"It's a mirage, Paraiso. Melt away the reality." The final installment of Haruomi "Harry" Hosono's Tropical Trilogy, and the beginning of something "more better." 1978's Paraiso (or "paradise") expands upon ideas Hosono started on 1975's Tropical Dandy and 1976's Bon Voyage Co., and is seen as a major turning point in Hosono-san's career. Inspired by a new label (Alfa) and a new state-of-the-art studio (Shibaura Studio A), Hosono takes his tropical-inspired sound to new heights, utilizing synthesizers to create vibrant new textures to traditionally acoustic styles of music. The "Yellow Magic Band" credited on the cover is actually Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yukihiro Takahashi, future band mates that would later form Yellow Magic Orchestra (though this would be a crucial pre-cursor to that project). It's easy to hear the magic this special group of musicians concocted together on "Femme Fatale," the insanely catchy "Shimendoka," or the exotic-yet-soothing title track, "Paraiso." It's also worth noting the traditional Japanese melodies Hosono-san is able to incorporate into his sound, like "Asatoya Yunta" and "Fujiyama Mama." This would be the last album Hosono made in this style before pioneering techno-pop music with YMO. First time on vinyl since the original 1978 pressing, and first-ever reissue outside of Japan on any format. Only 1,500 copies pressed. Obviously highly recommended.

• first time on vinyl outside of Japan
• housed in deluxe gatefold sleeve w/ obi strip
• 8 page booket includes translated interview w/ Haruomi Hosono
• extensive liner notes + lyrics
• limited to 1,500 copies
• music label: Light In The Attic 2018

reviewed by otakun 09/2018