Yasuaki Shimizu – IQ 179

One of legendary saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu’s earlier solo works, IQ 179 can be considered a pre-cursor to Mariah of sorts and features support from members of the band including Masanori Sasaji (keys, synth), Takayuki Doi (guitar), Hideo Yamaki (drums), Morio Watanabe (bass, drums), and Jimmy Murakawa (vocals), along with special guests like Kazumi Watanabe (guitar), Ryuichi Sakamoto (synth, drums), and Minako Yoshida (vocals). Organic Music’s Chee Shimizu (no relation) writes: “While resonating with UK New Wave and US No Wave, it explores countless new directions, showcasing an abundance of cutting-edge and remarkable tracks. This album is a masterpiece within a masterpiece, filled with ideas that lead to “Scarecrow” and Mariah’s Uta Kata no Hibi.” We love the opening track “Crow,” which cruises along a mellow lounge jazz groove with subtle electronic elements. Impossibly cool, Shimizu’s spoken word speaks to Japan’s economic boom in the ’80s: “Here I am in the time of STIMULUS-FREE / Don’t wake me up, Don’t shake me Load! / Let me do my own now / Nothing wrong with floating on this lazy afternoon.”