B-2 Unit [Japanese Import]

• Limited Edition
• High-Quality Japanese Pressing
• 1xLP pressed on Classic Black Vinyl
• Remastered by Heba Kadry
• Vinyl cutting by Bernie Grundman Mastering
• Pressed at Sony DADC Japan

Released in 1980 while Yellow Magic Orchestra was enjoying its first wave of mega-success, B-2 Unit was Ryuichi Sakamoto’s second full-length solo effort.

Contrasting with the pop-oriented works Sakamoto was doing with YMO at the time, B-2 Unit was produced with a focus on sounds and tones rather than traditional song structures.

B-2 Unit has proven to be very much ahead of its time and extremely influential in the development of electronic music. "Riot In Lagos", in particular, is often cited as the blueprint for electro/techno sounds that would rise to prominence in the ensuing decade. Recorded in London and Tokyo with dub master Dennis Bovell, Penguin Cafe Orchestra’s Steve Nye, XTC’s Andy Partridge, and guitarist Kenji Omura.

Limited edition reissue is remastered by Heba Kadry, cut by Bernie Grundman Mastering, and includes new extensive liner notes by co-producer Yoshitaka Goto, Dennis Bovell, and Sakamoto himself.

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a genius Japanese musician, composer, and producer who has been active in the music industry for over four decades. He first gained international recognition as a member of the electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra in the late 1970s and has since become known for his work as a solo artist and renowned for his prolific film scores and collaborations with other musicians.

Sakamoto's music was known for its experimental, avant-garde sound, which incorporated elements of electronic, classical, and traditional Japanese music. He released numerous albums throughout his career, including the critically acclaimed "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" soundtrack, which featured his hit single "Forbidden Colours."

In addition to his music career, Sakamoto was involved in a number of environmental and humanitarian causes. He was a vocal advocate for sustainable energy and worked with organizations such as Greenpeace and the Rainforest Foundation.

Sakamoto was also recognized for his contributions to music and culture. He won multiple awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the film "The Last Emperor," and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yellow Magic Orchestra.

On March 28, 2023, Sakamoto passed away at the age of 71 from a long battle with cancer. His influence on music and culture will continue to be felt for years to come.

Learn more about Ryuichi Sakamoto here.

SOLO ALBUMS

1. Thousand Knives (1978)
2. B-2 Unit (1980)
3. Left-Handed Dream (1981)
4. Ongaku Zukan (1984)
5. Esperanto (1985)
6. Futurista (1986)
7. Illustrated Musical Encyclopedia (1986)
8. Neo Geo (1987)
9. Beauty (1989)
10. Heartbeat (1991)
11. Sweet Revenge (1994)
12. Smoochy (1995)
13. 1996 (1996)
14. Discord (1997)
15. BTTB (1999)
16. Comica (2002)
17. Elephantism (2002)
18. Chasm (2004)
19. Out of Noise (2009)
20. Playing the Piano (2009)
21. Three (2013)
22. Async (2017)
23. 12 (2023)