かっこいいことはなんてかっこ悪いんだろう – 早川義夫* – LP – Pre Owned Vinyl (Arrives in 21days)

Released in 1969, ‘かっこいいことはなんてかっこ悪いんだろう’ captures the spirit of an era when Japanese music was breaking free from tradition and searching for new forms of expression. Hayakawa Yoshio, already known as the enigmatic voice of the band ‘ジャックス’ (Jacks), staked new ground with this solo debut—a stark, unfiltered exploration of vulnerability and disillusionment. The album’s minimalist arrangements let Hayakawa’s voice and poetry take center stage, each lyric delivered with a confessional intensity that resonates decades later. Rather than chasing commercial trends, Hayakawa confronts the contradictions of coolness and authenticity, making this a work of artistic honesty rare in any era. The record’s lo-fi rawness and folk sensibilities influenced generations of Japanese singer-songwriters, serving as a touchstone for those who value music with substance over style. For vinyl collectors and music lovers, this album is not just a relic, but a living document of artistic courage and cultural transformation. Owning it means holding a piece of Japan’s underground folk revolution—a testament to the power of music stripped bare.

Track List:
A1 – わらべ唄 – 3:27
A2 – もてないおとこたちのうた – 3:35
A3 – 無用ノ介 – 2:10
A4 – シャンソン – 2:20
A5 – サルビアの花 – 5:08
A6 – NHKに捧げる歌 – 2:47
B1 – 聖なるかな願い – 2:03
B2 – 朝顔 – 4:44
B3 – 知らないでしょう – 2:23
B4 – 枕歌 – 3:28
B5 – しだれ柳 – 4:32
B6 – 埋葬 – 7:03