The Alfee is a Japanese folk rock band who debuted in 1974, and have been recording and touring since then, with 23 studio albums and 63 singles throughout their career. The band marked its 40th anniversary in 2014 with their 64th single. History Masaru Sakurai, Konosuke Sakazaki, Toshihiko Takamizawa, and Yasuo Miyake met in 1973 while students at Meiji Gakuin University, and formed the group Alfie. On August 25, 1974, they released their first single "Natsu Shigure". Around 1975, Miyake left the group, leaving the remaining group a trio. In 2003, HMV's Japanese branch ranked them number 92 in their "Top 100 Japanese pops Artists" list. The Alfee claims American folk music as their primary inspiration, but they do also take from heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock, and Japan's "new wave". The group also takes inspiration from King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Pink Floyd, as they use odd time signatures, while also taking the chorus harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel, the Eagles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Queen. Members : Born in Chichibu, Saitama. Vocals, bass, chorus, pedal synthesizer, double bass, and acoustic guitar. : Born in Sumida, Tokyo. Vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, drums, harmonica, electric guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, sitar, lute, dobro, autoharp, bouzouki, tenor guitar, piano, and chorus. : Born in Warabi, Saitama. Vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, chorus. The group's leader and producer. Also has a solo career as "Takamiy". Discography Albums Titles are listed chronologically, oldest at the top. The titles are listed in English translation first, followed by the original Japanese, (a rōmaji transliteration in parentheses) and the release date in parentheses (if known). If an album title is in English, the title will be shown only once. Youthful Memories青春の記憶 (Seishun no Kioku) (July 25, 1975) Time and Tide (August 21, 1979) Sanjūshi讃集詩 (Sanjūshi) (May 21, 1980) Almighty (October 21, 1981) doubt, (April 21, 1982) Alfee (January 5, 1983) Alfee's Law (September 5, 1983) Page One: 13 Pieces of Alfee (December 5, 1983) The Renaissance (July 5, 1984) Alfee Gold (September 5, 1984) Alfee Silver (September 5, 1984) Best Selection I (December 5, 1984) Alfee A-Side CollectionALFEE A面 コレクション (Alfee A-men Korekushon) (May 21, 1985) Alfee B-Side CollectionALFEE B面 コレクション (Alfee B-men Korekushon) (May 21, 1985) For Your Love (June 19, 1985) Alfee 4-Way Story (1) (August 21, 1985) Alfee 4-Way Story (2) (August 21, 1985) The