Japrocksampler: How The Post-War Japanese Blew Their Minds On Rock’n’Roll
by Julian Cope

How Japan learned to rock, mostly without drugs…

Julian Cope’s literary output has always been a pleasure to read, conveying his passion for musical and physical archaeology. With Japrocksampler he now turns his attention to the Rising Sun of his obsession with Japanese music. Refreshingly honest in admitting that his view is dictated by personal taste, Cope still manages to give a fascinating insight into the development of Japan’s post-war music scene, from the instrumental ‘Eleki’ guitar craze inspired by The Ventures, to the Group Sound inspired by The Beatles. Of course, Cope’s particular cup of sake is the experimental, hot, heavy freakout music that began emerge in the late 60s and early 70s, and there are chapters devoted to bands such as Flower Travellin’ Band, Les Rallizes Denudes and JA Caesar. As the artists and albums are mostly unknown in the West, there are times when the text grows baffling, but in a good way. At the end of the book, however, Cope gives his top 50 albums, as well a list of what to avoid. With a colour gallery of sleeves, the only reason this book gets four stars rather than five is because there is no accompanying sampler CD!

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

ISBN 0747589453

Reviewed by Ian Shirley
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