Another year draws to a close, but 2011 wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill desk calendar for Japanese songs. The past 365 days saw an abundance of great tunes from Japan-based artists, ranging from shadowy electronic movers from Tokyo to dreamy pop numbers born in Osaka to space-tripped clackers via Kyoto. Just as exciting, though, were how…
Dorian Studio Vacation The Patrick-Nagel-referencing artwork above should clue you in – Dorian LOVES the 80s. But not in a Michael Ian Black sort of way, where jokes about Alf stretch into the three-minute range. Dorian is neither combing the depths of that neon-splashed era for ironic yucks…though he has a sense of humor about…
With members hailing from outfits like Number Girl and Bloodthirsty Butchers, the group Toddle comes bagged with all sorts sonic expectations that aren’t easy to live up to. This quartet, though, have managed to evoke both the aforementioned groups in the past – their song “Sack Dress” kicks but comes with a Heavenly-worthy sweetness. New…