Flower Travellin' Band

Label: Atlantic
Country: Japan
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Made In Japan

Released on February 25, 1972, Made In Japan is the third studio album by the Japanese heavy psychedelic rock band Flower Travellin' Band. The album was recorded at Thunder Sound Studio in Toronto, Canada, and released under Atlantic Records with the catalog number P-8187A. It presents a fusion of rock genres, including psychedelic rock, prog rock, hard rock, and heavy psych.

Production Details

The album was produced by Yuya Uchida, Ikuzo Orita, and Canadian producer Paul Hoffert, known for his work with the band Lighthouse. Mixing was handled by Gilbert Kong. The album's visual presentation features photography by David Ohashi, while the design was crafted by Kiyoshi Sunamori and Yoshio Niwano, who aimed to replicate a cardboard export carton.

Band Lineup and Contributions

Flower Travellin' Band's lineup for this album includes Joe Yamanaka on lead vocals, Hideki Ishima on electric guitar and sitar, Jun Kozuki on bass guitar, and Joji "George" Wada on drums. During the recording, Canadian session drummer Paul DeLong played on some tracks while Wada was hospitalized. The English lyrics were a collaboration with Yoko Nomura, addressing themes of Japanese cultural identity and the impact of World War II, reflecting the band's experiences during their touring in North America.

Musical Composition

The album consists of eight tracks, each exploring various musical styles and lyrical themes. It opens with "Introduction," setting the tone for the subsequent tracks. "Unaware" and "Aw Give Me Air" follow, showcasing the band's dynamic range. The song "Kamikaze" engages with historical themes, while "Hiroshima" addresses the aftermath of war. Other tracks like "Spasms" and "Heaven And Hell" further illustrate the band's heavy psychedelic sound. The final track, "That's All," wraps up the album's exploration of existential themes.