Wewantsounds reissue
Newly remastered by Makoto Kubota
Original artwork, OBI and the original Japanese inserts.
First time the albums are released outside of Japan

Makoto Kubota’s trip to the US’ East and West Coast at the dawn of the 70s had been ear-opening. After a few years playing with Les Rallizes Dénudés, he had travelled there to soak up the music and the cultural revolution that was happening all around the country. Upon his return and after recording his solo album ‘Machibouke’ for the Express label, he set to record a second album with likeminded musician to emulate the sound he had witnessed during his US trip.

Kubota gathered fellow musicians in the studio with producer Kinji Yoshino, alongside a few guests including Haruomi Hosono, Tatsuo Hayashi and Takashi Matsumoto from Happy End/Tin Pan Alley galaxy to record nine tracks inspired by R&B, soul, blues and tropical influences.

From the bluesy ‘Kawa wo Kudatte’ and ‘Sunset Sunset’ to the Southern groove of ‘Louisiana Mama’ and the Grateful Dead-like feel of “Bang Bang Bang/Yukake Blues, the album is a superb mix of laid back music and an hommage to American roots music. The album marks the start of a musical odyssey Kubota and his musicians would develop further in subsequent albums by the Gang.

Sunset Gang represent one of the key stones in this edifice which Wewantsounds is delighted to release for the first time outside of Japan.

1. Tasogare No Make Love Company 5.11

2. Kobune No Tabi (Boat Trip) 5.14

3. Louisiana Mama 2.58

4. Kawa Wo Kudatte (Going By The River) 5.22

5. Sunset Sunset (instrumental) 5.07

1. Itoshi No Marie 4.30

2. Shikemoku Kurashi 3.29

3. Kaette Okure 4.07

4. Bang Bang Bang Yuyake Blues 8.35