Still going strong, despite annoucing various split ups and endings, Heatwave release their 17th album. They might not be one of Japan's biggest rock groups, but they are certainly one of the best, led by the wonderful guitarist and singer / songwriter Hiroshi Yamaguchi. Influenced by Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, The Pogues, The Clash, Yamaguchi wears his heart on his sleeve, and injects a certain amount of honesty as well as passion and humour into his music. 10 tracks.

Hiroshi Yamaguchi, who is basically Heatwave, once said the group is finishing. Nothing much changed then, so here he is back with another album. There is nothing much Japanese here, just great songs, good singing and guitar playing in the mode of Waterboys, Hot House Flowers and hints of Van Morrison, Bob Dylan and other singers Yamaguchi likes. Honest rock 'n' roll.


Price:   £23.99

Guitarist Hiroshi Yamaguchi provides an atmospheric accompaniment to the poetry reading (in English) of Native American Tom LaBlanc together with electronics and accordion by Hosomi Sakana. An unlikely combination but it works surprisingly well, sounding like some of Leonard Cohen's finest moments in places.

In 2001, Heatwave called it a day, although the group was virtually one person anyway, the highly talented Hiroshi Yamaguchi. Throughout their career, Heatwave recorded some of Japan's finest rock moments, most notably "Mangetsu no Yube" co-written with Takashi Nakagawa of Soul Flower Union. But there are many other great songs and periods, including working with Mick Glossop (Van Morrison, Waterboys producer) and Donal Lunny with band. Yamaguchi is influenced by Dylan, Van Morrison, Waterboys, Lou Reed, Clash, but doesn't in the least sound derivative. If this man had been born English or American, he would be mega. Just a shame his home market is too teen driven for worthwhile 30 something artists. This double album selects tracks from throughout Heatwave's career.


Price:   £27.99

Hiroshi Yamaguchi recorded with Donal Lunny plus Soul Flower Union and others. Rock, Irish and some Japanese flavours, including the lullaby, Komori no Uta. Some wonderful moments.

From the leader of Heatwave, soundtrack to a Japanese animation. Instrumental album of Celtic, rock, blues, highlighting Yamaguchi's outstanding guitar playing.


Price:   £23.99

Led by Japan's most talented singer/songwriter Hiroshi Yamaguchi, includes his original version of one of the best songs of the 90s, 'Mangestsu no Yube'.

Great rock songs with an Irish flavour. As always, wonderful album, superb musicianship, especially Yamaguchi's guitar.


Price:   £23.99

Japan's best rock singer, Hiroshi Yamaguchi mixed by Mick Glossop. Waterboys- ish, great songs sung with true passion.