Current J-Pop Girls Chart

[Striker]

New PV from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu for "Yume no Hajima Ring Ring". Musically a bit more restrained than usual, the video's excellent, as always, seeing Kyary revisiting her old "Looks" with a polar bear & shedding a tear as she moves on from each one.

Really tempted to try and get tickets for her upcoming show in London.

[Striker]

Amazon.jp just tried to charge me nearly £30 TO SHIP 2 CDs to the UK, only giving me the option of horrendously expensive priority shipping on one of the items no chance!

So I went through the mildly torturous process of signing up with HMV.co.jp who oddly seem to sell food and medical supplies as well as music related stuff but are well set up for intl shipping. I ended up getting both CDs & shipping for just over the amazon shipping cost.

So if you're after something from Japan & Amazon's being ££££ you can give HMV a go.

[Striker]

Vanilla Beans have gone grey...



It was for some live show they did for something called Shimokitazawa Patrol (not a clue), they look awesome, as they always do. *Alan Partridge Sigh*

OK Folks..

Here's the link for anyone interested in the CD I did for the xmas swap

There's three folders

1: We Are The Candy Hearts - The individual unmixed tracks that made up the mix CD. Tracklist same as swap CD.

CAPSULE - Space
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Invader Invader
The Suzan - Moving On
Toquiwa - Tokyo Merry-Go-Round
Band Ja Naimon! - Pahi Pahi
Passepied - S.S
Momoiro Clover Z - Roudou-Sanka
Vanilla Beans - Nicola
Passepied - Fever
Band Ja Naimon! - We Are Not Theme
Negicco - Idol Bakari Kikanaide
Halcali - Halcalism Candy Hearts
Mishmash * Julie Watai - Electromotive Romances
Vanilla Beans - Muscats Slope Love
Hirohitotron Computer - Hirohito Corporate Instructions
Passepied - Carnival
The Suzan - Wild Animal
Momoiro Clover Z - Jōkyu Monogatari - Carpe Diem
Band Ja Naimon! - Lady Only Body

2: Bonus tracks - Including some non girl pop stuff for those into a bit of doom metal & indie noise stuff, as well as stuff that arrived after the deadline like tracks off the Lyrical School LP and Band Ja Naimon! b-sides These are not in any particular order so you can just download the stuff that takes your fancy

Tracklist

1. Shinsei Kammatechan - "Shiroitamago" (this is the band Misako from Band Ja Naimon! drums for)
2. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - "Mottai Night Land"
3. Band Ja Naimon - "Princess Make Believe"
4. Lyrical School - "Well, It's Summer"
5. Chuugakusei-Kanoke - "On My Bicyle Then Rain"
6. Shinsei Kammatechan - "Michinaruhoue"
7. Shinsei Kammatechan - "Kuroitamago"
8. Momoiro Clover Z - "5 The Power"
9. Chuugakusei-Kanoke - "Or Remains That"
10. Lyrical School - "As It Flows"
11. Lyrical School - "PARADE"
12. Chuugakusei-Kanoke - "(Daughter, during the war) Naimononedari"
13. Mishmash*Julie Watai - "Veiled By Reverb (English Version)"
14. Mishmash*Julie Watai - "Roll Of Love (English Version)"
15. Chuugakusei-Kanoke - "Tower In The Sky"
16. Lyrical School - "Labyrinth Of Lonely"
17. Vanilla Beans - "Afternoon A Go-Go"
18. Momoiro Clover Z - "Chai Maxx"
19. Vanilla Beans - "Choco Mint Flavour Time"
20. Momoiro Clover Z - "Kasou-dystopia"
21. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - "Kura Kura"
22. Metal Clone X/Momoiro Clover Z - "Legend Of Z" (I think this is something to do with Megadeth!?)
23. The Suzan - "London Tonight"
24. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - "Me"
25. The Suzan - "Uh Ah"
26. Momoiro Clover Z - "Z Densetsu Owarinaki Kakumei"
27. Negicco - "Do Not Just Listen To Idol (Instrumental)"
28. Band Ja Naimon! - "World Of Eye"
29. Band Ja Naimon! - "Inuit Disco"

Links going to be up for ONE WEEK (unless I forget then maybe a bit longer) if you were involved in the swap & miss out drop me a pm, we can work something out

Hope you got while the getting was good.

[Striker]

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is releasing a third 7" picture disc.



I've been holding off buying any of the previous ones as they've always been a bit pricey but now I feel like I should try and catch up before it gets ridiculous.

If you're into the 60s go-go J-pop sound, things like Jun Mayuzumi's "Black Room"/Golden Half etc. You might like...

Kinoco Hotel

They are running with the theme of sexy hotel porter, I wasn't aware this was a "thing" but there you go, they are a little pastiche-y but they do it really well. Ruled by the iron hand of Marianne Shinonome, the line up has changed quite regularly but sticks with the all girl playing their own instruments plan, so they're a real band rather than song & dance performers.

They really understand the music turning in some killer tracks, Shinonome also seems to have a thing for 60s/70s Japanese exploitation/Pinky Violence cinema with nods to Meiko Kaji in a few of the videos, coupled with a bit of a modern fetish edge this can lead to some quite racy PVs

They look amazing, sound great, seemingly svengali-free, what's not to love?

Possibly NSFW

Kinoco Hotel - "Dawn A Ruthless"

Dropbox doesn't tell you if anyone's downloaded anything from you so I don't know if anyone got any swap tracks but I hope some of you found some interesting stuff in there.

[Striker]

Babymetal are still doing well, the debut album is out soon which is a collection of early singles & b-side stuff, they're still not my cup of tea really but they are doing better at making a coherent sound out of their gimmick, the chorus is overtly j-pop & super catchy but the rest of it's a pretty interesting mix of speed metal & gabber that work really well with the vocals, certainly a continuing interesting niche that is hugely popular looking at the size of those crowds going to see them.

Babymetal - "Gimme Chocolate!!"

More than anything I like the way traditionally macho "underground" genres are processed into the j-pop grinder and delivered back with that terrifying clear eyed energy of the Idol machine, which I think is similar to the appeal of the Idol Rap stuff that's coming out, I think they're singing about eating too much chocolate.

And not in the girl pop niche but maybe of interest to some of you, I just got round to checking out UK based Japanese ramones haired rock outfit Bo Ningen, this track is excellent so I'll probably pick the album up, even though one of the other tracks has a UK vocalist on it that I really don't like the sound of.

Bo Ningen - "Henkan"

UK label so easy to pick up if you like it.

Band Ja Naimon are auditioning for a new member after the "graduation" of Lemonade Polka Dot (That's what google translate says anyway) it seems they're looking for another member who plays an instrument they've already got drums & I think bass covered by current members so I hope they find someone who can contribute something interesting to their sound.

If any of you are in Tokyo on the 20th of this month I think they're playing at the Shinjuku Loft, if you go I will send you real money to get me stuff..

[Ian Townsend]

Still loving this.

Thanks.

[AlanP]

Still loving this.

Thanks.

yep, keep them coming - seen a few rather good clips for Bo Ningen. look like they'd rock live. and, ha, rather dug Babymetal - don't think I've heard a track with all that riffage and such about chocolate.

[alanmck]

Babymetal are still doing well...

Babymetal - "Gimme Chocolate!!"

More than anything I like the way traditionally macho "underground" genres are processed into the j-pop grinder and delivered back with that terrifying clear eyed energy of the Idol machine, which I think is similar to the appeal of the Idol Rap stuff that's coming out, I think they're singing about eating too much chocolate.

and, ha, rather dug Babymetal - don't think I've heard a track with all that riffage and such about chocolate.

and they've made it to the MSM in the UK...
http://www.theguardian.com/music/mus...ers-knee-socks

last para is choice:

"It remains to be seen whether Babymetal will enjoy the same success across the globe that they appear to be doing at home. If their positioning in the US iTunes charts, packing out the Budokan and selling an absolute shitload of albums in Japan isn't enough for their record company handlers, then I suspect that the rest of the world is about to be subjected to a sustained promotional onslaught that could well lead to Babymetal becoming an unstoppable global phenomenon, rather than merely something that can be enjoyed for 10 minutes and then brusquely dismissed with the phrase "Only in Japan, innit!" I'll be honest: I've already surrendered. You're next."

[Striker]

Amazon.jp just tried to charge me nearly £30 TO SHIP 2 CDs to the UK, only giving me the option of horrendously expensive priority shipping on one of the items no chance!

So I went through the mildly torturous process of signing up with HMV.co.jp who oddly seem to sell food and medical supplies as well as music related stuff but are well set up for intl shipping. I ended up getting both CDs & shipping for just over the amazon shipping cost.

So if you're after something from Japan & Amazon's being ££££ you can give HMV a go.

I just got bummed by UK customs on this, Just over 20 quid for them to fanny around with my package in Coventry for a week, I wouldn't be so bothered if they didn't take so long about it. I'm not even doing the maths on this now, I've just paid it & moved on with my life..

I really hope it doesn't happen with the Momoiro Clover Z 2LP I've just ordered off ebay, fingers crossed the seller has the good grace to mark it as a cheap gift.

That article is quite interesting, glad to see that their metal correspondent is feeling it, the comments are as expected though. That angry lady misunderstanding the excellent Shonen Knife (who are playing in London & Manc soon) and pop music in general.

Great to see them hitting the top of the charts (even if they're not as cool as BJN!

[Striker]

Finally picked up my package from the furthest flung post office in my area.

The Halcali album is great, for some reason the back cover is the front & vice versa which is confusing but I'll get over it. The Mishmash*Julie Watai album doesn't even include any physical media at all, just a book with a download code, which was initially disappointing but I was quickly won over, Japanese/English versions & a bunch of decent remixes, the book's great too, lyrics, great illustrations & photos....

Is it the done thing to say MODS at times like this...



I'm never sure.

She instagrammed a pic of herself today in a meeting with the creative director of Sony Digital Entertainment, not sure what she's up to but I'll keep my ear to the ground, she's a very interesting & super talented character.

[Striker]

Negicco have a new single out, it's a more euro-poppy take on the disco style they had for the last single so a little less up my street, but I'm still keeping an eye out for them.

Negicco - "Triple Wonder Land"

Passepied new single "MATATABISTEP" is out, continuing their oddly dweeby John Hughes-ian future/nostalgic synth rock sound. I really like it, her voice still really impresses me, it's like a moog synth cutting through everything else. Don't ask me why the keyboard dude has my hometown emblazoned on his jumper, I don't know what's going on...
I'll probably wait till the album comes out unless the single's cheap & the b-side isn't on the album, just having to work through this thought process feels odd & old fashioned, I didn't think I'd be making decisions about CD singles in 2014, but here I am.

Passepied - "MATATABISTEP"

Lyrical School new single "Brand New Day" more ultra cheery pop rap action, for some reason I always prefer Lyrical School as an audio only experience, they always have decent, well made videos but for some reason their stuff never really clicks with me until I listen on headphones or something. I can't put my finger on it, this is super hooky sugary pop/rap with some utterly shameless key changes, maybe I'll see what format it's out on before I decide to wait for the next album or not. I do however definitely want some of their merch, they do some great t-shirts.

Lyrical School - "Brand New Day"

Vanilla Beans have a new one soon no info yet but you'll be the first to know

[Striker]

If that Model Loosen J-Pop/Shoegaze track didn't exist I would immediately dismiss this next thing as a particularly obscure April Fools joke but it does, so here we go.

Japan's favourite Vocaloid performer Hatsune Miku is to release a EP of Slowdive covers, It seems to have a ring of "not making sense" that even for the Japanese music industry is making me think it's not real.

Now for those of you not familiar with the whole Vocaloid thing, It's basically software that sings and Hatsune Miku is an animated character used to front productions using voice actress Saki Fujita's Vocaloid soundbank.

I haven't really wrote about it in this thread because, well, it's a bit rubbish. But plenty of people are into it and there's even been live performances using that hologram technology that briefly resurrected Tupac.

The EP "Miku Yellow" is supposedly out in the Autumn, I'll keep an eye out for more details but I'm 75% sure that the site that reported it is gonna be like "LOL JK" tomorrow morning.

[Striker]

It was totally an April fool.

[Striker]

I found this artist in a youtube playlist, the auto-translate gave her name as Yasuko Omori which threw up little to no results on google. It turns out her actual name is Seiko Oomori.

These two videos tell some sort of story in two parts, I originally found the second one first which made for a confusing watch, it seems to be a going through the motions with rubbish boyfriend/power of friendship/burgeoning feelings of same sex attraction type story.

The first track is inoffensive acoustic pop with a really great oddball vocal that lifts it into a much more interesting prospect, the second is a great sweet electro-pop track with heavy Strawberry Switchblade vibes that has a weird episode about halfway through, I've added her album to my cart for my next order & I'm really looking forward to hearing it.

Seiko Oomori - "Movie With You"

Seiko Oomori - "Midnight Innocent Friendship Opposite Sex"

There's a new Shinsei Kamattechan single out, it's limited edition somehow, but I couldn't work out why or how. It's a new version of one of their other tracks with guest vocals from Makoto Kawamoto who was big in the 90s, and still doing interesting stuff now under the name Tiger Fake Fur. Turns out she's 40 so it's not her in the video but a google image search reveals she's wearing it incredibly well so I can only imagine it was scheduling reasons for not appearing in person.

Her vocal works really well on this, the original has SK vocalist & frontman Noko's heavily processed non-singing, which is great but this shifts the sands on the track from being straight up weirdo music to sweet subversive weirdo pop which is right in my wheelhouse. I really like oddball bands making an effort to do poppier stuff, due to niches becoming too comfortable bands nowadays have no incentive to veer from their "artistic vision" it often leads to musical navel gazing, I've lost count of the interviews I've read of pop stars complaining about pressure to write a hit & wanting complete creative control immediately prior to going down the dumper, I think that pressure can be a huge plus for some.

This is the original version...

Shinsei Kamattechan - "Front Memory"

and this is the new one, the video's great, chasing a doppelganger past all the band members ending with a rooftop matching outfit sing/dance off with Noko himself.

Shinsei Kamattechan - "Front Memory feat. Makoto Kawamoto"

These are quickly heading into favourite band territory for me, genuinely interesting and exciting I can't wait to hear what they do next .

[Ian Townsend]

JPop band Dempa Gumi Inc. covering The Beastie Boys 'Sabotage'

Denpa Song