YUIMA ENYA レコード& CD

Review: Inokasira Rangers is a reggae band from Tokyo who've been around since the 1990s, but they're hardly (criminally) known outside of Japan. Their latest release, 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You,' promises to change that, covering Frankie Valli's timely original from the late '60s, not to mention Crystal Waters' dance-pop hit on the B. A Shibuya-kei sensibility runs through this sweet pair of covers, but the main mode is lo-fi reggae. The Waters cover is particularly charming, as if this were the original, and the song had existed as a folk song for generations prior to the glitzy rave version.

Review: Japan's brilliantly curious but highly listenable Inokashira Ranger band has covered everything in imaginable in their storied 10-year-plus career. Now they turn to The Nolans for some buttery lovers' rock with a warm and familiar edge. 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing' biomes a rolling rhythm with bright Hammond chords and swaggering riffs. The vocal comes from Yuima Enya and is nice and sweet and soulful. 'Central Freeway' on the flip is a smiler-sounding tune with easy-going drum sways and effortless cool vocals.