Water Melon Group ‎– Cool Music LP

Label: Alfa
Format: LP
Year: 1984
Condition: EX / EX

Cool Music (1984) is a rare and experimental album by Water Melon Group, a Japanese duo formed by Toshio Nakanishi (of Plastics and Melon) and sound artist Yann Tomita. Released on Alfa Records, the LP is split into two distinct halves. Side A features exotic lounge-style reinterpretations of classic exotica and lounge tracks, including works inspired by Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and a cover of Haruomi Hosono’s “Hong Kong Blues.” These tracks incorporate vibraphone, steel drums, and vintage analog synths to evoke a tropical, cinematic mood. Side B shifts toward original compositions by Tomita, such as “The Gate of Japonesia,” blending Japanese traditional instruments like shamisen and koto with minimal electronics and ambient textures. The result is a playful, quirky, and deeply layered sonic experience. The album stands at the crossroads of 1950s exotica and 1980s Japanese avant-pop.