Here we are at volume 11, my favorite number.  What does the new year have in store for J-Rock Fridays?  We’ll see.

mmm- “Magical Omnibus Goh”

Out of all the dark, depressing songs on mmm’s new album, she picked the only song that personifies joy as her single.  And what a joyous video this is.   It’s hard not to smile at this nerdy-looking girl dancing with an amusement park bunny and an assortment of nerd friends on the beach.  It made me smile for 5 minutes in this cold, bitter world.

sakanaction- “アルクアラウンド”

If there’s one Japanese band that I think would do well with the Pitchfork kids, it would be sakanaction.  They dress well, play electronic music, and most importantly have snazzy haircuts.  But seriously, cool video

The Zoot16- “ヒズミカル”

Toshimi Watanabe makes some badass music (and makes the cowboy hat look good).  Give it up for ska.

Gari- “Over the Sunrise”

YES.  More electronic music.  Too bad they’re looking like Orgy in this video.

Rocket K- “Music Life”

I will forever confuse this band with Relient K.  Not because Rocket K have the talent that is Matt Theissen, but because of the obvious name semblance.  But these guys do know a thing or two about a catchy melody so I will be on the lookout for them.

Asphalt Frustration- “money makes the world go round”

Damn, these guys have a great drummer.  I couldn’t tell over some of their more synth-ladden tracks.  It’s about time these guys are coming out with an  album.

Counter Reset- “Rabbit Mask”

What’s a J-Rock Fridays column without a little skate punk?  Boy does that kid have skills.

Amida ADDICT- “Squall”

Boy do those Buddha masks amuse me.  But where is your mask Sotaro?  Wait.  There it is.

Champagne- “For Freedom”

If you name your band after my favorite bubbly, you better have class.  They do wear suits halfway through the video so I give them a passing grade.  Certainly better than the shitty rappers I found on myspace trying to find this band’s page…

Band Links:

Amida ADDICT: http://www.myspace.com/amidaaddict

Asphalt Frustration: http://www.myspace.com/asphaltfrustration

Champagne: http://www.myspace.com/champagnevc

Counter Reset: http://www.myspace.com/counterreset

Gari: http://www.myspace.com/garijp

mmm: http://www.myspace.com/mmmmeguho

Rocket K: http://www.myspace.com/rocketkofficial

sakanaction: http://www.myspace.com/sakanaction

The Zoot16: http://www.myspace.com/zoot16

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I let you off last time, but now you have to put your polling fingers to use.  Top 3 bands this week…

You can pick 3…