Electric Showers – The Aprils “Shine×Shine×Shine×Shine”

I’ve never heard anything by The Aprils prior to this year, so this article’s claim that they’ve “sold their innocent indie souls to the god of electro pop” can’t really be argued with around these parts. The band name does paint them as a group ready to be filed after “The Apricots” on twee.net, but…

Dry River String

Concert alert for anyone residing in or near Osaka – harp-maestro Joanna Newsom will play Sunsui on Saturday, February 6th. Regularly, a show by her would be special enough, but she has promised a new album on her out at the end of February so this will be a great opportunity to hear some new…

Controlled Karaoke: Norah Jones Meets Japanese TV

This seems appropriate considering Norah Jones appeared on Music Station the other night. The American singer did an interview with some Japanese program this week, and it’s pretty…interesting to watch. The gifts she gets are pretty cute, but the situation quickly enters cringe country. Enjoy feeling awkward! [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-YUAE1bZ4c&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1] (Via Japan Probe)

Missed The Station For 1/22/2010 Featuring Norah Jones And Kaela Kimura

The first real episode of Music Station in this new decade…and I have other engagements to attend to. Great way to kick off this feature in 2010! This week’s episode features a few Japanese pop heavyweights and an appearance by adult contemporary bulwark Norah Jones. Lets take a listen to this week’s crop. Aqua Timez…

Anyone Can Play The Radiohead Card: Irotto+

When I say Irotto+ sound like Radiohead, I don’t mean the lead singer’s voice kinda resembles Thom Yorke or they are British. This Osaka quartet genuinely emulates that band’s moody rock, with their song “The Real Thing” leading the comparison charge. The song strongly resembles “True Love Waits” and the overall production recalls the ‘head…