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Fun Stuff => BAND => Topic started by: rawrXskittles on 07 May 2008, 12:56

Title: Japanese Artists?
Post by: rawrXskittles on 07 May 2008, 12:56
I know that it's rather uncommon to like music from a different country (and indeed, having a taste in Japanese rock or "visual kei" - or simply VK - has earned me the title of weaboofag from many people), but I was wondering if you guys might possibly be interested in hearing some.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Kei  - Here's the wikipedia entry, in case you're too lazy to look it up on your own; however, that doesn't cover all of it. If you're interested, I'll try and sum it up, but here's the basis of what I've got to say: Even though it's in a language that I can't understand, I enjoy the sound of it and it makes me happy. Most of the time the emotion of the song comes through as well; and it doesn't hurt that the people making the music are, by my standards, very attractive (to be a shallow asshole about it). True, the guys look like girls and the girls look like guys, but who cares? VK blurs the line between male and female in its image, but really what I like best is the music.

I'd like to give you a list of some good bands to check out, if you're interested, and I'll provide links to downloads of their best if I find them.

-Dir en Grey
We'll start, of course, with a classic, and one of the most popular Japanese bands out there. Dir en Grey was heavily influenced by Luna Sea - however, I don't like them much, but I do reccommend you check them out if you want to know the older bands - but they soon travelled in a direction all their own. The fans might be annoying, and lately the music has turned into stale, repetitive J-Metal, but their old stuff is truly wonderful. Raison d'Etre is one of their classic songs, one of their best, and I highly reccommend it.
http://www.4shared.com/file/37360346/9c4fe27e/Dir_en_Grey_Raison_etre_PVBy_JoRuK.html?s=1

-X Japan
X Japan, along with BOOWY, was the biggest thing in Japan for a long, long time (until their breakup and the untimely death of their guitarist, hide) and it's really obvious why; X Japan had talent. They do sound like 80's hair metal, but that's because they were - but they were good at it, and while many of their songs will strike you as funny because Toshi, the lead singer, doesn't sing in English very well, he has a lot of emotion and a very pretty voice.
http://www.4shared.com/file/39919951/282b08eb/x_japan_-_rusty_nail_WwWImpact-VisualBlogspotCoM.html?s=1

-hide with Spread Beaver
The ex-guitarist of X Japan (hurr hurr, he's ex-X, yes) was truly remarkable; he had a bright personality, a wonderful smile, and amazing guitar skills, as well as a wonderful voice and a mind sharp as a steel trap. His lyrics are very beautiful, if not pretty creepy and sad, and though the subject matter may be very dark, almost all of his music is a good, fun listen. He is one of my favorite Japanese artists, and it's a tragedy that he's dead (the tenth anniversary of his death was May 2, for those curious).
http://www.last.fm/music/hide/hide+BEST+PSYCHOMMUNITY

-Kaya
Kaya works with Hora, I'm pretty sure; they were both members of Schwarz Stein so I'm pretty sure they work together still. Regardless, Kaya's music is a little bit electronica and a LOT bit beautiful. He has an amazing range and a very sweet voice, and the messages in his songs (once, of course, you find the translations) are very heartfelt and sweet; I've found myself crying just reading the lyrics to Silvery Dark off of his Glitter album. Chocolat is his newest single, and it's very beautiful; I've been listening to it a lot.
http://www.4shared.com/file/45133610/457e840/single_23042008_Kaya_-_Chocolat.html

-Malice Mizer
One simply cannot forget Malice Mizer in a list of good Japanese artists; they were a truly excellent band of musicians. Their sound was very refined; indeed, they tried to make cliassical music with modern instruments and had a fair bit of success. Their vocalists did a wonderful job of matching the previous ones' tones, and so all the lineups sound remarkably the same; Tetsu was rather... erm, not good, but Klaha and Gackt - yes, THAT Gackt - sounded remarkably good. Their passion and emotion were very clear, and the music has a dark and exciting tone to it; it can be calm and sweet, or dark and fast, or sedate and yet creepy; there is a wide range. While I haven't downloaded this single yet, their song Gardenia is very thrilling and very wonderful to listen to.
http://www.4shared.com/file/16154407/eb33412c/Malice_Mizer_-_Gardenia__single__5-30-2001.html?s=1

-BUCK-TICK
Atsushi, the vocalist of this band, is peerless in all ways. He is just... wow. Conventional words don't suffice and I might just have to start making some up. But he really is very, very, very, very good; my favorite vocalist. Whereas hide with Spread Beaver is my favorite for guitar and music with energy and vitality, BUCK-TICK is my favorite band for passion and a really lovely, smooth sound. They are just... so good. It makes my brain short-circuit trying to really find the words to correctly describe them. Just... listen to them. MUMA: THE NIGHTMARE is really an amazing piece of music.
http://www.last.fm/music/BUCK-TICK/_/Muma+-The+Nightmare

-Miyavi
Miyavi is so incredible. He is, without a doubt, my favorite artist. The front he puts up for the camera is not really who he is at all; though he seems energetic and peppy, a lot of his lyrics are very sad. He often writes from a woman's perspective; he writes about being raped, being abused as a child, being a mistress of a wealthy man and wanting him to love him and not his wife... and yet there are some songs that are just sweet and happy, like Peace Sign and Aishiteru Genki ni Naare. His voice is very sweet, no matter what he's singing about, and his guitar work is truly amazing; he's an acoustic artist, with a lot of success.
www.imeem.com/people/IOGONO/music/nImQ90fO/miyavi_baka_na_hito/

This is only a short list of the artists that I really enjoy... but I haven't got any more time to write about them, so this is all I'm posting for now. If I get enough interest in the topic, I'll post a few more - but I'd like your opinions and your feedback on the music!
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Mister Arkadin on 07 May 2008, 13:06
Uncommon to listen to music from another country? Sorry, you lost me there.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: MusicScribbles on 07 May 2008, 13:16
Actually this is not uncommon at all! Either these people are playing with your balls, or they are ignorant as to the value of other cultures!
There are some pretty awesome Japanese artists out there, and this forum holds many fans of certain ones.
These number among bands such as Boris, Merzbow, the Boredoms, Ghost, Guitar Wolf, Acid Mothers Temple, Polysics, Melt Banana, and many others!
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: WriterofAllWrongs on 07 May 2008, 13:21
Is it can be Go! Go! 7188 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GO!GO!7188) tiem nao?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: karl gambolputty... on 07 May 2008, 13:22
...weaboofag?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: rynne on 07 May 2008, 13:26
Boris, Merzbow, the Boredoms, Ghost, Guitar Wolf, Acid Mothers Temple, Polysics, Melt Banana, and many others!

Plus OOIOO, Shonen Knife, the 5678s and Afrirampo.

Yes and yes.  I also enjoy the musical stylings of Takako Minekawa, Buffalo Daughter, and Super Junky Monkey, not to mention other Japanoise folks like Masonna, KK Null, and Aube.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: a pack of wolves on 07 May 2008, 13:59
The recent Swarrrm album Black Bong is insane. I haven't seen it available outside Japan though which is a shame, apparently nobody can get it for distro. In addition to the bands mentioned before (except the visual kei, I never cared for that) this thread is lacking Gauze, Shugo Tokumaru, Pear Of The West, Flagitious Idiosyncracy In The Dilapidation, Fuck On The Beach, Idol Punch, Slight Slappers... in fact, there is no way to list all the amazing bands from Japan.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 07 May 2008, 14:00
Boriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Scandanavian War Machine on 07 May 2008, 14:07
The Pillows
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 07 May 2008, 14:19
"Uncommon to like music from other countries" and then holding up Visual Kei as an example of good music from Japan = does not compute.

Listen to the stuff other people suggested.  Especially Acid Mothers Temple.

Also, I am reasonably certain that many Japanese bands are more popular in the US and Europe than in Japan.  I know a Japanese girl who loves every post-rock band I can think of... except Mono, who she had never heard of.   :?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 07 May 2008, 14:23
I always forget Mono are from Japan.


Ai Aso is pretty good, too. She's done some stuff with Wata from Boris, and a few tracks on Michio Kurihara's solo album.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: a pack of wolves on 07 May 2008, 14:24
Aren't Boris really obscure inside Japan as well?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Scandanavian War Machine on 07 May 2008, 14:26
whaa???

Figure it out, Japan!
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 07 May 2008, 14:36
One notable example in the other direction is Té - a very fucking good heavy-post-rock band - whose first album that came out last year actually debuted in the Japanese top 10, maybe even top 5, maybe even number 1, I can't recall, but the point is that in Japan an instrumental post-rock album did the equivalent of debuting like a crappy pop or rock band would in America.

Japan knows what's up.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: imapiratearg on 07 May 2008, 15:07
The Pillows

Also: MONO.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Patrick on 07 May 2008, 15:10
Boris

Boriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.

BORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: MusicScribbles on 07 May 2008, 15:12
Té is definitely something Japan has gotten right in the music industry. Well done Japan, well done. (This means that people should check out Té.)
I think Jackie uploaded an album by them to the mediafire thread. I know someone did.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: TheoristB on 07 May 2008, 15:18
I have to add Cornelius and Sugar Plant to the list.  Cornelius is amazing, the album Point is pretty ridiculous and awesome.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: De_El on 07 May 2008, 15:52
Boris

Boriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.

BORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS.

Well, BORIS are pretty cool, but I also like the occasional helping of boris.

I must admit, I am kinda fond of Miyavi.

Is there no love for The Stalin? I know a pack of wolves and various other forumers like Envy. As far as hip hop goes, I'm a fan of Nujabes, Tsutchie, and basically anyone else involved in the music from Samurai Champloo.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: np96 on 07 May 2008, 16:02
Electric eel shock are pretty impressive.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: El_Forastero on 07 May 2008, 16:10
YAAAY Japanese music!

Sorry, most people I know don't like foreign bands.

I'll have to check out these ones - I only started getting nto Japanese music. At the moment, though, I'm a fan of Eastern Youth, and a band whom I (presume?) is new, Superfly. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: TheFuriousWombat on 07 May 2008, 18:11
If MONO was the only band I was ever allowed to listen to, not only from Japan but in general, I'm pretty sure I'd still be really happy.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: ViolentDove on 07 May 2008, 20:00
I agree with you so very much.

Also, their sometime collaborator World's End Girlfriend is well worth a listen. 
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: rawrXskittles on 07 May 2008, 21:47
You guys have just won the internet for suggesting a LOT of bands I have never even heard of, but will add to my "MUST CHECK OUT" list.

Anybody like Danger*Gang?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: jimbunny on 07 May 2008, 22:21
Plus-Tech Squeeze Box

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=100976571

Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: pinkpiche on 07 May 2008, 23:31
Age is very good too.

I really, really don't like visual k

Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: ImRonBurgundy? on 08 May 2008, 01:39
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Kei

No thanks.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/TheHusseinSkank/b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/TheHusseinSkank/polysics.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/TheHusseinSkank/numbergirlthumb.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/TheHusseinSkank/bloodthirstybutchersthumb.jpg)

Yes, please.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: MadassAlex on 08 May 2008, 02:26
GALNERYUS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzAfatAMOQ4)

Best weaboo metal, ever. Maybe except for Sigh. Oh fuck yeah, Sigh, too.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Rizzo on 08 May 2008, 02:56
*Yawn* Still boring at fuck aye Skittles?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: TheHempInvader on 08 May 2008, 03:15
Funny, I Noticed this thread just as I turned on my "Maximum the Hormone"..

They are a somewhat odd Japanese band.. In one song, they range from metal to J-pop, to alternitive and back to metal again.

Very fun to listen to.

I'd advise the album "Buiiki Kaesu"

Enjoy
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: MadassAlex on 08 May 2008, 03:32
I just consider Maximum The Hormone hardcore with batshit qualities.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Kill.kenada on 08 May 2008, 04:33
Is it can be Go! Go! 7188 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GO!GO!7188) tiem nao?

Brap brap!
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 08 May 2008, 04:53
Aren't Boris really obscure inside Japan as well?

From what I've heard, yes.

Boris

Boriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis.

BORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS.

BORIS.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Patrick on 08 May 2008, 06:03
Boris are the Only Good Band.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Beastmouth on 08 May 2008, 07:15
No Michelle Gun Elephant? 
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: TheoristB on 08 May 2008, 08:21
Also, the band Eastern Youth.  They did a split with cursive.  I heart it.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: KickThatBathProf on 08 May 2008, 11:28
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/TheHusseinSkank/polysics.jpg)

This.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 08 May 2008, 11:51
Is there no love for The Stalin?

I recently watched an early-80s Japanese movie that featured live performances from several J-punk bands and I was seriously impressed at how awesome The Stalin were.  Harmonica in a punk band = instant win.  I'd even say they're as good as Guitar Wolf.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: 20 jazz funk greats on 08 May 2008, 14:36
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/TheHusseinSkank/polysics.jpg)

This.

yes.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: E. Spaceman on 08 May 2008, 18:28
One notable example in the other direction is Té - a very fucking good heavy-post-rock band - whose first album that came out last year actually debuted in the Japanese top 10, maybe even top 5, maybe even number 1, I can't recall, but the point is that in Japan an instrumental post-rock album did the equivalent of debuting like a crappy pop or rock band would in America.

Japan knows what's up.



That doesn't really mean anything, though. Radiohead debuted at #1 with Kid A. Plus Alyssa Milano has a successful ecording career there!




;My all tim favourite quote about a band is about the Boredoms though:   "The Boredoms are like a moon on a lake. Only there is no moon and no lake. Only Boredoms."
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: mfpole on 09 May 2008, 05:52
54-71 and Yura Yura Teikokou!!


Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: rynne on 09 May 2008, 06:05
My all time favourite quote about a band is about the Boredoms though:   "The Boredoms are like a moon on a lake. Only there is no moon and no lake. Only Boredoms."

That's awesome.  Eye & Co. are some Zen mofos. :lol:
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 09 May 2008, 06:45
Hi-Standard, and by association, Ken Yokoyama/Ken Band. Good pop-punk.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Misereatur on 09 May 2008, 07:14
I refuse to insult Tsuyama Atsushi, Kawabata Makoto, Tatsuya Yoshida and their personal and collaborative work by recommending them in this thread.

What I'm trying to say is fuck you listen to Acid Mothers Temple
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Patrick on 09 May 2008, 14:42
Hi-Standard

THIS again.

Man Shane I should just start referring to myself as "Shane's chorus"
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 09 May 2008, 15:29
What I'm trying to say is fuck you listen to Acid Mothers Temple
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: OcculusExInferni on 10 May 2008, 00:23
Since he hasn't been mentioned for his work since Malice Mizer yet, I'll go ahead and say GACKT.  This will probably earn a lot of flame for being mainstream, but I honestly the enjoy the typically harder styling as compared to L'Arc en Ciel or other more pop-ish bands.  I do enjoy hyde, though, and I'm developing tastes for Malice Mizer and Maximum the Hormone.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 10 May 2008, 02:50
Seriously I don't know how people can like Visual Kei.  It's like Marilyn Manson without any of the marginal talent he displayed on his early albums.  It's just so boring sounding to me.

To each their own, eh.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 10 May 2008, 09:14
Hi-Standard

THIS again.

Man Shane I should just start referring to myself as "Shane's chorus"

Since my stuff is almost entirely instrumental, if I ever play a show, you have to stand on stage and just look bored.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: ImRonBurgundy? on 10 May 2008, 16:01
Seriously I don't know how people can like Visual Kei.  It's like Marilyn Manson without any of the marginal talent he displayed on his early albums.

You say that like they like it for the music.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 11 May 2008, 06:44
I seem to remember Pitchfork's interview with Atsuo from Boris, he said it's all style over substance.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Patrick on 11 May 2008, 10:43
Since my stuff is almost entirely instrumental, if I ever play a show, you have to stand on stage and just look bored.

That's what I plan on doing at your shows anyway.

I KEED, I KEED!
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: aeroledzepp on 13 May 2008, 20:15
Les Rallizes Denudes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Rallizes_Denudes) blow all of the other Japanese psych/noise bands completely out of the fucking water.

Not a valid youtube URL
So badass.  Check out the Le 12 Mars 1977 a Tachikawa album and Flightless Bird.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 13 May 2008, 20:22
Les Rallizes Denudes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Rallizes_Denudes) blow all of the other Japanese psych/noise bands completely out of the fucking water.

I respectfully disagree.  Have you seen Acid Mothers Temple live?
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: aeroledzepp on 13 May 2008, 20:29
Nah, I was supposed to see them at the Purple Bottle, had mushrooms and everything prepared, but had to miss it due to lack of transportation to Chicago.  Epitome of lame.

Now I got wheels, though, so next time they're within 2 hours I'm going.

And you can't embed youtube videos here?  Goddamnit.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: OcculusExInferni on 14 May 2008, 00:29
For me, its not about the visual kei.  I just always liked the sound of GACKT's voice, especially the single he did for Dirge of Cerberus.  I like his other material more now that I've been exposed, of course, but there's really very little of the appearance of him and his band that appeals to me.  And I don't understand a word of it, so I don't have to feel like I'm listening to shallow lyrics.

Plausible denial, hurray.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: TheFuriousWombat on 14 May 2008, 06:17
Kashiwa Daisuke is a electronic fuckin' genius and can do unbelievably cool (and strange, and beautiful, and epic) things with two laptops. Everyone should listen to 'Program Music I.' Easily one of the best electronic/instrumental albums of last year.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: fangsanalsatan on 14 May 2008, 08:03
Someone mentioned . What about LITE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1v0TtWJppY), immense stuff. Also check out Toe and Natsumen.

Weird nobody mentioned Flower Travellin' Band or DJ Krush yet. They come right after BORIS, Boris, boris, MONO and Merzbow, when I think of japanese music.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Patrick on 14 May 2008, 08:13
They come right after BORIS, Boris, boris, MONO and Merzbow, when I think of japanese music.

You forgot BORIS
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: fangsanalsatan on 14 May 2008, 08:48
You forgot BORIS

Never heard of them.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: headisadinosaur on 14 May 2008, 09:47
Natsumen are great! Before them I think were Boat, but I haven't heard much of that. Soil and Pimp Sessions are similar (and also from Japan).
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 14 May 2008, 11:19
DJ Krush is pretty good, I just never think to mention him since he hasn't put out all that many amazing releases.  In fact, Meiso and Kold Krush are the only two I can think of right now.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: aeroledzepp on 14 May 2008, 11:21
Natsumen are great! Before them I think were Boat, but I haven't heard much of that. Soil and Pimp Sessions are similar (and also from Japan).

BoAT's album RORO is fucking fantastic, almost better than NEVER WEAR OUT YOUR SUMMER!!! XXX, which says something.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: onewheelwizzard on 14 May 2008, 23:32
Weird nobody mentioned Flower Travellin' Band or DJ Krush yet.

In between the Chris Haikus avatar and the recommendations for literally precisely the two artists I was thinking about throughout reading the thread, you just became my new favorite music forumite.

The Flower Travellin' Band are fucking epic, and DJ Krush is sickness beyond sick.  Ki-Oku and Zen are the only two I've even been able to pick up and they are not just the cat's pajama's but the dog's whole wardrobe.

I have to talk about Michio Kurihara, Rururu and sgt. though ... Japan's good post-rock doesn't end with Mono and té.

Green Milk From Planet Orange is awesome as well, and Mainliner is heavy as balls.  Eternal Elysium can lay down some absolutely righteous riffage that is basically as good as Sabbath if you get past the fact that they sound like a tribute band every so often.

But it really does come down to Acid Mothers Temple, Boris (in all its incarnations), and Mono.  These three bands are enough to make Japan better than anyone.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: valley_parade on 16 May 2008, 06:08
They come right after BORIS, Boris, boris, MONO and Merzbow, when I think of japanese music.

You forgot BORIS

I think the only time we ever saw BORIS was for Floor Shaker. Possibly 1970.
Title: Re: Japanese Artists?
Post by: Jackie Blue on 16 May 2008, 10:08
But it really does come down to Acid Mothers Temple, Boris (in all its incarnations), and Mono.  These three bands are enough to make Japan better than anyone.

I'd add Guitar Wolf, the Boredoms, Melt-Banana, Fushitsusha, and Ghost.  I'd say all those are up there with the three mentioned.