thick att ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)ack that remind you his roots are, after all, in hip hop.
The artwork — a face flanked by vivid red flowers, with what looks like pollen clinging to the nose and mouth — comes from Automatic Bastard, an enigmatic artist whose name (a play on Ol' Dirty Bastard) can't help but pique your curiosity. Apparently the album content is sometimes built around the artwork first, so which came first this time around, we wonder... (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

East Los Angeles—a unique neighborhood where the cultures of Mexican-American Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Caribbean immigrants, and Jamaicans intersect. This incredibly cool album is the culmination of the rich experiences Joey Quiñones gained in East LA while working on this project.
Before forming Thee Sinseers, he served as a backing ba ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)nd member for Jamaican ska and dancehall artists touring Southern California—a period he describes as years spent learning while being yelled at by every Jamaican artist who had released a record. (He describes that period as “reggae college” (reggae university? cram school? dojo?). It’s brilliant.) He says that from those formative years onward, rocksteady and roots reggae have influenced all of his music ever since.
Every track is highly recommended—from the dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth doo-wop “There Must Be Something” to the sweet soul of “One More Night” and the Latin number “Bolsita”—but for this sample, I’ve selected three tracks with a rocksteady and reggae vibe. Be sure to check out the tracklist and give them a listen! A true masterpiece. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

The A-side, “Fatal Attraction,” is a heartwarming doo-wop track that captures the frustration of a man at the mercy of a dangerously alluring woman, while the B-side, “It’s Not Our Time,” is a slow ballad depicting a bittersweet breakup.
Featuring producer/engineer Anthony Masino—whose career includes work with Bruno Mars, Thee Sacred Souls, th ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)e Womack Sisters. Recorded at Penrose Recordings—the studio of the Penrose label, which carries on the legacy of the prestigious Daptone—this debut album is packed with the aesthetics of both classic sweet soul and contemporary West Coast soul. At the forefront of soul. Keep an eye out for their future success. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Their shows on the West Coast—where they have a large following among lowrider and vintage soul enthusiasts—are always sold out. They are steadily gaining fans around the world, including a stint as the opening act for Lenny Kravitz’s European arena tour in March 2025. Durand Jones (vocals) released his debut album Wait Til I Get Over in 2023, Aaro ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM)n Frazer (drums/vocals) released his second album Into The Blue in 2024, and Blake Rhein (guitar) released under the project name Patchwork Inc. —each showcasing their own distinct take on soul music. This new album, their first in about four years, is packed with songs that are sexier, mellower, and sweeter than ever before; every track is so good it could be released as a 7-inch single. From “Paradise” (sample_2)—with its breathtakingly gentle electric piano and silky vocals reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and Minnie Ripperton—to the mellow soul track "Flower Moon" (sample_1)—which conjures images of cruising and highway scenes—the band generously showcases their signature blend of ’70s–’80s soul, modern soul, and R&B. This is sure to become a soul classic of 2025. Highly recommended! (Original Japanese text by AYAM)

Side A, “Sequence” (sample 1), is a 12-minute-and-33-second-long, BPM 135, meditative, rhythm-driven, science-inspired, modern dub-wise dub-techno experimental soundscape; Side B, “Structure” (sample 2), is a 17-minute-and-21-second-long, BPM 130, Side B, “Structure” (sample 2)—a 17-minute-and-21-second track at 130 BPM featuring monochrome slow-mo ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)tion visuals, with murmurs and ambient atmospheres creeping in—is also beautiful and wonderful.
I must say, the musicality and spirit that share some similarities with undefined (newdubhall) are also very intriguing. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

From 2020 to 2026, this ensemble delivers a nostalgic-futuristic mood, lounge-style, exotic sounds—evoking the evolution of the band’s live performances over the past few years—along with Eastern-Oriental reggae & dub, ambient electronica-infused singer-songwriter grooves—all presented in a new-disco style, as the more mature world of VIDEOTAPEMUSI ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)C unfolds with dizzying dynamism.
First, please enjoy the sparkling, Oriental, exotic, funny, and cute Balearic disco masterpieces from the 7-inch single released in 2021: B2 “Funny Meal” (sample 1) and A2 “Neon God” (sample 2). Personally, I’m also deeply captivated by the introspective final two tracks—B3 “1990’s Cuckoo Orchestra” and B4 “Hey Now” (sample 3)—which gently blend a sense of nostalgia with a touch of melancholy. Be sure to check them out on the tracklist.
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The album begins with “1,000 Years Ago,” a track created from a home video of a trip to China in the ’90s—filmed by an individual and serendipitously found by VIDEOTAPEMUSIC—featuring local music, scenery, and the filmmaker’s musings. It leads into the Oriental-flavored cha-cha-cha that truly showcases the band’s signature style “Moonlight Cha Cha”—a track that truly showcases their signature oriental vibe; a cover of Yo La Tengo’s “Our Way to Fall” sung by mmm; “Heung Taryeong,” a folk song from the Korean Peninsula performed by Lee Heemoon, a singer of Gyeonggi folk songs who divides his time between Japan and South Korea; and “The Cuckoo Orchestra of 1990”—a staple of their early repertoire that samples a home video from their kindergarten days of the artist playing the cuckoo waltz on a keyboard harmonica to create a trans-temporal ensemble—among others, for a total of 8 tracks. The album was mixed by Toshihiko Kasai, mastered and cut by Dave Cooley, and the cover art was created by Dohee Kwon, a Korean artist based in Thailand. ＊＊＊＊＊From the manufacturer’s information. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

Don't Stop Smiling" (sample_1) by Jus' Us, an Ohio soul group that only released two 7inches in the two years from 1973, with its beautiful harmony contrasted with the groove of the rhythm section. Gentle Man" (sample_2) by the mysterious group The Defaulters, also from Ohio and only found on a 7inch, is another super-sweet, mellow song with mellow ...Read more (Original Japanese text by AYAM) electric piano and guitar parts. These songs were introduced on NUMERO compilation in 2011 and became widely known, and Jus' Us' song was sampled on NxWorries' "Dntstop (Interlude)," etc. The original is a rare disc that is still wanted.
The original is sampled in "Dntstop (Interlude)" by NxWorries, and the original is still very rare. From NUMERO classics to hard-to-find items, this is a wonderful compilation that matches the concept of "Sweet Soul". Recommendation! (Original Japanese text by AYAM)