This record, Utakata No Hibi, from Japan’s Mariah is proof that you definitely can’t judge a book by its cover. I’m not even sure what I thought this would sound like after looking at the cover. Maybe some traditional Japanese folk songs? I don’t know….but this record, which was released in 1983 and later re-released in 2003 is really really good. It’s mostly 80’s-tinged, instrumental new wave, and very fitting for its time. This record is also a hot commodity for collectors, often fetching upwards of $150 for an original vinyl pressing. I stumbled on this record over at the always-awesome Root Blog.
