Comprehensive and concise look of the evolution of Japanese independent music by the late Kato David Hopkins of PUBLIC BATH PRESS. From the avant-garde to new wave to punk and beyond, from the social climate and trends that ushered change, to the artists, publications, labels, venues, releases scenes, gigs, promoters and visuals. With brevity and detail Hopkins covers a lifetimes work of personal experience and collecting artefacts, deciphering what created and established Japan as one of the worlds most creative and distinctively unique hotbeds, for the extremes of that took place in this hidden but influential history from 76 - 89'. Never afraid to express personal opinion and critique in retrospect, and with subtle humorous wit, grasping the absurdity of it all. One thing leading to another chronologically, something that impresses me in the story is Hopkins ability to introduce a character unassumingly, then reintroducing them down the track full circle with their new artistic identity, to their importance in the story. From obscure relics we may only have a chance to hear on YouTube, to bands we probably know or heard about once. Littered with images from Hopkins personal collection from zines, record flyers and more. It is a fairly easy read that addresses the many complexities of the Japanese underground and how it broke from tradition. 298 Pages!
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