Originally formed as the backing band for androgynous pop star Kenji Sawada (formerly of Group Sounds band The Tigers), The Exotics took their one and only step into the solo spotlight with 1983’s Library. The album has a lot of personality, though not without a few missteps, as is typical of 80’s Japanese new wave albums. Highlights include A5 “Anabahebak” which has a bit of that Fairlights, Mallets and Bamboo avant-sound we all love combined with spooky piano and vocals, A3 “Nobody Livin’ Here,” a charming funky new wave with lyrics about dancing alone at home, and B4 “Be Cool,” a mid-tempo groover that could fit into your typical city pop set but also has an elegant ethereal feel to it.
Recommended – A3 Nobody Livin’ Here, A5 Anabahebak, B1 Le Calnaval, B4 Be Cool
A1 Misty Missy
A2 Trash Can
A3 Nobody Livin’ Here
A4 Innocent -Step On Shadow-
A5 Anabahebak
B1 Le Calnaval
B2 You Can Tell Me How
B3 Until Then
B4 Be Cool
B5 Tonight -Break My Heart-
Bass, Backing Vocals – Ken Yoshida
Drums – Yutaka Uehara
Guest, Backing Vocals – Maki Nomiya
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Kazuhiko Shibayama, 安田尚哉
Keyboards, Piano – Akira Nishihira
Violin, Trumpet – Masahiro Takekawa
