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This compilation is a sweet snapshot of a sophisticated sector of young Japanese pop music, circa 2014. Originally released as a series of web-only EPs on Dai Ogasawara's Ano(t)raks label, Light Wave features artists born in the 1990s who have been strongly influenced by the melodic, sophisticated Japanese "City Pop"(*) music of the 70s and 80s, as exemplified by revered names such as Tatsuro Yamashita and Yumi Arai. Also inspirational is the "Shibuya Style" pop of the 90s, artists like Pizzicato Five and Cornelius.
But whereas these earlier artists were living in boom times and recording in luxurious studios financed by major labels, these young artists have been born into a glum economic era with a decimated recording industry. Nevertheless, through the magic of sheer willpower and surprisingly assured musical and self-production skills, they make joyous, lighthearted and refreshingly refined pop music. With strong melodies and inspired arrangements, this fresh new wave of City Pop is perfect summer music, all year-round. Newly remastered to EM Records' exacting standards, this collection shows the genesis of a promising new generation of pure pop music in Japan.

* City Pop is a genre of Japanese Pop music from the 1970s to the 1980s that was born out of the elegant and wealthy lifestyles of young people living in the inner cities and suburbs at the time. In terms of sound, it was deeply influenced by such Western musical styles as singer-songwriter music, blue-eyed soul, smooth jazz, and adult contemporary (referred to in Japan as AOR). Well-known artists of the genre include Tatsuro Yamashita, Yumi Arai (now Yumi Matsutoya), Toshiki Kadomatsu, and the band Tin Pan Alley.