Summary
Considered by many, myself included to be one of the best early Japanese Rock albums, Vacant World is a collection of brilliant song writing and music that captures the student movement of the psychedelic 1960s.
The songs most individuals will be familiar with are the title track (KARAPPO NO SEKAI) and Marianne. These one of if not the first releases of psychedelic rock in Japan (source: Scaruffi.com). Although some songs like Love Generation are what I would consider a little too “poppy” for my taste, the album overall is amazing and an excellent reference to the influences of some todays popular J Rock artists. Just listen to Yoshio’s voice and that fuzz guitar solo by Haruo on the opening track, Marianne, and decide for yourself. Full album playlist below.
Original Studio Album Release
1968
Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Marianne (5:20)
2. Tokei Wo Tomete (Stop The Clock) (4:16)
3. Karappo No Sekai (Vacant World) (4:57)
4. Wareta Kagami No Naka Kara (In the Broken Mirror) (3:23)
5. Uragiri No Kisetsu (Gloomy Flower) (3:20)
6. Love Generation (3:36)
7. Bara-Manji (2:29)
8. Doko E (Where?) (3:10)
9. Toi Umi Ni Tabi Ni Deta Watashi No Koibito (Love) (4:23)
10. Tsumetai Sora Kara 500 Mile (500 Miles From The Sky) (3:02)
Total Album Time 37:56
Line-up / Musicians
– Yoshio Hayakawa: voice, guitar
– Haruo Mizuhashi: guitar, voice
– Hitoshi Tanino: bass
– Takasuke Kida: drums, vibraphone, flute
Releases information
Long Play (LP) Toshiba Express EP7704 (1968)