Meiko Kaji - Super Value

If you're a fan of Meiko Kaji you probably already own that one album that's circulating the internet. Not much more of her stuff can be found (or at least I couldn't find it) around. I nabbed this album off some Russian forum and there was another album as well but the link died or something, such a shame. The prices of her albums on amazon and ebay are outrageous as well.

If you didn't listen to Meiko Kaji before your probably did hear two of her songs that were featured in the Kill Bill movies and that's how most of us westerners heard of her. This was a nifty little trick and reference that Tarantino used because Meiko was also an actress and most of her roles were something along the lines that Uma Truman played as well. A betrayed woman, seeking revenge on men etc. Standard B-action chick flicks from the 70s, the kind of movies we all secretly enjoy (at least sometimes). The movie where she really stands out is probably Lady Snowblood (manga adaptation of the same title) which I warmly recommend for anyone who enjoys a geisha murder spree. Tarantino used this movie as the inspiration for the final scene of the first part.

As usual with this type of actresses she also had a musical career. Her music isn't very distinctive or original compared to other enka singers but she has an excellent voice (it's not squeaky like most jpop singers) and talent to sing so all of her songs are highly enjoyable despite the fact that she brings nothing new. Then again, you can't really expect something new in a stale genre like this. People know what they want and if you don't deliver it you won't make it. But nevertheless I like her distinctive voice and the music is good as well so it's all good.

Compared to the other album this one has some songs that are on there as well (Urami Bushi of course) while some are new and some are the same songs but with different musical arrangements.

Download.

That other album (not my link but also mediafire).

See comments for a big compilation of her songs.