Hajiki Uta

Description

Wewantsounds is pleased to announce the reissue of the first five albums by Meiko Kaji released between 1972 and 1974. Famous for her films from the early 70s (Lady Snowblood, the Female Prisoner Scorpion series, and Stray Cat Rock) that inspired Tarantino, Meiko released several albums blending Japanese pop and groove with sophisticated orchestrations. She is one of the most famous genre film actresses in Japan. In the early 70s, studios had the idea of having her record albums related to her films. This led to the release of five albums and a handful of singles for the Teichiku label, albums that have become sought after and almost as cult as her films. Drawing inspiration from Meiko's roles, the music on these albums is a mix of kayokyoku (Japanese pop), traditional enka music, acid folk, and groove with arrangements by the best producers of the time, reminiscent of Ennio Morricone or Jean-Claude Vannier. This cocktail can be found on Hajiki Uta, released on Teichiku in 1973. The album includes the track "Urami Bushi," used for the Female Prisoner Scorpion film series and Quentin Tarantino's film Kill Bill Vol. 2, as well as "Onna No Jumon," the theme from the film Female Prisoner Scorpion – Jailhouse 41, both written by Shunsuke Kikuchi, who composed the music for these films. The rest of the album follows the same formula, mixing atmospheric tracks and funkier ones with ingredients such as wah-wah guitar, breakbeat, and striking string arrangements, shaping Meiko Kaji's unique sound. Hajiki Uta is being released on vinyl for the first time since 1973, an album that solidified the actress's reputation as a true pop culture icon. It features a gatefold cover, OBI, and an insert with sleeve notes by journalist and DJ Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha, who interviewed Meiko Kaji for the occasion.