"I have no egoism." Easily one of Haruomi Hosono's most experimental and mind-expanding releases. Originally released in 1978 (just two months before Yellow Magic Orchestra's debut), Cochin Moon finds Hosono-san on an epic sonic journey inspired by India, UFO's, and um.... diarrhea (from Hosono's own words on the included interview, not mine). Prompted by Japanese pop art legend Tadanori Yokoo (credited for the album artwork) who experienced purification on an excursion to India (and subsequent digestive bouts), Hosono decided to go take the trip as well. Together with Yokoo in tow, Hosono set off with the plan to record an atmospheric, environmental album of found sounds from field recordings. After being introduced to the sounds of Kraftwerk on the trip, that plan got flipped on its head and instead, a masterpiece of overdubbed synthesizers and manic sequencer work was born. Highly recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
  
• high quality Japan import
• includes printed foldout insert + obi strip
• limited edition
• original release year: 1978
• music label: King Records 2016

reviewed by otakun 10/2018