Time Capsule レコード& CD

Review: Serginho Meriti is a forgotten great of Brazilian funk, who was largely active in the early 80s but had thus far been overlooked by the reissue hounds. That all changes now as Time Capsule jump on his classic 1981 album "Bons Momentos", which transmits to you across the ages in a beautiful cascade of limber Latin heat. The tracks are playful and joyous, not least when aping recognisable musical motifs on tracks like "Malandro Velho". The slower jams hold up too - throughout the honey-coated arrangements and Meriti's smooth croon take on an intoxicating quality that can't fail to leave you feeling good, whatever the weather.

Review: Niningashi's elusive 1974 debut Heavy Way emerged as a Japanese acid folk treasure that showcased Kazuhisa Okubo's musical prowess amidst his pharmaceutical studies. This album marked a pivotal moment in Okubo's life and Japanese society, blending pastoral nostalgia with urban allure. Immersed in Tokyo's acid folk scene, Okubo and his band craft a unique sound across nine tracks, from the Neil Young-esque 'Ameagari' to the whimsical 'Semai Boku No Heyade.' Despite subsequent success with bands like Neko and Kaze, Heavy Way remains shrouded in mystery, its soft allure drawing a dedicated online following. It has in part previously featured in Time Capsule's Nippon Acid Folk collection and is a prized relic of Japan's musical past that now gets a full reissue.

Review: Expertly curated by Time Capsule, Nippon Acid Folk 1970-1980 offers an authentic trip through Japan's rich psychedelic folk scene. Across its eight standout tracks, the album showcases a diverse range of artists and styles, from dreamy acoustic ballads to experimental electronic compositions. Each song is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the era, blending traditional Japanese folk elements with psychedelic and avant-garde influences from around the wider musical world. The album's carefully curated selection means it plays out with a sense of story that provides a fascinating glimpse into a unique period of Japanese music history. This one then is a must-listen for enthusiasts of experimental folk and global psychedelia.