Archive for September, 2009

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POLYSICS Album: Absolute POLYSICS

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009


Absolute POLYSICS

The masters of “technicolor pogo punk” are back with a new 14 track album. “Absolute POLYSICS” was released in Japan on September 16 and released via iTunes on September 29.

Absolute POLYSICS (9-16-2009)

Label/Distributor: Sony Music Entertainment

1. P!
2 .Shout Aloud!
3. Young OH! OH!
4.
5. Time Out
6. Bero Bero
7. Cleaning
8. E.L.T.C.C.T.
9. First Aid
10. Fire Bison
11. Eye Contact
12. Beat Flash
13. Speed Up
14. Wasabi

Where to buy
Order from CD Japan
Order from YesAsia
Order from iTunes

Links:
POLYSICS official
MySpace official

J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

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MARIA Album: Day by day

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009


Day by Day

The six member female rock band MARIA is back with a 10 track album entitled “Day by day.” Songs include Kanashimi Rensa, the theme from the anime show “Valkyria Chronicles.” MARIA have also done theme work for “Yakitate!! Japan,” “Naruto the Movie 3″ and “Deltora Quest.”

Day by day (9-30-2009)

Label/Distributor: Sony Music Entertainment

Where to buy
Order from CD Japan
Order from YesAsia

Links:
MARIA official

J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

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Do As Infinity New Album: Eternal Flame

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009


Eternal Flame

Its been ten years since Do As Infinity’s single “Tangerine Dream” was first released and over four years since their album “Need Your Love” hit #3 on Oricon. The reformed band is following up their June release of the single “Infinity 1″ with a full 12 track album featuring the producing skills of Kameda Seiji.

Eternal Flame (9-30-2009)

Label/Distributor: avex trax

1. ETERNAL FLAME
2. SAIGO NO GAME
3. PERFECT WORLD
4. NA MO NAKI KAKUMEI
5. NIGHTER
6. FEELIN’ THE LIGHT
7. MERAMERA
8. PIECE OF YOUR HEART
9. KITAKAZE
10. HIS HOMETOWN
11. HONO
12. UMAREYUKU MONOTACHI E

Where to buy
Order from CD Japan
Order from YesAsia

Links:
Do As Infinity official
Official MySpace

J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

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yoko Honda Interview Comments

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Post your comments about our yoko Honda Interview and let us know what you thought of her.

“It’s my life. I am so grateful that I met music when I was a small kid, and it feels as if I was born for it.” – yoko Honda

The world of music for yoko Honda was destined to be a world journey. A desire on her part to study both performing arts and sound technology/engineering would take her from Japan to Liverpool, England at the age of 19. In 2007 she would sojourn to the US to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts to expand her composing and arranging abilities.

Her musical creations display the wide range of styles she has been exposed to, as she says herself: “I enjoy writing in so many different styles that I have no idea which genre my music belongs to.” But one thing her songs all share is the depth of training and passion she brings to her life’s work.

So if you’re in the mood for some elegant classical music, some atmospheric sci-fi theme sounds or something that you could picture being in an animation score, come take a listen to the works of this Japanese international traveler who does admit to one regret: “…my favorite flower, Sakura (cherry blossom) in the spring. I actually haven’t seen them in full bloom in Japan since I left, and still miss it very much.”

On September 27, 2009 yoko Honda was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. yoko Honda Interview.

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Ray-Law Interview Comments

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Post your comments about our Ray-Law Interview and let us know what you thought of her.

“One day when I was on the stage during a performance the Japanese Yakuza came to the club and made a fuss and got into a scuffle. As soon as our Leader and the Yakuza man started to fight, I jumped on the Yakuza man. I got punched as he said “Stay away! Ugly monkey girl!” Then it became a sloppy big melee. I was so mischievous and feared nothing.” – Ray-Law

Being a female rapper in Japan in the 1990s could be tough, and Ray-Law has paid her dues to gain respect in a country whose Rap scene tended to be dominated by men. Drawing on the inspiration from artists like MC Hammer, the Fugees and MC Lyte, she developed her craft and in the process became transformed into a rapper with a new subject to rap about: the power of love.

Her latest project is the charity album “GIFT: Ray-Law PRESENTS?Afro Spot & Friends” which brings together a dozen Japanese artists to help those with intractable diseases. She may not be brawling with the Yazuka much these days, but the passion in her heart has never wavered as she sums things up: “My career is as a Rap musician. I don’t know where I might go, but I want to be a cool and stylish messenger of love even in old age.”

On September 1, 2009 Ray-Law was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Ray-Law Interview.
(Ray-Law was also the subject of our Manga Drawing Contest.)

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SCANDAL ALBUM: Best Scandal

Friday, September 18th, 2009


Best Scandal

Everyone’s favorite high school uniform wearing rock band will release their first full album on October 21. They are probably best known in the West for singing the theme song Shojo S for the “Bleach” anime series.

SCANDAL will also be releasing the single “Yumemiru Tsubasa” on October 14.

Be sure to checkout the interview SCANDAL gave J-Pop World on September 1st: SCANDAL Interview.

Best Scandal (10-21-2009)

Label/Distributor: Sony Music Entertainment

Where to buy
Order from CD Japan
Order from YesAsia

Links:
SCANDAL official
Official MySpace

J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

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Becca Interview Comments

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Post your comments about our Becca Interview and let us know what you thought of her.

“This song was written as a thank you to Japan for all my wonderful experiences there. I wanted to try to explain Japan through my eyes and how I, as well as many other Americans, wish to live in the Tokyo way. There is a term in the song “Tokyo-oing” which means just that.” – Becca

That song would be Shibuya from Becca’s latest single release in Japan. Born and raised in the USA, Becca developed her musical craft playing in clubs like the Knitting Factory and House of Blues. But when some talent scouts from Sony Music took a look at her act they knew where her sound and fashion would find a market to take her musical career to the next level: Japan.

Becca has released four singles and a full length album “ALIVE!!” in the land of the rising sun and is about to make her official US debut with the digital release of “Kickin’ & Screamin’” on September 29. So come learn the story of this rising talent from Portland, Oregon who describes the day “ALIVE!!” came out with words as passionate as her music: “It felt like a true blessing and all I wanted to do was scream out in joy and celebrate!”

On September 8, 2009 Becca was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Becca Interview.

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SCANDAL Interview Comments

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

Post your comments about our SCANDAL Interview and let us know what you thought of them.

“While we were recording last year, we were asked if we wanted to try out for the opening theme for “Bleach.” Mami was especially a huge fan of “Bleach,” so we immediately started to work on it. There were apparently many other candidate artists, so we felt very honored and happy when our song was chosen.” – SCANDAL

When you think of the word “scandal” the first thing that pops into your mind probably isn’t an all girl band from Japan, unless you are a huge fan of the anime series “Bleach” that is. Coming from a music industry somewhat notorious for manufacturing groups, our first look at this high school uniform wearing band made us wonder… until we listened to their music.

With full throttle songs like Shojo S, Tokyo and Space Ranger these four musicians from Osaka have managed to create a beautifully sexy moe inducing appearance with all its obvious commercial appeal while keeping their identity as a rock band to be taken seriously. Their first full length album “Best Scandal” will be released in Japan on October 21.

On September 1, 2009 the members of SCANDAL were kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. SCANDAL Interview.

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Nahki Interview Comments

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Post your comments about our Nahki Interview and let us know what you thought of him.

“One old Rastaman approached me from the dark right after I finished my rehearsal with the band and shook my hand with tears in his eyes, saying “You know Jah notes. So please continue what you are doing.” I still can’t forget that moment.” – Nahki

The Reggae music from the island of Jamaica have captivated artists from around the world. For Nahki of Nagoya, Japan, it would become his life’s obsession. He first fell in love with the music as a teen listening to the radio. At the age of 18 he moved to Tokyo, formed his own band and learned to play the music of his far away idols.

When the great Sugar Minott traveled to Tokyo for a tour in 1984 Nahki was given the chance to jam with his idol, an event he describes as “a night of dreams comes true!” And when Sugar Minott invited Nahki to come to Jamaica to perfect his craft, Nahki’s lifelong desire of bringing the music and cultures of Japan and Jamaica closer together became his reality.

On August 26, 2009 Nahki was kind enough to give an interview to J-Pop World. Nahki Interview.

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Deathgaze New Album: The Continuation

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009


Deathgaze The Continuation

The creepy Visual kei metal band is back with a 13-track “retake album” on 9-9-09.

The album is available for digital download from HearJapan. Here is their news release about the album:

“Yokohama, Japan – September 9, 2009 – HearJapan released the new DEATHGAZE album today at midnight in Japan. The digital download includes a photo shot of the band, lyrics and additional artwork as well as DRM-free mp3s of the entire album. All for only 1500 yen (15 dollars).

DEATHGAZE reworked a lot of their earlier material. Although Deathgaze has gone through a few lineup changes recently, this release signifies self-reflection and forward motion for the band. “The Continuation” compiles tracks from out-of-print releases, re-recorded with a new lineup, including a new singer: their former bassist, Ai.

With violent guitar riffs and shouts, crushing drums, and bold, low bass, Deathgaze refuses to let their colors fade. In fact, everything is darker than ever before, filled with added nuances not present in the original versions.”

The Continuation (9-9-09)

Label/Distributor: Daiki Sound

1. Yami ni Ame Fuhai Shita Sekai
2. genocide and mass murder
3. abyss
4. Shizakura
5. Memento Mori
6. Death Ire
7. Shishuu
8. Love Song
9. 294036224052
10. Rihitozoire
11. insult kiss me
12. DEAREST
13. amends (piano ver.)

Where to buy
Order from HearJapan.com
Order from CD Japan
Order from YesAsia

Links
Deathgaze official
Deathgaze official MySpace

J-Pop World News and Comments Homepage
J-Pop World Homepage

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