I've been a fan of Japanese popular music for 40 years, and have managed to collect a lot of material during that time. So I decided I wanted to talk about Showa Era music with like-minded fans. My particular era is the 70s and 80s (thus the "kayo kyoku"). The plus part includes a number of songs and artists from the last 30 years and also the early kayo. So, let's talk about New Music, aidoru, City Pop and enka.
Credits
I would like to give credit where credit is due. Videos are from YouTube and other sources such as NicoNico while Oricon rankings and other information are translated from the Japanese Wikipedia unless noted.
Saturday, May 23, 2026
"Los Angeles" Tunes
Since J-Canuck did a list of New York themed songs, its only fair I do one for Los Angeles. Being an LA native I have a pretty good ear for what captures the essence of LA (the good and the bad lol).
L.A. Night by Yasuko Agawa (佐藤康子)
This is what we like to call a "certified hood classic". Recorded in 1984 for jazz singer Yasuko Agawa's album Gravy, this was written and produced by Augie Johnson, who also wrote Light of the World's 'London Town'. If it wasn't for a few key differences, their practically the same song. but L.A. Night is definitely better out of the two, with stronger bass & drums and a catchier hook. LA Night captures the laidback G-funk energy perfectly all while taking a snapshot of an LA that no longer exists, she even gives a shout out to the Raiders!
Streets Are Hot by Miho Fujiwara (藤原美穂)
The very appropriate theme from the obscure OVA movie California Crisis. Super funky, upbeat with some soulful singing from Fujiwara, this a great song for riding your bike down Manhattan Beach.
Hollywood Illusion by Himiko Kikuchi (菊池 ひみこ)
As someone who used to work in Hollywood as an intern for a few big studios, I cant definitely say that Hollywood is in fact an illusion. But this song captures the idea of Hollywood perfectly. Kikuchi manages to capture the glamourous veil of tinsel town perfectly, to the point where this would be the perfect intro to an 80s sitcom filmed in front of a live studio audience. If Hollywood had a theme song... well to be fair I think it already has a few. But I think this song should be it.
Painted Woman by Eric Tagg & Masaki Matsubara (松原正樹)
This one was another tough choice, but I think Painted Woman the euphoniums album is another great choice for a Hollywood anthem. on top of that it's also a peak specimen of West Coast AOR sound.
The final song in my list deserves its own article. In the meantime, enjoy my Los Angeles themed City-Pop mix.
Hi, Rocket! Thanks very much for your Los Angeles tunes. Both coasts should be represented. 😊
The first minute of "LA Night" is quite familiar to me; it feels not only "street" with that slithery bass but also uptown with that marimba. If you want to provide the song with its own article, feel free to do so. I can also do one of my own if that's what you prefer but either way is OK with me.
Of course, Miho was a big revelation with that big voice of hers. I ended up getting a copy of the Chocolate Lips album.
Hi, Rocket! Thanks very much for your Los Angeles tunes. Both coasts should be represented. 😊
ReplyDeleteThe first minute of "LA Night" is quite familiar to me; it feels not only "street" with that slithery bass but also uptown with that marimba. If you want to provide the song with its own article, feel free to do so. I can also do one of my own if that's what you prefer but either way is OK with me.
Of course, Miho was a big revelation with that big voice of hers. I ended up getting a copy of the Chocolate Lips album.
I definitely will get around to it!
DeleteChocolate Lips is a great album. Still looking for the vinyl! LA Night was sampled in a few hip hop songs, but not enough in my opinion.
DeleteThank you Rocket brown! I love the late 70's and 80's sound.
ReplyDelete