Various Artists

Escalator Records, Tokyo

As one of the very few truly independent Japanese labels left in existence, respect is due to Escalator Records. Ranging from the screwball floor-fillers of Montparnasse and the High Yummies' almost barnstorming quirkiness to the tender pop of Neil & Iraiza, this is an eclectic view of a highly respected maverick imprint and certainly not for those with blinkered musical vision. Concentrating on near impossible-to-find releases, this is a chance to own some extremely rare and expensive tracks. But with a Yukari Fresh track named after Liverpool's Michael Owen I was bound to like it anyway.