Review: Yasuko Agawa's 'L.A Nights', a glossy 1986 single inspired by Light of the World's earlier dancefloor hit 'London Town', has long been regarded as a Japanese 'city pop' classic. It was also a big favourite amongst dancers on the UK's jazz-funk and soul scenes - thanks to a British issue on Bluebird - during the period, too, making this reissue extra appealing. Excitingly, this edition leads with a previously unreleased extended mix that wonderfully stretches out the tactile, laidback, synth-sporting jazz-funk number. The bassline, vibraphone solos and lead vocal from Agawa - sounding more like a Black American jazz singer than a Japanese popstar - are all superb. It comes backed by two fine B-sides: the classic, late-night vocal jazz of 'But Beautiful' and the stirring, up-tempo 'New York Afternoon'.
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