Merzbow // Collection 001-010 10xLP WOODEN BOX SET

東京のノイズ作家Merzbowが、2025年3月にイタリアのノイズレーベルUrashimaからリリースした再発10枚組レコードBOX SETです。

1980年代の未発表音源を含む全40曲を収録。 木製特殊ケース仕様です。32ページのブックレット付属。

Urashimaその他作品はこちら /// Click here to see more Urashima releases available at Tobira. 

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Ask us for digital files.
10 x 12" black vinyl presented in separate sleeves adorned with original collages by Masami Akita, in a hand-numbered wooden box. 
Each vinyl contains a collection of Merzbow's early work. 
Includes 32-page 12" booklet containing previously unpublished photographs, as well as artwork and collages by Masami Akita from 1981-83 + exclusive notes by Lasse Marhaug, Thurston Moore and Masami Akita along with a unique interview of Jim O’Rourke with Masami Akita.
Limited edition of 299. 

Tracklist:

1. Collection 001 - 001 A 23:46
2. Collection 001 - 001 B 23:48
3. Collection 002 - 002 A 18:12
4. Collection 002 - 002 B 20:54
5. Collection 003 - 003 A 22:14
6. Collection 003 - 003 B1 09:33
7. Collection 003 - 003 B2 05:25
8. Collection 004 - 004 A 16:11
9. Collection 004 - 004 B1 07:08
10. Collection 004 - 004 B2 09:52
11. Collection 005 - 005 A1 08:38
12. Collection 005 - 005 A2 08:54
13. Collection 005 - 005 B1 07:14
14. Collection 005 - 005 B2 03:53
15. Collection 005 - 005 B3 03:57
16. Collection 005 - 005 B4 04:03
17. Collection 006 - 006 A1 17:35
18. Collection 006 - 006 A2 05:12
19. Collection 006 - 006 B 23:12
20. Collection 007 - Merzrock B1 + Dubbing 5 11:21
21. Collection 007 - Merzrock A1 + Anemic Pop 1 02:00
22. Collection 007 - Merzrock A1 + Anemic Pop 2 08:32
23. Collection 007 - E-Study #3-1 + Merzsolo 1 15:49
24. Collection 007 - E-Study #3-1 + Merzsolo 2 05:58
25. Collection 008 - Concrete Tape PH#1~ 05:19
26. Collection 008 - E8 A1 + 006 A1 06:03
27. Collection 008 - Merzsolo 10/6.81 A1 10:36
28. Collection 008 - E8 B2/Concrete Tape PH#1~ 06:28
29. Collection 008 - Sans Titre Merz 1 + Tape Loops 04:54
30. Collection 008 E6 A3 + Concrete Tape PH#1~ 06:46
31. Collection 008 - Merzsolo 10/6.81 A5 + Violin 03:21
32. Collection 009 - N.A.M.4 + E-8 06:11
33. Collection 009 - Telecom 1/3 + N.A.M.5 17:32
34. Collection 009 - E-3-1-1 11:24
35. Collection 009 - E-3-1-2 01:50
36. Collection 009 - Tape Loop + Noise 1 (Concrete Tapes) 02:39
37. Collection 009 - Tape Loop + Noise 2 (Concrete Tapes) 04:25
38. Collection 010 - 007 B1 + Ah Corps 11:47
39. Collection 010 - E3 B2 + Ah Corps 11:28
40. Collection 010 - N.A.M.6 With Radio & Tapes 22:47

Text excerpt by Urashima:

"...Originally intended for release as a series of cassettes on the label YLEM, the "Collection" stands as a cornerstone of Merzbow’s catalogue. Beginning in 1981, Akita and Mizutani recorded in YLEM's studio — a room within an apartment building equipped with mixers, effects, and various instruments, including guitars and basses — creating an environment that fostered creative experimentation. Following the completion of “Collection 005,” it was determined that the mixing of the subsequent volumes would no longer take place at YLEM's studio, as the label had ceased its operations. Consequently, Akita undertook the task of producing the remaining cassettes independently at home, ensuring that the series would be completed. With the inactivity of YLEM and the cancellation of both YLEM productions and Fool's Mate distribution, Akita made the decision to release "Collection 001-010" on ten cassettes under the newly founded label, Lowest Music & Arts. This move not only solidified his commitment to his artistic vision but also established the label as the platform where Merzbow would release all of his early works from the beginning of the 1980s.

During and after the transition from recording at YLEM's studio, the project continued to evolve while maintaining its innovative and provocative essence. As the journey progressed, the duo of Masami Akita and Kiyoshi Mizutani emerged with a raw and energetic sound that hinted at numerous musical paths they would explore in the years to come. Employing innovative recording techniques, they blended live instrumentation with tape manipulation and found sounds, crafting rich sonic textures that became defining characteristics of their early work. Each of the ten volumes in the "Collection" series offers a unique auditory experience, showcasing the evolution of their artistic vision during this pivotal period. These initial recordings incorporated techniques such as multitracking and live improvisation, which would later become hallmarks of Merzbow’s expansive career. Ongoing experimentation and the quest for new sonic expressions solidified his role not just as a composer but also as a pioneer in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

As we delve into Merzbow’s work, it becomes clear that the soundscapes captured in the "Collection" body of work are reflective of the creative spirit of a time when the boundaries of sound were being pushed and redefined. Each composition serves as both an exploration and documentation of his sonic experiments, representing the beginning of a legacy that has profoundly impacted noise music and beyond. In a world increasingly characterized by fleeting moments and disposable media, the "Collection" series stands as a monumental testament to the rich tapestry of sound, art, and philosophy that Merzbow embodies. The series serves not only as a historical record of Merzbow's early days but also as an essential listening experience that reflects the ethos of an era marked by fierce experimentation and boundless creativity. For those already familiar with Merzbow's expansive discography, the “Collection” reissue is a fundamental addition that enriches the landscape of noise music. However, for newcomers, it serves as an enlightening entry point into the profound sonic world that has been meticulously crafted over decades.

Merzbow's influence within the realm of experimental music is undeniable, serving as a vital entry point for many artists and listeners. Thurston Moore encapsulates this by describing it as a “gateway drug” in his closing notes of the booklet, reflecting how Merzbow's work has opened up sonic possibilities that transcend traditional musical boundaries and pioneered Japanoise. Each track in the “Collection” invites audiences to delve into richly layered textures, reinforcing the notion that noise can be a profound and transformative experience rather than merely chaotic. Lasse Marhaug, in his extensive notes for this box set, elaborates on this idea by stating, "Even when the soundstage is dense and layered with what seems like a million frequencies colliding, there is still a clear sense of consideration to the music." This perspective encourages listeners to appreciate that every distortion, hiss, and pulse carries its own story, contributing meaningfully to the overall narrative arc of a piece. It transforms listening into an active participation, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the evolving sonic tapestry and promoting exploration and contemplation of their own perceptions and emotional responses to sound. Jim O'Rourke, in his exclusive interview for this reissue with Masami Akita, articulates the transformative nature of Merzbow's artistry by asserting that with his work, "you don't just listen; you embark on an auditory journey" that challenges and reshapes your understanding of art and sound. All these insights highlight the profound impact Merzbow's work has on its audience, framing the journey as one that extends beyond exploring harsh sonic landscapes to recognizing noise as a legitimate form of expression capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and ideas.

This release is not merely a reissue; it is an effort to preserve the rich aesthetic and historical significance of Merzbow's work while inviting listeners to embrace the innovative spirit that defined the era. The box set is more than just a collection of noise; it serves as an invitation to engage with an artistic legacy that resonates with audiences worldwide.The marriage of sound and visual art in this box set reflects Merzbow’s multifaceted approach to music, challenging listeners to embrace the chaotic beauty of noise while encouraging them to explore the interpretations of sound. The prospect of possessing a piece of history is genuinely thrilling, as it signifies an unparalleled chance to engage with an extraordinary legacy, as it offers a tangible connection to an artist whose work has redefined the boundaries of sound through noise."

Artist : Merzbow

Label : Urashima