Archive for February, 2011

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FACT releases new mini-albums

February 28, 2011

March 16 will be a busy day for the FACT boys as they release two mini-albums. First up is Eat Your Words, a CD+DVD package featuring 6 new songs and live video from Shibuya O-East during their 2010 tour. The mini-album will include their new song “attack me if you dare,” which is the theme for the Japanese release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Fate of Two Worlds.

Their second release is under their alter ego co3, a remix unit. Their self-titled mini-album will include 5 tracks and remixes by 80kidz and DEXPISTOLS. There will also be a special box set that features another 9-track CD, a t-shirt, and FACT noh mask!

FACT uploaded 3 videos on their new YouTube channel from the new mini-albums. First up is a PV clip of “error.” Next the guys play a clip of “attack me if you dare” while they play Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Last is a full PV of co3’s “Let’s Get Outta Here.” It sounds similar to the stuff on the remix album Nivan Runder Soundrugs and features the dude from English new rave band Hadouken!

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Jrockexplosion.net

February 24, 2011

As you probably noticed, J-Rock Explosion has a non-Wordpress url now! I was hoping I would have a few people on board before I dropped the monetary funds, but it’s time. Believe it or not J-Rock Explosion has been around for four years with today being it’s 4th anniversary. It started with me alone in my bedroom and it’s still me alone in my bedroom. Can’t say much has changed but I hope some of you have enjoyed my J-Rock ramblings.

So what can you expect from Jrockexplosion.net? More of the same for now. I’ll be shopping for a new WP theme in the next few weeks, after I get around to posting my Best of 2010 list. Feel free to leave suggestions below!

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cero

February 22, 2011

myspace band of the week

cero (Contemporary Exotica Rock Orchestra) is an experimental pop band with roots in folk and funk. They formed in 2004 playing mainly in bars. They recorded two demo CDs and appeared on a few compilations, including a Haruomi Hosono (Yellow Magic Orchestra) tribute. Their first full-length World Record was released a few weeks ago.

The only thing available on cero’s myspace page is an album digest for World Record, which was uploaded last May even though the album just came out. But you can listen to the entire album elsewhere on myspace for free. It’s just listed under the myspace page of the Spanish rapper of the same name.

I first heard of cero when I posted the chill-out “Daiteiden No Yoruni” on J-Rock Fridays. But there’s actually a fair bit of happy-go-lucky songs here, with a lot of songs featuring marimba, vibraphone, accordion and harmonica. “Nizyuuiseeikino Hiderinomiyakoni Amegafuru,” which sounds like a trolly car ride, is my favorite of those. It’s also fun hearing the vocalist experiment with hip hop on “exotic penguin night” and “World Record.” Another standout “(I found it) Black Beard” is just one big island party.

Then there are the songs that return to the soft-rock formula such as “outdoors” and “Anonoka,” which ends in a pretty epic drone out. They balance the album out nicely. It’s the contrast between the beautiful melodies and fun that make cero a standout indie pop band.

Buy World Record at CD Japan. Download at Amazon.com and HearJapan.

http://www.myspace.com/cerofan

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J-Rock Fridays Vol. 39

February 18, 2011

Just for you.

Asobi Seksu- “Trails”

Just in time for this week’s release of Fluorescence, one of my favorite albums so far this year. Watch Yuki trailing through decrepit buildings and forgotten train stations.

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Posted in Akihiro Namba, Asobi Seksu, BlieAN, camisama, J-Rock Fridays, Kaisoku Toukyou, killing Boy, Pe'z, Shinsei Kamattechan, Shotgun Runners, Sorry For A Frog, Swim Sweet Under Shallow | Leave a Comment »

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J-Pop Moment: Salyu x Salyu

February 18, 2011

The togo wearing Salyu has had her tasers set to “impress” these past few months. First her triumphant return to Lily Chou-Chou in December and now her forthcoming Cornelius produced album s(o)un(d)beams. On ただのともだち (Just A Friend), Salyu sheds her J-Pop princess persona for something a little more mature (with handclaps!). I guess that’s why she’s releasing this album under the name Salyu x Salyu and not Salyu.

s(o)un(d)beams will be released March 23. Pre-order at CD Japan. Another interesting footnote, this album was co-written by Shintaro Sakamoto of the psychedelic rock band Yura Yura Teikoku. All this talent! If the above video wasn’t enough, there’s three more versions below.

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Wednesday Live: ATATA THE DEBU IN

February 16, 2011

Atatatata performed live at Kashiwa ALIVE on February 11 (my birthday!) with buddhistson, aie, and The Shuwa. And what better way to start a show (besides teaching us how to spell the f-word) than with a cover of At the Drive-In’s “One Armed Scissor”? The second song is an Atata original, “Fury of the Year.”

So who is Atata? It looks like we got another supergroup on our hands. Comprised mostly of ex-Holstein members, they are joined by the singer of hardcore band Bandwagon and a few others who played in post-rock bands. Side project or not, they did At the Drive-In proud. You can download “Fury of the Year” and “Recito” for free here (Warning: LARGE file size).

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Sorrys!

February 15, 2011

myspace band of the week

Sorrys! is a 3-piece indie rock band from Koenji. They formed in 2006 with vocalist Kikuta and drummer Teppei. Bassist MKT joined in 2008. They released their first mini-album Sou Ima Sugu, Sou Zenbu (So Right Now So Just All) February 2.

There’s a lot of praise heaped on Sorrys! myspace page from such bands as Asian Kung-Fu Generation and Analog Fish. And it seems like Sorrys! learned a lot  indie rock mentors. They put up Sou Ima Sugu, Sou Zenbu in its entirety  on myspace. Vocals are loud and proud with a slight rap edge in “satisfAction” and “ONE 2 People” and there’s a cool fire siren in “Bet It.” Things gets a little more mellow in 僕らが今日も探し逃がしてしまうもの and ジャンボ, though. There’s also a demo for “Royal Straight TEENAGE flash” that’s a bit more playful than the rest of these songs. Sorrys! is off to a good start.

Buy Sou Ima Sugu, Sou Zenbu at CD Japan or download it for $6 at Amazon.com.

http://www.myspace.com/sorrysxclamation

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The Shanghai Restoration Project- Miss Shanghai

February 14, 2011

Thank you random Chinese CD my brother bought at Starbucks for introducing me to The Shanghai Restoration Project, solo project of Chinese-American Dave Liang. “Miss Shanghai” is one of two Shanghai Restoration songs on the World is China compilation. My brother’s favorite was “Lu Xun (Watch Me Dance,” whose vocals sound like they were ripped out of some British porno. I’m more into the smooth sound of  “Miss Shanghai” with vocals by the Dutch Dez and adequately lip-synced by model Masson Ge.

“Miss Shanghai” is a great song for Valentine’s. It was even featured on the season 6 premiere of The L Word, which I promise I’ll never watch. Both songs come from The Shanghai Restoration Project’s self-titled album.

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Wednesday Live: miila and the geeks @ One

February 9, 2011

Miila and the Geeks is Miila of Love and Hates and her two friends on drums and screaming sax. These are three songs that they performed live at One Koenji in Tokyo. It’s supposed to be some kind of bar but those curtains and lamps more resemble a funeral home to me. Regardless that’s some amazing saxophone work.

“Cigarette & Water, “You Don’t Lier,” “Super Hero” come from their 6 Songs 7″ + CD-R.

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Gekitetsu

February 8, 2011

myspace band of the week

Most bands these days I discover through my YouTube subscriptions. But every so often I bump into an album cover so ridiculous I have to click on it. So when I saw the man-animals of Gekitetsu (撃鉄) whilst browsing the “Far East & Asia” MP3 section on Amazon.com, I knew what I had to do.

Gekitetsu formed in 2007 in Tokyo. Their name translates to “Hammer” and that’s exactly what they do, pound out aggressive punk songs. They made a name for themselves with their appearance at Fuji Rock ’09. Their debut mini-album Geki was just released and was produced by former Number Girl bassist Kentaro Nakao.

As for the man-animals bit, it doesn’t appear they dress as centaurs on stage, but the vocalist is wearing wicked leopard print pants in the videos I found below.

Buy Geki at CD Japan or download it at Amazon.com or HearJapan.

http://www.myspace.com/gekitetsu

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