The fine folks at the Music Station website did something weird this week – they didn’t write what songs this week’s artists would be performing on the show. I usually rely on that info to listen to the songs in advance…but this week, I’m basically just doing some authentic journalistic work (checking websites) to find…
The idea of a musician “selling out” seemed to be laid to rest in the Oughts. As bands gained steam courtesy Toyota commercials and Natalie Portman shout-outs, the once-scruffy music obsessives poised to blast a lesser-known group for such crimes as appearing on The Late Show calmed down. Seeing once-obscure outfits like The Shins and…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edyARJq9sgM&hl=en_US&fs=1&] Perfume have a new song and video out. Expect full geeked-out analysis in a few days after I give this track a couple dozen spins. Until then, watch the trio bring the concept of “Virtual Insanity” to the streets.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT2GGvFHuog&hl=en_US&fs=1&] YUKI caught me off guard once before – with her disco-pop-romp “ランデヴー.” It’s one of those tunes that should bomb really badly but manages to be great by making something irresistible out of potentially off-putting parts. After falling for the charms of her tune “うれしくって抱き合うよ” I’m ready to label this risk-to-riches ability her calling…
Ikimono-gakari “ノスタルジア” – This is basically a ballad, but let’s take the “glass half full” approach and look at “ノスタルジア’s” positive attributes. Unlike most J-Pop ballads swelling to the brim with strings and peaks, Ikimono-gakari keeps things rather understated. Only some acoustic guitar strums and keyboards accompany lead singer Kiyoe Yoshioka’s vocals. Something about this…