The less evil side of J-pop
Perhaps I’m hypocritical for saying this, but I don’t mind a bit of idoru j-pop now and then. I bet if it was in English, and if I saw the singer plastered in commercials/the news everywhere, and if the record companies tried forcing the music down my throat, then I would probably loathe it like I loathe the Britneys and the Jessicas of the western pop world.
They probably do all that here as well, but thankfully my lack of Japanese has insulated me from the bollocks. Hence, I can enjoy the odd piece of J-pop music, particularly the quirky, weird, boppy stuff that I’ve come to associate with Japanese pop culture as a whole.
One of these idoru that I don’t mind is Ai Otsuka. There’s a lot of mundane crap on her album LOVE COOK but the album was worth buying just for the song 3 Minute Ramen Cooking. It’s insane and my new cooking anthem.
Also worth listening to are SMILY and U-Botto. I have no idea what that means.
Anyway, comment if you can recommend something similar. iTunes fails for not having Ms Otsuka listed.
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May 24th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
I’m not totally sure the type of music you’re looking for, be it typical JPop or off the wall weird Jpop but I found one interesting artist debut her album while I was in Japan. Her name is Toki Asako and it’s printed in Japanese but her album title “debut” is in english. She’s a mix of strange jazz pop. Judy and Mary is also a good yet strange band but I’m sure you’ve heard of them.
If you listen to Utada Hikaru’s american release CD exodus you can hear what most Jpop music would be like in english. I listen to more Rock/Punk/Industrial type Japanese music but I have an assortment of JPop as well.
I’m with you on pop. I can’t stand american pop but JPop is awesome.
May 25th, 2006 at 11:33 pm
“I’m with you on pop. I can’t stand american pop but JPop is awesome.”
But does that make us hypocrites, I wonder? :)
Cheers for the tip about Toki Asako, will check her out. And yes, I’m a fan of Judy and Mary already :D
May 29th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
If you like Otsuka Ai’s 3 minute
Ramen, her new single Frienger is just as fun, especially the video. I love this gal…she’s my favorite…along with a few others like Aishitene Motto by Aiko Kayou and Kiss Kiss Kiss by Nao Nagasawa
I will not listen to anything but Jpop now…I am so hooked. The funnyest Asian song I have ever heard was Dim Sum Girl by The Notorious MSG.
May 30th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
Hey, I like your blog It’s good to read about other peoples views on Japanese Music.
Maybe you’d like to check out my site: http://phonosophicalsushi.blogspot.com/
Its only just started and talks about lots of stuff, but its main focus will be Japanese Music! : )
(and more less well known J music)
So far I have 2 Japanese Music Articles so far on:
Shiina Ringo & Tokyo Jihen
Bugy Craxone
But the site is growing quickly, so check it out : )
Next weeks article will be on the Japanese group Bonobos!
Please check my site out and give feedback
Thank you
Sam
http://phonosophicalsushi.blogspot.com/