Various – Soft Selection 84

Celebrated new wave compilation from Japan reissued for the first time on vinyl.

A much-cherished gem from the 1980s underground Japanese music scene returns as Soft Selection 84 is reissued by Glossy Mistakes for its 40th anniversary. Originally released on DIY label Soft, the compilation sees 13 tracks from nine acts spanning minimal, ambient, zolo and more for a beguiling listen.

The result is a charming time capsule of eclectic creativity in which nothing sounds dated. Take La Sellrose Can Can, whose two party jams predate Kero Kero Bonito’s hyperpop by decades. In addition, an impeccable remastering from the original master tapes adds to the “could have been recorded yesterday” feel of the collection.
Soft Selection 84 also includes the eccentric Picky Picnic. One of the few featured artists with recordings beyond the anthology, the trio is an essential act for those curious about Japanese art pop of the era. There is also new wave introspection from Name, whose “Do We All Need Love” plays out as a sensual nod to John Lennon. In a similar vein is Clä-Sick, the recording name of Goro Some, the compilation’s original producer and founder of Soft.

The record’s rerelease comes with Some’s blessing, along with his original artwork and photography. Ultimately, the listener is left tantalised by his selection and its bold excursions into no wave, synth pop, radioplay and bizzaro house. Most of the artists on this release would fade into obscurity, but the transient nature of the potential showcased has helped cement the compilation’s reputation over the years.
Soft Selection will be released on vinyl LP by Glossy Mistakes on March 2024, with a remastering from the original master tapes.

Notice: SC Ruch on unit 25 are thinking noise. You don’t care, please.
IMPORTANT: Picky Picnic songs are not available for download.

Note II: Artwork was restored from a folder copy that had a gorgeous blue grading/fading, we kept it that way on the reissue.

Tracklist:
A1 Clä-Sick – Morning In China
A2 La Sellrose Can Can – Aerobicise
A3 Linolium – Unit 25
A4 Picky Picnic – Sume Ba Miyako
A5 Pink Label – Good Luck
A6 Name – N.H.K.
A7 Picky Picnic – Kibo No Asu
A8 Rever – Performan
B1 Name – Do We All Need Love
B2 Classic Pearl – Pearl
B3 La Sellrose Can Can – Happy Morning
B4 Clä-Sick – Every Night
B5 Clä-Sick – Black Nile