Sanmon Yakusha - Memoire / Who has the right? - Japan Vinyl 7 inch Single Record

Credits:

Sanmon Yakusha

Description:

Supercore Records’ First Release! An exclusive double-sided Japanese reggae 7-inch single by the rock band “Sanmon Yakusha,” originally released in 1984! I’d been running an indie label and releasing music for a long time, but I’ve since put those activities on hold. I felt a sense of resignation. However, there was something I’d wanted to try since my twenties. That was starting a reissue label. In music history, there are still countless musical gems—both domestic and international—that, despite being wonderful tracks, have never reached a wide audience. I wanted to focus on that kind of music and those records, and introduce them through a fresh perspective. I named the label Supercore Records. Although I live in Tokyo, I have a flagship store called “supercore” in Fukuoka Prefecture. The name was chosen purely to unify the business name—it didn’t have any deep meaning—but I happened to feel that it somehow aligned with the label’s philosophy. My partner is Hiracchi from the Planning Department at HMV RECORDSHOP. We’ve been friends for 20 years. After discussing it, the two of us decided that, for the time being, our focus would be on reissuing Japanese reggae 7-inch singles. At some point, the equation “buying records = 7-inch singles” had become ingrained in my mind. I often find myself thinking, “It would be great if this song were on a 7-inch.” This project is meant to satisfy that desire. I feel that record diggers all over the world will understand this sentiment. And, of course, Japan has a deep-rooted “Japarege” culture, with Yokohama and Osaka serving as its meccas. However, rather than focusing on that, Supercore Records plans to zero in on and release rare groove songs with “reggae arrangements” born from Japanese pop and kayō music—domestically produced rarities. We define these as “Wa-Reggae.” The first release is an exclusive double-sided single featuring two “Wa-Reggae” arrangements by the rock band “Sanmon Yakusha,” which was formed in 1977 and is still active today. This is a highly sought-after record known only to connoisseurs, offering a fleeting glimpse of a different side of the band, which usually plays hard rock. Perhaps it’s akin to *D’yer Mak’er* in the Led Zeppelin discography. Side A features the 1984 single “Memoir (Reminiscence).” The groove—combining ska-infused New Wave tones influenced by the contemporary Police with vocals that resonate with a bittersweet yet powerful and matter-of-fact intensity—is the very essence of Japanese reggae. When I met with songwriter Tetsu Hanano upon the release, I had to ask, “Why this song?”—perhaps because it was one of the softer tracks in their discography—but it turned out to be exactly what I was hoping for. It made me realize once again that this is what a true discovery is all about. The B-side features “Who Has the Right?”, also from a single released in 1984. While showcasing the power of political roots reggae, its compelling delivery is firmly rooted in a hard rock context. I am confident this track will undoubtedly emerge as a standout hook in the sets of DJs who keep the party going. Shinya Shoji (Supercore Records)

Tracklisting:

1.Memoire
1.Who has the right?