Description
Three versions to choose from: LP, LP+tape box set, or tape:
Uma180 Jun Konagaya – “Organ” LP + 28-page booklet (edition of 199 copies)
Italian label Urashima announces the exquisite vinyl reissue of “Organ”, Jun Konagaya’s seminal solo album. Originally presented in 2012 on the CD digital medium, this opus marks Konagaya’s inaugural solo venture, distinctly departing from his earlier collaborative endeavors under the monikers Grim and White Hospital.
A prodigious figure in the Japanese noise and industrial landscape, Grim left an indelible mark in the 1980s with its dark, luminous allure. After a series of live performances and select sonic releases, Grim mysteriously receded from the scene. However, in 2009, the complete sound sources of Grim resurfaced under Konagaya’s meticulous curation, hinting at a potential resurgence.
The auditory journey presented in Organ is a far cry from the abrasive feedback and primal roars that characterized Grim’s sonic palette. Instead, Konagaya embarks on a melodic exploration of melancholy, akin to the ethereal folk sensibilities glimpsed in Grim’s Message.
“Organ” weaves a narrative of otherworldly beauty—a malformed tale where Magnolia, a young protagonist, contemplates the enigmatic Gamahead. Eschewing the aggressive tonalities synonymous with Grim, “Organ” transcends into a contemplative and introspective realm. Opening with マグノリア / Magnolia, the album establishes its ethereal atmosphere, setting the stage for a sonic journey. 呼ぶ聲 / Voice To Call beckons listeners with its distinctive vocal nuances, while 深き森, さまよい歩く人あり / Deep adding a mystical dimension. 時の枝 / Branch Of Time unfolds with contemplative grace, leading on side B to the reflective depths of 鏡 / Spiegel. The expansive 白い牛 / White Cowshowcases Konagaya’s sonic mastery, while “睡り / Schlafen envelops listeners in a serene lullaby. The poignant ガマヘッド / Last Song Of Gamahead brings the auditory odyssey to a fitting conclusion, leaving an indelible imprint of Konagaya’s artistry. Konagaya’s profound inner sorrows find expression in the mesmerizing soundscape, complemented by the evocative imagery encapsulated within the extensive 28-page booklet accompanying this release. This meticulously crafted booklet, measuring 11.7 x 8.3 inches, serves as a visual companion to the auditory experience. Its pages unfold to reveal credits, pics, Japanese lyrics, and a collection of 19 drawings/collages that breathe life into the genesis of the album. These intricate visuals, intertwined with Konagaya’s musical narrative, offer a comprehensive exploration of the artistic journey encapsulated within “Organ”.
This vinyl reissue is not merely a revival but a renaissance, inviting discerning listeners into an auditory tapestry that defies conventional boundaries. Far from the avant-garde’s exclusivity, “Organ” stands as a standard of sonic artistry, accessible to a diverse audience, including the more tender ears of children. Limited to a mere 199 copies, each vinyl is a collector’s gem, with the cover adorned in matt lamination, enhancing the visual and tactile experience of this exceptional musical journey. As a delightful addition, this release includes a digital download of the entire “Organ” album and the bonus cassette Magnetic Tape 88-90, ensuring that the enchanting sounds of Jun Konagaya’s creation can be enjoyed beyond the vinyl listening experience.
Immerse yourself in the transcendental depths of “Organ”, a testament to Jun Konagaya’s evolution as an artist and his mastery in crafting emotionally nuanced, sonically captivating narratives. This release beckons connoisseurs of experimental music and beyond, offering a symphony that resonates with both the aficionado and the uninitiated alike.
Uma180 Jun Konagaya – “Organ” LP & “Magnetic Tape 88-90” cassette + 28-page booklet in deluxe wooden box (edition of 99 copies) [SOLD OUT]
Embark on an unparalleled musical voyage with the limited edition vinyl reissue of Jun Konagaya’s “Organ”. Limited to just 99 copies, this collector’s gem transcends the ordinary, housed in a luxurious wooden box that adds a touch of sophistication to the listening experience. Encased within this splendid box is not only the vinyl and accompanying 28-page booklet, as described above, but also a 40-minute cassette titled “Magnetic Tape 88-90” featuring seven previously unreleased tracks. Culled from recordings spanning the years ’88 to ’90, this exclusive cassette provides a rare glimpse into Konagaya’s artistic evolution during that period. This limited edition includes the original piece Schlafen from “Organ”, extending to a mesmerizing 20 minutes—a sonic odyssey capturing the essence of the album in a profoundly extended format.
In a move that elevates this release to unparalleled heights, the package includes a digital download of the entire “Organ” album and the bonus cassette “Magnetic Tape 88-90” and the wooden box, the vinyl, the booklet, and the cassette, together forming a comprehensive collector’s ensemble, making this edition a must-have for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Ura50 Jun Konagaya – “Magnetic Tape 88-90” cassette (edition of 80 copies)
Immerse yourself in the sonic legacy of Jun Konagaya with the limited edition cassette release titled Magnetic Tape 88-90. Limited to a mere 80 copies, this cassette features the captivating seven previously unreleased tracks drawn from Konagaya’s recordings between 1988 and 1990, including the extended 20-minute version of the original Schlafen track from the “Organ” album, providing a unique sonic experience. This musical odyssey incorporates: Roland Juno 106, Korg M1, Kawai Sforzando “Organ”, and Tascam Porta One. As an extra treat, this release includes a digital download of the entire Organ album and the bonus cassette Magnetic Tape 88-90, ensuring that Konagaya’s mesmerizing sounds are easily accessible for your listening pleasure.
Don’t miss the opportunity to own this exclusive collector’s item, offering a rare glimpse into the artistic evolution of Jun Konagaya during a pivotal period in his career.
