With December here, Ban Ban Ton Ton is looking back on the musical year. Since Japanese superstition holds 7 as her luckiest number, we’re gonna try to keep each selection tight to this total, in the hope that our conjuring of 7 X 7 X 7 X … will collectively manifest some magic for 2025. You may witness some attempts to creatively bend the rules, blur / invent genres and rinse formats, in order to squeeze in as many great releases as possible… 

Eiji Taniguchi is the highly respected musical aficionado behind Osaka’s equally respected Revelation Time record store. Having hooked up with Music From Memory for the leftfield pop collection, Heisei No Oto, and the Dream Dolphin retrospective, Gaia, this year, together with the tragically lost, sorely missed Jamie Tiller, Eiji curated one of 2024’s top compilations. Virtual Dreams II, like its predecessor explored 90s “ambient” / chillout room techno, but in this case focused on the work of Japanese artists. Selecting largely previously CD-only releases and giving them their first vinyl outing. A beguiling listen from beginning to end, it nonetheless contained many highlights. Modern Living’s Snow Bird was just one tune that I personally couldn’t get enough of.  

Super selections and wonderful words by Eiji Taniguchi. 

Floating Points / Cascade / Ninja Tune

Sam Shepherd aka Floating Points draws from the lineage of UK techno pioneers like LFO, Aphex Twin, Herbert, and James Holden, while continuing to push boundaries into new and uncharted territory. His eclectic 5-hour Boiler Room DJ set, seamlessly spanning multiple genres, was outstanding. I’m also looking forward to his live performance in Japan this coming February!

Someone Like Me / Efficient Space

I’ve always enjoyed compilations—they’re something I often check out for inspiration and ideas. This one brings together a wide range of tracks from the ’60s to the ’90s, including songs that were once hidden in the corners of the internet or found on obscure tax scum bootleg records. However, they come together with a unique and unexpected harmony, revealing a sense of universal human connection through music. It really highlights the interesting paths that music can take, and the dedication of the compilers and labels behind the project.

Total Blue / Music From Memory 

This release naturally aligned with the spirit of the times. I played it regularly in the shop, and it often sparked curiosity from customers. Music From Memory are ready to keep inspiring us with exceptional releases lined up for the coming year.

Alex Kassian x Mad Professor / A Reference To E2-E4 By Manuel Göttsching / Test Pressing

This is undoubtedly a massive hit that needs no introduction, but simply put, it’s a track I found myself listening to a lot this year. A reinterpretation that deeply understands and respects the original, adding new layers and dimensions to an already iconic work. Perfect for both meditation and the dancefloor.

Satoshi Tomiie / Magic Hour / Abstract Architecture

This year, I listened to a lot of dub techno – and progressive house. This dub techno album, by an artist who debuted with Tears, an enduring classic in deep house history, blends dub and reggae elements and dives deep into the genre’s richness. As Tomiie once said in an interview, “I’d rather preserve quality than preserve a specific style.” This album embodies that philosophy, balancing creative freedom with consistent quality.

Kaoru Inoue / Rhythms of Dedication / SeedsAndGround

An artist who has consistently explored the fusion of natural sounds and electronic music, reinterpreting ancient rituals and primal celebrations through a modern musical lens, all while offering new spiritual dimensions. Listening to their earliest work, featured on a compilation, and their latest release, I was struck once again by their unwavering vision.

Wallace / Cravings / Concourse / Phantasy Sound

For me, exploring older music is practically part of my job, so listening to new music has become one of my favourite ways to refresh my mind. Wallace’s latest release is another standout—I’ve been enjoying it at the gym and even worked it into one of my DJ sets. “Papertrip” is equally brilliant.

Virtual Dreams II can be purchased directly from Music From Memory.