山下達郎* – Melodies

over 1000+ copies for sale! Mental, is that the most 'for sale' on this website for a single release?

I agree with other comments, the music is great, but the pressing is not :( try to avoid.

Gonna have to disagree with the other reviews here. Was pleasantly surprised how good this sounds. Dead silent, dynamic, and a great emphasis on the bass you don’t typically get with Japanese pressings.

I’d recommend looking on buyee before here though. Got a complete recording (obi, inner sleeve, etc.) for about 7 dollars (minus shipping). Yamashita’s recordings are typically overpriced on here

A surprisingly average-sounding disc. I was not thrilled. Its packaging and presentation, the music within it not to mention, all beautiful. This record is best described however as an ment for the CD version. I really, really hope it's just my copy, and they didn't send them out like this. The distortion increases significantly after the second track on either side as if you're listening through tiny earbuds (To the point where the last few seconds of Christmas Eve and to a lesser extent Hitotoki are hard to stomach), and little to no real warmth. Melodies is a beautiful album, one I'd recommend to almost anyone. But not this pressing. Not this. I expected a lot better, knowing how the album could sound. It could've been a 5/5 record, but it's really not. If you come into this expecting an audiophile experience that you could sell stereos with, you will leave disappointed.

TL;DR painfully average

Tatsuro Yamashita's Melodies is a captivating album that showcases the artist's mastery of pop music. Released in 1983, this record solidified Yamashita's status as a leading figure in the Japanese music scene.

From the energetic "Kokiatsu Girl" to the poignant "Christmas Eve," Melodies takes the listener on a journey through a range of emotions. Yamashita's vocals are smooth and expressive, gliding over intricate arrangements and lush instrumentation. His attention to detail is evident in every note, every chord change, and every harmony.

Melodies draws inspiration from various genres, including funk, soul, and bossa nova. This eclecticism contributes to the album's enduring appeal, offering something for everyone. The record has been praised for its sophisticated arrangements and Yamashita's masterful use of studio technology. Its influence on Japanese pop music is undeniable, with many artists citing it as a major inspiration.

The album's lasting impact is evident in online discussions and reviews. Fans reminisce about their favorite tracks and the memories associated with Melodies. Many consider it a quintessential summer album, with songs like "Sparkle" and "Merry-Go-Round" evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

"Christmas Eve" has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, synonymous with the holiday season. Its enduring popularity speaks to Yamashita's ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Audiophiles also appreciate the album's pristine production quality, noting its clarity and dynamic range.

Melodies is a masterpiece of Japanese pop music that has stood the test of time. It's an essential listen for anyone who appreciates well-crafted pop music with infectious melodies and sophisticated arrangements.

I find the sound quality of this original version lacking noticeable brightness and clarity compared to newer digital versions of the same album or remastered versions of other Tatsu albums. Anyone else can confirm this?

Someone on Reddit mentioned that their copy came with a sticker that simply had the artwork, catalog numbers of different formats, and a “on sale” street date - can anyone confirm if their copy included a promo sticker?

メリー・ゴー・ラウンド is the one of the best of TY's songs.
Vinyl sounds really good. Loud and soft.

One of the most afforable Yamashita LP. It is pretty much the middle road of his solo carreer at this point. He really perfected his City Pop style and sound. Yes the cover is ugly, but the music is good!

I stumbled upon a copy that's in a standard jacket and not a gatefold one. It is legit, as far as I can tell, just with a slightly different runout. Anybody happen to have any info (i.e., maybe it *is* some sort of pirated copy or something to that effect)?