Job Discussion Forums

[3rdEye]

Hey music lovers! I'm just curious about who your favourite artist is, or what your favourite song is, or your favourite music genre? Personally I have always been quite impressed with the local talents' endless musical creativity, style and artistic inspiration. Lots of fantastic stuff! I think J-Rock is just sizzlin, not to mention eye-poppin Visual-kei! J-Pop is so sassy smooth and J-Club is always groovin deep! The J-HipHop scene also brings me back to the day when it was just pure fun, and J-Dancehall/Reggae is just great! Seems like almost everyone I meet here is into any combination of music playing, singing, and/or dancing. Lots of artistic and creative types around. What a warm and passionate country to live in! Its a fantastic place! See ya on the dance floor....

[Lynn]

I'm a listener of J-music; however, it might be of a different genre. I am 29 and you can tell by my favorites.
I love Globe! TK is contraversial, but a genius. It seems he really messed up Tomo-chan's life.
Unicorn. They were actually big before I even step foot into Japan, but discovered them through Okuda Tamio.
Dragon Ash. I admit I liked them before they went major hip-hop. Their sounds was a lot lighter/popish back in the day.

And the rest is pure karaoke fun:
Nakajima Miyuki. I love to belt our her songs.
Yuming (Matsutoya Yumi). Oh, give me the mic and I won't give it back when I start singing her songs.

And this one is way before my time and almost embarrasing: Misora Hibari!

I also a few songs by the Boom. Oh, and how could I forget, SOON. I once taped a live NHK performance. Gotta love them!

[markosonlines]

You guys are deeply troubled. Disturbed even.

There is some good music in Japan, but it's all imported. I have heard about three artists here I like, Blankey Jet city, Au, and another whose name I've forgotten but I'll post it later.

The rest is Hello Kitty on da mic. UGGHHH!!!

IMHO the only thing worse than J-pop is K-pop. UGGHHH!!! x3. Such music makes me seek relief in vacuum cleaners, local elections, construction sites and under seven's christmas choirs.

UUUUUGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

Markos

[3rdEye]

Hi Lynn. I like any genre of J-music, even Enka, as long as it is a great song. I dont mind a little Tendo Yoshimi, Hikawa Kiyoshi and Kitajima Saburo now and then. By the way, do you think Globe's sound has changed much now that Yoshiki (former X-Japan leader) has joined them? So far I havent noticed much of a difference. I think Komuro Tetsuya is keeping a tight grip on his group. It will be interesting to see how Yoshiki does in Globe. Since the two of them are creative geniuses, Globe might not be big enough for the two of them. Okuda Tamio is great, and Im glad he's never ashamed to show his love of 60s and 70s rock, his previous productions of Puffy are very catchy.

I like J-music since generally the artists are not afraid to experiment and cross genres with ease. Who would ever think a visual-kei hard rocker (Yoshiki) would join a danceclub synth band (Globe). I find that the artists here are freer to express themselves in style too. Look at all the gender bending that Gackt has done over the past several years since Malice Mizer. Its all entertaining, refreshing and keeps me interested.

[markosonlines]

3rd eye (blind)

Valid rebuttal. Actually Thee MichelleGun Elephant was the band I was trying to remember above. My work J-colleague has great taste in music, although she was a blue haired freakpunk in London a few years back.

I'm sure there is all kinds of good Japanese music out there. I just wouldn't call most of it J-pop. To me J-pop is pappy pop, as you put it. However if other genres are sacrificially referred to as J-pop I stand corrected.

In which case, how is J-pop defined?

Markos

PS - The sound of kitty chan being killed and her bones boiled in blood would be music to my ears. I'll ask my friend about them.

[3rdEye]

Hi! Seems like you've got no eyes.

I didn't say Japanese music was just called "J-Pop" as you seem to have misunderstood, actually I used the term "J-Music" which obviously means "Japanese Music". Within that there are various genres or groups of music styles: J-Rock, Visual-kei, J-Pop, J-Club, J-HipHop, J-Reggae/Dancehall, J-Punk, J-Salsa, Shibuya-kei, etc. The list is practically endless. The "J" just means its from "Japan", but you should realise that the variety of music styles in Japan are as diverse and broad as any other country. Doesn't English language music have its own "J-Pop" type of pappy pop as well? What are the latest American boy bands these days? As for definitions of what each style means, I think its generally obvious what each style is, isn't it? But in music there is always so much crossover and overlapping that strict definitions would vary from person to person. I think music is too flexible a form of expression that to get hung up over strict definitions of what something is or isn't doesn't do much for me. Hey buddy, just sit back, listen to it all (or dance) and enjoy yourself.

PS: Have you heard of Malice Mizer? They broke up now but they released "Beast of Blood" a couple of years ago. As for Dir En Grey, I believe one of their guitarists named "Die" comes from Iga in Mie (so much for innocent country boy sterotypes). They were previously produced by Yoshiki of X-Japan fame, but are now independent and have gotten harsher. They released about 5 albums already if I'm not mistaken. Some of their songs would advocate doing "things" to Kitty-chan, or any cute creature for that matter, that I don't think I can say in this family-oriented forum. If you think Blankey Jet City is "hard edge" you ain't seen nothin yet. Watch a Dir En Grey video too, interesting stuff. Well, enjoy the music.

[Lynn]

Hi 3rd eye!
I stopped posting on the Japan board because I don't actually live there anymore. But I just had to respond because there aren't many people I can share my interest for J-music with. Most people are like Markos...

Anyhow, I had no idea the members of Globe had changed! Were either Marc or Keiko replaced? Or was Yoshiki justed added to the group? This is definitely going to be interesting. I think you might be right about the two powerheads. I can't imagine TK working with Yoshiki.

When I first heard Puffy, I knew something sounded familiar. I was pretty upset when I found out Okuda Tamio was the producer. I thought he was a "sell out". Why have 2 cute girls sing your songs? But he realized he could reach more people by going through them, so I guess I kinda understand .

I was also fascinated how J-music artist could cross the genres so easily. Example: Tamio to Puffy!

As for the boy bands, the orignal, "nsych backstreetboys". How is SMAP doing? A Japanese friend once told me that they aren't really music artists (and never were) but rather comedians. I'd have to agree with this. I'd never buy their CD, but I used to love their variety show, SMAPSMAP. It used to come one Monday nights. That show had great writers, and the boys actually had pretty good comical timing. (Although, you do have to have a command of the language to understand). I'd usually tune out at the end though, when they did their song.

The pace of J-music so fast. Sorry I can't keep up . Thanks for the update!

[markosonlines]

Blind I am. Sorry

I guess I don't get out enough, but being stuck in Mie would do that. I remember a J-group, Mach Pelican, who played at my uni's tavern in Australia that were great, really funny and energetic. I wish I heard more stuff like that. When I move to Tokyo I promise to check out some local gigs. Until then I'll shut up. (Maybe)

[3rdEye]

Hi Lynn!

(Markos this post is about J-Pop. You've been warned.)

Globe's line up is the same + Yoshiki. He joined last year, in the fall I think. Actually if I'm not mistaken Yoshiki and Komuro worked together before, a few years ago on a project. Yoshiki collaborating with Komuro is one thing, but joining Globe is something else. They've already released a CD with Yoshiki in it, though I dont think there has been any major change in the Globe sound overall. It may change more clearly in future releases. We'll see.

SMAP still exists, but you see them more on their TV show than in a music video these days. I think they release an occasionally good song sometimes, I liked Lion Heart, but admittedly I'm not a SMAP fan or anything, so I don't keep track of their activities. Though it may interest you, being in ESL, that Katori Shingo is also the host of an English conversation program on late night. I accidentally stumbled on it one night a while back. Its called "SMAstation: Bera Bera" or something like that. Its more entertainment than a serious language learning program. Sometimes Kusanagi Tsuyoshi shows up and they do Korean for a bit. Its great since you can pick up a few Kankokugo bits: "chon maru mashis so yo!" (this is very delicious)

By the way, since you like J-Pop, you might be interested in Tommy February 6. She's the singer for the rock band The Brilliant Green, but TF6 is her solo project, and its not rock at all. Its all synthesizer dance pop, 80s synth pop to be exact. I think its fantastic since she totally recaptures the exact same sound of 80s disco/synth pop. If you listen to some of the tracks you'd swear you were listening to something authentic made when you were in still junior high. The lyrics are quite sugary sweet, innocent lovey dovey stuff (sorry Markos...) and with seriously catchy tunes that make you wanna dance! And you might as well also check out The Brilliant Green itself, aka "Buri Guri". Their last album "Los Angeles" is what made them the only Japanese band to make it on Time's list of "Worlds Top 10 Best Rock Bands" along with U2. Listen to "Buri Guri" and decide for yourself.

As for Okuda Tamio, actually in his own concerts he does perform some of the songs he wrote and produced for Puffy. In a concert a few years ago I remember he did "Umi he to". Not surprising since its actually his song. Though I think recently Puffy has gone down a bit in popularity, at least when compared to a few years ago.

Its not so easy to keep up with the latest music even when you're in Japan. Not because you can't get the music, which is everywhere, but because of the cost involved if you want to buy new music. These days I've had to resort to trading, burning or getting used CDs. And about age and music, don't worry Lynn, I'm actually older than you, but any styles ok for me. And yes, like you I am also very very very much into karaoke! Admittedly, its my one true vice.

[3rdEye]

Markos,

Based on your list you might also like Sex Machine Guns as they are straight up raw rock/punk without any technical additions. You might try to look into Hide, the guitarist of X-Japan who killed himself. Hide made some damn excellent stuff both in X-Japan and in his later band called "Spread Beaver" (yes I know what it is). And while Dir En Grey definitely do stab your ears and shock your eyes! (I love it!), they often use synthetic atmospheres and sound effects which may turn off those people who just want good old rock n roll without any technics. But if you don't mind technology, then I also recommend Mad Capsule Markets. They definitely have creativity with an attitude.

By the way, with direct connections to Nagoya and Osaka I don't see how Ise-shi is that bad, been there a few times before. You don't have to go to Tokyo to get music, though you might have to go to Nagoya or Osaka for concerts. Anyways, you can easily get any of the music I mentioned, and more, brand new at any store, its not so hard to find. And if you want to save you can buy it used. Don't they have Book Off or something there? If you're lucky you can find some great music for super cheap prices. Their 250 yen CD section sometimes has good stuff. And often a relatively new item will show up for about 70% off regular price. There's also Tsutaya, and if there's none, then your local video/CD rental shop, which will definitely have all the newest music, if you don't mind renting and making copies.

To anyone else, I'm interested in any good music you can recommend. The J-Music world is so diverse and always changing so quickly, I don't think I could ever follow everything thats happening out there, so let me know your suggestions too.

Cheers!

[3rdEye]

AnywayS for those who want to see and not just hear, check out "Future Tracks", "Music BB" or "CDTV" to follow the developments in J-Music of most genres (not all). They all have some kind of funny CG character as the host of the program, no real people, so its kinda cute too, but always informative. "FT" focusses on dance, hip hop, house, club, reggae, R&B, etc. "Music BB" is similar but has more rock, punk and visual-kei acts. "CDTV" is more general, looking at everything, including pop and top 40. What I like about them, especially "FT" and "Music BB", is that they give the independents, underground scenes, and up-and-coming artists a chance to be seen and heard. Its not just famous names. I like this attention to the "underdog" struggling artists. Generally I find the J-Music industry gives more chances to up-and-coming artists to be broadcast. There seems to be a higher turnover here, with artists coming and going, compared to the music industry in the "West" where indies usually remain indies for a longer time. AnywayS, give it a try! Enjoy!

[Lynn]

Hey 3rd eye,

Guess what? Shonen Knife was just in town a few weeks ago!!! I can't believe I missed them. I saw them perform live once when I was in college in Hawaii. There are unheard of in Japan, but have a following in the states. Have you heard of them? They are an all girl punk group from Osaka. And you couldn't tell by looking at them, but apparently they are middle aged housewives!

I head that DoRiKamu (Dreams come true) was going to open a cafe or something in New York City. I don't think anything every came of us. AnywayS, I'll keep you updated about the J-music on this side of the globe. (globe, get it?)

[3rdEye]

Hi Lynn!

Yes I know Shonen Knife. Its that garage-punk band with poppy lyrics from Osaka. They originally started in the early 80s with three members, Yamano Naoko, Yamano Atsuko and Nakatani Michie, but I think Nakatani left a couple of years ago. The two Yamano are sisters, with Naoko leading the band. Their first album was "Burning Farm" released in the early 80s. Although they started off in the Osaka underground punk scene, they became more popular and successful later on. Their music has even been used in Kirin beer commericals. While I like many of their songs, one that stands out in my mind is their punk cover of the Carpenter's "Top of the World". Keeping true to their roots, they have also used their position to promote struggling indie acts by letting unknown bands open for them in concerts around Japan and releasing indie band compilations. Shonen Knife seems to have a gained a cult following in North America, but they are also well known in Japan especially to people who like garage rock-punk. And yes, you're right about their age, since they started in the early 80s, then I believe they are in their 40s now? Osaka obachan maybe? But they still rock, and now even experiment with other sounds like dance-techno. I think they released about 9 or 10 albums so far? AnywayS, yes I like them.

By the way, its definitely not punk, but since you live in NYC, I was wondering if you know Kubota Toshinobu? He is that R&B, funk and soul singer who was extremely popular in the late 80s and 90s. Kubota is often cited by the latest generation of young soul/R&B/dance artists as their one of their musical influences. I heard he left Japan a few years ago and now calls New York City home. Ever seen him in your part of the "globe"?

[Lynn]

I didn't know Shonen Knife had a following in Japan, too. None of my Japanese friends had heard of them. I have the "let's knife" album.

As for Kubota, yes, of course, I know of him. He once did a song with Naomi Campbell, right? Here in New York, the East Village is were the Japanese hipsters hang. Everytime I go there I keep my eyes out for any J-music stars.

Onto yet a diiferent genre, Sakamoto Ryuichi also lives in New York. My boyfriend is fan of YMO. Isn't Sakamoto part of YMO? AnywayS, even if I did see Sakamoto walking down the street, I wouldn't recongnize him.

[J-Pop]

I've purposely been avoiding posting here, a bit afraid once I started writing--I might be here a while!
But I have enjoyed reading all the comments, by Lynn & 3rd Eye.

Also, I was entertained when reading the first post by markosonlines. He sounded almost exactly like my ALT compatriot, when there, he was from Chicago. What did he used to say, oh yeah, something like Japanese music was "reductive" or just a copy of other people.

Anyway, I love J-music, I'm partial to Pop, but I like a wide range of Nihon Music. Very energetic.

Every time I return to Japan I stock up & buy new stuff, sometimes old stuff too. One summer, hangin wandering around one day in Shinjuku (Tokyo) I came across one of the record shops with a sale display outside. They were old (& not-so-old) CD that had been used as rentals. Super cheap, like 100-3oo yen, per? something like that.

So, I grabbed a bunch of em, went inside & asked the cashier to pick out the ones that either were or had been big hits, at one time or another. I really had no clue. He did that, I bought 10 or so, he threw in 2 (3?) extras on top of the ones I bought. I was a happy camper.

So, some that I really like (some are old, I guess, no matter--it's all new to me):
Dreams Come True = "Sing or Die," (the album)
Rebecca = "Singles: 1984-1990," (album)
Namie Amuro = "181920," (album)
my little lover = "hello again," (mini CD)
globe = "Is this love?", (mini CD).
[Only a few, enough for now).

The last time I was in Japan, last December & January, I picked up the CD, "Message," by Mongol Sou (hard rock, punk stuff). At first I didn't like it, but I have grown to like a couple of the cuts, not for everyday listening.

What else, in January? Oh yeah, "This Armour" & "Sugar High," both by Chihiro Onitsuka.

And, I just couldn't resist buying this one, after seeing it on the boob tube one night (New Year's Eve, music awards?):
the mini CD "Rain of Pain," by DA PUMP ! ha! I like it, not for every day, but there are what, 4 cuts on there? "Misunderstanding," (maybe) is my fave.

OK, that's enough--for this installment. Gotta go!
Regards,