VA - Diggin' Ice 96 (Performanced by Muro) (2016)

That classic mixtape—a total blast from the past—is finally getting a CD release!!! This is absolutely insane!!! Definitely one of the biggest events of 2011!!!
While there are countless tapes out there dubbed "classic mixtapes," this series undoubtedly reigns supreme!!! If you were obsessed with vinyl back when these were first released, you surely had at least one copy in your collection...
That’s right!! This is the work of the "King" who introduced the very concept of the "mixtape" to Japan... Among the many series by the legendary digger Muro, the "Diggin' Ice" series—beloved by so many for its smooth, dramatic mixes centered on sweet, bittersweet vocal tracks—is truly iconic!
Launched in the mid-90s and spanning four volumes, the series became a massive hit. However, due to the inherent fragility of cassette tapes, they gradually vanished over the years. Today, surviving copies are incredibly rare, and those in good condition command high prices—they have truly become "treasures among treasures," the quintessential classic mixtapes.
Now, this prized series is being resurrected on CD—a major event, to say the least! To capture the warm, analog sound of the original tapes, the audio was sourced directly from the label’s own master tapes and remastered. For listeners accustomed to the crisp, clear digital sound of today, the rounded, mellow, and warm tone—a hallmark of the cassette format—will feel refreshingly unique. It creates an "evergreen" atmosphere that can only be described as "the best!"
As for the first installment, "Diggin' Ice '96"—if you were a fan of the tapes back in the day, you already know—it’s a smooth, dramatic mix featuring sweet, bittersweet vocal tracks that have since become bona fide classics. It’s the perfect soundtrack for relaxing at home or taking a drive; it’s the kind of mix you can listen to endlessly, in any setting!
On a personal note, back then, these tapes were on heavy rotation everywhere—not just in record stores and clothing shops around Shibuya, but in cafes and restaurants, too! I, for one, spent countless hours listening to them myself...
In short, this is an absolute essential—a "must-own" for every household! A true collector’s item for permanent preservation!
By the way, as is tradition, there is no tracklist provided. If you appreciate the aesthetic of "digging" for records, you’ll surely understand what this is about, right...!? This is a message straight from Muro himself—a sentiment that resonates all the more in today’s world, where information is everywhere.
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Why not take this as an opportunity to dive back in and rediscover some of those true gems from the past?