Archive for October, 2010

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Stuff To Look Forward To, October 2010

October 5, 2010

This month we have classic rock music, karate, b-sides, pretty ladies, and boys who wear masks over their face.  In other news I received an email for JRockRevolution.com yesterday saying that I won tickets to see  X Japan in Chicago.  I heard they’re popular.

The Suzan- Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat

If you haven’t fallen in love with the girls through their single “Home,” then they’ve got a full-length album coming out just for you.  It was produced by Björn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn, and John who also “discovered” them a few years ago at SXSW or something.  They were all over New York promoting it last month and Fool’s Gold will release it at the end of the month. (myspace)

Isobe Masafumi- Sign In To Disobey

Everybody was kung-fu fighting.  Isobe Masafumi, best known as the vocalist of Husking Bee decided to pursue a solo career after Mars Eurythmics broke up earlier this year.  Toru Hidaka of the Beat Crusaders was brought in to produce this album.  Members of Asian Kung-Fu Generation, bloodthirsty butchers, Asparagus, toe, and more stopped by to play instruments.  Sounds a lot like Beat Crusaders. (myspace)

BEAT CRUSADERS- Rest Crusaders

Speaking of the Beat Crusaders, their “last album” is also coming out.  It features the singles “Situation,” “Let It Go,” and a lot of b-sides from their major label career.  There might be one or two new songs stuck in there.  There’s also another b-side collection named Lust Crusaders coming out the same day from their indie label and a live album/DVD in December.  Rest in plaid.

BIGMAMA- Roclassick

BIGMAMA is putting words to music…classic music.  Yeah, we got some Beethoven, Vivaldi, Bach, Dvorak, even Pachelbel.  It even comes with a music video DVD.   I always liked the violin in BIGMAMA so this “concept album” may prove interesting.  Their music video for “Eros Run,” their take on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (Spring) can be seen below.  (myspace)

avengers in sci-fi- dynamo

The avengers will release their third album and first full-length on a major label.  It includes a new version of the single “Delight Slight Lightspeed” and a bunch of new songs.  If you’ve enjoyed their futuristic sci-fi dance music lazer sound show before you pretty much know what you’re yourself into.  So fly your space shuttle to planet dynamo. (myspace)

SiM- LIVING IN PAiN

Is that George Bush Sr. smoking a joint on the cover?  Looks like something Fat Wreck Chords would release.  And a parental advisory sticker on a Japanese CD?  They must be pretty damn profane.  Well they did tell us to f-off a lot in their blood-soaked PV for “Jack B.”   They’re pretty loud and obnoxious for a band named Silence Is Mine.  Let’s see how political this mini-album gets. (myspace)

Various Artists- World Penguin’s Carnival 2010

Famous post-rock label Penguinmarket Records are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a special compilation and seven days of concerts.  The compilation will feature mostly new tracks from the likes of wooderd chiarie, sgt., nenem, Clean of Core, oaqk, and some foreign bands.  Bound to be one of the best comps of the year! —————————————————————————————————————————————

Links to buy from:

avengers in sci-fi- dynamo: CD Japan

BIGMAMA- Roclassick: CD Japan

BEAT CRUSADERS- Rest Crusaders: CD Japan, Play-Asia

Masafumi Isobe- Sign In To Disobey: CD Japan

SiM- Living In Pain: CD Japan

The Suzan- Golden Week For The Poco Poco Beat: Amazon

Various Artists- World Penguin’s Carnival 2010: CD Japan

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Other stuff I may be interested in:

80kidz- Weekend Warrior: CD Japan, Play-Asia, Myspace

Ashigaru Youth- Nice to MEAT you: CD Japan, Myspace

Asshole Unite- Never Alone/Calling: CD Japan, Myspace

Droog- Violence: CD Japan, Myspace

Lacco Tower- Kaitai Shinsho: CD Japan, Myspace

People In The Box- Family Record: CD Japan, Myspace

Versailles- DESTINY -The Lovers-: CD Japan, Myspace

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J-Rock Fridays Vol. 30

October 1, 2010

So Hokkaido Fair wasn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  They basically had a few food stands right when you’re walk in the door.  There were samples of squishy fish I could never identify and some octopus.  I wound up having Bi Bim Bap and a Taro Latte in the food court.  I don’t know why I’m writing about this here and not my food blog.  But anyway it’s Mitsuwa so it’s always an adventure.  I wound up buying Perfume’s new single in the bookstore and a copy of Rockin’ On Japan with Beat Crusaders on the cover!

Ivory7 Chord- “Fire Works”

Where we sober when we first met?  All I know is I saw fireworks.

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