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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: tri.ad on June 29, 2010, 11:14:00 AM

Title: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: tri.ad on June 29, 2010, 11:14:00 AM
Anyone here who likes this kind of music?

I recently got into Girugämesh, who, despite apparently getting quite some flak on the internet, are pretty good in my opinion. Their self-titled album is pretty good and contains many great songs.
Also, Maximum The Hormone is quite fun to listen to as well (even though I haven't bought the album yet since I don't pay € 40 for a CD).

All in all, I have to say that I often find myself amazed by the catchiness of many songs of this genre. Sometimes, it gets a bit too extreme, but mostly, it's very good.

So... anyone else? Discussions and recommendations are always welcome. :)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: In The Wake Of Poseidon on June 29, 2010, 11:27:47 AM
Shiina Ringo, that's all you will ever need.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg8mRziaFag
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: skydivingninja on June 29, 2010, 11:46:10 AM
Only J-rock I know is whatever plays before anime, but I usually find myself enjoying it.  Japanese death metal a la Death Note is pretty funny.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Sigz on June 29, 2010, 12:48:08 PM
(https://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/a/ab/Girugameshguy.jpg)

It had to be done.




I know nothing of either genre, but the song Poseidon posted is fucking awesome, so apparently I need to get into this stuff more.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: juice on June 29, 2010, 12:56:28 PM
My friends and I were gonna start a J-Pop band called Mushi Mushi.  It would've consisted of 2 Mexicans, 2 Koreans, and 1 Irishman.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 29, 2010, 03:18:03 PM
Dir en grey is a really great J-...something band. They started out as J-rock, Visual Kei specifically, but recently they've been moving in a much heavier direction.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Volk9 on June 29, 2010, 03:43:03 PM
I prefer Tokyo Jihen to Shiina's solo stuff
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Sigz on June 29, 2010, 03:45:00 PM
Volk prefers anything that involves tentacles.
Title: Re: Subjet broken, send PM for replacement
Post by: LeeHarveyKennedy on June 29, 2010, 03:49:51 PM
I kinda dig Malice Mizer, and one of their ex-vocalists, Gackt, is pretty good, too. I like his song "Vanilla".
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: TioJorge on June 29, 2010, 03:53:35 PM
ANALOGMAN, breath, Dir En Grey, Gackt, Utari, Bump of Chicken, Chiaki Ishikawa, Maximum The Hormone, Asian Kung Fu Generation, The Brilliant Green, Rie Fu, Base Ball Bear, Amplified, Abingdon Boys School, Orange Range, Diggy 'MO, Inoe Joe...

Many more but the rest are mostly composers. I started out listening mainly to anime-intro/outro bands and still do much of the time. But once I branched out I realized the genre and Japanese artists in general have much more to offer than simply being catchy (though I won't deny that in the least, I can't not get into most of 'em); songs are lyrically much more artsy and fantasy-based than any other culture of music I've listened to. It took me a while to open my mind enough to get into some of them (Diggy 'MO, Ishikawa, Joe), but once I did I found something completely refreshing and...'adventurous'(?). Many songs I listen to in the genre are very uplifting and have a sense of 'YOU CAN DO IT! YATTA!'. Which is great for me since most of the English-speaking bands I listen to are very dark and melancholic. I guess I'll shaddup now.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 29, 2010, 05:02:18 PM
Also, Abingdon Boys School is pretty kickass.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: AwakeFromOctavarium on June 29, 2010, 05:45:11 PM
I just discovered this awesome band named "toe" from one of my friend. Their sound is post-rock to mathrock, and I love their music. I recommend you check them out.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: fsh3702 on June 29, 2010, 08:58:49 PM
many japanese pop songs have a rock side, including those theme songs in the anime, i like Bz very much.

i also collect many CDs of ayumi hamasaki(滨崎步) and namie amuro(安室奈美惠)。
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: In The Wake Of Poseidon on June 29, 2010, 09:07:20 PM
I prefer Tokyo Jihen to Shiina's solo stuff
Tokyo Jihen is good, but I consider Shiina's solo albums Kalk Samen Kuri no Hana and Shōso Strip to be some of the greatest music ever crafted. And I think Shuukyou may be the greatest pop song ever.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: ZeppelinDT on June 29, 2010, 09:33:42 PM
Only J-rock I know is whatever plays before anime...

Only J-rock I know is...

(https://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/ZeppelinDT/j-roc-of-the-trailer-park-boys-jona.jpg)


:neverusethis:
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: carl320 on July 03, 2010, 11:02:14 AM
One of my favorite bands in this genre is Siam Shade.  I only have one album ("5") but everything else I've heard of theirs is good. 

I'm also a fan of Glay, Janne Da Arc and Every Little Thing.

I also like anime themes, mostly ending themes.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on July 03, 2010, 11:39:42 AM
I've tried one album by a J-rock band and a few songs here and there by some others, but I think good J-pop tends to be a hundred times better than good J-rock.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on July 03, 2010, 02:37:07 PM
Kacica and Mutyumu.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: carl320 on September 18, 2010, 10:51:54 PM
Bump

This is kind of old news, but X Japan will be out on a short tour of the US this fall.  I'd go, but the Chicago show is in the middle of the week, and I wouldn't be able to make it  :-\

It would be awesome if X Japan could do in the US what they did in Japan, which is start a music revolution.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: sonatafanica on September 18, 2010, 11:24:31 PM
Kacica

This is really late, but I checked these guys out and oh. mah. gaw.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: wolfking on September 20, 2010, 01:57:47 AM
Would Marty Friedman count in this thread!?  :justjen
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on October 13, 2010, 11:47:06 AM
X-Japan is great! I love some of their songs, especially Art of Life and Silent Jealousy
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Aythesryche on October 14, 2010, 12:38:37 AM
Man... So much good Japanese music and I have several tons of it. My moods constantly change but this month it's:

Nanase Aikawa
Day After Tomorrow
Gackt (Since the new singles album is out, I got back into them)
Globe
Ringo Shiino

And my personal favorite: Ketsumeishi. I love them just because they remind me of living in Japan. Just had some great memories with that group!

Too many to list, really.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: kala1928 on October 14, 2010, 03:22:39 AM
I love a lot of the artists and bands but none has produced enough solid albums to really make me a fan. Some stuff I've listened and liked:

Asian Kung-Fu Generation (rock/punk)
Siam Shade (metal)
X-Japan (obv) (rock/metal)
Ichimono Gakari (pop)
Orange Range (pop/hiphop/electronic)
UVERworld (metal)
High and Mighty Color (metal)
YUI (pop)

Some others, cant remember exactly. But the downside is that none of the bands really has any album I can listen to from the beginning to the end. Except Yui and Ichimono Gakari which are both really simple straightup girl-pop. The metal bands do too much weird sh*t.

Oh and I really love Paul Gilbert! ;D
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: carl320 on October 14, 2010, 09:48:19 AM
I love a lot of the artists and bands but none has produced enough solid albums to really make me a fan. Some stuff I've listened and liked:


Siam Shade (metal)

 :tup
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on October 14, 2010, 10:59:47 AM
Not to be redundant, but any metal fan should check out Art of Life by X Japan. It's 29 minutes long, and is fantastic! It delves into a pretty deep and slightly horrifying avant garde piano section that you could either hate or love, but I absolutely love it. It's in my top 5 non-DT songs for sure.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on October 14, 2010, 11:37:46 AM
I wasn't too impressed with Art of Life personally, but that's probably because I've never heard the studio version, if it exists.

Dir en grey fans, what's a good song to get an idea of what they're like?
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on October 14, 2010, 12:29:01 PM
:lol

Uh...

Hard question, seriously. Because there is a large difference between Cage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRRyLOiIDnM) and Agitated Screams of Maggots (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGo5MBAiwaE).

Their earlier stuff is sorta poppy j-rock with some heavy elements, now they are...heavier.

Edit: And I do love both of these songs and I love all of their music.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: efxf on October 29, 2010, 08:18:29 AM
Has anyone heard of Versailles?  I discovered them recently and their first album, Noble, is pretty good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGxXY25B6xM

Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Jakartabassplayer on October 29, 2010, 10:25:32 AM
My friends and I were gonna start a J-Pop band called Mushi Mushi.  It would've consisted of 2 Mexicans, 2 Koreans, and 1 Irishman.
epic
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Algo Fonix on October 29, 2010, 10:36:23 AM
I've fallen out of the Japanese music world in the past year or so, but here goes.

B'z
Tak Matsumoto Group
Dir En Grey (older stuff only)
X Japan
Glay
Orange Range
Psychic Lover
Janne Da Arc
Jam Project

I'm sure there are others, but I haven't listened to much else in a long time.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on October 29, 2010, 04:04:16 PM
Kacica

This is really late, but I checked these guys out and oh. mah. gaw.

they're awesome. I'm pretty surprised how unknown they are to be honest. Both of their records are excellent, and they have a cool EP with a bonus track and some nice remixes.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: LieLowTheWantedMan on October 29, 2010, 04:07:54 PM
Koenjihyakkei and Bondage Fruit ftw. Good Japanese Zeuhl.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: tri.ad on October 30, 2010, 12:50:37 AM
Damn, I have to get some X Japan albums. If only they weren't so expensive...
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on October 31, 2010, 03:25:14 AM
Damn, I have to get some X Japan albums. If only they weren't so expensive...

In the meantime, watch live footage on Youtube. They are definitely a live band.

The whole Yokohama concert from August 14, 2010 is on Youtube (and don't worry, its from a TV channel, not a DVD).

The band plays amazing, and they are definitely one group that benefits from a large audience.

EDIT: I am having trouble finding the whole concert now, but this guy has the majority of it
https://www.youtube.com/user/tienchunhung#p/u/23/Rx1sxAdKk48 (https://www.youtube.com/user/tienchunhung#p/u/23/Rx1sxAdKk48)

I think all he doesn't have is Endless Rain, which you could find by searching.

Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: tri.ad on October 31, 2010, 05:00:16 AM
Damn, I have to get some X Japan albums. If only they weren't so expensive...

In the meantime, watch live footage on Youtube. They are definitely a live band.

The whole Yokohama concert from August 14, 2010 is on Youtube (and don't worry, its from a TV channel, not a DVD).

The band plays amazing, and they are definitely one group that benefits from a large audience.

EDIT: I am having trouble finding the whole concert now, but this guy has the majority of it
https://www.youtube.com/user/tienchunhung#p/u/23/Rx1sxAdKk48 (https://www.youtube.com/user/tienchunhung#p/u/23/Rx1sxAdKk48)

I think all he doesn't have is Endless Rain, which you could find by searching.



Wow, that's great! Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on October 31, 2010, 01:38:51 PM
Damn, I have to get some X Japan albums. If only they weren't so expensive...
*long post*

Wow, that's great! Thanks a lot!

No problem. I hope you enjoy it. It's an interesting band, as they play a mix between power, speed, pop, and progressive metal, with more straightforward ballads that I personally enjoy.

I wanted to point out a few things that may confuse you in the concert.

First, any time you see their video screen showing a guy with pink hair, that is hide, their original guitarist that passed away slightly over a decade ago.

Second, when the crowd goes crazy and an extra bassist walks out at the beginning of the song X, that is their original bassist Taiji.

Please post your impressions when you get a chance.

BTW you may recognize I.V. if you have seen Saw 4 or played Rock Band.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: DREAMS FTIME45 on October 31, 2010, 05:24:53 PM
If it is J-POP you are looking for then go no further than YMO aka Yellow Magic Orchestra and related.
YMO are Sakamoto san and others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh5gG_NUWTg
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Rina on November 01, 2010, 07:39:40 PM
I actually love this kind of music, I'd like some suggestions please.  :tup

I was actually just listening to Ayumi Hamasaki.  :metal
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on November 19, 2010, 08:00:15 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_%26_Associates

;D
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Rina on November 19, 2010, 09:03:49 AM
Lol. I'm gonna sit myself down and read that whole thing when I get a chance.  :lol

Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Peruvian_Sky on November 20, 2010, 11:23:16 PM
I like a lot of J-rock and J-pop.  Big fan of Luna Sea, Siam Shade, Dir En Grey, Sade, Aikawa Nanase, and Ayumi Hamasaki.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Algo Fonix on November 20, 2010, 11:54:38 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_%26_Associates

;D

I quite enjoy some Tokio... I've listened to some Arashi, but I found their tv shows to be more entertaining than their music. D:  Mago Mago Arashi in particular.  It was a ton of fun.  V6 is also good, did some stuff for some dramas I've watched... and Great Decisive Battle! The Super 8 Ultra Brothers. 

I like this song. :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIdS3uDl_b8  OH SNAP.  Hiroshi Nagano is in the group... which is ironic, cuz he played in the movie it was for. >_>


I feel as though I'm about to whip my fanboy out, so I'm gonna go ahead and stop. :sadpanda:
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Ħ on November 21, 2010, 07:53:30 AM
when you walk away
you don't hear me say
*gets shot*
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on November 21, 2010, 07:54:25 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_%26_Associates

;D

I quite enjoy some Tokio... I've listened to some Arashi, but I found their tv shows to be more entertaining than their music. D:  Mago Mago Arashi in particular.  It was a ton of fun.  V6 is also good, did some stuff for some dramas I've watched... and Great Decisive Battle! The Super 8 Ultra Brothers. 

I like this song. :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIdS3uDl_b8  OH SNAP.  Hiroshi Nagano is in the group... which is ironic, cuz he played in the movie it was for. >_>


I feel as though I'm about to whip my fanboy out, so I'm gonna go ahead and stop. :sadpanda:

That's alright, you're among friends here.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: AwakeFromOctavarium on November 21, 2010, 08:52:09 AM
J-Pop?

K-On?

Yeah that's the only J-Rock I listen to and it's not even legit. :lol

I tried Stereopony but meh.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on November 21, 2010, 06:21:14 PM
J-Pop?

K-On?

Yeah that's the only J-Rock I listen to and it's not even legit. :lol

I tried Stereopony but meh.

FUWA FUWA TI-IME
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: AwakeFromOctavarium on November 22, 2010, 04:29:42 AM
My favorites right now are Listen!!, Utauyo!!MIRACLE, Watashi no Koi wa Hotchikisu, and Cagayake Girls.

Damn I can't even believe I'm listening to these. :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Rina on November 22, 2010, 09:09:15 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_%26_Associates

;D

I quite enjoy some Tokio... I've listened to some Arashi, but I found their tv shows to be more entertaining than their music. D:  Mago Mago Arashi in particular.  It was a ton of fun.  V6 is also good, did some stuff for some dramas I've watched... and Great Decisive Battle! The Super 8 Ultra Brothers. 

I like this song. :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIdS3uDl_b8  OH SNAP.  Hiroshi Nagano is in the group... which is ironic, cuz he played in the movie it was for. >_>


I feel as though I'm about to whip my fanboy out, so I'm gonna go ahead and stop. :sadpanda:

Ooh, good recommendations! Thanks!  :laugh:

AND FANBOY IT UP!!!
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: tri.ad on November 30, 2010, 02:51:13 PM
I finally got my copy of X Japan's Blue Blood yesterday. So far, I think it's a good, solid album. Week End and Kurenai are amazing tracks, and I like X as well.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: carl320 on November 30, 2010, 11:05:33 PM
Weekend is the only track I've heard off that, but it is a great song  :metal
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on November 30, 2010, 11:23:38 PM
There is so not enough Dir en grey discussion in this thread. Everything from poppy stuff near the beginning of their career and a few songs bordering on grindcore from recent release, whatever flavour of j-music you want you can probably find it with Dir en grey. I'll offer suggestions for this if people ask based on what they're looking for.

Also want to recommend Abingdon Boys School. Singer is fucking fantastic and the guitarists are pretty impressive as well I personally recommend Howling, Down to You, and Sweetest Coma Again (apparently this one is a cover, but whatever, it still kicks ass).
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Rina on December 01, 2010, 07:00:21 AM
Enjoying Ayumi Hamasaki atm.  :tup
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zook on July 06, 2011, 05:00:05 AM
My girlfriend started getting into some J-pop. So far she likes Olivia Lufkin aka Olivia. She has some decent tunes. Kinda weird how she sings in both Japanese and English in the same song, but I don't mind.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on July 06, 2011, 02:11:00 PM
The official version of X-Japan's Jade came out about a week ago on iTunes (it is their first United States single ever). Amazing song.

I would really recommend the Jealousy album as a fantastic X Japan starting point, then Blue Blood, then Dahlia.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: tri.ad on July 06, 2011, 02:14:24 PM
I still need to get Jealousy... Maybe when Amazon has decent prices for it; € 26 is a bit much imo (although it's imported).
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on July 06, 2011, 02:18:13 PM
when you walk away
you don't hear me say
*gets shot*

I have to play Kingdom Hearts again soon  ;D

tri.ad, I don't know if you use iTunes or simply prefer physical media, but iTunes (at least here in the U.S.) does have Silent Jealousy for $9.90.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on June 12, 2012, 05:05:27 PM
iTunes has got to add more J-pop and J-rock.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: TVC 15 on June 12, 2012, 09:11:50 PM
I'm down with music by The Pillows.  If you've checked out an episode of FLCL on Adult Swim Saturday nights, you've heard their music.  They have this fantastic ability to channel Blur but with Japanese lyrics.

The other musicians I enjoy would be Utada Hikaru and Sayuri Sugawara.  I got to discover the latter's music by tuning in to the jpop music channel on an international flight a couple of years ago.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Lowdz on June 13, 2012, 02:21:28 AM
Not an expert tbh but I used to quite like Vow Wow back in the 80s. Think they were certainly one of the first Japanese bands to make any impact in the West.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZCncAXaXbc

Concerto Moon were ok.
Best of the lot is the B'z guitarist Tak Matsumoto Group- TMG1 with Jack Blades, Brian Tichy and Eric Martin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mOSukVXWmc

I love Marty Friedman's two Tokyo Songbook cds where he covers J-pop classics.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Sir GuitarCozmo on June 13, 2012, 06:58:44 AM
2Timer used to run a "Track of the Day" thing via email and one of the ones submitted was this song, froma Korean band called Jaurim.  I was instantly taken by how catchy it was.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGcfY_AHlWk
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 13, 2012, 08:34:43 AM
I'd like to let everyone know about Kalafina. Kalafina is a J-Pop group formed by composer Yuki Kajiura (did the soundtracks for Kara no Kyoukai, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Fate/Zero, and a lot more). Kajiura being one of my favorite composers, as you might expect I love this band.

Some songs I'd recommend checking out include sprinter, Oblivious, ARIA, Magia, Manten, and To the Beginning.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zantera on June 13, 2012, 08:38:47 AM
I can vouch for Dir En Grey being super awesome. I haven't exactly gotten into their earlier stuff yet (haven't had time to check it out), so I guess I haven't quite experienced their more "J-Rock"-albums.  :lol
Anyhow, Dum Spiro Spero and Uroboros are masterpieces. I've also checked out The Marrow of a Bone, which haven't quite clicked yet. I'd say it's a good album, but not on the same level as the other two I mentioned. Some solid tracks on it though.
Will probably go with Withering next, and then continue working my way backwards. From what I understand they have a few "shaky" albums in the middle, but that their first albums or so should be very good. So that makes me excited.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 13, 2012, 09:16:44 AM
If I were to rank Dir en grey albums:

Kisou
Withering to Death
Uroboros
Gauze
Macabre
Dum Spiro Spero
Vulgar
The Marrow of a Bone
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zantera on June 13, 2012, 11:49:40 AM
Dum Spiro Spero that low? :( I think it's a 5/5 album. Kyo might be doing his best vocal work on it, range-wise at least.
On another hand it makes me very excited for Withering (which is next in line) and the older albums I don't know yet.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 13, 2012, 04:13:32 PM
Well keep in mind I do much prefer the more J-Pop/J-Rocky stuff to the heavier stuff.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zantera on June 13, 2012, 04:31:43 PM
With risk for sounding dumb, but what exactly characterizes "J-Rock", soundwise? When I hear the term I imagine pretty soft music. I think about "Ware, Yami Tote..." from Uroboros for example. Apart from that one tiny shriek (or whatever you wanna call it) it's pretty much 100% clean vocals. Seeing as the band's latest couple of albums are described as being much heavier than the first albums, does Kyo not scream/growl or anything on those? No heavy guitars? Just curious, because it strikes me as very odd with a softer band going heavier over time and suddenly incorporating growls and screams, normally it's the other way around with a band starting heavy and going softer and softer.  :lol
As I said, just curious. The whole "J-Rock"-term is pretty fascinating to me, because it doesn't tell me anything about how it actually sounds.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 13, 2012, 05:17:10 PM
He does still scream on earlier albums, the music is just different...

A few examples, one from the first album and another a single from around the same time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRRyLOiIDnM <- my favourite Dir en grey song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D35ydMr-rUI
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zantera on June 14, 2012, 02:29:34 AM
Okay, watching the Cage-video. Scary stuff.  :lol Yeah the music is pretty different, I must say that it is shocking for me to see a band change so much over time. As I said earlier, it's much more normal that a band goes from heavy to softer, but in Dir En Grey's case I must say that I'm surprised by how many fans from the early days still like their newer output, it's pretty different after all.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 14, 2012, 08:05:31 AM
It is quite different, but they've always had heavy aspects, and it has been a pretty gradual transition. The change between Withering and Marrow is pretty abrupt though  :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Shadow2222 on June 14, 2012, 08:09:58 AM
Since the thread has been revived, I must also mention X Japan again  :)

Song Recommendations:

Jade
I.V.
Silent Jealousy
Art of Life
Blue Blood
Kurenai
Endless Rain
Tears
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zantera on June 14, 2012, 08:10:44 AM
It is quite different, but they've always had heavy aspects, and it has been a pretty gradual transition. The change between Withering and Marrow is pretty abrupt though  :lol

May I ask how long you've been a fan of them? Just curious, would be interesting to hear someone's view on the transition if they loved Dir En Grey since before Marrow and then heard it when it came out.  :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on June 14, 2012, 08:11:53 AM
What's a nice, accessible (read: poppy) album of theirs?
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 14, 2012, 08:28:46 AM
It is quite different, but they've always had heavy aspects, and it has been a pretty gradual transition. The change between Withering and Marrow is pretty abrupt though  :lol

May I ask how long you've been a fan of them? Just curious, would be interesting to hear someone's view on the transition if they loved Dir En Grey since before Marrow and then heard it when it came out.  :lol

I've been a fan since Withering to Death came out, and at the time I wasn't really for the heavier output they would have on Marrow. I still love a lot of songs on it (Ryoujoku no Ame is one of my favorites), however after Marrow came out I did sorta stop listening to Dir en grey for a few years, to give you an idea of how jarring it was :p

What's a nice, accessible (read: poppy) album of theirs?

Gauze, Kisou, or Withering to Death should be pretty accessible. They all have poppy elements and heavy ones.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Zantera on June 14, 2012, 08:42:04 AM
Personally I think the mixture between light and dark is perfectly balanced on Uroboros and Dum Spiro Spero, and a big reason why I love those albums. Marrow is pretty heavy, but I feel like it has too little soft stuff and that the "extra dimension" so to speak disappears. I also feel like Marrow is more straight forward, less experimental and lots of almost Deathcore-sounding songs. But yeah, the album still has some good songs, it's just a bit harder for me to listen to it than the other two, probably due to being more allround heavy than a mixture of soft/heavy.
It kinda makes me wonder what I will think of the early ones, if they're more soft and less heavy it might turn around the other way. But I'll still keep checking the catalogue out backwards, and I feel positive about it. :)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 14, 2012, 08:51:08 AM
There is still the mix of heavy and and not-heavy stuff, just the heavy stuff is less so.
For example:

From Withering to Death, Saku: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBEQzxqZFiA
From Kisou, Pink Killer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-dlMqX5GOs

These are probably the heaviest songs on the albums they come from.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on June 14, 2012, 05:30:16 PM
Whoa! That's certainly not like any J-rock I've ever heard. :lol

I'm more used to/interested in stuff that sounds like ABS and Girugamesh, and maybe even a little more mainstream than that. I'd even go as far as saying I might check out some Johnny & Associates acts if you guys can gimme some good recommendations.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 15, 2012, 12:41:06 AM
Whoa! That's certainly not like any J-rock I've ever heard. :lol

I'm more used to/interested in stuff that sounds like ABS and Girugamesh, and maybe even a little more mainstream than that. I'd even go as far as saying I might check out some Johnny & Associates acts if you guys can gimme some good recommendations.

If you want mainstream J-Rock/J-Pop...

I have SOOOOOOOO many awesome OPs/EDs I could recommend :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on June 15, 2012, 04:59:03 AM
Lay 'em on me, man! I've been waiting for this. :D
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Genowyn on June 15, 2012, 07:50:08 AM
Okay...as I mentioned before, Kalafina is awesome. I posted a few songs to check out earlier.

Other than that, some of my favorites:

Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Rewrite
Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Maigoinu to Ame no Beat
Claris - Connect
Claris - Irony
Claris - Naisho no Hanashi
Coaltar of the Deepers - Dear Future
Etsuko Yakushimaru - Nornir
Etsuko Yakushimaru - Boys, Come Back To Me
Eiko Shimamiya - Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni
Eiko Shimamiya - Naraku no Hana
Eiko Shimamiya - Superscription of Data
Faylan - Dead End
FictionJunction - Stone Cold
Galneryus - Alsatia
Galneryus - Cause Disarray
Iori Nomizu - Ma-Ka-Se-Te Tonight
Kanako Itou - Hacking to the Gate
Kanako Itou - F.D.D.
Kanako Itou - Find the Blue
Kana Hanazawa - Ren'ai Circulation
Lisa - Oath Sign
Mami Kawada - PSI-Missing
Mami Kawada - Masterpiece
Mami Kawada - No Buts!
Mami Kawada - See Visions
NICO Touches the Walls - Hologram
NICO Touches the Walls - Matryoshka
Kenji Ootsuki - Hito Toshite Jiku ga Bureteiru
Kenji Ootsuki - Kuusou Rumba
Kenji Ootsuki - Ringo Mogire Beam
Kenji Ootsuki - Zetsubou Yuugi
Rookiez is Punk'd - Complication
Rookiez is Punk'd - In My World
School Food Punishment - How to Go
Shihoko Hirata - Key Plus Words
Shoko Nakagawa - Sorairo Days
SID - Rain
supercell - Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari
Sachi Tainaka - Disillusion
Theatre Brook - Uragiri no Yuuyake
UVERworld - Core Pride
Yousei Teikoku - Kuusou Mesorogiwi
Yousei Teikoku - Filament
Yui Horie - Sugar Sweet Nightmare

There you go plenty of music to look into  :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Super Dude on January 07, 2013, 10:32:11 PM
*Obligatory revival of this thread*

Genowyn, this stuff is awesome. Thank you.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on June 12, 2014, 06:40:32 PM
Badabump

Metal version of PONPONPON (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX-kwqfDJj8)

Catchy as hell!  :metal
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Sacul on December 15, 2014, 10:31:53 AM
Listening to Kashiwa Daisuke's Program Music I, I realized how amazing japanese musicians are. In almost every genre there's a great artist. Say, post-rock (Mono), metal/drone (Boris), soundtrack (Koji Kondo) or electronic (Daisuke). I need more japanese music in my life.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: TioJorge on December 15, 2014, 11:15:09 AM
Very talented musicians.

Check out ALL of the soundtracks to the Shin Megami Tensei series, including the Persona offshoots. Shoji Meguro (and even his 'replacement' for SMT IV, Kazuma Kaneko) is a genius in techno-pop, techno-rock, and more. He even does the more ambiance-driven piano pieces and the more calming, ethereal music well. Great stuff. Love the Japanese culture and how it bleeds through in their music.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Sacul on December 15, 2014, 11:22:41 AM
Love the Japanese culture and how it bleeds through in their music.
Yeah, specially in video games with that sweet classic folk sound, like Okami. Will check that stuff :tup .
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Cyclopssss on October 18, 2017, 01:55:31 AM
So after getting hooked to Babymetal (yes) I slowly started to feel my way around into the whole J Rock scene and found that there is an INCREDDIBLE amount of fantastic bands coming out with outstanding albums. Partically the female fronted rock and metal bands are just mind boggling. It confirms to me that the east is where it's happening at the moment.

For instance, check out Band-Maid's Real Existance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TkHpvaO09c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TkHpvaO09c)

Another great band is Bridear:
Light in the dark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxSrOqAxaKw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxSrOqAxaKw)

There's Destrose:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o7fktsBwQg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o7fktsBwQg)

Mary's Blood:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLM2unV0kwU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLM2unV0kwU)

Aldious: (which has Terry Bozzio's granddaughter on drums).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZuJjY3dlxo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZuJjY3dlxo)

But the band that will blow them all away will be LOVEBITES:
Shadowmaker:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3wyUbfl6TY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3wyUbfl6TY)

Don't bite the dust:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq-JZ6deYwM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq-JZ6deYwM)

And there might be 20 or 30 more fantastic bands out there.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on October 18, 2017, 09:26:41 PM
weird to read this topic now, per I got into Tokyo Jihen and some of Shiina Ringo's stuff not too long after I replied in 2010.

As for Dir En Grey, they are a bit chaotic for more me now, but I do remember receiving a tape of some of their stuff like 15 years ago that was quite good, but not all that heavy or chaotic. Although the same tape had some X-Japan and and Malice Mizer on it.

The other thing I always associate Dir En Grey with is the 1st time I saw Fair to Midland in 2007, FtM opened for Dir En Grey, and the FtM fans were obsessed with Dir En Grey and a lot of J-Rock, which I actually might describe as J-Metal or J-Core at times with Dir En Grey,
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on October 18, 2017, 10:14:36 PM
I do like me some Japanese rock/pop, especially those that feel like it's an epic anime intro.  Lately, I've been liking these songs from the Yakuza 0 game.

24 Hour Cinderella (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMKGEyAmhkg) this is mainly a pop song

Judgement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLDo-jHcvAQ) This is a rock song.

I really want to find some similar songs to these.  Where can I start looking?
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on October 20, 2017, 05:14:25 PM
X-Japan Documentary

https://www.facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial/videos/10155249392973757/?hc_ref=ARTpK7fBvuvBnHiPbNXbpo_EvriR2XvT3VPdNdzPFuw1sbAHKueqwUN3n_13e55Gykg
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on May 27, 2018, 12:02:52 PM
bump.

Shiina Ringo - Life is Full of Dreams  :tup

midway through when the instrumentation comes in, it's pretty sweet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDnLHd2Ei3Y
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on August 21, 2018, 10:37:01 PM
Like many, BABYMETAL was my first introduction, other than Art of Life by X-Japan, which is pretty common I think, but wasn't enough to get me to check out other bands, either male, female, or a combination.

I started getting Youtube recommendations for similar bands but not really paying much attention to them.  I like BABYMETAL, I just hate how the band is basically ignored even though they are amazing, and I get exhausted just seeing the three girls dance around constantly.  I figured other bands would be similar.

Boy, was I wrong.

I decided to click on a recommendation for Aldious and I was completely mesmerized.  Not only were they all playing instruments they were KILLING them, especially the drummer(s).  Most chicks playing drums just seem to keep the beat but these chicks are beating the hell out of them (Check out Dominator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZuJjY3dlxo).  They have some heavy shit and some poppy shit (my toddler loves Die For You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgH8-npq86Y).  Their live show is so much fun and they all have great stage presence.  It's amazing how seeing a band animated can really enhance the live experience *cough*.

Then I found Band Maid who I'm just figuring out but Choose Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZIJ2vFxu9Y is awesome.

Just this week I found Lovebites and they are the most proggy/shreddy out of the bunch by far.  There's no bullshitting with the guitars with these guys and I give you Shadowmaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3wyUbfl6TY as evidence.  Start at about 3:25 if you want to skip to the shredding and the drums throughout are intense.


Yeah, I don't know what they're saying, but it's still awesome.  Actually, that's not entirely true, since a lot of the songs have English titles and English words mixed in, and some are even all English.

Sadly, I don't think any of these guys will ever make it to North America other than maybe a novelty spot on a talk show like BABYMETAL did on Colbert.  It's sad how we are force-fed rap and hip-hop over here.  I'm fine with all genres but to only have popular access to one is cruel.

I'm actually embarrassed at how much win Japan has in their music industry.  You'd never see anything like this in North America right now.  Sure, we have a plethora of female singers in front of male instruments (hehe) but that's about it.

TL;DR - I'm addicted to J-Metal all-chick bands.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Train of Naught on August 22, 2018, 02:53:18 AM
Lovebites is touring Europe (I believe this fall) dude, I wouldn't rule them out for an eventual American tour!
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Cyclopssss on August 22, 2018, 05:02:20 AM
Band-Maid's touring as well and they're playing two gigs in the US.

Yes, there's a LOT to explore. 
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on August 22, 2018, 11:46:19 PM
Well, there's hope, but I'll need a Seattle date cuz most bands skip Vancouver entirely these days... unless you're an over-hyped-and-promoted hip-hop act.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on October 26, 2018, 05:58:48 PM
Must. Learn. Japanese.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on October 26, 2018, 06:52:12 PM
Oh good, this thread got bumped.  So over the last few weeks, I was listening to Aimer.  She was the one that sang this song called "Brave Shine" which was a theme song for this anime called Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works.  Never have I wanted to listen to a track on repeat more than this song.  Listened to some of her albums on Youtube.  It's good stuff.  I just wish her albums in full are on Spotify though.  Is there any other songs or artists that has songs that similar to something like "Brave Shine"?

Also, I concur.  I must learn Japanese.  That tool will help me a lot when it comes to watching anime (sans subs), going to Japan and try to get tickets for either a wrestling show or a concert, etc.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on October 27, 2018, 10:58:22 PM
I checked out a bunch of Aimer songs and they're cool.  Much more chill but awesome nonetheless.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Heavy Metal Hippie on October 28, 2018, 06:18:35 AM
I love J-rock. So many cool bands. They all can play. Never heard a weak production. While the west is jaded, the japs are still playful and adventurous. My favorite act is LiSA. She has an unbelievable voice and an excellent band with very good songwriting and production.

Blue Moon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOIVHsaLbaM
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on November 11, 2018, 10:53:47 PM
New Aldious track "Monster":  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H09FUhfiOiw

Lots of English in this one.  I didn't love it at first but now it rocks.  It's got a really strange "robotic/industrial" sound effect throughout that takes getting used to but it works.

I'm really not liking Yoshi's lead sound... she's got the tone knob turned all the way down and it just sounds weak AF but that's been her sound for the last 3-ish albums so I don't expect it to change.

Am I crazy or does Re:NO look like a Japanese Jessica Alba?

Am I crazy or are these super quick video edits driving anyone else crazy?  The only person we really get to see long enough is vocals whereas everyone else gets 12-frame snapshots.

 :facepalm:  :facepalm:  :facepalm:  :facepalm:  :facepalm:


Blue Moon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOIVHsaLbaM

Sorry, bro, this artist isn't doing anything for me.  I tried.

 :(  :(  :(  :(  :(
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on November 11, 2018, 11:04:31 PM
Funny thing about LiSA.  While I was browsing my usual outlets, I stumbled upon this song from her called Träumerei.  Yep, just like Aimer's Brave Shine, I've been having it on repeat.  Probably will listen to LiSA's entire catalog at some point in time and probably will like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pukIKP5uZ04
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Heavy Metal Hippie on November 12, 2018, 05:41:12 AM
Träumerei totally rocks.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on November 16, 2018, 06:57:50 PM
New video from Lovebites for "Rising":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3wtLfmTmXE

... from Clockwork Immortality out December 5th.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on November 29, 2018, 10:50:21 PM
Well, looks like Re:NO is really sick and has had to cancel shows:

I, Re:NO, was going to withdraw the 3 performance in December.
I am very sorry to hear that you have been able to make a sudden announcement, and everyone who is always rooting for you, and I am very sorry for your loss.
I would like to write a blog later for more details.

I decided to withdraw from Aldious with this 3 performances in December.
We are sorry for the inconvenience
caused to everyone involved, everyone who is supporting us always, due to sudden announcement.
For details, I'd like to write BLOG at a later date.



The scary thing is that it could jeopardize her career:

Everyone who always supports Aldious, I will present serious announcements today to all concerned parties.
Re: NO (Reno) who was active for about 6 years as Aldious's vocalist, by the Eustachian Open Disease (Jinzai)
With three additional performances in December 2018, I decided to withdraw from Aldious.
It became like I got sluggish during the tour, and based on the results of the doctor's diagnosis and his / her burden, it was judged that the music activity in the present form is difficult.
 
Aldious will continue to work as a group, but activities since the TSUTAYA O-EAST show in Tokyo on December 17 are currently undecided.
We will let you know at any time as planned for future activities as soon as we are decided.
 
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to all the stakeholders who have become a sudden announcement and always support.
 
Thank you for your consideration.
VAA



Now, she says "I decided to withdraw from Aldious", so does that mean she's actually left or just needing to get healthy?  The second quote sure sounds like she's gone but I hope not.

Sure, her vocals are definitely not on the power side, but they work perfectly and she's a great frontman with great crowd interaction and is so fun to watch perform.  The song credits are largely her as well, with probably 85% of the lyrics and 20% of the music.

Man, this sucks, I hope she gets better, I love these guys.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Lowdz on November 30, 2018, 12:06:46 PM
I’ve been working through my best albums 1980-84 and Vow Wow came on the other day, the granddaddy’s Of J Metal. Beat of Meatl Motion is a great album.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Heavy Metal Hippie on December 07, 2018, 04:43:12 PM
Lovebites - Clockwork Immortality

First listen impression:

Perfect production. A rare thing these days. You can say a lot about the major labels of the 80s and 90s, but even if you didn't like the songs on an album, you almost always got a listenable product, without clipping, bass overkill, overcompression and loudness war. I dare to say, the quality standards in Japan are higher. I'm not saying the west can't produce top sounding metal albums, but I almost never heard a real bad production from Japan, while clipping monsters from major label bands like Metallica, Queensryche or Megadeth are no exception anymore.

So sound: 10/10

There are catchy chori, cool riffs and amazing lead passages (read: solo is only one instrument playing), but as a whole the material is a bit generic without ever being boring.   

Songs: 8/10

If I had to compare them to Babymetal, I'd say BM is more creative and wilder, while Lovebites is the more serious and stylistic band.


The instrumental part of Empty Daydream (from 2:20) !!
The riff of Mastermind ! Boy, does the song kick.
It doesn't get more dramatic than the chord progression in Epilogue. Nothing never heard, but executed with conviction.
I love the character of the lead singers voice and she really shines in Epilogue. You can actually understand what she's singing. I can't say that about every japanese act (given they're trying to sing in englisch to begin with).
I think the bass player is a cutie.

(https://kakkoii.club/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/LOVEBITES_HYPER_JAPAN_CHRISTMAS_2017_3-960x640.jpg)
(https://kakkoii.club/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/LOVEBITES_HYPER_JAPAN_CHRISTMAS_2017_17-960x640.jpg)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on December 08, 2018, 03:25:30 PM
I'm still working on Clockwork Immortality so no opinions yet.

As for comparing them to Babymetal or just Babymetal in general... I can't.  They are a killer band with girls dancing around and as much as I love them it sucks ass that nobody cares about the band and only shows the girls, even when they're doing nothing.

Babymetal is a whole different J-Metal animal and can't really be compared to the real all-girl bands, if that's what we're doing.  Put them against *any* metal band, sure, they slay, but I can't put them with the all-girl ones at all.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Darkstarshades on December 08, 2018, 03:28:04 PM
(wrong thread pls delete)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on December 18, 2018, 12:21:00 AM
Well, that's it, Re:NO is officially leaving:

Today is the 2018 tour final, Shibuya Tsutaya O-East performance, and it will be the last stage of Reno, who has been enrolled in 6 and a half years.

I think it's all about the complicated feeling, but I want to make it to the best stage.
Thank you very much for today.


This sucks.  She wasn't just a singer, she wrote a lot of lyrics and even a bunch of music.  She didn't have much power in her voice but she tremendous vocal character and she's a great frontman.

Dammit.

 :tdwn  :tdwn  :tdwn  :tdwn  :tdwn
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Cyclopssss on December 18, 2018, 01:34:27 AM
Don't know where you get the idea no one cares about the Kami band. They are revered as legendary musicians and followed around the net.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on December 18, 2018, 10:09:05 PM
Don't know where you get the idea no one cares about the Kami band. They are revered as legendary musicians and followed around the net.

By "no one" I mean the people presenting Babymetal to the world (ie the editors) who focus on the girls for 99% of the time even when the band is killing it.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on December 23, 2018, 09:55:39 PM
A track from Re:NO's final live performance of "All of You":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npiByO2ZdfQ

Man, she looks devastated.

I really wish they'd say if she's retiring or out indefinitely and if she can get healthy soon the plan is to be back or if she's stepping aside permanently so the band can move forward and not have to always be thinking about if/when she's coming back.

Man, this sucks.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on May 12, 2019, 09:43:23 AM
Bumping this thread to say that I enjoyed the two albums that Aimer had released, last month.  Sun Dance and Penny Rain.  I enjoyed Sun Dance out of the two more, but Penny Rain had probably my favorite song from the bunch, Black Bird.  I don't know if this is the right thing to say, but I think these two albums are really different from each other.  Sun Dance had a more pop/rock vibe, more upbeat, more hopeful in tone (especially in Sun Dance and the two One songs).  Penny Rain incorporated more orchestral elements, a little more slower in some parts, and some of the songs sounded more sorrowful or dramatic (like in I Beg You which is one of the theme songs for Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel which is a really dark series of anime films).  The best part is that it all works really well with her voice that the music wasn't really forcing her to sing stuff that doesn't feel like it belongs with that music.

In the end, two good-to-solid albums from Aimer makes me a happy listener and I have no issues saying Sun Dance is my favorite so far this year.

On another note, I'm looking at the credits of her albums prior to these on Wikipedia and it looks like there's a lot of credits to a lot of different people providing lyrics, music, and producers, similar to the album credits that one might see with pop stars here. If that's the case, how in the world is Aimer's so much more enjoyable for me than the western pop stars here? Japan's really ahead of the curve here.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on May 13, 2019, 09:56:00 PM
Bumping this thread to say that I enjoyed the two albums that Aimer had released, last month.  Sun Dance and Penny Rain.  I enjoyed Sun Dance out of the two more, but Penny Rain had probably my favorite song from the bunch, Black Bird.  I don't know if this is the right thing to say, but I think these two albums are really different from each other.  Sun Dance had a more pop/rock vibe, more upbeat, more hopeful in tone (especially in Sun Dance and the two One songs).  Penny Rain incorporated more orchestral elements, a little more slower in some parts, and some of the songs sounded more sorrowful or dramatic (like in I Beg You which is one of the theme songs for Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel which is a really dark series of anime films).  The best part is that it all works really well with her voice that the music wasn't really forcing her to sing stuff that doesn't feel like it belongs with that music.

In the end, two good-to-solid albums from Aimer makes me a happy listener and I have no issues saying Sun Dance is my favorite so far this year.

I checked out Black Bird, really nice.  I'd love to get into her but so far the only track that's truly stuck with me so far is "Brave Shine".  I'll definitely check out Penny Rain based on your "orchestral elements" comment.

On another note, I'm looking at the credits of her albums prior to these on Wikipedia and it looks like there's a lot of credits to a lot of different people providing lyrics, music, and producers, similar to the album credits that one might see with pop stars here. If that's the case, how in the world is Aimer's so much more enjoyable for me than the western pop stars here? Japan's really ahead of the curve here.

They really are ahead of the curve... and it's not even close.  The difference with Aimer having all these other people writing the music is that it works cuz the music is so much more interesting and varied than what North America's pathetic "popular" music scene is these days.

-

Lovebites - No new video since December.  Starting to get worried.
Aldious - No news about a replacement vocalist or if Re:No is getting better or if there's new music coming.  Officially worried.
Babymetal - I find myself not caring as much as I used to but the first two albums will always be killer.  There just seem to be too many changes going on and still nobody talks about the music at all, just the girls.
Band Maid - Plugging along nicely.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Cyclopssss on May 14, 2019, 04:39:57 AM
Wouldn't worry too much about Lovebites. They just released their second full album in 1,5 years time and are releasing their first worldwide DVD concertrelease 'Daughters of Dawn' in june.

Babymetal just announced a month long US tour in sept/okt coinciding with their 3rd album release. They've had a rough year but their single release 'Elevator Girl' sounds pretty good, productionwise. Yes, their are a lot of changes but I think they'll work through it.

Bandmaid seem to be on top of their game at the moment releasing singles left and right (also under the Band-Maiko moniker) and touring along nicely.

Not familiar with Aimer. As for Aldious, who knows?
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on May 14, 2019, 11:43:15 PM
Ok, I listened to Penny Rain, and it's really nice but I have to say I love the song: i-mage <in/AR>.  What's with these bands and the weird names and characters?  Even the artists use colons in their names (ie Re:NO).

Wouldn't worry too much about Lovebites. They just released their second full album in 1,5 years time and are releasing their first worldwide DVD concertrelease 'Daughters of Dawn' in june.

True.  I guess I just overlook the DVDs since they're so difficult and expensive to get in North America.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on May 15, 2019, 11:06:04 PM
Aldious finally made a Facebook post:


After this, at 25:40 am fm nack5, Al Diaz's regular program "Aldious no miss radio" is on air 💫

Members of the tour, and guest vo's saki or r! Please send a support message to n ➡️ https://www.fm795.com/pc/entry.php?entry_id=4567

Radiko on pc and smartphone https://radiko.jp/mobile/#!/live/NACK5 https://radiko.jp/mobile/#!/live/NACK5



Looks like a radio interview and having a guest vocalist "saki" for it but the translation is pretty messy so who knows for sure.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on May 16, 2019, 02:02:15 PM
More Aldious:
https://aldious.net/contents/244569?fbclid=IwAR08A9M2QPd98B0i0JWMkRXqcXz76jMTWDuB2H-w-OlpyL3w5_01qqzCjGI

Looks like Toki got pregnant/married or married/pregnant, either way her last show is June 9 but they'll have guest guitarist(s) to fill in just like on vocals.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on July 04, 2019, 09:43:01 AM
bump.

I just saw on a blog, a new Sheena Ringo album dropped on May 27th, 毒史 (Sandokushi) which may or not be the same thing with the title "triviṣa-itihāsa."
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on January 02, 2020, 05:51:30 PM
bump.

TOKYO JIHEN IS BACK!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nZS1G_dQkQ
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on March 21, 2020, 10:30:47 PM
Got nothing better to do than to bump this thread to say I've listened to the entire catalog of this band called ONE OK ROCK, this week.  They are all right.  I heard about them when their lead singer sang Linkin Park's Somewhere I Belong at the Chester Bennington tribute show in 2017.  I also found out that their lead singer also wrote some of the songs from Aimer's Daydream album (one of my favorite albums from her).  If you like Pop Punk and bands influenced by Linkin Park, this may be up in your alley.  Please be warned that their latest album sorta went the way Linkin Park went with their final album, going more poppy (and, to me, not the good kind of poppy unlike the pop stuff that I enjoy in JRock and JPop).

On another note, I've been enjoying the catalog of SawanoHiroyuki[nZK].  This man makes some good pretty darn good Jpop music and found some pretty great vocalists to match the songs.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on March 27, 2020, 05:46:59 PM
ALDIOUS - EVOKE 2010-2020

Not a greatest hits but a selection of their stuff with their new vocalist instead.  Her name is R!N, she's 50/50 Japanese/Filipino and speaks fluent English and she sounds amazing.  She has power and vibrato and although the only live footage we have is some crappy NAAM footage of them on a tiny stage but she sounds great live.  I just need to see her on a real stage to see how she goes but I'm super happy with what I've seen and heard so far.  Maybe their next real album will have a lot more English on it.

We Are & Dominator from NAMM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPxpZOAM4nU (redhead guitar is just filling in for Toki right now cuz she had a baby)
- There's a few more videos of this out there but I think this is the best sounding and looking.  The sound is actually great considering they're basically playing in the lobby under the escalators.  They just need to work on their hair-banging syncro.

I love Re:NO, no doubt about it, but her strength has always been as a frontman and not a singer so much.  She has almost no vibrato and negligible power and her style is weird... but her personality and showmanship is where she really brought the band to life.  Actually, they're all pretty fun to watch, but the frontman is the one who really has to drive the show.

I still hate Yoshi's lead sound.  Turning the tone knob all the way down makes it much more difficult to sound good cuz if you miss-strike or miss-finger the note just dies.  I guess she wants a Slash-type lead tone but it's just not there.  She'd be way better off, especially life, to just use the neck pickup if she wants a softer sound.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on November 23, 2021, 12:24:48 AM
bump.

TOKYO JIHEN IS BACK!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nZS1G_dQkQ

new album came out in June.

https://open.spotify.com/album/62SB9GdMdVA5dog0Om9huj

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=t67VbQhh9_A&list=OLAK5uy_kkTvio2qa7k3xIfhpznKRVHZpW2XaVa2g
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on November 23, 2021, 12:37:03 AM
In recent times, I've been listening to this band called Pay Money to My Pain.  Man, if I've discovered them about a decade ago, they would have been an instant favorite for me.  Just the kind of modern hard rock/alternative metal sound that I typically dig where their songs could be intense and sorrowful at times.  It really sucks that their lead singer passed away back in late 2012 just as they were hitting their stride.

Weight of My Pride (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0lnb_lPiIo)

Drive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOJdrngPefI)

Home (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S9Fa5Bo3Rw)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: The Curious Orange on November 23, 2021, 02:23:49 AM
I have to spend a moment bigging up WAGAKKI BAND. Sure, they're not metal, but they do have a lot of metal aspects to their music, but their big appeal is the use of traditional Japanese instruments alongside the rock. Their music has gotten a little commercialised of late, but their live stuff looks fun (I would LOVE to see this band!)

I'd post some YouTube links only I'm stuck at work and YouTube is a blocked site, I'm sure you can work it out for yourselves...
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on April 26, 2022, 07:13:15 PM
Bumping this, thanks for the link Anguyen...



BAND MAID finally clicked for me after seeing their live video of DOMINATION at the Line Cube...holy shit what a kick ass performance, burned through their last album and it fucking rocks beginning to end. Seriously debating buying tickets to their Oct show now even though it's sold out...post market are starting at about 150.


Also gotta give another push for Nemophila, featuring Saki from Mary's Blood, Mayu from Lipstick, Tamu Murata on drums, Hazuki (Lisa X) on guitar, and Haraguchi on bass. With one pre-pandemic show under their belt, they promoted themselves to the point where their first post pandemic show sold out in days, and they are already making a US appearance at Aftershock in Sacramento (YAY), and word of a US tour to be added.

Here's a few tracks...

Raitei... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh-dVLKP314 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh-dVLKP314)

Sorai... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYOLiDAlHBY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYOLiDAlHBY)

And Oiran live... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19VQ9tkWksQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19VQ9tkWksQ)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on April 27, 2022, 01:43:13 PM
Oh, another band that needs mentioning, Asterism. Three piece instrumental, with a true wonderkind on guitar, Hal CA. I think she's 16 in this video, bassist is 17,drummer 19. I have no fucking idea what they put in the water over there, but it's working....


https://youtu.be/buQPvINJcA0 (https://youtu.be/buQPvINJcA0)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Azyiu on May 04, 2022, 02:43:38 AM
Oops, sorry, very late to the party, only came across here by chance just now  :(

Very long story very short, growing up in Asia back in the late 80's, J-Pop and J-Rock are what got me into music and later western music; and finally into the world of rock and metal.  :metal

I started off listening to J-Rock bands like The Alfee (they were great until the late 80's), then slowly moved onto X Japan, Luna Sea, Tomoyasu Hotei etc. For some strange reasons I started getting into J-Pop and Jazz Fusion stuff more over the past 10 years or so. Perfume, Fox Capture Plan, Weaver etc. are some of my favorites among them.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on June 24, 2022, 06:37:26 PM
7 days till I see Nemophila at the Whisky A Go Go... This show is going to be lit af.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on June 29, 2022, 08:30:49 AM
7 days till I see Nemophila at the Whisky A Go Go... This show is going to be lit af.

Pending the venue's wifi, Nemophila will be streaming the first few songs for free on YouTube. I'll try and post a link when they put it up.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on July 01, 2022, 06:23:22 AM
Here's the link... Goes live at 8 PST...


https://youtu.be/Yo1QKSlqJ24 (https://youtu.be/Yo1QKSlqJ24)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on July 02, 2022, 01:48:17 AM
Goddamn what a fucking amazing show. Just relentless. And damn what a talented group of musicians across the board.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Azyiu on July 02, 2022, 02:04:56 AM
The link still works, and I will check it out later today, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on July 02, 2022, 06:39:50 AM
Yup, I think the performance starts around the 12 minute mark
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on July 06, 2022, 05:41:22 PM
I watched this whole show and I love the energy and the production and the talent is amazing.

However, I've tried several times but I just can't get into Nemophila.  I'm sure it's mostly the vocal style.  I don't mind screamo but only in small doses and not when it's so frequent.

I'm also triggered by the 7-string with 6 on top and only 1 underneath.

Hopefully we'll start seeing more frequent visits from Japan going forward.  It felt like things were about to really take off in North America and then covid hit.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on July 06, 2022, 05:57:57 PM
That's an odd trigger  :lol

I was just amazed by how polished they were for only having about 10 live shows under their belt, it's such a credit to their work ethic. They did like a 7 song sound check at the Whisky, with a rehearsal the day before. The girls just work so damn hard.

Both Nemophila and BAND-MAID are at Aftershock in October, with BAND-MAID doing a ten show tour of the country after that. I will definitely be at both Aftershock and at BAND-MAID's San Francisco show. I think Babymetal did the whole J-Metal world a huge favor by really opening the world up to the genre. I talked with so many people at the show who said Babymetal was their gateway drug into the genre.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on July 09, 2022, 09:41:25 PM
I agree about the girls and their passion.  All the bands, really.  It's so nice to see and, sadly, so rare to see in North America.

I'm hoping to see some of these girls nearby at some point but Canada sucks even more than the US for acts like this so I can only look for a tour date near Seattle at some point.

BabyMetal was also my gateway but I feel a little sour on them, though, since the band is A-MAZING but they never seem to get any credit nor exposure and I just can't watch a live show for more than a few songs cuz there's just only so much of closeups of the girls dancing I can take when there's insane musicianship happening at the same time.

Right now my favorites list would go:

1) Lovebites
2) Aldious (but they need to do something new soon, man)
3) Gacharic Spin
4) Band-Maid
5) BabyMetal

Yeah, all chicks, fight me.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on July 10, 2022, 09:44:00 AM
Band Maid is in Seattle Oct 12...

Ranking time?

1- Nemophila
2- Gacharic Spin
3- Band-Maid
4- BabyMetal
5- still sifting through it all, but Mary's Blood, Telecide, and Doll$boxx definitely catch my attention. I appreciate what Lovebites do, I'm sure they'll eventually click for me.


I remember a while back I found a link to a jazz fusion project done by some of the guys from the Kami band, and it was literally the sickest shit ever. Wish I could come across it again. They're about as good as musicians get.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: ariich on July 11, 2022, 03:02:21 PM
Gacharic Spin are easily my favourite, so glad you introduced me to them RJ.

Lovebites and Nemophila are also great, in different ways.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on July 11, 2022, 04:28:27 PM
Gacharic Spin are easily my favourite, so glad you introduced me to them RJ.

Lovebites and Nemophila are also great, in different ways.

Yeah, Gacharic Spin are definitely the most unique band I've ever come across, absolutely impossible to categorize, and so damn talented across the board. I dearly hope they do a US show someday, they've only done one so far at an anime convention in Texas a while back. Not sure what'd get them to come out here, and their US appeal is probably a good deal less than others from what I've seen on the various fan groups, but damn they look so fun live.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on July 28, 2022, 02:01:42 AM
Has anyone heard of A Crowd of Rebellion...They're more on the metal side, but they're from Japan so I figured this would be the best place to mention them.

III:
https://youtu.be/r0Wuc09tZ-A

Ⅱ:α→Ω:Ⅱ(from DVD “Xanthium Tour 2017 [スペシャル冬季講習] -Live at LIQUID ROOM–“):
https://youtu.be/NhAQ9uQ5uMI

Re:Create of the Re:d:
https://youtu.be/wGVyl6BuH_c

Re:Create is the one that showed up on my Youtube feed and I decided why not check them out. I am glad I clicked it. I enjoy how they blend all these styles, and their energy. Their an amazing band that deserves more recognition.

Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: PetFish on July 29, 2022, 06:56:22 PM
Thanks, Ben, I checked it out and although I like the music I just can't handle when the vocals are screamo 90% of the time.  :(
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on September 20, 2022, 07:00:22 PM
Got my tickets for Band-Maid today, so in a week span I'll be seeing Nemophila at Aftershock, then Band-Maid at a small 1000 person venue in San Francisco. Gonna be dope as fuck.  :metal
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: TAC on September 20, 2022, 07:02:40 PM
Got my tickets for Band-Maid today, so in a week span I'll be seeing Nemophila at Aftershock, then Band-Maid at a small 1000 person venue in San Francisco. Gonna be dope as fuck.  :metal

それは素晴らしいですね!

 :metal
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 15, 2022, 08:06:12 AM
Waking up still in disbelief at how amazing BAND-MAID was. 16 song set, relentlessly firing from one song to the next. Musically, they were as tight as any band I've ever seen on all fronts, especially vocalist Saiki, not a single flaw in her performance. And holy shit were they charming and engaging with the audience, like this moment where we all sang bassist Misa happy birthday after her 'opening ceremony' ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GqLbGT8MIg&ab_channel=RJDunn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GqLbGT8MIg&ab_channel=RJDunn)


I know the rest of the US tour is pretty much sold out, but if you have the time and means, do not miss this show.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on October 15, 2022, 09:19:37 AM
Too bad the LA show has resale tickets at $150.00 min. and it's been that way since the tour was announced.  I wished there was an upgrade in venue size from the Belasco to something like the Wiltern so that the resale prices can be more reasonable to consider.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 15, 2022, 10:30:54 AM
Too bad the LA show has resale tickets at $150.00 min. and it's been that way since the tour was announced.  I wished there was an upgrade in venue size from the Belasco to something like the Wiltern so that the resale prices can be more reasonable to consider.

I paid 170 for my ticket. Dudes in line said most of the shows sold out in less than an hour.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Anguyen92 on October 16, 2022, 11:13:52 PM
So I didn't end up fishing for a ticket for Band Maid.  It was raining yesterday, so I was not going to bother driving to Downtown LA at all.

I do have an eye at wanting to see One Ok Rock at Hollywood Palladium on Thursday.  They recently released a new album.  Might as well listen to that, as they seem to be favoring that album on their current tour.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 23, 2022, 09:22:24 AM
Asterism dropped this last night, and showed that they definitely a force to be reckoned with... The amount of talent in these kids is fucking unbelievable, and Hal-Ca is hands down the best young guitarist out there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZXNSZAYiI8&ab_channel=ASTERISM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZXNSZAYiI8&ab_channel=ASTERISM)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 29, 2022, 04:34:53 PM
So it seems legendary producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, Thin Lizzie, Gentle Giant, Moody Blues, etc) went to the BAND-MAID show in NY (he produced one of their songs), and had this to say...

Quote
The fantastic Band-Maid played in Irving Plaza last night. Guitarist Miku Kobato plays a metal topped Zemaitis 6-string guitar on stage. I brought my 50-year old vintage 12-string to their sound check for her to try out. I believe this is the only one of its kind. She just handed it to lead guitarist Kanami Tono who proceeded to shred on it, trying out the tonal settings. They were thrilled to see and play it but the string action was too high to play it in the show. The guitar has Tibetan religious symbols engraved on the metal top. When the guitar was being made George Harrison popped in to have Tony Zemaitis build a new 6-string and wanted the same top as mine. About the show - they delivered! It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen!/quote]


Serious respect from the highest of places...Here's video of Kanami playing his priceless guitar...

https://www.facebook.com/tony.visconti1/videos/2346324638855142/ (https://www.facebook.com/tony.visconti1/videos/2346324638855142/)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on November 22, 2022, 11:58:23 AM
This one came across my feed from a fellow J-metal fan...very promising, with a debut album on the horizon...

Lonesome_Blue- Face the Fear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4&ab_channel=Lonesome_Blue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4&ab_channel=Lonesome_Blue)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: twosuitsluke on November 23, 2022, 04:44:32 AM
Anyone heard of Ningen Isu? Discovered them this week, great band!

https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs (https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs)

Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Azyiu on November 23, 2022, 06:02:47 AM
Anyone heard of Ningen Isu? Discovered them this week, great band!

https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs (https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs)

I heard their name a few years ago on NHK World, but I think this is the first time I listen to their songs. Damn! You are right, they sound pretty damn good, and I love the arrangement of the song too. I also love the raw tone by the SG. What are some of their better songs? I think I will buy the mp3 files on MORA.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: twosuitsluke on November 23, 2022, 06:22:12 AM
Anyone heard of Ningen Isu? Discovered them this week, great band!

https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs (https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs)

I heard their name a few years ago on NHK World, but I think this is the first time I listen to their songs. Damn! You are right, they sound pretty damn good, and I love the arrangement of the song too. I also love the raw tone by the SG. What are some of their better songs? I think I will buy the mp3 files on MORA.

I only discovered them this week. I've listened to three albums. The album this song is from is my favourite, by quite some way. Maybe check out the album. It's called Shin Seinen I think, if you look on Spotify they're all in Japanese though. It's the 2019 release.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on November 23, 2022, 06:47:25 AM
Anyone heard of Ningen Isu? Discovered them this week, great band!

https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs (https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs)

I like it, nice industrial vibe going on there.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on December 22, 2022, 09:48:16 PM
New band Lonesome_Blue released their debut Second to None this week. This album is infectious as fuck...to me they kind of scratch that itch between Band-Maid and Lovebites. Solid complex rock, with  some serious power metal riffage mixed in, and a vocalist who not only is clean and powerful, but also sings in good legible English on top of Japanese, her annunciation is almost perfect. Definitely worth a listen...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: EPICVIEW on December 28, 2022, 10:16:17 AM
New band Lonesome_Blue released their debut Second to None this week. This album is infectious as fuck...to me they kind of scratch that itch between Band-Maid and Lovebites. Solid complex rock, with  some serious power metal riffage mixed in, and a vocalist who not only is clean and powerful, but also sings in good legible English on top of Japanese, her annunciation is almost perfect. Definitely worth a listen...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4)



I think I like this... wait....I do like this... now Im a proud groupie : )
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on December 28, 2022, 11:56:07 AM
New band Lonesome_Blue released their debut Second to None this week. This album is infectious as fuck...to me they kind of scratch that itch between Band-Maid and Lovebites. Solid complex rock, with  some serious power metal riffage mixed in, and a vocalist who not only is clean and powerful, but also sings in good legible English on top of Japanese, her annunciation is almost perfect. Definitely worth a listen...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4)



I think I like this... wait....I do like this... now Im a proud groupie : )

They're seriously catchy, and the album is definitely all killer, no filler
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: ariich on January 03, 2023, 02:37:27 AM
New band Lonesome_Blue released their debut Second to None this week. This album is infectious as fuck...to me they kind of scratch that itch between Band-Maid and Lovebites. Solid complex rock, with  some serious power metal riffage mixed in, and a vocalist who not only is clean and powerful, but also sings in good legible English on top of Japanese, her annunciation is almost perfect. Definitely worth a listen...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4)
I wasn't sold on first listen, apart from the last track which is insanely catchy. Thought maybe it was a little straightforward but without strong enough hooks to make it interesting. But on second listen a good number of the songs felt much more enjoyable so I think this could indeed be another strong band, especially considering this is their debut (took Lovebites a few albums to consistently write good hooks!).

I've also started checking out Band-Maid, but they're not winning me over yet. I've only tried World Domination so far as it's their best rated on RYM. Similar to the above it's a little middle-of-the-road but the hooks in terms of both riffs and vocal lines aren't really grabbing me so far (although the opening track is excellent). This is only one album though - are there any fans here who'd recommend a different one to check out?
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: jingle.boy on January 03, 2023, 05:03:46 AM
New band Lonesome_Blue released their debut Second to None this week. This album is infectious as fuck...to me they kind of scratch that itch between Band-Maid and Lovebites. Solid complex rock, with  some serious power metal riffage mixed in, and a vocalist who not only is clean and powerful, but also sings in good legible English on top of Japanese, her annunciation is almost perfect. Definitely worth a listen...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57My6iSPBl4)

It was definitely worth the listen.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on March 10, 2023, 05:20:13 AM
New Nemophila song and video out today...

https://youtu.be/rD3VMAm-9iA (https://youtu.be/rD3VMAm-9iA)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: twosuitsluke on March 10, 2023, 05:39:50 AM
New Nemophila song and video out today...

https://youtu.be/rD3VMAm-9iA (https://youtu.be/rD3VMAm-9iA)

Who? I don't think I've ever heard you mention them.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: ariich on March 10, 2023, 05:44:43 AM
:lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on March 10, 2023, 06:16:50 AM
Oh you....  :lol

Mentions should decrease now that the US tour is underway.... Maybe....
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on March 10, 2023, 06:20:59 AM
I was talking with a friend here about the shows, and he had seen my pics on Facebook... He's also a long time flight attendant with Southwest. He straight up offered me free plane tickets if I wanted to hit another tour stop... The mental gymnastics my mind went through in the ensuing five seconds to make it happen even though I'm working all week and have a family reunion next weekend  :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Ben_Jamin on March 14, 2023, 05:21:31 PM
I've been getting into a lot of Japanese Metal bands lately, and it's making me wish there was a festival or a tour that was just all Japanese Metal bands.

All of the bands listed on this list could be included.

I don't know if Unlucky Morpheus has been mentioned, but they're epic and amazing as well...

Unlucky Morpheus - "M" Anthem
https://youtu.be/WoUzaVI0paY
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on March 14, 2023, 05:26:36 PM
Great band  :tup


Saiseiga's album drops tomorrow... Very stoked for it...


Here's the first single, the singer Regan is slowly becoming a favorite of mine, she's tremendously powerful, has an endless range, and her transitions are unbelievable. Plus her stage persona is just sick as fuck. Loving this band...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RhYV7adc7U&ab_channel=SAISEIGAOfficial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RhYV7adc7U&ab_channel=SAISEIGAOfficial)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Azyiu on April 23, 2023, 07:51:40 AM
Not sure if you guys like them, but I am a fan of Perfume. I am so excited to learn that they are coming to perform in London for the first time in 9 years on 3rd June. Best of all, I scored a pair of tickets at the regular price!  :biggrin:

https://www.perfume-web.jp/news/detail.php?id=3924 (https://www.perfume-web.jp/news/detail.php?id=3924)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on April 23, 2023, 09:05:52 AM
Damn...the music is a bit outside my wheelhouse, but holy shit is their stage show amazing. I'd definitely check it out if they came around here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acd0y5gD1fU&ab_channel=HMV5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acd0y5gD1fU&ab_channel=HMV5)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 01, 2023, 10:14:11 AM
Nemophila dropped a 5 song livestream set to promo their upcoming covers EP...4 of their biggest songs as well as a cover of System of a Down's Sugar. Killer performance from the ladies as always...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUOFriPTWLA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUOFriPTWLA)
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: LithoJazzoSphere on October 09, 2023, 05:48:41 PM
Just watched that set.  A few thoughts:

*It's a small sample size, so I'll have to look at others, but based on the two ones I've seen songs from they're getting a pretty consistently good live sound, something that many metal bands struggle with. 

*I was watching an unrelated video a week or two ago where someone complained about how it's not "metal" to smile when performing or in photoshoots.  They pretty much throw that idea completely out, and while I'm not generally into the matching costume gimmick of other adjacent bands, the way they dress is refreshing compared to what you typically get out of metal bands. 

*The "Sugar" cover came out of nowhere for me, but surprisingly makes more sense than I expected it would.  Nostalgia overload there. 

*I love the look of that green guitar.

*Do they always address the "audience" in only Japanese?  I would think this would limit their accessibility/marketability, yet 3/4 of the Youtube comments are in English, so somehow it's kind of working in spite of that.  I don't know if the authenticity is part of the appeal for some, or if they're alienating more people by doing that. 
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 09, 2023, 06:00:08 PM
Just watched that set.  A few thoughts:

*It's a small sample size, so I'll have to look at others, but based on the two ones I've seen songs from they're getting a pretty consistently good live sound, something that many metal bands struggle with. 

*I was watching an unrelated video a week or two ago where someone complained about how it's not "metal" to smile when performing or in photoshoots.  They pretty much throw that idea completely out, and while I'm not generally into the matching costume gimmick of other adjacent bands, the way they dress is refreshing compared to what you typically get out of metal bands. 

*The "Sugar" cover came out of nowhere for me, but surprisingly makes more sense than I expected it would.  Nostalgia overload there. 

*I love the look of that green guitar.

*Do they always address the "audience" in only Japanese?  I would think this would limit their accessibility/marketability, yet 3/4 of the Youtube comments are in English, so somehow it's kind of working in spite of that.  I don't know if the authenticity is part of the appeal for some, or if they're alienating more people by doing that.

- their sound is usually pretty good, it was solid 3/4 of the shows I saw, the only weak one was the SF show where the bass drowned the vocals.

- The Sugar cover is actually to promote an upcoming EP with 4 covers and an original track. It will also have a cover of Master of Puppets, very excited for that one. They have about a hundred cover vids on their YT page from all genres, it's how they built their audience when the pandemic hit after they had only been a band for about 6 months.

- Saki is the only one who can speak any English (she actually speaks 4 languages :o ), and on the US tour Mayu did some prepared phrases, and Saki did most of the interacting. When they do their promo streams, it'll be all Japanese with Saki getting some of the bigger points across. Their Japanese fanbase is massive, probably third behind Babymetal and Band Maid, the fact that they got booked at Budokan speaks volumes.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: LithoJazzoSphere on October 09, 2023, 06:26:39 PM
They have about a hundred cover vids on their YT page from all genres, it's how they built their audience when the pandemic hit after they had only been a band for about 6 months.

Seems a number of bands were doing this.  I know this was a big strategy for Morphide.  The problem is that both seem to be just doing more or less note-for-note covers, and this starts to get a bit boring after the novelty wears off and you wish they'd just spent more time working on originals. 
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: King Postwhore on October 09, 2023, 06:27:56 PM
J- Rock now known a RJJROCK.
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: TAC on October 09, 2023, 06:36:38 PM
J- Rock now known a RJJROCK.

 :lol :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on October 09, 2023, 06:52:12 PM
When it results in moments like this...I'm perfectly happy with my life choices...

https://www.facebook.com/TheRobertCostello/videos/333592429182183 (https://www.facebook.com/TheRobertCostello/videos/333592429182183)


They have about a hundred cover vids on their YT page from all genres, it's how they built their audience when the pandemic hit after they had only been a band for about 6 months.

Seems a number of bands were doing this.  I know this was a big strategy for Morphide.  The problem is that both seem to be just doing more or less note-for-note covers, and this starts to get a bit boring after the novelty wears off and you wish they'd just spent more time working on originals. 

Yeah, most of theirs were straight covers. Sometimes they'd add a twist like doing full KISS makeup, or their cover of Separate Ways where they mimic the video hilariously. Honestly, the time they were putting them out every Friday like clockwork was also when we were having massive race riots, the 2020 election shit storm, thousands dying from covid daily, etc etc...to be frank, having 5 adorable young ladies from Japan dropping a new cover vid every week was the highlight of those days for me.  :lol
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: SoundscapeMN on November 18, 2023, 02:09:02 PM
bump.

X-Japan's bassist Heath RIP, 55. Colon Cancer :(

https://deadline.com/2023/11/heath-dead-x-japan-bassis-1235617731/
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: Kyo on November 19, 2023, 08:32:26 AM
Straight from X-Twitter:
𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐋$𝐁𝐎𝐗𝐗 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤

-2024-
12/08(Sun) Zepp Haneda
12/15(Sun) Zepp Fukuoka
12/21(Sat) Zepp Sapporo
12/29(Sun) Zepp Osaka Bayside

-2025-
01/12(日) Zepp Nagoya

Yeah!  :coolio
Title: Re: Japanese rock and pop music (aka J-Rock/J-Pop)
Post by: lonestar on November 19, 2023, 09:06:49 AM
Saw that yesterday, hopefully some new material is coming out with it. It'd be a shame just to have 5 shows I can't attend or see fancam videos of.