ZB's A-Z of J-Music

The Best Japanese Albums of 2009 - Part 1

2009-07-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

We have hit the half-way mark on 2009 (well OK, we've gone well past it, but still) so that can only mean one thing. Time to take the first look back at the best Japanese albums of the first half of 2009!

This year, I'm trying something a little different than the past two. Instead of posting one giant list of albums, I've broken it up into two distinct parts. Here at the A-Z you've got the more rock, post-rock, post-punk, post-whatever and indie oriented bands. Over at Japanator you've got the more electro and pop stuff. Neither one is totally one genre or the other, but I thought it would be interesting to see how one list works against the other. So, once you are done soaking up the harder-edged stuff here, make sure to head on over to Japanator for even more.

OK, on with the list!

Lillies and Remains - Part of Grace [BUY IT]

First off, while none these picks are in any sort of order, I will say that the first three all fall into my own "album of the year" category, each for different reasons. First up is Part of Grace by Lillies and Remains, which I reviewed in full here. The self-produced album is a fascinating mix of darkness and light, with its gothic post-punk guitars and reverberations alongside some very lovely melodies. KENT's deep vocal style is also unique, adding to the swampy mystery. Factor in the all English lyrics, and these guys should have no problem making it big around the world.

Ling Tosite Sigure - Just A Moment [BUY IT]

On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Just A Moment, the self-produced album from Ling Tosite Sigure. If Part of Grace is a dark, brooding fog, Just A Moment is a violent hurricane. Full of explosive noise as well as equally quiet and calm passages, Just A Moment is a constantly shifting volcanic landscape.

Mono - Hymn to the Immortal Wind [BUY IT]

My final pick for unofficial album of the year is Hymn to the Immortal Wind by Mono. The instrumental post-rock group has made a true masterpiece with Hymn. The expansive, lengthy songs all move through several stages, from silence to a roaring clash of guitars, drums and a full string section. Through it all runs a very strong sense of melody, with many painfully beautiful passages. Much like Sigure Ros, Mono provide the listener with all they need to imagine their own personal and/or otherworldly stories.

Viridian - Sangenshoku [BUY IT]

The song "Little Soldier" on Viridian's debut album Sangenshoku is well worth the price of admission in its own. The rest of the album is more quality indie rock, with singer Sano Hitomi's voice being a stand out, as her tone is more mature and deep than many other female singers. She stays well away from any cutesy flash and instead focuses on simply singing both well and with passion. It's a great album that will both lighten your mood and get you ready to kick a little ass.

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs - World is Yours [BUY IT]

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs continues to be one of the most exciting all girl (or, these days, almost all girl) indie-rock bands out there. They manage to pump out some really frenetic rock, while also maintaining their calm, cool and collected demeanor. While World is Yours is really more of a mini-album that a proper full release, it still proves that their ability to produce pulse-pounding anthems is no fluke.

Qomolangma Tomato - Camouflage [BUY IT]

With a healthy disregard for vocal perfection as well as a sometimes loose grove, it might seem like Qomolangma Tomato is falling off the rails from time to time, but rest assured that it's all part of the act. Camouflage is full of otherwise tuneful songs pushed to the brink of self-destruction. They actually aren't as rough as some of the individual songs might make them out to be. Overall, Camouflage is a multifaceted album full of surprises, provided you give it the chance.

Straightener - Nexus [BUY IT]

At first listen, the new album from rock veterans Straightener is rather unassuming, maybe even little laid back. While they've never been a very extreme rock band, Nexus feels even more mild in temperament than usual. Upon closer inspection, however, the songs really open themselves up and reveal some very solid tunes.

Winnie - Headquarter [BUY IT]

Winnie blends lead male and female vocals just as well as they blend their slightly pop rock sound with much more listenable heavier rock textures. Their swirling guitars and danceable beats set them apart from the regular rock crowd just as their weighty guitar moments set them apart from the typical feel-good dance-rock bands.

Matryoshka - Coctura [BUY IT]

While not actually a new album, but rather a remix album, Matryoshka's new release Coctura is nevertheless something totally new. The songs get both the standard remix treatment from the likes of World's End Girlfriend and Headphones Remote, as well as more of a cover song thing with guest vocalists and producers working together. All of this serves only to add even more atmosphere and a sense of reverence to Matryoshka's already moody and muzzy style.

Boom Boom Satellites - Back on My Feet [BUY IT]

This one is a bit of a cheat, since Back on My Feet is really just a glorified four song single or maybe an EP. Regardless, it's a great little release, worthy of inclusion on the list. While the group's previous album was pretty up-tempo and had a bit of a good-times party vibe, the material on Back on My Feet is darker and more subtle, much like their very early work. The songs take more time to develop and have greater depth. The use of piano and strings along with the usual batch of pounding cut-up drums, guitars and synths adds to the overall more mature and serious mood. Let's just hope we get an album in this style as well.

That's all for now. There's already a list of potentially great releases for the rest of the year, so I'm already excited about things to come!

See something missing? Then by all means write up your own best of list in the comments. Together we can bring all the best music into the light it deserves.

Japanator Radio 94

2009-07-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

I must admit, some weeks I just let the random shuffle machine put together the show. Oh sure, I'll shift things around a bit to make it a little more listener friendly, but let me tell you, when in doubt, shuffle is an awesome thing to have around. I guess what I'm saying is that this isn't always rocket science, people.

This week, we get the new music out of the way early with new stuff from Boom Boom Satellites, Gackt and Versailles. People in the Box are in the Artist Spotlight, and there's a bunch of other stuff too.

Get ready for the links!

Links are GO!

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 94 AT JAPANATOR!

RSS Feed

Random updates via Twitter.

Track-list and links after the jump!

00:00 OP: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Gamble (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

0:01:04 Versailles - Ascendead Master - Single [BUY]
0:06:45 Gackt - Flower - Single [BUY]
0:12:16 Boom Boom Satellites - All In A Day - Back On My Feet [BUY]

0:19:00 Break: iLL - Thunderbolt Joe - Sound by iLL [BUY]

0:19:59 Sonic Coaster Pop - Shooting Star - Super Miracle Circuit [BUY]
0:24:40 Bremen - Whenever - Bianco Blanco [BUY]
0:30:05 Noelle - Strobolights (Supercar cover) - Love Electro 2 [BUY]

0:33:27 Break: iLL - Thunderbolt Joe - Sound by iLL [BUY]

Artist Spotlight: People in the Box
0:34:20 People in the Box - Kanpeki na Niwa - Bird Hotel [BUY]
0:38:36 People in the Box - Alice - Rabbit Hole [BUY]
0:42:46 People in the Box - Hajimari no Kuni - Frog Queen [BUY]
0:45:59 People in the Box - Rentogen - Bird Hotel [BUY]

0:50:42 Break: iLL - Thunderbolt Joe - Sound by iLL [BUY]

0:52:20 Eel - Happy Monday - Kung-Fu Master [BUY]
0:53:43 Shonen Knife - Hot Chocolate (Stereolab Mix) - Ultra Mix [BUY]
1:01:00 Scha Dara Parr - 0718 [BUY]

1:04:08 ED: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Sakuran (Terra ver.) (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

Videos of the Week 7-6-09 - Supplemental

2009-07-05T13:00:00.002-05:00

OK, I had just set the previous Videos of the Week post to go live when Jonathan Coulton (who is featured in that post) tweeted this:

@jonathancoulton Amazing video, 64 fans on webcams: http://bit.ly/o9Rcp (via waxy.org)

It all seemed too coincidental, so I just had to post it here as well. Oh, and it doesn't hurt that the video is not only absolutely amazing, but from a Japanese band! The video is from the band Sour. Here's the description of just what the hell is going on:

This music video was shot for Sour's 'Hibi no Neiro' (Tone of everyday) from their first mini album 'Water Flavor EP'. The cast were selected from the actual Sour fan base, from many countries around the world. Each person and scene was filmed purely via webcam.

Director: Masashi Kawamura + Hal Kirkland + Magico Nakamura + Masayoshi Nakamura

The video is really, really good. Do not pass this one up, lazy RSS readers!

Videos of the Week 7-5-09

2009-07-05T10:33:00.004-05:00

First off, sorry for the marked lack of updates this week. A combination of work ramping up at, er, work, and some very nice summer days have made it tough to want to sit around inside. I know it goes against the blogger code or something to want to actually spend time in the sun,. but I think I make up for it during the other nine months that we northern dwellers live under a blanket of snow and darkness.

So anyway, things should be picking up soon. Until then here are some new videos!

Aira Mitsuki "Plastic Doll"

First up is this cool new one from picopico pop sensation Aira Mitsuki. This video is full of eye-candy, and the song it actually pretty hard hitting. This whole Auto-Tune fetish-pop movement has gotten totally out of hand, but every once in a while something listenable comes out of it.

OK, let's get more serious after the jump!

Boom Boom Satellites "Back on My Feet"

Back on My Feet is the new single/EP from BBS, and it's a fantastic little collection. I haven't been too into their recent releases because they are all a bit too happy and party-centric. I like that they seem to be getting back into their more atmospheric and darker side on Back on My Feet. It reminds me of early Hybrid as well, what with all the strings and cut up drums. More like this, please!

Versailles "Ascendead Master"

I don't think I've really understood much of what goes on in Versailles videos, and this one is no exception. Something about a girl that the singer is all hot for? And a TV crew is filming them in a church for some reason? Whatever. I'm sure it's all part of some long-running story that I've been missing out on.

School Food Punishment "Butterfly Swimmer"

Here's the new one from SFP. Definitely more pop and mainstream than their previous releases, but then again it's not like there were ever that far-out to begin with. Still, they are on a major label now, so there you go...It all feels just a little too bland to me.

Puffy "Dareka Ga"

New song from Puffy. I really like their very early music, and this is almost along those lines. Still, it's super pop-rock like way too much of their recent stuff. I think if the music matched the video a little more that it might be a better song!

Gackt "Flower" (Karaoke)"

Here's a TV clip of Gackt laying down some karaoke for his newest single "Flower." Hijinx ensue! It's always nice to see Gackt in a less-than-serious mood. Of course all his serious stuff is actually just as silly. It's all a matter of perspective, I guess.

Jonathon Coulton - Live on local NY TV

And finally, for your non-Japanese pick of the week, here's a clip from a local New York news broadcast featuring Jonathon Coulton. It's pretty short, but at least there's a bit of talk with the man.

That's it for this week. Let me know what you're watching!

Japanator Radio 93

2009-06-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Back again with lucky show number 93! I'm glad we all survived through that harrowing, evil number 92 to find ourselves here enjoying the blissful calm of 93.

This week, so much new music. New Gackt, new Versailles, new Perfume and some Lillies and Remains in the Artist Spotlight. And so much more!

Get it get it!

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 93 AT JAPANATOR

RSS Feed

Random updates via Twitter.

Track-list and links after the jump!

00:00 OP: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Gamble (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

1:10 Versailles - Gakkakou - Ascended Master Single [BUY]
5:42 Gackt - No Reason - Lost Angels Single [BUY]
9:35 Kalafina - Lirica - Storia Single [BUY]

14:40 Break: 8bit Prophet - Utada Hikaru Medly - Spicy Innovator Vs Superior Marionette [BUY]

15:18 Base Ball Bear - Breeeeze Girl - Single [BUY]
19:01 Nine Days Wonder - The Color Colapse - With Euphoria [BUY]
22:11 Mouse on the Keys - Saigo no Bansan - Sezession [BUY]

25:48 Break: 8bit Prophet - Jenny wa Gokigen Naname - Spicy Innovator Vs Superior Marionette [BUY]

Artist Spotlight: Lillies and Remains
27:15 Lillies and Remains - Argo - Part of Grace [BUY CD / ITUNES]
30:45 Lillies and Remains - Ivan, Knife, Lip Cream - Moralist S.S. EP [BUY CD / ITUNES]
33:44 Lillies and Remains - Moralist S.S. - Moralist S.S. EP [BUY CD / ITUNES]
37:11 Lillies and Remains - Upsetter - Part of Grace [BUY CD / ITUNES]

40:47 Break: 8bit Prophet - Perfume Medly - Spicy Innovator Vs Superior Marionette [BUY]

41:48 Perfume - Night Flight - Single [BUY]
47:02 Shiina Ringo - Sharp Practice - Superficial Gossip [BUY]
50:04 Aira Mitsuki - Merry Christmas Mister Lawrence （Thereminvox mixes) - Aira Science CD [BUY]

54:21 ED: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Sakuran (Terra ver.) (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

56:10 8bit Prophet - Michael Jackson Medly - Spicy Innovator Vs Superior Marionette [BUY]

Videos of the Week 6-28-09

2009-06-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

If you've spent any time on this blog, you know that I'm not a huge fan of pop music. But I must admit that I have a pretty big soft spot for Perfume. I really liked them right from the start, and have been following them ever since. Most of their music sounds very "same-y" lately, but their newest "Night Flight" single is quite different and just plain loaded with retro smoothness. It's like a long-lost Yellow Magic Orchestra track unearthed and updated. Plus, the video (or the commercial that the song is used in, actually) also looks great. Like living inside a Famicom!

Perfume "Night Flight"

More after the jump!

Vola and the Oriental Machine "Self-Defense"

This is an amazing live performance from Vola. It's totally chaotic, but the amount of energy they bring is incredible!

Ling Tosite Sigure - live

Speaking of high-energy live shows, here are a couple live songs from Ling Tosite Sigure. 'Nuff said!

Yellow Magic Orchestra "Tighten Up"

This is a "live" version of "Tighten Up" by YMO (originally by Archie Bell and the Drells), on the classic US show Soul Train nonetheless! Obviously they aren't actually playing, but it's still a historical "performance."

Oh, and just in case you didn't know why I found this even funnier the first time I heard it, watch this:

And, of course, the obligatory bizarre Japanese Michael Jackson "Thriller" parody.

Mouse on the Keys

2009-06-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

Little is known about the mysterious trio that goes by the name of Mouse on the Keys. Even their official website is just a simple re-direct to their sparsely populated MySpace page. We know their names, Akira Kawasaki (drums, keyboards, piano and of Nine Days Wonder) Atsushi Kiyota (keyboard, piano) and Daisuke Niitome (keybord, piano). We know that they are part of the Toe founded record label Machupicchu Industrias (again, another site that simply re-directs to MySpace). In fact they are the only other band, aside from Toe, on the label.

All we really have to go one is their music, and fair enough. Except that they only have a single four song release, titled Sezession, out at the moment, though there is a full-length just over the horizon. Regardless, what we do have are four songs of instrumental drum and piano, sometimes jazzy, sometimes almost classical, other times sounding like a soundtrack to a rainy drive through the heart of a city. Whatever they do, it's a dark and grim journey.

"Saigo no Bansan" is easily the stand out track from the trio. In fact Sezession feels more like a "Saigo no Bansan" single with a few tacked-on supporting tracks than a solid EP. The song is a lethal serpent strike to the spine, starting in near silence before launching into a furious battle between the drums and pianos. The three following tracks are much jazzier and improvisational in tone, with some saxophone and effected keyboard sounds augmenting the regular piano tones.

Of course it's far to early to pass any sort of meaningful judgment on such a young band with so little material. Yet it's tough not to get excited by what Mouse on the Keys has let us in on thus far. If they can reign in their more abstract tendencies and bring their more muscular A-game, then their first proper album could be something great indeed.

BUY MOUSE ON THE KEYS RELEASES HERE

"Saigo no Bansan"

Official Site
MySpace

Members:
Akira Kawasaki - Drums, Keyboards, Piano
Atsushi Kiyota - Keyboard, Piano
Daisuke Niitome - Keybord, Piano

Albums:
An Anxious Object - 2009
Sezession - 2007

The Arctic Fox"

Mirco-Review: Polysics - Young OH! OH!

2009-06-26T09:18:00.001-05:00

Just got the new Polysics single Young OH! OH! today. I managed to get the DVD version, and I am damn glad I did!

The DVD is 11 live songs from a show at Club Quattro from April of 2009. The chosen songs are mostly from their older catalog, stuff like "Bye Bye Red Sneaker" and "Which!," but that also have some newer ones like "Oh! Monaliza" and "Sony-san." They also wear their classic blue suits with the military-style hats. Oh, and the best thing ever? They do a live version of "Computer Obaachan"!!!!!!

But that's just the extra stuff. The single itself is great. "Young OH! OH!" is a bit catchier than the previous double single "Shout Aloud! / Beat Flash." The b-sides are also very cool. Like many of their non-album tracks, "Do You Remember?" is pretty silly and has a goofy, deep voice repeating the title. There's also a live version of "Shout Aloud!" (from the same live show, but not on the DVD) so if you missed the single, then you can still get the song.

The price for the entire package is almost a steal. You'll get an hour of new Polysics material for around $15. Obviously I highly recommend that you pick it up.

Check out some relevant video clips after the jump.

Ogre You Asshole

2009-06-25T09:15:00.002-05:00

Don't let the outrageous name fool you. If you could distill unassuming, twee feelings into sonic form, you might have something closely resembling Ogre You Asshole.

Formed around 2004, the gentle indie rock foursome has released a slew of equally modest singles, mini-albums and just-barely-full-length efforts. These are all full of the band's extremely muted and flat sonic treatments. They are the opposite end of the spectrum from, say, Ling Tosite Sigure's frenetic production or Boris' wall of sound.

This isn't to say that their songs lack punch or sparkle. In fact many OYA songs have a habit of sneaking up on the listener. Of lulling them into a quiet reverie just before launching into a more cacophonous chorus or boisterous bridge. They keep their music just a bit on the raw side, something that sets them apart for a much more average, nice and safe rock band. Manabu Deto's light and gentle voice is able to shift effortlessly into something more aggressive and plaintive, just as their music makes subtle shifts and movements.

It's this clever credibility that proves Ogre You Asshole has a large cache of talent to draw upon, and something that allows them to release consistently great indie rock gems.

"Pinhole"

Official Site
MySpace

Members:
Manabu Deto - Guitar, Vocal
Kei Mabuchi - Guitar
Norihito Hiraide - Bass
Takashi Katsuura - Drums

Albums:
Shiranai Aizu Shiraseruko - 2008
Alpha Beta vs. Lambda - 2007
Heikin ha Sayuu Gyaku no Kitai - 2006
Ogre You Asshole - 2005

"Shiranai Aizu Shiraseruko"

"Advantage"

"Flag"

live

[updated 6-2009]

Album Review: Lillies and Remains - Part of Grace

2009-06-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

There are two lines on Part of Grace, the first full-length release from Lillies and Remains, that basically sum up the entire album for me. The first is from the second track, "The Fake." The song itself is a dangerous, throbbing slab of post-punk doom. In this context, the line "The more I heard your song / The more I wanna write my own songs" could be construed either as inspirational or confrontational. This ambiguous split between positives and negatives seems to be exactly what Lillies and Remains is all about. They are constantly riding the line between sin and virtue, darkness and light. Their music follows suit, one the one hand bring raw and stark, frenetic and somewhat lethal, while on the other hand being incredibly beautiful at times, showing a soft and vulnerable underbelly under the scarred carapace.

The other stand-out line (and, it should be noted, all of the lyrics are in English) is on their very first single "Moralist S.S.," a song original released on their debut EP of the same name. Chanted several times is the line "Obeying my steady view / I bring you down." Again, this rather ominous statement could be seen as coming from either the protagonist or from an outside source, being a positive or negative idea. Either way, it's an obvious show of superiority through a sort of silent intimidation. Something almost vampiric.

[Hit the jump for more]

"Moralist S.S."

The fight between these dark and light feelings runs throughout Part of Grace. The biggest contributing factor has to be front-man KENT's baritone vocals. His low-register delivery is something unique not only in Japanese singers specifically, but in most modern post-punk styles in general. He doesn't croon in that mid to high falsetto so often seen in arty, beard wearing young bands trying to prove their emotional fragility though some sort of coquettish, effeminate boy. No, KENT plays the dark, brooding, well dressed mysterioso to a "t." The album's production follows suit, itself being raw and devoid of artifice. This is likely due in no small part to the fact the KENT produced the entire album, as well as writing all the words and music. The music sometimes echoes in a damp cave, sometimes creeps right up into your ear, but its intentions are always a very clear "beware."

All of this isn't to say that the band is crushingly brooding or always serious. They come for them school of "fun" goth right, if there can be such a thing in these post irony days. Everything they do has a definite pulse, a life that makes the songs infectious and groovy. Some more than others, like the swaggering "Unmade Schemer" and the desert-washed "Grind." There are also the pop-tinged "Wreckage" and "Part of Grace," the latter of which is an actual ballad of sorts. The album is bookended with two hidden gems, the opener "ARGO" and closer "Upsetter." Again, that theme of dark and light are in full force, with both songs full of very pretty melodies surrounded by a smoky darkness and melancholy. Both songs hint at an urgent need to "be let go," of misunderstanding and of being trapped. Of a feeling that there must be something more to life.

"Wreckage"

Perhaps it's this unbalanced feeling, the thought that what you know is wrong and that there has to be something, not necessarily better, but something "else" that helps make part of Grace such a fascinating work. Of course KENT and his band are working in a certain genre, but at the same time they manage to avoid all of the clichés, both in tone and production. The astonishing thing is that Part of Grace is only their first full album after being together for only a couple of years. It is a tremendously strong first step toward what we can only hope will be a long and prolific career.

You can buy Lillies and Remains CDs here and get all of their releases from iTunes.

Japanator Radio 92

2009-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ah! They just don't stop coming! We've tried fire, acid, rabid dogs and fire-acid, buy we just can't stop another Japanator Radio from surmounting the hillside and ravaging our tiny hamlet. Despair!

This week, incredible new music from Lillies and Remains, a new thing from Gackt, some Buck-Tick (just for the hell of it,) and, speaking of ach eee double toothpicks, Moi dix Mois in the Artist Spotlight.

You are not ready for this! OK, now you are ready for this!

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 92 AT JAPANATOR!

RSS Feed

Random updates via Twitter.

Track-list and links after the jump!

00:00 OP: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Gamble (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

01:14 Lillies and Remains - The Fake - Part of Grace [BUY CD / ITUNES]
05:01 Buck-Tick - Mona Lisa - Mona List Overdrive [BUY]
08:53 Downy - Mugara - untitled 2 [BUY]

15:35 Break: Polysics - Dance Dance Dance - Catch On Everywhere (Single) [BUY]

16:16 Scandal - Future - Shojo-S (Single) [BUY]
19:45 Puffy - Twilight Shooting Star! - Bring It! [BUY]
22:58 Tamaki Nami - High School Queen [BUY]

25:58 Break: Polysics - Pretty Good - Single [BUY]

Artist Spotlight: Moi dix Mois
27:08 Moi dix Mois - Angelica - Dixanadu [BUY]
32:06 Moi dix Mois - Eternally Beyond - Beyond the Gate [BUY]
36:25 Moi dix Mois - Pessimiste - Dix Infernal [BUY]
40:12 Moi dix Mois - Monophobia - Nocturne Opera [BUY]

45:28 Break: Polysics - Super Spin Girl - Pretty Good (single) [BUY]

46:26 Gackt - Faraway - Wish Upon A Star - Single [BUY]
51:29 The Aprils - 3001 - Astro [BUY]
57:06 Polysics - Baby BIAS - Single [BUY]

59:56 ED: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Sakuran (Terra ver.) (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

Videos of the Week

2009-06-21T11:26:00.005-05:00

OK, another Sunday, another look back at a few videos that have been running though my brain lately.

First up, here's the new video from Molice for "Ms. Panic":

Check out my full Doctor Ray album review for more from those guys.

OK, hit the jump for more!

Beat Crusaders "Phantom Planet"

You may have just seen this one on my recent profile update, but I thought it was worth pointing this one out, just in case. Beat Crusaders used the level design feature of the video game Little Big Planet to made a video! Obviously it's not all directly from the game, but it's a pretty cool idea nonetheless.

Nobukazu Takemura "Sign"

Here's a really arty/strange/hypnotic video from Nobukazu Takemura. I can't believe I haven't profiled him yet! That's something I'll have to fix in the very near future.

Auranoisazzzz

In a very similar vein, here's a short animation for the glitchy experimental group Auranoisazzzz. I haven't really heard much from them, so if anyone has a lead on more info, I'd love to hear it!

Maximum the Hormone "Bikini Sports Ponchin"

Ran across this one again recently. It's one of the most crazy videos I can think of, but then would you expect any less from Maximum the Hormone?

Devo "Don't Shoot (I'm A Man)"

In the non-Japanese category, here's the brand new Devo video. I really cannot wait for their new album to finally be released.

Hikashu "Pike"

And speaking of classic arty electro new-wave, here's a classic from Hikashu. This song when on to inspire The Ventures to do a faster, instrumental surf-rock version, and that inspired Polysics to do their own version of the Ventures' version with the original lyrics put back in. Got it?

OK, that's all for this week. Got any interesting videos to share? Let the world know in the comments!

TWIN TAIL

2009-06-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

TWIN TAIL, not to be confused with the Japanese metal band Twintail, is a three piece improvisational, instrumental band. Made up of drums, bass and violin, they bring something of a unique sound to the table. That said, they do sound an awful lot like other bands featuring violin, specifically sgt. Violinist Yuji Katsui uses the same set of floating, delayed and syrupy effects as sgt's Mikiko Narui. The sound is so similar as to make one wonder if there isn't some sort of conspiracy going on amongst post-rock instrumental bands in Japan.

The sonic resemblance ends there though. It's obvious from the start that TWIN TAIL is all about improv and jamming out thorough extended passages. Their songs build (very) slowly, with tempos stretching and breathing along with the intensity of the music. There are really no "songs" or hooks per se. Yuji plays his violin like a screaming, psychedelic guitar more like a blissed-out solo from Jimi Hendrix than any sort of classical piece, while drummer Tatsuya Nakamura and bassist Toshiyuki Terui pound out a trance-like tribal backdrop.

One other element to their music is their fourth, off stage member Toshiaki Toyoda, their live cinematographer. As is often the case with instrumental groups, their live shows are enhanced by visuals project both behind and onto the band. In the case of TWIN TAIL this is a much need accompaniment, since their songs are ephemeral at best. They work much better as soundtracks or background wallpaper than an in your face group with a message. Something which the band is well aware of, blending sight and sound into one unpredictable package.

Official Site
MySpace

Members:
Tatsuya Nakamura - Drums
Yuji Katsui - Violin
Toshiyuki Terui - Bass
Toshiaki Toyoda -Cinema

Albums:
Everything is Permitted - 2008

July 09 Calendar - Mell - Otakon

2009-06-18T18:00:00.001-05:00

July 17
Mell
Otakon - Baltimore, MD

Source: Japanator

November '09 Calendar - Suicide Ali - Nekocon

2009-06-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

November 6-8, 2009
Suicide Ali
Nekocon - Hampton Roads Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Source: Tainted Reality (see below)

Tainted Reality presents Suicide Ali In Concert At Nekocon 2009

June 17, 2009 - Visual Kei Industrial rockers Suicide Ali are set to make their American East Coast debut at Nekocon 2009. Nekocon 2009 will also be the American debut for the band's newst member, Koji. The band will be appearing in support of their new CD, "Daishi no waltz", being released through Darkest Labyrinth Records. Their appearance will consist of 2 full concerts, merchandise sales, autograph sessions, a Fan Q&A panel, and possible other surprises! Nekocon 2009 will take place on November 6th-8th at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

About Suicide Ali:
Formed by vocalist Goshi and guitarist Hiroshi, Suicide Ali breathed it's first breath in 2004. Described as a bastard child of deep psychological ideas and questioning, the band's music and ideas seem to explore and attempt to discover what truly is the meaning of life, from its epic battles to its smallest nuances. The two brought in Yuu on guitars and Hisashi on drums in mid 2005. Having only a few downloadable demos on their website, the band managed to gain wide notoriety with both the Japanese and American visual kei fanbases. When Yuu announced he would be departing the band in early 2009, Koji was welcomed in to fill the void. The band continues to bring its unique autonomy and outlook on life to the world, with hopes to one day conquer it.

Suicide Ali Links:
www.suicide-ali.com
www.myspace.com/suicidealirock

About Nekocon:
Nekocon is a fabulous anime convention located in the eastern part of Virginia (Hampton Roads area.) Every November the Nekocon staff pull together many enriching and entertaining activities for fans by fans, and 2009 will be our 12th year... and fifth year at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Nekocon Links:
www.nekocon.com
www.myspace.com/nekocon

About Tainted Reality:
Tainted Reality is the premiere source of Japanese rock (J-Rock) entertainment in the United States. Tainted Reality hosts their own internet radio network dedicated to Japanese musical programming and produces radio shows such as Tainted Reality & The Tainted Reality Talkshow. Tainted Reality often conducts interviews with some of the biggest musical artists of Japan like Yoshiki of X Japan, Die of Dir en grey, Miyavi and MUCC. They also manage and organize tours for prominent J-Rock bands such as BLOOD, Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-, The Candy Spooky Theater as well as producing media such as the Darkest Labyrinth Vol.1 DVD and the Darkest Labyrinth CD.

Tainted Reality Links:
http://www.taintedreality.net
www.myspace.com/taintedrealityradio

Eastern Youth

2009-06-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

Does it seem like a lot of Japanese band's bios start off with "Formed by childhood friends..." I know that every band I've been in has been started with/by friends, but I find it amazing that anyone can from a band at a young age, with other young friends, and manage to not only stick together, playing the same music for over twenty years, but also consistently produce amazing music. That's some hardcore dedication, and Eastern Youth has a hell of a lot of it.

Their musical style falls into the emo/screamo category, but with none of the limp, sniveling, pantie waist, fake trendiness of most emo bands. Eastern Youth is the real deal. Singer/guitarist Hisashi Yoshino's is constantly at risk of having his head to explode from the force of his vocal delivery. On the other hand, they have a sort of quiet earnestness that leads extra weight to their more restrained tracks. These guys mean business and they sound desperate to get the word out to everyone within range.

They don't fool around to fancy production or special sonic sound palettes. The Eastern Youth sound is guitar, bass, drums and vocals with no added ingredients or effects. This is something else that helps paint their landscape with bombed out buildings, run down cities and a rugged countryside. It's music of the people and for the people. They seem to embody the underground indie vibe, making it hard to imagine their music bring played anywhere but the smallest, sweatiest and beer-stained club full of rabid fans.

Hohaba to Taiyou, their new album in 2009, marks their 21st year together.

"Hakai Muzan Hachigatsu"

Official Site
MySpace

Members:
Hisashi Yoshino - Vocals, Guitar
Atsuya Tamori - Drums
Tomokazu Ninomiya - Bass

Albums:
East End Land - 1989
Time Is Running - 1990
For Skins and Punks EP - 1991
Eastern Youth - 1993
Kuchibue Yofuke-ni-Hibiku - 1995
Koritsumuen no Hana - 1997
Tabiji ni Kisetsu ga Moeochiru - 1998
Kumo Inuke Koe - 1999
Kanjusei Outouseyo - 2001
8 Teeth to Eat You - 2002
What Can You See From Your Place - 2003
Don Quijote - 2004
365歩のBlues - 2006
Blowing from the Other Side of the Earth - 2007
Hohaba to Taiyou - 2009

"Kakato Naru"

"Boiling Point 36 Degrees Celsius"

"Natsunohi no Gogo"

July 09 Calendar - Moi Dix Mois - Anime Expo

2009-06-17T14:42:00.004-05:00

Moi Dix Mois
July 2-5
Anime Expo - Los Angeles, CA

Source: Japanator

Otaku USA Magazine August 2009

2009-06-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

The new issue of Otaku USA Magazine just hit my mailbox, so I thought I'd give you a bit of a run-down to hopefully entice you to check it out when you see it in your favorite local otaku hideout.

First up, the big feature (at least as far as ZB's world is concerned) is my interview with Morning Musume group leader Ai Takahashi. We talk a bit about her rise to stardom and what it's like to be a Musume. I also review the new Morning Musume album Platinum 9 Disc. And speaking of reviews, I take a look at the debut album from Cellythm, a band signed to Nobuo Uematsu's own record label Dog Ear Records.

Aside from music, I review Noby Noby Boy, a game for the PS3. If you haven't played it, well, maybe my review will help you understand it. Maybe. Finally, as part of the big Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood cover story, I take a listen to the opening and ending themes to the show, from Yui and SID.

Then there's also everything from everyone else! There's a Utada Hikaru story from Mike Dent, A look at MadWorld for the Wii from Joseph Luster, an eye-popping interview with manga master Hitoshi Iwaaki, a billion manga, anime and film reviews and way too much other stuff to go into here. I mean, you'd need 122 pages!

I really hope you can pick up a copy as soon as you see it. As always, Otaku USA Magazine is the best (and only!) magazine for the hardcore otaku!

Beat Crusaders

2009-06-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Beat Crusaders have been making their own brand of power-grunge/indie-rock since the late '90s. While their overarching style is quite simple, three chord rock, they manage to mix things up with lo-fi syths and some clever cover songs. Their love of UK and US rock is obvious, echos of which reverberate in several of their songs.

In general, they are very upbeat and catchy. Like early Green Day mixed with a bit of early Weezer and the Rentals. In typical punk style their songs rarely extend beyond the three minute mark. They hop in, play their super catchy tune and hop right on out again. Yet they're not overly fast or raw. They stick to the pop side of punk, a proclivity evident in the names of their more recent albums, all of which contain the word "pop" in one way or another. On the other hand, they aren't super saccharine or kitschy either. They manage to find a nice middle ground and hold it.

Around 2003, the entire band abandoned ship, leaving founder Toru Hidaka all to his lonesome. Ironically enough, right after this is when the newly staffed band released one of their biggest hits, the appropriately titled "Hit in the USA." The single appeared in the popular anime series Beck, a show about an Japanese indie band. Beat Crusaders went on to release several other songs to anime series, including the massive Bleach franchise.

Of course the band's visual projection also needs to be noted. Since its very beginning, each member of the band has kept their identities hidden behind old-school dot-matrix printouts of their faces. These paper "masks" are then stuck on, even during live gigs. It shows a strong dedication to an idea, something with is equally reflected in the band's unwavering adherence to its own musical style over the years.

BUY BEAT CRUSADERS RELEASES HERE

"Hit in the USA"

Official Site

Members:
Toru Hidaka - Vocals, Guitar
Masahiko Kubota - Bass
Taro Kato - Guitar
Hirofumi Yamashita - Drums
Keita Tanabe - Keyboard

Albums:
HOWLING SYMPHONY OF...- 1999
ALL YOU CAN EAT - 2000
FORESIGHTS - 2001
SEXCITE - 2002
A PopCALYPSE NOW ~ jigoku no POP shiroku ~ - 2005
P.O.A.~POP ON ARRIVAL~ - 2005
EpopMAKING ~ Pop tono sogu ~ - 2007
popdod - 2008

"Phantom Planet"

"Windom"

"Firestarter"

"Arienai Kurai Kiseki" (with Tsuji Ayano)

"99 luftballons"

Japanator Radio 91

2009-06-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am not going to lie to you. This is, in fact, another episode of Japanator Radio!

This week, new, crazy-ass stuff from Gackt, some schlock and roll from Vamps, some good old Supercar and the enigmatic Matryoshka in the Artist Spotlight.

You don't have this one yet! Get it now!

DOWNLOAD EPISODE 91 AT JAPANATOR!

RSS Feed

Random updates via Twitter.

Track-list and links after the jump!

00:00 OP: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Gamble (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

0:01:10 Vamps - Sex Blood Rock 'n' Roll - Vamps [BUY]
0:03:55 People in the Box - Kanpeki na Niwa - Bird Hotel [BUY]
0:08:12 Eksperimentoj - Note - Eksperimentoj [BUY]

0:16:39 Break: Katamari Damacy OST [BUY]

0:17:35 Lite - Phantasia - Phantasia [BUY]
0:22:37 Twin Tail - Born to Fight - Everything is Permitted
0:29:55 Ten to Sen - Scene 2 - It Might Not Be Never - Ten to Sen [BUY]

0:35:42 Break: We Love Katamari OST [BUY]

Artist Spotlight: Matryoshka
0:36:40 Matryoshka - Viridian (Crescent Version with Vocals By Yuko from miimi) - Coctura [BUY]
0:45:27 Matryoshka - Tyrant's Miniature Garden (Vocals & Remixed By Tujiko Noriko) - Coctura [BUY]
0:49:28 Matryoshka - Oblivion - demo [BUY]
0:54:52 Matryoshka - Evening Gleam Between Clouds - Zatracenie [BUY]

1:00:22 Break: We Love Katamari OST [BUY]

1:01:25 Gackt - Koakuma Heaven - Single [BUY]
1:05:03 Supercar - Recreation (remix by Satoshi Tomiie) - Single [BUY]
1:12:35 Dokaka - Megaman2/Snakeman - Works [BUY]

1:14:03 ED: Shiina Ringo x Saito Neko - Sakuran (Terra ver.) (Inst.) - Heisei Fuuzoku [BUY]

June/July Calendar - Butterflymonkey - NY Shows

2009-06-14T12:00:00.000-05:00

Butterflymonkey (Tsugumi of Pine*am)

Jun 21 - Cafe Orwell Brooklyn, New York
July 2 - Don Pedro Brooklyn, New York

Source: CoolestSound

Videos of the Week

2009-06-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

Going to kick off a new feature today, the rather self-explanatory "Videos of the Week."

Every week, I'll round up a few of the videos that have caught my eye. They'll be a mix of new and old and not always Japanese, though you can rest assured that most of them will be about Japanese music.

Without further ado, here's the first one:

Mouse on the Keys "Saigo no Bansan"

This is the first I've heard of these guys, and it totally blew me away. The song is cool, but this video really takes it to a whole new level. I absolutely love its dark, gritty Noir feel. Perfect.

Hit the jump for more!

Polysics "Young Oh! Oh!

New single from Polysics. Absolutely crazy, as usual. Seriously, just try and follow the logic of this one. You can't! There isn't any!

I don't remember now where I got the link to this, probably someone on Twitter. New music from Hiroshi Sakaue, a singing grandpa, slathered with Auto Tune. Weird.

History of Buck-Tick

A 10 part history of the very early Buck-Tick days, all in English! A must watch for any BT fan, to be sure.

Susumu Hirasawa "Solar Ray 2" Live

A mesmerizing live solar-powered performance from electro genius Susumu Hirasawa. I could listen to the into forever.

9mm Parabellum Bullet "Punishment" and "Discommunication" Live

A brutal live performance from the always intense 9mm Parabellum Bullet.

Faith No More - Reunion Show at Brixton Academy

And speaking of live...Back after a million years, here are the first two songs from the recent Faith No More reunion show. Amazing stuff!

That's all for now. What have you been watching lately? Share your links in the comments, because it's fun to waste time watching stuff!

Lite

2009-06-12T06:00:00.007-05:00

It's not often that a band becomes more popular outside of its home country before they are equally well known at home, but it would seem as though Lite, an instrumental post-rock progressive band from Japan, has done just that.

They've played shows around the world, hitting up the UK and Ireland several times, as well as New York. They've released two live albums, one from Ireland and one from their recent 2009 trip to New York. They are even signed to a European record label, Cargo Records, along with the likes of The White Stripes.

The music that the band makes is, as mentioned, all instrumental. They are a bit like Downy in their overall sense of darkness, but Lite isn't nearly as arty or experimental. They are also not as light and precious as Miaou, nor as harsh as sgt. In some way Lite lives up to their name in that, while intense and intricate, little of what they do is overly heavy. This leaves them a bit more accessible to a wider audience who might be turned off by noodly math rock or way too spaced-out jams. They are smart without letting it get in the way.

Their instrumentality also makes them much easier to get in front of international audiences, something that has been a considerable help to other instrumental groups like Mono. Plus, they're just damn good at what they do, which is something attractive in any language (or lack thereof.)

BUT LITE RELEASES FROM CDJAPAN AND AMAZON AND ITUNES

Tomorrow

Official Site
MySpace

Members:
Nobuyuki Takeda - Guitar
Kozo Kusumoto - Guitar
Jun Izawa - Bass (also a member of Fullarmor, another mostly instrumental band)
Akinori Yamamoto - Drums

Albums:
Filmlets - 2007
Live in Limerick - 2007
Phantasia - 2008
LLive in New York - 2009

Ghost Dance

Human Gift

Ef (live)

Miyavi

2009-06-11T06:00:00.003-05:00

Miyavi (Takamasa Ishihara) started his solo career around 2003 after his previous band split. His early style is extremely heavy, almost industrial at time, full of clanging percussion, blast beats and guitars distorted to the point of oblivion. His songs at the time feature fractured time signatures and phrases along with a chaotic blend of multiple layered vocal tracks. This is a style he's stuck close to over the years, even when much of the actual music has changed considerably.

The second phase of his career featured stripped down songs focusing more on his singing and acoustic guitar playing. He also dropped much of the hard edged rock in favor of funkier beats. This style naturally evolved into a third phase in which he adopted a bit of hip-hop style, rapping more a little himself and getting special guests to stand in. Some tracks blend all of his previous genre experimentation, and it's those songs the seems to be the strongest.

In 2007 he joined the vaporware band S.K.I.N. for a single, one time show at Anime Expo in Long Beach California. Formed of fellow pretty-boy rock superstars Gackt, Yoshiki (of X-Japan) and Sugizo (of Luna Sea) as well as Gackt bassist Ju-Ken, the band made many promises of future activity, none of which have been fulfilled in the slightest.

Anyway, Miyavi is obviously an artist with a lot going on, taking him in different directions all the time.

BUY MIYAVI RELEASES HERE

What a Wonderful World

Official Site

Albums:
Gagaku - 2002
Galyuu - 2003
Miyavizm - 2005
MYV☆Pops - 2006
Miyaviuta -Dokusou- - 2006
This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock - 2008

Senor Senora Senorita

Girls, Be Ambitious

Are You Ready to Rock?

Jibun Kakumai 2003

July 09 Calendar - Naomi Tamura - Otakon

2009-06-10T21:36:00.003-05:00

July 19th
Naomi Tamura
Otakon - Baltimore, Maryland

Source: Otakon