The 55th installment of our cutting-edge compilation series.

From Shuya Okino, DJ, the world's only music critic specializing in selections, and a leading figure in sound branding that transforms spaces through music, of KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE,Shuya Okinocomes the 55th installment of his monthly compilation.



This time, it's our annual year-end best. A special version condensing my personal hits of 2012. Titled 'THE BEST OF 2012.' I've gathered only excellent tracks that I want to see certified as timeless classics at The Room, my base of operations in Shibuya.




2012: A Year That Reaffirmed the Power of "Crossover Music"
2012 was a banner year for crossover music, something I've consistently championed in this series. In these times of whispers about the music industry's downturn (though I believe it strictly concerns CD sales), we've heard little good news, with record companies merging and shops closing. Yet, creators continue to make music, even as outlets diminish. Why? Because they want to create music!



The crossover scene, in particular, attracts individuals with eclectic tastes who keenly tune into various genres and voraciously absorb different grooves. While not a mainstream genre, its borderless and timeless sensibility allows it to act as a guide to the future of pop music, always looking ahead.



Crossover music, which adds a soulful touch to contemporary dance music and infuses experimental sounds with musicality, perhaps even bridges experimentation and mass appeal. It might be this sense of balance that has led me to introduce such music to OPENERS readers, who appreciate design and lifestyle...





Regrettably, this series concludes with this installment. The service used on this page has ended due to an iTunes version upgrade. Perhaps the evolution of civilization is an inevitable outcome of societal, or rather, human instinct. However, I wish to protect what is precious, what must not be lost amidst the evolution of myself and music. The "authentic value" that transcends time and borders.



Thank you for your long-standing support over 4 years and 7 months, across 55 installments. I plan to restart my musical proposals on OPENERS in a new form. I look forward to seeing you again.

Unprecedented! Unparalleled! 100 DJs, One Soul Per Track!!!
ONE SONG, ONE SOUL
~The Room 20th Anniversary Party Special

Scheduled for Friday, February 8, 2013, at ageHa!
http://www.theroom.jp/one_song_one_soul/

The Room producer Shuya Okino's countdown blog is now live!
http://ameblo.jp/shuya-okino/
☆Performing Artists Announced!!



The Room Celebrates 20 Years!
http://www.theroom.jp/



'The Beetle Presents TOKYO CROSSOVER NIGHT 2012' V.A.
2012.9.12 Release
¥2,400 (incl. tax)
VIA-0080 (Village Again/Extra Freedom)
http://www.tokyocrossoverjazzfestival.jp/2012/news.html#0807_1