Ryuichi Sakamoto – Hidari Ude No Yume (LP Album)

CONDITION: Second hand – Mint, New (M)
Unsealed vinyl listened to for review

The album “Ryuichi Sakamoto – Hidari Ude No Yume” is a jewel in the discography of the famous Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. Recorded at the legendary Studio Alfa ‘A’ in Tokyo during the summer of 1981, this album marks a milestone in Sakamoto’s career. After being a member of the group Yellow Magic Orchestra and releasing his first solo albums, Sakamoto decides to create a new opus rooted in pop, after experimenting with his previous album “B-2 Unit”.

For “Hidari Ude No Yume,” Sakamoto teams up with British producer Robin Scott, known for his success with the single “Pop Muzik.” They are accompanied by a careful selection of hand-picked musicians, including his colleagues from Yellow Magic Orchestra, Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi, as well as the talented American guitarist Adrian Belew. Together, they create a captivating mix of pop, ambient and electronic music, enriched with avant-garde influences and traditional Japanese sounds.

The album features a variety of styles ranging from the funk of “Relaché” to the new wave of “Venezia” to the ambient minimalism of “Slat Dance”. The instruments used are just as diverse, with the presence of marimbas, didgeridoos and traditional Japanese instruments such as Sho and Hichiriki flutes. Sakamoto lets the ideas evolve organically during the sessions, giving the album a refreshing spontaneity.

Originally released in Japan in 1981, “Hidari Ude No Yume” was also released in Europe the following year as “Left-Handed Dream”. The international version differs significantly from the Japanese edition, with a complete rearrangement of title order and lyrical changes. However, the Japanese edition has remained largely unknown to international audiences until now.

Wewantsounds is pleased to present the release of the original Japanese edition of “Hidari Ude No Yume”, accompanied by a 4-page booklet featuring photos by renowned photographer Masayoshi Sukita and a new introduction by Anton Spice. This album is a must in Ryuichi Sakamoto’s discography and finally offers the possibility of appreciating its original Japanese form, testifying to his musical genius and his artistic exploration.

Label: Wewantsounds – WWSLP34

LP reissue