Toshi Ichiyanagi - Obscure Tape Music Of Japan Vol5 Music For Tinguely

Review by Xuan Rockefeller

Obscure Tape Music of Japan is a unique album by Toshi Ichiyanagi, showcasing the experimental and avant-garde music scene of Japan during the 1960s and 1970s. The album consists of recordings of Ichiyanagi's own compositions, as well as works by other Japanese composers such as Joji Yuasa and Toru Takemitsu.

The album is a fascinating exploration of the possibilities of tape music, with Ichiyanagi using various techniques such as tape loops, manipulation of sound, and layering of different sounds to create complex and intricate compositions. The music is often abstract and challenging, with dissonant and cacophonous sounds blending together to create a mesmerizing and otherworldly atmosphere.

Despite its experimental nature, the album is also surprisingly accessible, with many of the compositions having a strong sense of structure and form. The use of traditional Japanese instruments such as the koto and shakuhachi also adds a unique cultural flavor to the music, making it a captivating and immersive listening experience.

Summary by Xuan Rockefeller

Obscure Tape Music of Japan is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of experimental music or the avant-garde scene in Japan. Ichiyanagi's compositions are truly groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with tape music at the time and paving the way for future generations of experimental musicians.