1. Logic System - Venus - Inner Ocean Records
  2. Logic System - Venus - Inner Ocean Records

Logic System

Venus

Regular price $31.99

Label: We Want Sounds
Catalog: WWSLP 035LP


2022 restock; LP version. Wewantsounds reissue Logic System's Venus, originally released in 1981. Reissued outside of Japan for the first time in 40 years. Hideki Matsutake started his career as the assistant of Japanese electronic music master Isao Tomita in the early '70s, he went on to work with Ryuichi Sakamoto and then Yellow Magic Orchestra as their keyboard programmer and unofficial fourth member. In 1981 he started his own Logic System project recording Venus that year in Los Angeles with Don Grusin, Nathan East, and Michael Boddicker, brilliantly mixing synth funk, ambient, and boogie with a touch of fusion jazz predating vaporwave by a mere 30 years.

While the first album, Logic had a harder techno feel, the second one, Venus, was different affair. Recorded in Los Angeles at the new state of the art Yamaha Studio, it was loosely themed on the Greek goddess Venus and had a funkier more organic sound. For the album, Matsutake had asked a handful of American musicians to provide songs he would then add his synth magic touch to. The updated sound was achieved by switching from the Moog III to the E-mu modular System (which Matsutake brought over to LA) and other synths like the Prophet 5, the Roland MC-8 and TR 808, and the Yamaha GS-1, a forerunner of the DX7. The result is an amazing futuristic mix of electronic music and early '80s funk, announcing many genres to come, from techno and house to French electro and vaporwave. From the breezy ambient synth of "I Love You" to the city pop edge of "Be Yourself" (originally written by Nathan East for Debra Laws) and the vocoder-led Daft Punk-ish "Take A Chance", Venus is a fascinating album that both pushes the boundaries of electronic music and is yet strangely accessible and beautiful.

The other key elements of Venus is the artwork designed by legendary Japanese illustrator Pater Sato. Sato had started in Japan in the early '70s doing many album covers for Japanese artists, including Tatsuro Yamashita's cult Spacy LP (1977) before moving to New York in 1979 to pursue a career in fashion and advertising. His airbrush style became hugely influential over the years. The original album came with a beautiful eight-panel insert illustrated by Sato which Wewantsounds has reproduced. Also includes obi strip and a second insert featuring credits and line-up, plus liner notes by Hashim Kotaro Bharoocha with an exclusive interview of Hideki Matsutake. Remastered from the original tapes.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 269 reviews.

Customer photo review of Casiopea - Mint Jams (Japan Import)

I was concerned about shipping from Canada to the UK, but the records were packaged great and arrived without a scratch. Great communication. Some items were second hand, the gradings were perfectly accurate. Very pleased, would recommend!

Casiopea - Mint Jams (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Tape Cassette - Mystery Grab Bag

I got the mystery tape box specifically the "your getting tons of tapes" tier and it didnt disappoint at all packaged securely overdelivered in the best way in terms of content and didnt take long to get here ,it was exciting to finally see what i got, genuinely made my day when it came in the post, a massive 22 tape package and so far every tape ive listened to has been really really good! Quality all the way, and if anyone was on the fence about getting it, well dont be, go for it you wont be disappointed . Major respect to whoever curates the box, excellent choices!! I Usually never leave reviews of things but this was worth doing it for. I will definitely be buying this again no doubt about it and yeah just awesome really, very happy with it :)

Tape Cassette - Mystery Grab Bag

Customer video review of BLESS Vol. 1

The vinyl itself is very beautiful, and the sound is very punchy and clear! Of course all the tracks slap hard. Really great pressing, really great album!

BLESS Vol. 1

Customer photo review of BLESS Vol. 1

I discovered the Bless Vol. 1 compilation a few years ago. Some of my favorite lo-fi artists were featured on it, and last year I reached out to the label hoping to get some of their releases. Cory got in touch with me and personally made sure the record arrived safely. It sounds incredible, and the editions are beautifully produced. Now I'm eagerly waiting for Vol. 1 Greetings from Argentina!

BLESS Vol. 1

Customer photo review of Idealism - Hiraeth EP

Solid pressing, beautiful, artwork and a sturdy case.

Idealism - Hiraeth EP

Customer photo review of We Are Rewind - Tape Cassette Player

Really big fan. It’s a solidly built player and I think the aux-in recording function and ability to pair Bluetooth headphones/speaker is really unique, especially on the same device. I can’t speak to the Bluetooth pairing as I haven’t tested it out. I specifically was looking for an aux-in recording cassette player and this fit the bill perfectly. I tested this function and it sounds really great without completely losing the charm of a mic recording.

We Are Rewind - Tape Cassette Player

Customer photo review of Makoto Matsushita - First Light (Japan Import)

It was packaged perfectly! Everything that it came in was great, too! HOWEVER, the page for this product does have a preview of all the songs ASSUMED to come with the album. This is not the case. This album comes with everything EXCEPT: September Rain (English Version) With the previews available, I thought it'd be there. I was apparently missinformed. That is the ONE AND ONLY issue I have with my purchase. I wish they gave you the EXACT track list on the webpage. But like I said, that'd the only issue I had. Everything else was great.

Makoto Matsushita - First Light (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Kingo Hamada - Mugshot (Japan Import)

I've been looking for an original copy of this album for a while at a price and quality that I was happy with. I was thrilled to find this on your website and couldn't pass up the opportunity to support you and support my unhealthy collection.

Kingo Hamada - Mugshot (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Good Mood / Lofi Juice

Quality tape and case. Love the music. Perfectly chill mix. Will definitely be back for more.

Good Mood / Lofi Juice

Customer photo review of tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

This album is truly fantastic. I have the cassette as well, it's so dynamic and interesting to listen to on both the turntable and in my case the player with headphones! blips is also just a very talented artist and incredibly kind person, sent me a short to make up for the shipping delay with the vinyl. I can't say enough nice things about inner ocean and the artists on here. Interesting work from very talented people, great deals on buying multiple tapes and records, professional and kind customer service, I've honestly never had a bad transaction from inner ocean and I look forward to my next purchase! Thanks all!

tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

Customer photo review of Anri - Heaven Beach (Japan Import)

Legit and amazing quality!!! These are my very first two vinyl albums and I just love how these two turned out! Would definitely recommend Inner Ocean Records to those who enjoy collecting vintage Japanese albums.

Anri - Heaven Beach (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of 1986 Omega Tribe - Navigator (Japan Import)

Shipped promptly, arrived quickly, and was in good condition. I played it and it sounded great. Perfect transaction. What more could I ask for??

1986 Omega Tribe - Navigator (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

Most beautiful cassettes on earth as always. Every Inner Ocean release is an instant classic and everything I’ve ever ordered (cassettes, vinyl, merch) always comes quick and very well packaged. Best record label out!

tiny.blips - juicy curveballs: beat tape

Customer photo review of Casiopea - Mint Jams (Japan Import)

Absolutely PHENOMENAL transaction, adding a piece of Casiopea history to my collection. Shipped fast, packed well, and Always a pleasure to do business with. Not my first Inner Ocean order, and FAR from my last! Again, many thanks to the IO crew!

Casiopea - Mint Jams (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Casiopea - Cross Point (Japan Import)

I’m so glad to be able to have my favorite casiopea album on vinyl and it play wonderfully. Would say it got here quickly but alas the Canadian post strike happened not too long after I ordered it. But all in all I will definitely be ordering more from here.

Casiopea - Cross Point (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Miki Matsubara - Pocket Park (Japan Import)

Favorite Miki album. The added posted was wonderful surprise. Inner Ocean Records shipping and customer support is top notch. Can’t wait for my next purchase!

Miki Matsubara - Pocket Park (Japan Import)

Customer photo review of Lofi Snacks Series 2

This is my first entry into the Lofi Snacks series after bumbling into the Inner Ocean label on Bandcamp and looking up their website. And my, what can I say other than it has been a delight! Really fresh vibey beats that sound great digitally on on my desk cassette player. The art is also fantastic and I love the print on the cassette itself. I've had this album on repeat since it arrived Monday. Look forward to exploring more of the Inner Ocean catalogue.

Lofi Snacks Series 2

Customer photo review of Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (Japan Import)

One of the greatest records in my collection! There are few legendary records that scratch the sonic itch this one does. Love the addition of the obi strip. Inner Ocean delivers greatness yet again!

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (Japan Import)

Store owner replied: What a solid selection! (pun intended) Thanks so much for supporting our store!

Always good experience getting in Inner Ocean Records. Well packaged, so arrived in mint condition. Excellent catalogue of dope and beautiful music.

Zac Colwell - Through The Glass, Dimly