Midori Takada: Through The Looking Glass (45rpm Audiophile Edition) Vinyl 2LP

Midori Takada's brilliant solo debut reissued! Easily one of the most highly anticipated reissues in recent memory, Through The Looking Glass is finally back on wax courtesy of Palto Flats and WRWTFWW. Originally released in 1983, the album would be percussionist Midori Takada's first solo endeavor - a 4 track suite of deeply entrancing studies in African and Asian percussive languages paired with contemplative ambient sounds. Amazingly, Takada composed and recorded everything within two days of studio recording (two tracks per day) resulting in what would prove to be a timeless masterwork of atmospheric ambient music. Through The Looking Glass wasn't a commercial success at the time of release, but with the recent resurgence of ambient music, a new generation of listeners has brought it back into the collective zeitgeist, saving it from the depths of obscurity. The short sound samples don't really do justice, but give a short glimpse of the powerful and meditative vibes contained within. This limited edition audiophile edition comes pressed at 45 RPM on double 12" with one track per side for the best possible listening experience. Comes housed in gatefold Stoughton tip-on jackets with extensive liner notes. Not to be missed, especially with scarcity of the original (that fetches over $700 on the second hand market). Highly recommended.

• limited edition double 12" vinyl
• audiophile pressing at 45 RPM
• gatefold sleeve, Stoughton tip-on jacket
• extensive liner notes
• music label: WRWTFWW 2017

reviewed by Hana Ni Mizu 03/2017