Mai Yamane - Tasogare (1980 • Continental / Teichiku)

Let's continue our tour of Japan's hidden gems with this killer tune from Mai Yamane's debut LP.

A long time collaborator of Japanese composer Yoko Kanno, Yamane has featured on the soundtracks for several award winning anime series including Macross Plus, Darker Than Black, and Cowboy Bebop; Most notably being the voice behind Kanno's The Real Folk Blues.

Keen listeners may notice the strong similarity between this and Earth Wind & Fire's massive hit, Can't Hide Love; by which Tasogare must have have been inspired. Regardless, this is a song that certainly stands well in it's own right.

Kaoru Akimoto - Dress Down (1986 • Invitation)

We're heading to Japan for our next selection starting with this smooth yet punchy jam from Kaoru Akimoto. More to come.