Just in case you don't read Japanator (and why don't you?) here's a heads up. I just posted by picks for Top 10 Best Japanese Albums of 2010 (so far) over there. It's a look at what I think are the best bets so far this year.
There has already been a lot of feedback, both positive and a little less so. Make sure to check it out and leave your own list in the comments.
Once again, yuri_nikko of the LiveJournal community j_music_lyrics has done something amazing. Namely, translating the entire Ling Tosite Sigure album Just A Moment for the A-Z! This is not a small feat considering the amount of lyrics and sheer chaos of the music, but she has stepped up to the challenge.
As you already know, Just A Moment was my pick for 2009 album of the year. I know there are a lot of LTS fans out there, so I hope that the translations provided below help us all get a better understanding of this unique band.
Thanks, obviously, to yuri_nikko and j_music_lyricsfor all the hard work. You can read the full translations of each song below.
『ハカイヨノユメ』
『hakaiyonoyume』 {Blasphemous Dreams}
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
偽者まみれのふざけた軌跡は見慣れた言葉の形を変えるの
言葉を隠して目を閉じて見れば
見慣れたフラッシュバックの影に霞めたヨノユメ
nisemono mamire no fuzaketa kiseki ha minareta kotoba no katachi wo kaeru no
kotoba wo kakushite me wo tojite mireba
minareta furasshubakku no kage ni kasunuta yo no yume
On this stained liars path I stroll, once familiar words are changing shape
If I close my eyes these words are hidden
The familiar image of a flashback blurs into a world of dreams
「時間を戻して」下らない願いを
「神様いますか?」慣れない言葉で
言葉を隠して目を閉じて見れば
見慣れたフラッシュバックの君に覗かれた裏側が
"jikan wo modoshite" kudaranai negai wo
"kamisama imasuka?" narenai kotoba de
kotoba wo kakushite me wo tojite mireba
minareta furasshubakku no kimi ni nozokareta uragawa ga
"Turn back time" I wish foolishly
"God are you there?" with strange words
If I close my eyes these words are hidden
I peered at the otherside of this once familiar flashback of you
you're dancing in my mind / you don't know my mind
ハカイヨノユメ 異彩 夜 激しく絡み合う夜に
触れると見えるのあなたの夢の中
hakaiyo no yume isai yoru hageshiku karamiau yoru ni
fureru to mieru no anata no yume no naka
Blasphemous dreams, wicked colors, night, we entangle violently tonight
I can touch you and see you in your dreams
イカレタ言葉の裏側に見える寂しい季節を見せたくないから
言葉を隠して目を閉じて見られたい 君に染まるの覗かれた裏側が
ikareta kotoba no uragawa ni mieru sabishii kisetsu wo misetakunai kara
kotoba wo kakushite me wo tojite miraretai kimi ni somaru no nozokareta uragawa ga
I looked at the reverse of insane words, because I didn't want to see the lonely seasons
I wanted to see the hidden words when I closed my eyes, I peered at the stained side of you
触れてみる? 夢越しの僕の中 探してよ
furetemiru? yume goshi no boku no naka sagashite yo
Can I try to touch you? I cross into dream and find you
ハカイヨノユメ 異彩 夜 激しく絡み合う夜に
言葉を隠して目を閉じて見つめて
hakaiyo no yume isai yoru hageshiku karamiau yoru ni
kotoba wo kakushite me wo tojite mitsumete
Blasphemous dreams, wicked colors, night, we entangle violently tonight
I closed my eyes and found these hidden words
---
『Hysteric phase show』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
視線の迷宮にぶら下がるのは
言わせてみれば2弦の3fret phase
do you know? 今をあと少しだけ
do you know my arpeggio? 響かせてよ
僕をphaseするように 今日は誰を
応答しないサイレン もう分かるよ
回転するfakeを3秒間だけ許してよ 位相の狂った波形イメージを
shisen no meikyuu ni burassagaru no ha
iwasete mireba ni gen no san fret phase
do you know? ima wo ato tsukoshi dake
do you know my arpeggio? hibikasete yo
boku wo phase suru you ni kyou ha dare wo
outou shinai sairen mou wakaru yo
kaitensuru fake wo san byoukan dake yurushite yo isou no kurutta namigata imeeji wo
I'm hanging on your mysterious gaze
when I tried to say a 2 string 3 fret phase
do you know? Now is only a bit later
do you know my arpeggio? I heard it from afar
It's like I'm a phase, today I'm anyone
An answerless siren, I already knew
All the revolving fake, just takes 3 seconds to resolve, this crazy phase is a rippled image
phase imageは秘密に似てる 波動2秒間を残されて揺れる
phase imageは僕を残して あと2秒間でバラバラになった
phase image ha himitsu ni niteru hadou ni byoukan wo nokosarete yureru
phase image wo boku wo nokoshite ato ni byoukan de barabara ni natta
phase image it's a lot like a secret, the wave ripples and lingers for 2 seconds
phase image that I left behind in the next 2 seconds will all be scattered
do you know? 今をあと少しだけ
do you know my arpeggio? とばしてみせて
僕をphaseするように 今日は誰を
回転するfakeに3秒間だけ許してよ 位相の狂った季節イメージを
do you know? ima wo ato tsukoshi dake
do you know my arpeggio? tobashite misete
boku wo phase suru you ni kyou ha dare wo
kaiten suru fake ni san byoukan dake yurushite yo isou no kurutta kisetsu imeeji wo
do you know? Now is only a bit later
do you know my arpeggio? I'll let it rip
It's like I'm a phase, today I'm anyone
All the revolving fake, just takes 3 seconds to resolve, this crazy phase is a rippled image
phase imageは君に似てる 波動2秒間を残されて揺れる
phase imageは僕を残して hystericに声上げて笑う
phase image ha kimi ni niteru hadou ni byoukan wo nokosarete yureru
phase image ha boku wo nokoshite hysteric ni koe agete warau
phase image a lot like you, the wave ripples and lingers for 2 seconds
phase image that I left behind increasingly laughing in a hysteric voice
wake up stupid
phase imageは君に似てる 波動2秒間を汚されて揺れる
phase imageは僕を殺して あと2秒間でバラバラになった
僕はphase stupid
phase image ha kimi ni niteru hadou ni byoukan wo yogosarete yureru
phase image ha boku wo koroshite ato ni byoukan de barabara ni natta
boku ha phase stupid
phase image a lot like you, the wave ripples and is stained for 2 seconds
phase image that I killed in the next two seconds will all be scattered
I am phase stupid
---
『Tremolo+A』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
危険な関係性 今見せるよ
汚れないように絡ませて
君を壊すの
kikenna kankeisei ima miseru yo
yogorenai you ni karamasete
kimi wo kowasu no
A dangerous connection I can see it now
To not get dirtied I got involved
in destroying you
微かに 揺れてる 誰かを 壊して 試すの 今だけ
kasuka ni yureteru dareka wo kowashite tamesu no ima dake
Weakly wavering to destroy somebody I tried to just now
絡み合った 君のイメージは同じ様に揺れている
ほら目の前に見える
君に似せた僕のイメージは同じ様に揺れている
ほら目の前で消えた
karamiatta kimi no imeeji ha onaji you ni yureteiru
hora me no mae ni mieru
kimi ni niseta boku no imeeji ha onaji you ni yureteiru
hora me no mae de kieta
We got entwined the same images of you wavering
Hey I can see it now
The image you copied of me is the same image wavering
Hey I can saw it now
君の嘘が見つからないから
僕の中で何か揺れている
kimi no uso ga mitsukaranai kara
boku no naka de nanika yureteiru
Because I couldn't see your lies
something within me wavers
秘密のイメージを今見せるよ
押さえた指の不思議な世界
himitsu no imeeji wo ima miseru yo
osaeta yubi no fushigi na sekai
The secret image I can see it now
The heavy finger of a miraculous world
微かに 揺れてる 誰かを 壊して 試すの 今だけ
kasuka ni yureteru dareka wo kowashite tamesu no ima dake
Weakly wavering to destroy somebody I tried to just now
絡み合った 君のイメージは同じ様に揺れている
ねえ君はフタリセカイ?
君に見せた歪なnoiseは突き刺さってしまうの
ただ君を壊したくて
karamiatta kimi no imeeji ha onaji you ni yureteiru
nee kimi ha futari sekai?
kimi ni miseta hibitsu na noise ha tsukisasatte shimau no
tada kimi wo kowashitakute
We got entwined the same images of you wavering
Hey are you in the same world?
The irregular noise I showed you has pierced you
I just wanted to destroy you
紫色の季節は過ぎて
僕の中で何か揺れている
murasakiiro no kisetsu ha sugite
boku no naka de nanika yureteiru
The violet seasons pass
as something within me wavers
---
『JPOP Xfile』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
記憶越しに見開いた 袋とじの歪んだ映像
誰がソレを始めたの? MasochisticなPOP MUSIC
kioku goshi ni mihiraita fukurotoji no yuganda eizou
dare ga sore wo hajimeta no? Masochistic na POP MUSIC
I gazed beyond my memories at a distorted image
Who started all of this? This Masochistic POP MUSIC
無表情形成目は回って バラバラにしてほしいの
誰が僕を始めたの? バラバラのフラッシュイメージも
僕の指が透けていく 少し君に近づいた
muhyoujou keisei me ha mawatte barabara ni shite hoshii no
dare ga boku wo hajimeta no? bara bara no furasshu imeeji mo
boku no yubi ga suketeiku sukoshi kimi ni chikadzuita
I turn my expressionless eyes, I wanted to tear it all apart
Who is this that I started? A flash image in disarray
My fingers start to become transparent as I got closer to you
鉄っぽいフレーズに目は回って バラバラにしてほしいの
イツカ僕は思い描いたの 感情線を君の全てに
tetsuppoi furezzu ni me ha mawatte barabara ni shite hoshii no
itsuka boku ha omoi egaita no kanjou sen wo kimi no subete ni
I turn my eyes to an iron-like phrase, I wanted to tear it all apart
These memories that I've made, were emotions all about you
僕の指は透けていく ここにあるよ
boku no yubi ha sukete iku koko ni aru yo
My fingers start to become transparent, I am here
JPOP
イツカを覚えていた i know → i know
夕景のメロディーも もうちょっと聞いていたいの
君の名前なんだっけ だんだん分からなくなって
アノ日未来のfusionも だんだん分からなくなって
JPOP
itsuka wo oboete ita i know → i know
yuukei no merodii mo mou chotto kiiteitai no
kimi no namae nandakke dandan wakaranakunatte
ano hi mirai no fusion mo dandan wakaranakunatte
JPOP
One day I remembered i know → i know
Even in this night scenery, I wanted to hear a little more
Whatever your name was, I slowly started to forget it
That day of future fission even, I slowly started to forget it
昨日失くした未来を誰かにあげてもいいよ
君が「今」を見失ったら僕のフリをしてもいいから
kinou nakushita mirai wo dareka ni agete mo ii yo
kimi ga "ima" wo miushinattara boku no furi wo shite mo ii kara
Yesterday you lost your future, go ahead and give it away
You've lost sight of "now" because I've been pretending
イマミエルミライ
ima meiru kirai
Now I hate seeing you
妄想に入り込んだ僕を見つけてよ
今は見える未来もi know 記憶越しに透けて見た
mousou ni hairikonda boku wo mitsukete yo
ima ha mieru mirai mo i know kioku goshi ni sukete mita
I've stepped into a delusion, I see that now
I can see the future now I know I saw them beyond my memories
Can you hear me? JPOP!
---
『a 7days wonder』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
この目にあるその全てを 魔法をかけて粉々にしてみるよ
hello, ソチラハドナタデスカ
魔法をかけて粉々にしてあげるよ
kono me ni aru sono subete wo mahou wo kakete konagona ni shitemiru yo
hello, sochira ha donata desuka
mahou wo kakete konagona ni shite ageru yo
These eyes have seen all, like magic scattered into bits and pieces
hello, is someone there
I'll show you the magic scattered into bits and pieces
7つ数えて君は息を止めた
今が見えるよ
nanatsu kazoete kimi ha iki wo tometa
ima ga mieru yo
You stopped breathing on the 7th count
Now you can see
7つ数えて君は首を絞めた
君は笑って僕を見つめてる
nanatsu kazoete kimi ha kubi wo shimeta
kimi ha waratte boku wo mitsumeteru
You were strangled on the 7th count
I saw you as you smiled
キミはヒトリでフタリを知った
今は見えるよ 7days wonder
kimi ha hitori de futari wo shitta
ima ha mieru yo 7days wonder
You alone knew we were together
Now you can see 7days wonder
ふいに視界はslowになって 悲しそうに君は笑う
今は聞こえるこの歌も すぐに忘れて7days wonder
fui ni shikai ha slow ni natte kanashi sou ni kimi ha warau
ima ha kikoeru kono uta mo sugu ni wasurete 7days wonder
Suddenly my vision slowed, your smile seemed so sad
Now can you hear even this song, you'll forget it soon 7days wonder
君が見えるよ 7days wonder
君が見てた僕の色は
君が見せた僕の色は
kimi ga mieru yo 7days wonder
kimi ga miteta boku no iro ha
kimi ga miseta boku no iro ha
You can see now 7days wonder
You saw it, my own colors
I showed you, my own colors
---
『Telecastic fake show』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
君の自由にもう飽きて 歌う事も無くなって
犯罪的な僕と彼の体内に TIME REVOLUTION 視界は狭く無くなって
kimi no jiyuuni mou akite utau koto mo nakunatte
hanzaiteki na boku to kare no tainai ni TIME REVOLUTION shikai ha semaku nakunatte
You're sick of freedom, can't even sing about it
My criminal self and the man within, TIME REVOLUTION all I see vanishes to a point
狂わされた存在に いつか目を覚まさないで
僕も知らない 不気味な君達の投影に
僕を知らない 愉快な君達が居なくなるように
kuruwasareta sonzai itsuka me wo samasanai de
boku mo shiranai bukimi na kimitachi no touei ni
boku wo shiranai yukai na kimitachi ga inakunaru you ni
In my mad existence one day I might not wake up
Even I don't know all of their weird projections
I did'nt know it's like all of you happy people have gone
曖昧なCollaborate show Hysteric無意味現象
感情性の指に Mirror Letterを刺した
ユメノサカサマニ
aimai na Collaborate show Hysteric muimi genshou
kanjousei no yubi ni Mirror Letter wo sashita
yume no sakasama ni
A vague Collaborate show Hysteric nonsensical phenomenon
In my feeling fingers a Mirror Letter I stabbed
In an inverse dream
Sadistic fake 君のせいで歪んだ僕に異常な世界は
いつか自由が欲しくなって 感情性に揺れた未来を
Sadistic face 探さないで悲しい僕の感情世界は
いつか未来と別々になって 一人きりで異常なfake show
感情性の指を剌して 目を瞑って 耳を切った
僕に揺れている 赤い誘惑を恐れだした
Sadistic fake kimi no sei de yuganda boku ni ijouna sekai ha
itsuka jiyuu ga hoshikunatte kanjousei ni yureta mirai wo
Sadistic face sagasanai de kanashii boku no kanjou sekai ha
itsuka mirai to betsubetsu ni natte hitorikiri de ijouna fake show
kanjousei no yubi wo sashite me wo tsubutte mimi wo kitta
boku ni yureteiru akai yuuwaku wo osoredashita
Sadistic fake by your hand I was warped to this strange land
One day I wanted to be free, yearning for a wavering future
Sadistic face unable to be found, my own sentimental world
One day I'll be separated from the future, my own strange fake show
It wavers towards me, an emerging fearsome red temptation
---
『seacret cm』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
風は蒼で 海岸線を揺らしている
覗き込めば 夜になるの
見上げて 何か見える?
kaze ga ao de kaigansen wo yurashiteiru
nozokikomeba yoru ni naru no
miagete nanika mieru?
In a blue breeze the coastline sways
If I look into it, it'll turn to night
Look now, can you see something?
夜の色が海岸線を染めていく
消し忘れた君のカケラの裏を覗き込めば
夜に溶けるよ
yoru no iro ga kaigansen wo someteiku
keshiwasureta kimi no kakera no ura wo nozokigomeba
yoru ni tokeru yo
The night colors dye the coastline
If I look into it I'll forget all my memories of you
They'll dissolve in the night
「見つけて」誰かが
"mitsukete" dare ka ga
"Look at me" someone says
目を塞いで息を止めてfreezeする
あと少しで居なくなるから
me wo fusaide iki wo tomete freeze suru
ato sukoshi de inakunaru kara
I close my eyes, my breath stops and freezes
Because after a while you'll be gone
見上げて 何かが見えるよ
「見つけて」誰かが叫んでる
miagete nanika ga mieru yo
"mitsukete" dare ka ga sakenderu
Look now can you something
"Look at me" someone yells
誰かに聞いたよ
見上げて 世界は消えるの
「見つけて」誰かが叫んでる
dareka ni kiita yo
miagete sekai ha kieru no
"mitsukete" dare ka ga sakenderu
Someone heard you
Look now the world has gone
"Look at me" someone yells
---
『moment A rhythm (short ver.)』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
どうか見覚えのないこの瞬間を 例えば12センチで君を描いたら
遠くオレンジの集合体さえも触れられるように
空中線 たったあの日をimageする
douka mioboe no nai kono shunkan wo tatoeba juuni senchi de kimi wo egaitara
tooku orenji no shuugoutai sae mo furerareru you ni
kuuchuusen tatta ano hi wo image suru
Somehow in this unmemorable moment, you are depicted every 12 centimeters
Even those distant orange lumps, seem to touch me
The antenna on that day was just an image
例えば僕の片隅に誰にも届かない景色 暗い空の上を歩いて
違和感ある時間に君は眠りにつく 歪な窓越しに覗いて
例えば鉄の向こう側に体を投げ出して 僕を溶かして 息を止めた
例えばこの冷たい感触も 孤独な鉄の感覚も見えないでしょう
もう少しだけ君の目に映し出されるように
tatoeba boku no katasumi ni dare ni mo todokanai keshiki kurai sora no ue wo aruite
iwakan aru jikan ni kimi ha nemuri ni tsuku ibitsu na mado goshi ni nozoite
tatoeba tetsu no mukou kawa ni karada wo nagedashite boku wo tokashite iki wo tometa
tatoeba kono tsumetai kanjoku mo kodoku na tetsu no kankaku mo mienai deshou
mou tsukoshi dake kimi no me ni utsushidasareru you ni
Like my own corner is a landscape unreachable to anyone, I walk above the gloomy skies
You still sleep uneasily as I look down through your crooked window
Like my sides turning to iron I cast myself down, and I start to melt, my breathing stops
Like a feeling so cold, this solitude is as strong as iron can't you see
So I could just for a little while be reflected in your eyes
例えば僕は12センチおきに君を刺すけど
目を瞑った瞬間に 全てが
tatoeba boku ha juuni senchi oki ni kimi wo sasukedo
me wo tsubutta shunkan ni subete ga
Like I have stabbed you every 12 centimeters
When I close my eyes it's all there
例えば12センチの瞬間を君に何回描いたら
遠いオレンジの集合体さえも 触れられるように
tatoeba juuni senchi no shunkan wo kimi ni nankai egaitara
tooi orenji no shuugoutai sae mo furerareru you ni
Like every 12 centimeters in that instant you are depicted
Even those distant orange lumps, seem to touch me
例えば不思議な世界に体を投げ出して 息を失くしたら 一人になる
誰もが後ろを振り向いて少しだけ僕を思い出した
見つけられないフレーズ
tatoeba fushigi na sekai ni karada wo nagedashite iki wo nakushitara hitori ni naru
dare mo ga ushiro wo furimuite tsukoshi dake boku wo omidashita
mitsukerarenai fureezu
Like throwing your body into a secret world, you'll lose your breath and become alone
Vaguely I remembered someone turning their face towards me
I couldn't see the phrase
例えば僕は12センチおきに君を刺すけど 耳を塞いだ瞬間に 全てが
曖昧な顔をして 12センチおきに君を刺すけど
わかりづらいフレーズで 全てが
tatoeba boku ha juuni senchi oki ni kimi wo sasukedo mimi wo fusaida shunkan ni subete ga
aimai na kao wo shite juuni senchi oki ni kimi wo sasukedo
wakaridzurai fureezu de subete ga
Like I have stabbed you every 12 centimeters, everything is there the instant I plugged my ears
You had a vague face, but I stabbed you every 12 centimeters
In that complicated phrase is everything
息を失くした瞬間に 時間の許した瞬間に
破壊されていく
曖昧な顔をして 12センチおきに君を刺すけど
共振するフレーズに 全てが
iki wo nakushita shunkan ni jikan no yurushita shunkan ni
hakai sareteiku
aimai na kao wo shite juuni senchi oki ni kimi wo sasukedo
kyoushinsuru fureezu ni subete ga
In that instant of stolen breath, in that instant time allowed
I destroyed you
You had a vague face, but I stabbed you every 12 centimeters
In this resonant phrase is everything
君の知らない世界がどこかに 見覚えを忘れて浮かんだあの日に
kimi no shiranai sekai ga doko ka ni mioboe wo wasurete ukanda ano hi ni
Where has your unknown world gone, it vanished from memory on that day
---
『mib 126』
{Lyrics & Composition by TK}
音を消してみて 歪んだ世界よ ふと気付くでしょう
光も消してみて 悲しい色がまた見えるように
犯された 空中 左手
oto wo keshite mite yuganda sekai yo futo kidzukudeshou
hikari mo keshite mite kanashii iro ga mata mieru you ni
okasareta kuuchuu hidarite
If I tried to erase the sounds, of this warped world, would you notice
If I tried to erase the light, it would be like seeing all the sad colors again
I've done it, the sky, in my left hand
迷い込んだ orange plus me
mayoikonda orange plus me
I've lost my way orange plus me
ちょっとしたスピードで僕は遠いオレンジに連れて行かれた
迷い込んだセルフタイマー
犯された 空中 左手
壊された 空中 左手
chotto shita supiido de boku ha tooi orenji ni tsurete ikareta
mayoikonda serufutaimaa
okasareta kuuchuu hidarite
kowasareta kuuchuu hidarite
Picking up a little speed I got carried away into the far off orange
I've lost my way, self-timer
I've done it, the sky in my left hand
I broke it, the sky in my left hand
指を噛んだ orange plus me
yubi wo kanda orange plus me
I chew my fingers orange plus me
片手でなぞった窓奥の余白 ガラスを超えればふわりと透けていく
誰かが屋上で夜になる前に見上げた景色も壊されそうだな
katate de nazotta mado oku no yohaku garasu wo koereba fuwari to suketeiku
dare ka ga okujou de yoru ni naru mae ni miageta keshiki mo kowasaresou da na
On one hand I traced a blank window, passing through the transparent glass
Seems someone broke it to get to the roof and gaze at the night time landscape
オマエタチガツクッタセカイニ
omaetachi ga tsukutta sekai ni
In this world created by all of you
あと少しだけこの眼に悲鳴に似た歌を望むなら
音を消して orange plus me 夢にまで似た僕の声 殺せないよ
ato tsukoshi dake no me ni himei ni nita uta wo nozomu nara
oto wo keshite orange plus me yume ni made nita boku no koe korosenai yo
After a while in my eyes if I wanted this screaming to be like a song
I'd erase the noise orange plus me until my voice becomes like a dream, so don't kill me
頭の中で orange plus me
思い描いたのは ｢今｣ 名も無き感情
言葉の中でcrazy dancing 思い出した夕景feeling
迷い込んだ orange plus me
atama no naka de orange plus me
omoiegaita no ha "ima" na mo naki kanjou
kotoba no naka de crazy dancing omoidashita yuukei feeling
mayoikonda orange plus me
In my head it's orange plus me
My imagined "now" has a nameless feeling
Within my words is crazy dancing a remembered nightscape feeling
I've lost my way orange plus me
Commenter ramenfreak was asking whether or not I'd be posting a write up of my picks for Best Albums of 2009. Well, in a way I have, but it wasn't written out. Of course you should already know about my pick for album of the year. I also produced two Japanator Radio shows a while back that highlighted my picks for the second half of the year. You can listen to both of those shows here and here.
Before that I did write up two posts covering my best album picks for the first half of the year. Those appeared both here on the A-Z and over on Japanator.
For a quick look at all 33 (Top 10? Ha!) of my picks, see below. But if you want to learn a bit more about them, make sure to read the full posts and listen to the shows!
Oh, and hey, what do you think is missing? All of these are just my own personal opinion. Please feel free to comment in any of these post (this one included) and let me and everyone else know what you love!
8bit Project - Spicy Innovator vs Superior Marionette [BUY it at HearJapan]
Art School - 14SOULS [BUY]
Avengers in Sci-fi - Hyper Space Music - Jupiter Jupiter [BUY]
Ayumi Hamasaki - Next Level [BUY]
Boom Boom Satellites - Back on My Feet [BUY]
Buck-Tick - Memento Mori [BUY]
FLOPPY - Kami Hikouki - Deus Ex Machina [BUY at JapanFiles and HearJapan]
Hosome - Jakamashi Jazz [BUY at HearJapan]
iLL - Force [BUY]
Kanon Wakeshima - Shinshoku Dolce [BUY]
Karen - Sunday Girl in Silence [BUY]
Lillies and Remains - Part of Grace [BUY]
Ling Tosite Sigure - Telecastic Fake Show - Just A Moment [BUY]
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs - World is Yours [BUY it at HearJapan]
Matryoshka - Coctura [BUY]
Molice - Doctor Ray [BUY]
Mono - Hymn to the Immortal Wind [BUY it at HearJapan]
Nirgilis - RGB [BUY]
Ogre You Asshole - Fog Lamp - Fog Lamp [BUY]
OMODAKA - Plum Song - Plum Song EP [BUY at HearJapan]
People in the Box - Tuesday / Sora Shitsu - Ghost Apple [BUY]
Plasticzooms - The Sonnets - Charm [BUY]
Polysics - Fire Bison - Absolute POLYSICS [BUY]
Qomolangma Tomato - Camouflage [BUY it at HearJapan]
sgt. - Capital of Gravity [BUY at JapanFiles and HearJapan]
Shiho Fujisawa - Funky Girl [BUY]
Straightener - Nexus [BUY]
Susumu Hirasawa - Tenko Suru Wakusei [BUY]
Various - 8bit Prophet [BUY it at HearJapan]
Viridian - Sangenshoku [BUY]
Vola & the Oriental Machine - Dead or Dance!! - Sa-Ka-Na Electric Device [BUY]
Winnie - Headquarter [BUY]
YMCK - Family Cooking [BUY]
Just A Moment is the third full-length album, first on major label Sony, released by Ling Tosite Sigure. They are a band that often plays with convention (even the Romanization of their name is sometimes written as Rin Toshite Shigure,) and they push that role to new heights on Just A Moment.
All of the song writing, lyrics and production are handled by the band's front-man Toru “TK” Kitajima. The fact that they are on a major label like Sony, yet maintain their extremely independent spirit, is a testament to the powerful range of skill that the entire trio brings to the table. Indeed, it's easy to forget that this is just three people playing in an otherwise conventional guitar, bass, drums and vocals set-up.
It's that lethal and obsessive production style that sells the album. Allowed that creative freedom, every phrase seems to get a slightly different sonic treatment, with echoes extended to the breaking point, reverb and delays swirling in and out, voices booming, then reduced to radio static. Every note is injected with a massive dose of aural steroids, crushing the air with unrelenting compression and rage. Yet at the same time it's impossible to forget that this is a warm-blooded group. Their lyrics are filled with poetic passion and evocative images. Of course the signature shared male/female lead vocal style is still prominent, most notably on the album's first single “Telecastic Fake Show.” While both TK and bassist Miyoko “345” Nakamura continue to flaunt their disregard for pitch when screaming in their their incredibly high-range voices, they both dial it back much more often than on previous releases to actually sing with great skill. Both “Seacret CM” and “Moment A Rhythm” are full of soft subtlety while still being wrapped in a warm wall of noise.
True to the title, the most precious and beautiful passages often last for a single short moment before being subsumed back into the frothing waves. While all of this intricate attention to detail would seem to make Just A Moment the perfect headphone experience, it in fact works much better when propelled through the air. When allowed to fill a room at full volume, it's as if the entire place begins to whirl with energy. If ever there was a band who could project their inner turmoil into a telekinetic tsunami, it would have to be Ling Tosite Sigure. Just A Moment is an incredible album that will not allow itself to be ignored, a high–water mark for all rock records of the future.
"Telecastic Fake Show"
"Jpop X-File"
We have hit the half-way mark on 2009 (well OK, we've gone well past it, but still) so that can only mean one thing. Time to take the first look back at the best Japanese albums of the first half of 2009!
This year, I'm trying something a little different than the past two. Instead of posting one giant list of albums, I've broken it up into two distinct parts. Here at the A-Z you've got the more rock, post-rock, post-punk, post-whatever and indie oriented bands. Over at Japanator you've got the more electro and pop stuff. Neither one is totally one genre or the other, but I thought it would be interesting to see how one list works against the other. So, once you are done soaking up the harder-edged stuff here, make sure to head on over to Japanator for even more.
OK, on with the list!
Lillies and Remains - Part of Grace [BUY IT]
First off, while none these picks are in any sort of order, I will say that the first three all fall into my own "album of the year" category, each for different reasons. First up is Part of Grace by Lillies and Remains, which I reviewed in full here. The self-produced album is a fascinating mix of darkness and light, with its gothic post-punk guitars and reverberations alongside some very lovely melodies. KENT's deep vocal style is also unique, adding to the swampy mystery. Factor in the all English lyrics, and these guys should have no problem making it big around the world.
Ling Tosite Sigure - Just A Moment [BUY IT]
On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Just A Moment, the self-produced album from Ling Tosite Sigure. If Part of Grace is a dark, brooding fog, Just A Moment is a violent hurricane. Full of explosive noise as well as equally quiet and calm passages, Just A Moment is a constantly shifting volcanic landscape.
Mono - Hymn to the Immortal Wind [BUY IT]
My final pick for unofficial album of the year is Hymn to the Immortal Wind by Mono. The instrumental post-rock group has made a true masterpiece with Hymn. The expansive, lengthy songs all move through several stages, from silence to a roaring clash of guitars, drums and a full string section. Through it all runs a very strong sense of melody, with many painfully beautiful passages. Much like Sigure Ros, Mono provide the listener with all they need to imagine their own personal and/or otherworldly stories.
Viridian - Sangenshoku [BUY IT]
The song "Little Soldier" on Viridian's debut album Sangenshoku is well worth the price of admission in its own. The rest of the album is more quality indie rock, with singer Sano Hitomi's voice being a stand out, as her tone is more mature and deep than many other female singers. She stays well away from any cutesy flash and instead focuses on simply singing both well and with passion. It's a great album that will both lighten your mood and get you ready to kick a little ass.
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs - World is Yours [BUY IT]
Mass of the Fermenting Dregs continues to be one of the most exciting all girl (or, these days, almost all girl) indie-rock bands out there. They manage to pump out some really frenetic rock, while also maintaining their calm, cool and collected demeanor. While World is Yours is really more of a mini-album that a proper full release, it still proves that their ability to produce pulse-pounding anthems is no fluke.
Qomolangma Tomato - Camouflage [BUY IT]
With a healthy disregard for vocal perfection as well as a sometimes loose grove, it might seem like Qomolangma Tomato is falling off the rails from time to time, but rest assured that it's all part of the act. Camouflage is full of otherwise tuneful songs pushed to the brink of self-destruction. They actually aren't as rough as some of the individual songs might make them out to be. Overall, Camouflage is a multifaceted album full of surprises, provided you give it the chance.
Straightener - Nexus [BUY IT]
At first listen, the new album from rock veterans Straightener is rather unassuming, maybe even little laid back. While they've never been a very extreme rock band, Nexus feels even more mild in temperament than usual. Upon closer inspection, however, the songs really open themselves up and reveal some very solid tunes.
Winnie - Headquarter [BUY IT]
Winnie blends lead male and female vocals just as well as they blend their slightly pop rock sound with much more listenable heavier rock textures. Their swirling guitars and danceable beats set them apart from the regular rock crowd just as their weighty guitar moments set them apart from the typical feel-good dance-rock bands.
Matryoshka - Coctura [BUY IT]
While not actually a new album, but rather a remix album, Matryoshka's new release Coctura is nevertheless something totally new. The songs get both the standard remix treatment from the likes of World's End Girlfriend and Headphones Remote, as well as more of a cover song thing with guest vocalists and producers working together. All of this serves only to add even more atmosphere and a sense of reverence to Matryoshka's already moody and muzzy style.
Boom Boom Satellites - Back on My Feet [BUY IT]
This one is a bit of a cheat, since Back on My Feet is really just a glorified four song single or maybe an EP. Regardless, it's a great little release, worthy of inclusion on the list. While the group's previous album was pretty up-tempo and had a bit of a good-times party vibe, the material on Back on My Feet is darker and more subtle, much like their very early work. The songs take more time to develop and have greater depth. The use of piano and strings along with the usual batch of pounding cut-up drums, guitars and synths adds to the overall more mature and serious mood. Let's just hope we get an album in this style as well.
That's all for now. There's already a list of potentially great releases for the rest of the year, so I'm already excited about things to come!
See something missing? Then by all means write up your own best of list in the comments. Together we can bring all the best music into the light it deserves.
Without a doubt, 2008 was nothing short of amazing when it came to new albums. Not only were there a lot of new faces releasing thrilling stuff, but there were also many old favorites that continued to churn out fantastic records.
I could tell around the middle of 2008 that there was going to be way too much ground to cover in terms of a "Best Of" year end collection, so I put together my first list of 30 albums back on July. You might want to give it a quick read to get yourself up to speed.
We've finally lurched into 2009, so naturally it's time to take one final look back at some of the Best Japanese Albums of 2008. What a list it is! I've spent an incredible amount of time pouring over the list, mostly getting lost in the staggering number of great videos I've mostly forgotten about. Really, I could probably just keep listing to the stuff from last year all through 2009 and still be happy.
So, get comfortable, grab a tasty beverage and join me after the jump for the Best Japanese Albums of 2008 (Part 2)!
First off, I'll start with my absolute favorites. Just about any of these albums could have made the top of the list, so everything is simply listed in alphabetical order.
54-71 - I'm Not Fine, Thank You. And You?
While these guys might not be the most creative sonically (every song sounds very much like every other song), they more than make up for it in sheer intensity. They are extremely sparse and focused, with performances that cut to the bone. Think Rage Against the Machine, only with even fewer frills. [BUY]
9mm Parabellum Bullet - Vampire
Another furiously performed album from possibly the biggest name in the new wave of indie rock. These guys have done nothing but great things right out of the gate, and Vampire is both their most mature and most exciting album so far. [BUY]
Avengers in Sci-Fi - Science Rock
Combining their super-tight post-punk playing with spaced-out electronics and production, Avengers in Sci-Fi creating something unique. Both rock and dance, energetic and calming, they manage to push the boundaries without creating too much chaos. [BUY]
De De Mouse - Sunset Girls
De De Mouse is a rare example of an artist who not only creates amazing music, but also creates entire worlds. His purely electronic style is also totally organic and absolutely original, full of fuzzy memories of childhood set in a Lisa Frank world. Absolutely wonderful stuff. [BUY]
Denki Groove - Yellow
Leave it to house/prog/trance masters Denki Groove to step away for a while, only to come back with two full length albums in one year! JPOP already made it onto the previous Best list, and they're back again with Yellow, their second release in 2008. It's actually a much more solid album, and totally infectious from beginning to end. [BUY]
Mo'some Tonebender - Sing!
Mo'some Tonebender have come such a long way over the years, but they've always churned out great sutff. Sing! sees them at their peak, with both great sounding songs and some really new direction. Very upbeat, yet still kicking all kinds of ass, as always. [BUY]
Mutyumu - Ilya
Combining operatic vocals, nu-metal guitars, rock piano and classical strings, it's safe to say the there isn't anyone quite like Mutyumu. Their second album pushed their sound even further, but in the death metal department as well as the profoundly moving softer, extended strong sections. A little something for every, just so long as you like things very very dark and brooding. [BUY]
sgt. - Stylus Fantasticus
Just one of many spectacular instruments band to release something great in 2008. Yet sgt. stands way above the crowd with their featured violin player and truly epic song structures. Like many other bands in this list, the mix a trancelike intensity with equally delicate details. While they've been together for a while, this is their first album. Let's hope for much more in the future! [BUY]
Versailles - Noble
Few bands rise to prominence as fast as Versailles. With their very first song released, "The Revenant Choir," they instantly shot to the very top of the vis-kei scene. This is no doubt due to the fact that they are amazing players, packing in nothing but quality in each of their epic symphonic metal songs. Oh, and I suppose some people might like the visual side to them as well. [BUY]
Vola & the Oriental Machine - Halan'na-ca Darkside
Vola changed things up a bit on this album (essentially an EP.) While it's still very much the same band, they went in a slightly more dance-oriented direction. It's still pretty intense and fun though. The use of short electro tracks in-between the songs proper really makes for a solid release. This is another band that's really become an icon in the scene, so it'll be very interesting to see what they do next. [BUY]
Those are the top 10! Oh, but there's still so much more. In fact I had to sift though close to 110 albums just to make this list of the second half of 2008! Naturally there's just too much to go into great depth with. If you want to learn more about each band, click their names and check out more info and videos. They're all superb!
Art-School - Illmatic Baby [BUY]
Cruyff in the Bedroom - Saudargia [BUY]
DJ Sharpnel - Nijigen Satasfaction [BUY]
group_inou - Fan [BUY]
iLL - Rock Album [BUY]
Immi - Switch [BUY]
Ogre You Asshole - Shiranai Aizu Shiraseruko [BUY]
Omodaka - Favorite Games [BUY]
The Predators - Kiba wo Misero [BUY]
Saori@destiny - Japanese Chaos [BUY]
School Food Punishment - Riff-Rain [BUY]
Sex Machineguns - Cameron [BUY]
Sexy Synthesizer - Rock [BUY]
Shadow - Forever Chaos [BUY]
Té -Mashite, Kokoro to Gokan ga Icchi Surunara [BUY]
Unkie - Too Many Secrets [BUY]
Usotsuki Barbie- 増えた1もグル [BUY]
Wagdug Futuristic Unity - Hakai [BUY]
Zazen Boys - Zazen Boys 4 [BUY]
That's it! What? That's not enough? Sheesh, some people are never happy. Well, we'll all just have to wait and see what happens in the coming year. I expect great things.
Make sure to stay tuned to the blog and to Japanator Radio every week for more of the best music from Japan!
We are only half-way through the year 2008, six months since our look back at The Best Japanese Albums of 2007, and already the world has seen the release of some of the best music ever. OK, I suppose that may be a bit hyperbolic, but my point is this: The world cannot wait until the end of the year to take a look back at the year in music.
With that in mind, I present for you a list of the best Japanese albums of 2008...so far. It's only been six months, but, as you'll see below, there are already 30 great albums out that you won't want to miss.
From electro to indie-rock to some of the craziest punk-jazz you'll ever hear (and really, how much punk-jazz have you heard?) Japan has but pumping out a dizzying range of superb music. It's not all from visionary, road weary bands either. Some of the best music has arrived in the form of anime and video-game soundtracks.
Now, I won't lie to you. This is going to take some time. Please get comfortable. Find a tasty beverage. Don't hit that jump thinking you can just scan through the list, then hit up the comments with your words of scorn and amazement that your own pet bands failed to make the list. Oh no. You are going to take your time and read all 3000 words and watch all of the videos first. You won't get any pudding if you don't eat your meat. I guess what I'm saying is, eat my meat.
What?
OK, let's just ignore that and make with the list. Onward!
DIGG THIS!
TOP 10
Let's just get the best of the best out of the way right at the top. Here are the top ten Japanese albums of 2008...so far!
Asian Kung-Fu Generation - World World World
It just wouldn't be a proper “best of” listing without Asian Kung-Fu Generation. Ever since their first releases in 2000 they've produced consistently great material. World World World shows a slight decrease in the number of up-tempo, rockin' tracks, but the intricate musicianship is still there. They shift down into softer, mainstream friendly rock more often than not. Where once they were passionately screaming and abrasive, they now fit closer to the laid-back coffee house genre. They still bring a truck load of monster guitar and soaring vocals, but on World it's become more rounded off and smooth.
"After Dark" (fanvid)
The Black Mages - The Black Mages III: Darkness and Starlight
One cannot deny the legacy of Nobuo Uematsu. The man behind some of the most memorable and iconic Final Fantasy music has not only changed the face of video game music, but influenced untold numbers of musicians outside of the video gaming world. With his progressive metal band The Black Mages, he has proven that his material can work just as well, if not better, outside of its original, more precious orchestral arrangements. While many of the Final Fantasy tracks are obviously rock influenced to begin with, The Black Mages take it to a much higher level, not only cranking up the tempo and distortion level, but doing it all with huge grins on their faces. Darkness and Starlight is a mix of both metal tracks and softer ballads. There's even a mini rock opera!
"Opening Bombing Mission"
Boris - Smile
Boris has long been the thinking man's hard rock band. While on the one hand they certainly produce plenty of brain melting sludge guitar, they are also constantly breaking the typical stoner rock rules. Smile is a shining example of this, from its opening, bizarrely mixed psyche-tribal version of “Message,” totally obliterated and incomprehensible “Shoot!” and their downright folky version of “Flower Sun Rain” evoking images of a post apocalyptic wild-west landscape, it's an album full of freshness and originality. Turned up loud enough, it'll not only clean out your ears, but freshen up your brain as well.
"Statement"
Yokko Kanno - Macross Frontier Original Soundtrack - Nyan Furo
All that the aforementioned Nobuo Uematsu is to game music can be directly applied to Yoko Kanno's work with anime soundtracks. She is quite simply a genius. Much like Uematsu, Kanno has her own style, but is able to apply it with equal deftness to any genre. Quite often, her approach to an anime series' music serves to define the entire show, even more so than the character design or storyline. While her work for Macross: Frontier may not quite reach that level, it is no less amazing in its own right. Take into account that the OST's two singles and full album have all hit the top 3 on the charts and you know you've got something special on your hands. Kanno is uniquely able to work in the pop realm, yet inject the sort of profound structures and tones you'd normally expect in only the most cerebral classical compositions. Nyan Furo is equal parts idol pop (“What 'bout my star?”) and darkly rolling film score (“Bajura”) while never submitting to the normal pitfalls (vapid shallowness or over self-indulgence) of either genre.
"Triangular"
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots - Original Soundtrack 
It's been said before countless times, but we live in a new age. With the release of Hideo Kojima's masterpiece Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, the world of interactive entertainment has evolved into a new creature. The music of Harry Gregson-Williams, along with others (including Nobuko Toda, Shuichi Kobori, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Yoshitaka Suzuki and Jackie Presti) has defined Metal Gear Solid's aural world for some time. With MGS4, that world has exploded. Perhaps it's just a reflection of the story's tone, but the accompanying soundtrack is as achingly beautiful as it is fueled with adrenalin. All of the bass stabs and staccato metal clangs we've come to expect are firmly in place, but there are also soft passages, delicate acoustic twangs and haunting choirs running throughout. Even without knowing its place in the plot, “Father & Son” is a tear-jerker, proving that the soundtrack can more than survive on its own. When coupled with Kojima's genius, it's glory is truly terrifying.
"Old Snake"
Midori - Aratamemashite, Hajimemashite, Midori Desu
In a world full of saccharine pop bands fronted by candy coated high-school girls and carbon copy pop riffs, bands like Midori are at times so incongruous that at first they seem like an incomprehensible slap to the face. Once you get a chance to get back on your feet however, one can start to understand their shape and trajectory. Fronted by a screaming tsunami in a sailor-suit, the band plays a brand of punk-jazz the likes of which you've never heard. “Challenging” might be the simple description, but once you get past the noise you'll find plenty of pop hooks to hold on to in the storm. Aratamemashite, Hajimemashite, Midori Desu is the natural, I don't dare say maturation, but maybe progression for the band. They are able to contain their rage on songs like the almost purely jazzy “Chiharu no koi” and “Himitsu no futari,” saving it instead for the relentless “Yukiko-san” and “Howling Jigoku.” It's not so much maturity as knowing how to trick your victims into submission.
"Romantic Natsu Mode" (from previous album)
Perfume - Game
In a world full of saccharine pop bands fronted by candy coated high-school girls and carbon copy pop riffs, groups like Perfume are a dime a dozen. Perhaps because of groups like Perfume itself. Producer Nakata Yasutaka has turned the group's razor-sharp, insanely compressed club sound into a national phenomenon. The could be due in part to Yasutaka's near omnipresence in the Japanese pop scene, working with other groups and singers like Capsule and MEG. Yet Perfume has become the giant Ghidorah running rampant through the charts. Game sees the group of three young girls pumping out yet another album of hard-hitting dance tracks full of ear-annihilating bass and irritable head-bobbing beats. It will be high water make with which all other idol groups will be measured in the years to come. For better or worse. You can check out my full review, posted earlier, here.
"Secert Secert"
Polysics - We Ate the Machine
Over the ten years since they started up, Polysics has always endeavored to refine their sound. While they started life as a rather noisy electro punk band, they've slowly stripped away the veil of distortion over time, allowing their expert musicianship to shine. Their newest album We Ate The Machine inhabits a sort of hyper-reality. Every blip, blorp and scream is in a sort of high-definition, hyper-focus. Their songs are just as challenging as ever, full of herky-jerky time and tempo changes, blazing new-wave guitar and laser-beam synths. Instead of shrouding all of this under a blanket of distortion and reverb they instead give everything a candy-coated polish. “Pretty Good” and “Rocket” are radio friendly and chirpy, “Kagayake” adds a level of intensity, and tracks like “Digital Coffee” show that they certainly haven't lost their sense of humor. While they may be targeting a more mainstream audience with their more accessible sound, they are still managing to pack in more tricks and surprises into one song them most bands manage in their entire careers.
"Pretty Good"
Telephones - Japan
If you replaced Telephones singer Akira Ishige with just about any old UK post-punk singer and you'd probably have a huge hit on your hands. Of course Japanese bands are often overlooked, so Telephones have yet to break out overseas (even though they sing mostly in English.) Nevertheless they can easily stand along side other bands of the genre like Franz Ferdinand, Block Party, Kaiser Chiefs etc. Plus, Japan proves that they are able to take a dip into genres that some other bands may fear, like electro and new-wave, making them bit more along the lines of Polysics at times. While they are firmly beholden to the UK sound throughout the album, they move all over the map stylistically, making the album much more than your standard genre piece. Just when you think you've got them figured out, they'll drop in some rave synths or some really strange guitar effects. Japan is only the band's first full length release, so we can only hope there's much more to come from this very promising young band.
“Sick Rocks
YMCK - Family Genesis
Sometimes business as usual is exactly what you hope for from a band. Such is the case with possibly the best chiptune band in the world, YMCK. While many pico-pico bands try and wow listeners with their programming prowess and over-the-top flashiness, YMCK simply sets things to “mellow” and just lets the songs speak for themselves. While the songs certainly are very complex and subtle, it doesn't show. The real wonder sets in once you let them wash over you, moving you into a more relaxed state. Family Genesis is probably their most laid back album so far, but it's still full of the same 8-bit wizardry we've come to expect. Their songs are just as bright and happy as ever, though in more of a rosy-glow sort of way. Never too frenetic or annoyingly chipper, the songs simply float along. Midori's vocals are just as calming, almost as if she's whispering them under her breath as she cleans up around the house. Why definitely nostalgic for anyone growing up in the Nintendo age, YMCK's sound is still as fresh as it was back in the early days.
"Starlight"
And now for 20 more that are simply “the best.”
Beat Crusaders - Popdod : Another quality album from the always upbeat indie-rock/pop-punk band. Lots of cool synth ala the Rentals also helps to elevate the album beyond your average rock album.
"Time Flies Everything Goes"
Bespa Kumamero - Romantic Waves : The debut album from this industrial dance duo. Plenty of classic club industrial beats for all you old Lords of Acid fans. (Check them out at JapanFiles.com)
"Muddy Romantic"
Blood - The Reaper Behind Me : Possibly the hardest self-sustaining goth industrial band out there. Reaper is two discs of high-fashion with a dark electro heart.
"Vengance for Blood" (from a previous album)
Budo Grape - Aimore : This irresistible indie new-wave band's newest album is chock full of DIY electro pop and plenty of catchy art-punk songs. All very cute. (Check them out at JapanFiles.com)
"Botan wo Oshinaose" (from a previous album)
Bugy Craxone - Good Morning, Punk Lovers : Bugy returns for another excellent album of raw post-punk and garage tinged rock, full of tight guitars and vocals Cortney Love could only dream of attaining.
"Come On"
Denki Groove - J-POP : The highly influential euro-dance duo returns after a very long hiatus. Once again at the top of their game, J-POP brings their campy club beats back into fashion.
"Mononoke Dance"
Eufonius - Metro Chrome : While falling well short of Yoko Kanno's brilliance, Eufonius nevertheless evokes her lyrical spirit more often then not on Metro Chrome. That's good enough for me.
"Reflectier"
Fuji Fabric - Teenager : While mostly laid back and nice, Fuji Fabric does find a few chances to rock out on Teenager in between all the soft pianos and funky guitars. You'll be humming these immediately.
"Surfer King"
Inugami Circus-dan - Juren : More top-shelf hard-rock and metal from this kimono wearing, subversive, female-fronted band. Need I say more?
live clip
The Jerry - Awake : If other safe-rock bands like Remioromen or Spitz are a little too safe for you're liking, try out The Jerry. Awake is full of frenetic energy and strong songs while never going overboard.
"Kageshirube"
Karen - Maggot in Tears : Fans of late '80 early '90s swirly indie rock take note! Not only is Maggot in Tears the easy winner of best album title of the year, but it's also full of toe-tapping, washed out songs full of heavily effected guitars and a mild mood.
"Lorraine"
ketchup mania - F.L.A.G. : The short answer is check out my full review here. If you like incredibly chirpy pop-punk that never gives an inch, look no further. (check out the full album review here!)
"BAD! BAD! BAD!"
Lunkhead - Fuka : Lunkhead falls somewhere in between The Jerry and Bugy Craxone. Definitely raw and just a bit abrasive, yet still a bit “nice.” A few too many softer songs take the life out of the few excellent and heavier indie-rock-outs.
(from a previous album)
Marble - Nijiro Humming : Much like Eufonius, Marble is what you might think of as your typical anime band. Very pretty, softer songs with electro beats and twinkling acoustic guitars and pianos. They manage to break out beyond the typical more often than not, making them something special.
"青空 Loop"
Mass of Fermenting Dregs - Mass of Fermenting Dregs : This mini album is a non-stop blast of noisy indie-rock greatness. The all-girl trio pumps out some amazingly huge sounds. A bit like Downy's art rock vibe and Chatmonchy with balls and a much better singer. Please send us a full-length album soon!
"Highlight"
Miki Furukawa - Bondage Heart : Far from being chained to her former band Supercar, Miki has managed to forge on and find her own sound. Bondage Heart is the proof, jumping from soft-spoken rock to twee electro gems and spaced out drones.
"Candy Girl"
Miyavi - This Iz the Japanese Kabuki Rock : I'll admit, I still haven't been able to fully wrap my head around this one. Equal parts hip-hop, rock, metal, and rap, all surrounded with Miyavi's signature slapping acoustic guitar style. This album is nothing if not original.
"Subarashiki Kana Kono Sekai"
Sakanaction - Night : With their second album, Sakanaction moves even closer into territory heretofore occupied by bands like Cornelius. Supper classy electro with smooth vocals and a full band makes this more than your average after-party fare.
"Word"
Syrup 16g - Syrup 16g : Another rather middle of the road album that has a few moments of total brilliance. Dreamy shoegaze rock, sometime gentle, sometimes raging. Also, their final album! So sad...how appropriate.
Tsushimamire - Tsushimamire to Rock to Beer de : This new mini-album from yet another all-girl trio experiments with art-punk, Ex-Girl like arrangements from outer-space, crashing drums, shrill vocals and complex change-ups every few bars, not to mention a sense of humor through it all.
"Sakuran Boy" (live)
That's it for the year...so far! Of course I'd love to hear what you think of the list, as well as hear what you think is missing. Fill up the comments with your own Best Of for the year. Also, what can we expect in the months to come? Anything making you twist up into knots of anticipation?
Until January, true believers!
