[Album] J-Pop: An Introduction (and discussion)

I started watching MoMusu PVs on Google Videos a while ago, because I couldn't get enough of the hilarious "Japanese girls run away screaming from random things" series of video clips (lizard, Bob Sapp, The Ring). I eventually took a liking to the girls and their music (but mainly the girls), and at one point actually downloaded/watched the MiniMoni movie (what a waste :P ).

And then I found out about Shiina Ringo. Sweet shitake, I'm in love with this woman. I just spent the entire weekend watching her single and Tokyo Jihen PVs. She's just so different from anything I've ever heard, I can't get enough. It's no wonder they based a Guilty Gear character on her. And yet off-stage she seems so modest and polite in stereotypical Japanese fashion. I'm just really depressed she got rid of her mole (well, one of them), even thought it was a long time ago. I bet the reaction back then was like when Pamela Anderson got rid of her implants.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by OmagnusPrime

Shiina Ringo does indeed rock, and hard at that. I'm loving the new Tokyo Jihen album lots and lots.

I really ought to pick it up at some point when I have the cash. Or should I wait for the DVD instead? Hm...

What really strikes me about her PVs (although this might apply to a lot of other alt rock artists) is that there is very little dancing in any of them. It's all about the music, not how well she shakes her half-naked behind.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Heh, yup. Same guitar, even. I can't help but wonder if Quentin Tarantino didn't get a little inspiration from "Tsumi to Batsu" for Kill Bill as well.

Very...interesting forum name, by the way.

Most amazing jew boots

Unfortunately, I haven't...I'm a bit torn, as I'm on a budget, and I've been really wanting to get the aforementioned "Utaite Myori" for a while as well. I'm thinking about just accumulating enough funds for both albums, so I can save on shipping. Although by that time, ADULT VIDEO (which looks like it'll be roughly the same price as the CD) will probably be out, and I might just end up getting that instead.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

BTW, I find it interesting that so many pop idols start out in bands or supergroups as a stepping stone for eventually becoming solo artists, while Shiina Ringo actually quit her solo career to recruit a band. Or is this phenomenon actually a lot more common than I realize?

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Rawkus

I just hope that every damn song doesn't have Korikki in it.

That man gives me nightmares.

Although to be honest, I don't really get what Hinoi Team is all about either. It all sounds like hyper epilepsy-inducing DDR music to me. O_o

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by shadowlink56

Bullshit it's not Jpop. It incorporates popular styles of music in Japan into the game and provides a chance for up and comers to be heard.

Why are you telling these people what is and isn't J-Pop? Just because the music comes from Japan does not mean it's J-Pop. "Pop music" has a much more specific definition than just being in a "popular style", having a specific sound, and constituting its own genre (and sub-genres) of music, just like classical, rock, and techno.

Also, like you yourself mentioned, some of the songs are actually emulating Western styles (e.g. A Crimson Rose, Que Sera Sera), and the others are in non-pop genres like rock (Katamari on the Rocks), techno (WANDA WANDA), and Latin jazz (Katamaritaino). I dunno, "The Moon and the Prince" might be considered some form of J-Pop, but it doesn't really seem to have much of a melody, a crucial factor in the genre. "Katamaritaino" does get pretty close at a few points, but I really don't know any artists with similar styles.

So yeah...practice a little patience and common courtesy. Nobody is obligated to tell you anything, so quit with the "unsatisfied customer" act.

How ya doing, buddy?

Ooo, new av/sig...nice.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Yeah, if you like jazz/swing, definitely check out Tokyo Jihen. Rollins has both albums on his FTP.

Speaking of Tokyo Jihen, it looks like ADULT VIDEO has been released...anyone getting this? I might end up buying/sharing it myself if necessary...it doesn't look like it would be overly expensive to import. On the other hand, it seems relatively on the short side (22 minutes) and is Region 2...I think the hacked XBox might play it, but I'm not sure how to rip it from there.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Okay, so I got around to listening to the Ringo no Uta single. Supposedly the track "Ringo Catalogue" references her previous works through not only the lyrics, but also through certain instruments and melody excerpts (sort of the musical version of her "Ringo no Uta" PVs I guess). Has anyone actually done a comprehensive analysis of the song? I'm very interested in exactly which parts reference which songs.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Found a good download forum:

http://www.getasianmusic.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=31

You have a register to see some links, but it's worth it I think.

Double Post
Finally, some stuff from ADULT VIDEO!

Koi wa Maboroshi FOR MUSICIAN

A nice sequel to the Tsumiki Asobi dance. And hey, "it's that guy from Densha Otoko!"

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Heh...I always identified with Ogawa, because she's always staring off into space with her mouth open and never knows what's going on. That pretty much describes me to a tee. ^_^;;

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Get lots of pics and vids plz.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by OmagnusPrime

Of what, Konkon's graduation? Given their pretty strict policy of no cameras I imagine that's not going to be likely.

That's what *hidden* cameras are for.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Don't worry, I wasn't actually being serious (in case you couldn't tell). I'd never ask someone to risk being thrown out of Konkon's graduation concert. ^_^

FELIPE NO

I still miss Ai Kago.

Come back soon, Kago-chan! ;_;

How ya doing, buddy?

Okay, I realize this is a pretty random request, but I've spent hours searching for this on both Google and YouTube with no success. What I'm looking for is a PV of Ken Hirai's "POP STAR," except sung and performed by a female J-pop artist. I don't recall her name, but I remember her being fairly well-known. I also remember somebody remark jokingly that her voice was almost deeper than Ken's. :P

Sorry for coming out of nowhere with this, but any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Hiro

I am speechless. May she rest in peace.

Yeah, I didn't even know who she was and the news made me really depressed...I think it was because it looked like she was on her way to recovery, planning a new album and everything, and then this happened.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Tokyo Jihen has released a new single, called "Osca":

YouTube Video

Is it just me or does this seem both visually and aurally disappointing compared to Jihen's other stuff? It seems like a pretty radical departure from the classy image I usually associate with Shiina, into almost a YUKI-ish territory. I mean, they've resorted to panty shots for crying out loud. ;_;

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

http://wiki.theppn.org/Kago_Ai_Smoking_Scandal



Although I guess smoking wouldn't exactly qualify as scandalous in the US.

How ya doing, buddy?