Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) was a pioneering electronic music group from Japan that emerged in the late 1970s. They were at the forefront of the synth-pop movement and their innovative sound has left a lasting impact on the music industry. Collectors and music enthusiasts often seek out YMO vinyl releases because of their historical and cultural significance. Vinyl records provide a unique listening experience, allowing fans to appreciate the warmth and depth of the music in a way that digital formats cannot replicate. YMO released several albums on vinyl, including their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 1978. This album showcased their fusion of electronic music with traditional Japanese elements, creating a sound that was both futuristic and rooted in their cultural heritage.

YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA

This first YMO album was released in 1978 in Japan ('79 in Europe) and set a precedent in the music industry like never before. By releasing this daring album, YMO shook the world with their 'Synthpop', at the time a revelation as well as a revolution.Featuring the hit "Firecracker", an infectious and exotic Martin Denny cover, which became a staple in the early Hip Hop scene in New York.

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Gatefold sleeve / 4 page booklet
• PVC protective sleeve

This first YMO album was released in 1978 in Japan ('79 in Europe) and set a precedent in the music industry like never before. By releasing this daring album, YMO shook the world with their Synthpop','at the time a revelation as well as a revolution.

YMO created their own sound, far ahead of its time. The band was amongst the first to use a "computer music composer", which was a programmed Roland MC-8 Microcomposer developed by Hideki Matsutake (composer, arranger and computer programmer). The trio mainly used electronic equipment on this album. The only acoustic instruments used were a piano and marimba percussion set. This type of production was never heard of before and set about a new movement within the music business.

Featuring the hit "Firecracker", an infectious and exotic Martin Denny cover, which became a staple in the early Hip Hop scene in New York.

Contact support for recommendations or customization questions

Deluxe reissue of Yellow Magic Orchestra's groundbreaking debut. The mega group of Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi have been highly influential to the development of electronic music (often called the Japanese Kraftwerk), and this is where their work together all began. Originally formed in 1978, Hosono brought the group together by hiring keyboardist Sakamoto and drummer Takahashi as session musicians for a one-off project that would utilize then-new electronics and video game samples to cover 50's exotica styles. Little did they know at the time that the project would prove to be wildly successful and result in long lasting solo careers for each of the musicians, as well as several group albums for decades to come! Includes the classic "Firecracker," "Computer Game," "Simoon," "Cosmic Surfin," and many more. This excellent edition Music On Vinyl reissue includes both the American A&M pressing (with slightly different mixes to appeal to US audiences) and the original Japanese Alfa pressing on clear 180 gram vinyl with gatefold sleeve and printed inserts. Limited, numbered edition in clear plastic sleeve, sealed with custom YMO sticker. Essential material, recommended.

• limited edition
• clear 180 gram vinyl pressing
• includes both USA and original Japanese versions
• gatefold sleeve with printed inserts
• numbered edition
• music label: Alfa 1978 / Music On Vinyl 2015

Six classic Yellow Magic Orchestra albums reissued as box set editions

Six Yellow Magic Orchestra albums have been reissued as collector’s edition vinyl box sets via Sony Music.

Spanning the band’s game-changing early years between 1978 and 1981, the reissue series includes both Japanese and US versions of their self-titled debut album, as well as 1979’s Solid State Survivor, Public Pressure and Multiples from 1980, and Technodelic and BGM from 1981.

All originally released on Alfa, the albums helped propel YMO to national and international acclaim, bringing an experimental use of synthesizers to electronic pop and machine funk.

Each album has been made available as both a standard and box set editions, with the latter including pixelated covers, new liner notes, unseen photos and studio ephemera.

Click here to find out more and check out some of the artwork below.

• Ryuichi Sakamoto
• Yellow Magic Orchestra

Newer

Satoshi Ashikawa's coveted Japanese ambient LP Still Way reissued for the first time

Older

Mute announces Alessandro Cortini album Volume Massimo

Most Read This Week

This album showcased their fusion of electronic music with traditional Japanese elements, creating a sound that was both futuristic and rooted in their cultural heritage. Their vinyl releases often feature striking cover art designed by the renowned illustrator and designer Tsuguya Inoue, which adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the records. Many collectors consider these vinyl releases to be highly valuable and they are sought after by fans around the world.

A decade of hi-fi haven Brilliant Corners

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl records, with younger generations discovering the tactile and immersive experience of listening to music on a turntable. This has led to a renewed interest in YMO vinyl releases, as fans old and new seek out these iconic records to add to their collections. In conclusion, YMO vinyl releases are more than just records - they are artifacts of music history that continue to captivate listeners with their innovative sound. Whether you are a die-hard collector or a casual fan, the experience of listening to YMO on vinyl is a testament to the enduring power of their music..

Reviews for "The Story Behind Yellow Magic Orchestra Vinyl: From Creation to Release"

1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to get the Yellow Magic Orchestra vinyl, but was ultimately disappointed with the quality. The vinyl came warped, making it impossible to play properly without skips and jumps in the sound. Additionally, the sound quality itself was lacking, with muffled and distorted tones. It's a shame because I love YMO's music, but this particular vinyl release was a letdown.

2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I have to say, I did not enjoy the Yellow Magic Orchestra vinyl at all. The pressing was full of surface noise, pops, and crackles, which completely ruined the listening experience. It felt like I was listening to a scratched-up record from a thrift store. The packaging was also flimsy, and the artwork was pixelated and blurry. Overall, I regretted purchasing this vinyl and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a quality listening experience.

3. Alex - 3/5 stars - While I didn't completely dislike the Yellow Magic Orchestra vinyl, it definitely fell short of my expectations. The vinyl itself looked beautiful, but the sound quality left a lot to be desired. There were moments where the audio was noticeably distorted, and the overall mix felt unbalanced. Additionally, the vinyl seemed prone to attracting dust and static, making it a hassle to clean and maintain. I would still listen to YMO's music, but I'd opt for a different format or release in the future.

4. Emily - 2/5 stars - I wanted to love the Yellow Magic Orchestra vinyl, but sadly, the pressing I received had several skips and jumps throughout. It was frustrating to listen to, as it interrupted the flow of the music. The vinyl also didn't come with any liner notes or additional content, which was disappointing. I expected more from a vinyl release, especially for a band as influential as YMO. Overall, it was a lackluster purchase that didn't do justice to the music.

The Impact of Yellow Magic Orchestra Vinyl on Western Music