Only for the mindstrong was the first CD to be released on Tha Blue Herb recordings, back in 2001 and showcases the talent of a few of Sapporo-based musicians. And, oh boy!, those people are gifted... Label’s operator and great act Tha Blue Herb opens the comp with Zidai Kawaru pt 1 (if my online translator is correct, it means “Times change” or something along those lines. And times are indeed changing. We are far from the straightforward hiphop of their first album Stilling, still dreaming (review here)... This track is hinting at their sound on Sell our Soul (here), with a strong industrial feeling.  However future and past are closely intertwined since those very modern sounds are mixed with instruments hailing from the past. Trad-influenced industrial hiphop? Very, very good... Track 2 comes courtesy of Jun-Gold (since then he has released a few 12 inch on TBHR which I hope to be able to hear soon). Here again, traditional instruments are used and mixed with instrumental hiphop. The beats are heavy, the bass is deep and, soundwise, a lot is happening. Maybe a bit monotonous, but still quite interesting.  Up next is Wa-Chall (with TBH’s Boss the MC in Herbest moon – review here) with Annui (Cold town vitality). Much lighter than the two previous tracks, it is a highly danceable tune (and itactually makes me want to dance). The bass is quite groovy and is accompanied by what seems to be a thousand of different percussion instrument’s and some sweet keyboard melodies. I’m very happy now. Variation on the same theme, track four is Annui Dub (Thank you very much my friend –Universal language mix) by Smash 4 (of whom I unfortunately know nothing...). Same bass line as on the previous version, different percussion sounds, a real drummer and some very cool guitar. I’m even happier. Return to the heavy with a second Jun-Gold track, Bayon. Basically the same kind of stuff as on his first track but with more varied beats. The bass is even deeper... Great work! Track 6 is Bg-073 by O.N.O. It comes quite close to what he was going to do on his solo releases (review of Six month at outside stairs here). Off–kilter beats, loads of different sounds in the background, an industrial vibe although there is a lot room left for breathing. O.N.O is back with Tha Blue Herb on Zidai Kawaru pt. 2,3.  Weird sounds and chaotic beats are once more on the menu (a long one: 09:17). Boss the MC is helped out by Jerry Chestnuts with his great and peculiar deep voice. Great stuff!! Boss is again present on the next song, the second Smash 4 track, Annui dub (thank you very much my friend – last day DJ saves mix), a remix of the first Annui dub. This version is more restrained, sounding as if the beats and the bass line had been stuck in the starting blocks. With the quiet, almost spoken vocals of Boss, the atmosphere is pretty much one of party end. The only introspective song on the CD?

To be found: an hidden track which is actually Tha Blue Herb live at the Fuji Rock festival, playing one song from Stilling, still dreaming and Zidai kawaru.

Only for the mindstrong is a great introduction to a label that is  pretty much unknown in the west. Soon, they will take over the world, I hope. Remember where you heard it all about!