Sakamoto: “Love and Hate” (Elektra)

From the man who brought you, amongst other things weird and oriental, that enchanting soundtrack to Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence, ‘Love and Hate’ features the unmistakable vocals of Holly Johnson. Given that the subject matter of the song seems to feed off Johnson’s precarious HIV fuse, it’s difficult not to be profoundly touched by the sheer unbridled hope and humanity which the tune unashamedly pleads for. Johnson’s singing has never been so to the point, his heart never so true. Thank you, Mr Sakamoto.