Today we're kicking off the first chapter of Asian Beats, a series devoted to the exciting world of Asian rock 'n' roll. There'll be a second volume, and perhaps even a third, we'll see! Across the series you'll hear rock, beat and garage from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and a few other corners of Asia.
This first volume isn't really about obscure rarities or impossible-to-find records. Many of the Japanese artists featured here were genuine pioneers whose music has long been admired not only in their homeland but also by collectors and garage fans around the world. In fact, most of the material comes from the excellent Western compilations that first introduced these recordings to an international audience.
For example, The Bunnys featured guitarist Takeshi Terauchi, one of Japan's true guitar heroes, whose hugely successful solo career blended surf rock with traditional Japanese musical influences to create a style that was entirely his own.
Enough talking...
I'll let the music speak for itself.
Expect infectious melodies, blazing guitars, a handful of inspired cover versions and plenty of superb original songs.
01 Teddy Robin & The Playboys - The In-Place
02 M Said & Les Ramaja - Temasah Ria
03 The Carnabeats - Chu Chu Chu
04 The Bunnys (with Takeshi Terauchi) - Summer Boogaloo
05 The Spiders - Here Comes The Spiders
06 The Spiders - Ko Ko Ko Ke Ko
07 Teddy Robin & The Playboys - Norman's Fancy
08 Teddy Robin & The Playboys - Fever
09 Teddy Robin & The Playboys - I Am Not Your Stepping Stone
10 The Spiders - Mella Mella
11 Sakura with The Quests - 什麼道理 (Stupid Cupid)
12 Sakura with The Quests - 歡樂今宵
13 The Golden Cups - This Bad Girl
14 The Spiders - Little Robby
15 The Atoms - Maidens Of Alisan
16 Dara Puspita - Believe Me
17 Dara Puspita - A Go Go
18 The Trailers - Quiver
19 The Carnabeats - I Love You Everyday Sandy
20 Danny Diaz & The Checkmates - She's So Fine
21 Danny Diaz & The Checkmates - My Baby Don't Care
22 Zhang Xiao Ying - Ai Qing You Wen Ting
23 The Bunnys (with Takeshi Terauchi) - Dark Eyes
