Tomoko Aran - Shikisaikankaku LP

A deluxe reissue from Warner Music Japan of city pop idol Tomoko Aran's second album Shikisaikankaku (1982), a masterpiece of the genre which blends Aran's captivating vocals with the backing band formed of the Japanese progressive/jazz fusion group Mariah. Led by saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu and keyboardist Masanori Sasaji (who here takes on production duty), Mariah are most famous for their final album, 1985's Utakata No Hibi, a masterpiece of deconstructivist pop, but here they are pure bubblegum, letting Aran's ample personality take center stage. 

"The first reissue of Tomoko Aran’s 2nd album Shikisaikankaku backed by Mariah is now available! Shikisaikankkau is the album released right before Tomoko Aran’s 3rd album Fuyu kukan, which is famous both in Japan and abroad as a masterpiece of city pop.

"Released in 1982, this work was produced by Masanori Sasaji of Mariah. In addition, Mariah members Yasuaki Shimizu, Takayuki Hijikata and Morio Watanabe participated in the backing performance. In addition, Akira Takasaki (Loudness) and Masayoshi Ando (T-SQAURE) are also participating artists.

"Considered a masterpiece of Japanese new wave, this is the long-awaited first reissue. The 2023 remastered sound source is used, and the cutting was done by Warner Music Mastering."