It was an interesting year, to say the least, in the J-POP world. Let's take a look at the top Japanese albums that have made my list.
10. Pistol Valve - RATATATTAT!
This monster of an all-girl ska band released their long-awaited full-length CD this year, and it shows how much work these women put into their album. You might not be able to stand still during such ditties as "Please Mr. Policeman" and "My Best One," and with its ability to mix ska with techno as heard in "YES or NO" you can't help but to get up and dance.
9. Zazen Boys - Zazen Boys 4
From the Matsuri Studio comes Zazen Boys' fourth release, produced by the wonderful Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Weezer). More experimental than their last releases (and a bit funkier, too), frontman Mukai Shutoku (formerly of Number Girl) makes it his and the band's mission to make the listeners feel groovy, thanks in part to such tracks as "Idiot Funk" and "The Drifting/I Don't Wanna Be With You." Though not an album for everyone "Zazen Boys 4" is a fun CD that will put many smiles on all the indie boys and girls.
8. BORIS - Smile
The masters of Japanese hardcore metal return with one of their strongest albums yet. With tracks like "Buzz-In" and "Laser Beam" it's a wonder why more metal acts haven't toured with them. (Thankfully, Trent Reznor had them open for his band Nine Inch Nails this past autumn.)
7. Dir en grey - UROBOROS
Dir en grey just keeps getting better and better with each album, and "UROBOROS" proves to be their best album. From its opening "Sar Bir" and "Vinushka" to "Stuck Man" and "Bugaboo" Dir en grey shows off some of the most darkest sounds to come out of your stereo since Bauhaus released "Bela Lugosi's Dead."
6. TsuShiMaMiRe - TsuShiMaMiRe to Rock to Beer de
From their raw opening "Mi Kara Deta Sabi" to its mixture of pop rock and psychedelic alternative in "Atarashii Sekai No Yoake Ha Toriaezu Rock to Beer De" the all-girl punk trio from Chiba once again prove to the world that not only can girls rock, but they can also do it a lot better than them. Also listen to "Sakuran Boy," one of the best tracks to come out of Japan this year.
5. shing02 – Waikyoku
Japan’s best solo rapper finally released this album after six years in the making, and it shows why it took so long. Great storytelling in “Bijou,” amazing beats in “Nagasume” and a wonderful blend of jazz and hip-hop make this album a strong contender for best rap album of ’08.
4. the pillows – PIED PIPER
Sawao Yamanaka and company finally made an album that is about worthy of placing it amongst their “Golden Four” albums of the late 90s. I think now’s the time that the rest of the world (and not just otaku) should be known about the pillows.
3. Soil & “Pimp” Sessions – Planet Pimp
Last year this band’s “Pimpoint” was #1 on my J-POP album list of ’07. This year they appear again at #3 with this album, which still shows why they are the best jazz band on the planet. It’s exciting, fun and danceable for all ages.
2. TRICERATOPS - MADE IN LOVE
I recently discovered this band this past year, and fell in love with their style. Their album “Made in Love” sometimes feels like a Japanese Oasis, while other times it sounds like a great blend of techno and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
1. SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH - Shock on the Piano
Billy Joel, Elton John, John Legend, and even Ben Folds should be watching their backs. SUEMITSU is about to come from behind to remind them of what real piano rock is. This album is an amazing accomplishment that both classical and rock enthusiasts can sit down and enjoy listening to.
This is King Baby Duck: "Ain't born to lose, baby, I'm born to win! I'm so Goddamn slick, baby, it's a sin!"
10. Pistol Valve - RATATATTAT!
This monster of an all-girl ska band released their long-awaited full-length CD this year, and it shows how much work these women put into their album. You might not be able to stand still during such ditties as "Please Mr. Policeman" and "My Best One," and with its ability to mix ska with techno as heard in "YES or NO" you can't help but to get up and dance.9. Zazen Boys - Zazen Boys 4
From the Matsuri Studio comes Zazen Boys' fourth release, produced by the wonderful Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Weezer). More experimental than their last releases (and a bit funkier, too), frontman Mukai Shutoku (formerly of Number Girl) makes it his and the band's mission to make the listeners feel groovy, thanks in part to such tracks as "Idiot Funk" and "The Drifting/I Don't Wanna Be With You." Though not an album for everyone "Zazen Boys 4" is a fun CD that will put many smiles on all the indie boys and girls.8. BORIS - Smile
The masters of Japanese hardcore metal return with one of their strongest albums yet. With tracks like "Buzz-In" and "Laser Beam" it's a wonder why more metal acts haven't toured with them. (Thankfully, Trent Reznor had them open for his band Nine Inch Nails this past autumn.)7. Dir en grey - UROBOROS
Dir en grey just keeps getting better and better with each album, and "UROBOROS" proves to be their best album. From its opening "Sar Bir" and "Vinushka" to "Stuck Man" and "Bugaboo" Dir en grey shows off some of the most darkest sounds to come out of your stereo since Bauhaus released "Bela Lugosi's Dead."6. TsuShiMaMiRe - TsuShiMaMiRe to Rock to Beer de
From their raw opening "Mi Kara Deta Sabi" to its mixture of pop rock and psychedelic alternative in "Atarashii Sekai No Yoake Ha Toriaezu Rock to Beer De" the all-girl punk trio from Chiba once again prove to the world that not only can girls rock, but they can also do it a lot better than them. Also listen to "Sakuran Boy," one of the best tracks to come out of Japan this year.5. shing02 – Waikyoku
Japan’s best solo rapper finally released this album after six years in the making, and it shows why it took so long. Great storytelling in “Bijou,” amazing beats in “Nagasume” and a wonderful blend of jazz and hip-hop make this album a strong contender for best rap album of ’08.4. the pillows – PIED PIPER
Sawao Yamanaka and company finally made an album that is about worthy of placing it amongst their “Golden Four” albums of the late 90s. I think now’s the time that the rest of the world (and not just otaku) should be known about the pillows.3. Soil & “Pimp” Sessions – Planet Pimp
Last year this band’s “Pimpoint” was #1 on my J-POP album list of ’07. This year they appear again at #3 with this album, which still shows why they are the best jazz band on the planet. It’s exciting, fun and danceable for all ages.2. TRICERATOPS - MADE IN LOVE
I recently discovered this band this past year, and fell in love with their style. Their album “Made in Love” sometimes feels like a Japanese Oasis, while other times it sounds like a great blend of techno and Red Hot Chili Peppers.1. SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH - Shock on the Piano
Billy Joel, Elton John, John Legend, and even Ben Folds should be watching their backs. SUEMITSU is about to come from behind to remind them of what real piano rock is. This album is an amazing accomplishment that both classical and rock enthusiasts can sit down and enjoy listening to.This is King Baby Duck: "Ain't born to lose, baby, I'm born to win! I'm so Goddamn slick, baby, it's a sin!"
Labels: Boris, Dir en grey, J-METAL, J-POP, J-PUNK, J-ROCK, King Baby Duck, Music, Pistol Valve, Shing02, Soil and Pimp Sessions, Suemitsu, Suemitsu and the Suemtih, the pillows, TsuShiMaMiRe, Zazen Boys
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