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!"

Finish What You Start...

To fully understand what Dir en grey is about, you need to see them live. I did just that last night at Boston's Wilbur Theatre, along with my Boston Bastard Brigade cohost Pink Taco.

We got there 15 minutes late, but all we missed was the first couple songs by DeG's opening act the Human Abstract. They were good, but they were a little bit too strobe light happy. Anyone with Epilepsy going to this show would've probably been hospitalized with the first 3 minutes of what I saw.

After setting up, Dir en grey finally emerged from the darkness. Kyo arrived and stood on his pedestal. No "Hello Boston," no wave to the crowd; just an evil stare towards the screaming fans (mostly from the women). From their first track ("Obscure") to their last ("The IIID Empire") Dir en grey was at their A-game. Kyo's vocals were at full force, screaming from the top of his lungs and singing his heart out. This was best heard in the unplugged version of "Aggitated Screams of Maggot" (which they also played plugged), "Merciless Cult" and "Dozing Green."

Dir en grey - "Merciless Cult" [Live]


The show was filled with surprise tracks, with the band digging through songs that have never even been released in the States yet (such as "Obscure" and "The IIID Empire"). Hopefully, if demand is high enough, we will see Dir en grey's earlier work being released in America. Some of the set introduced new tracks from their recently released "Uroborous," with "Glass Skin" and "Toguro" sounding just as loud and nasty as they do on the CD.

Guitarist Die and bassist Toshiya were having a ball on stage, eating up all the audience's applause and screams; while Kaoru played to the far-right of the stage for the most part until the end. Drummer Shinya proved that he is one of Asia's top drummers, smashing and bashing his way on a drum kit with so many cymbals that it could almost make Dream Theater envious. Kyo, the center of everyone's attention, was a wonder to watch; from his dancing to his five-minute acoustic screaming (yes, acoustic screaming). One may wonder if he'll ruin his vocal chords again, as he did in '06. (He is also partially deaf in his left ear.) He only spoke to the audience once (to introduce "Saku"), but perhaps as a theatrical rocker he did not want to break the fourth wall too much. The fans didn't mind, and I didn't mind either. (I was also shocked that Kyo didn't do his trademark self-mutilation. Maybe he didn't have enough fake blood that night. At least I think it's fake...)

Dir en grey - "Agitated Screams of Maggot" [Live]


Although not the greatest show I've ever been to, Dir en grey put on a memorable and entertaining concert that everyone who was there will remember for years to come. (Pink Taco thought they were "pretty good" too.)

Setlist:
1. Obscure
2. Grief
3. Agitated Screams of Maggots
4. Disabled Complexes
5. The Fatal Believer
6. 蜷局 (Toguro)
7. 艶かしき安息、躊躇いに微笑み (Namamekashiki Ansoku, Tomadoi ni Hohoemi)
8. Agitated Screams of Maggots -unplugged-
9. Conceived Sorrow
10. Glass Skin
11. 凌辱の雨 (Ryoujoku no Ame)
-acapella-
12. Hydra -666-
13. Merciless Cult
14. The Deeper Vileness
15. Dozing Green
16. Repetition of Hatred

Encore:
1. 鼓動 (Kodou)
2. 凱歌、沈黙が眠る頃) (Gaika, Chinmoku Ga Nemuru Koro)
3. Clever Sleazoid
4. 朔 (Saku)
5. The IIID Empire

Dir en grey's new album "Uroboros" is now in stores, and will be continuing to tour America through December 5. Check the dates below and go as if your life depends on it!

11/16 - Kool Haus - Toronto, ON
11/18 - Clutch Cargo's - Pontiac, MI
11/19 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
11/20 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
11/22 - The Eagles Club - Milwaukee, WI
11/23 - Pop's - Sauget, IL
11/25 - House of Blues - Houston, TX
11/26 - Palladium Ballroom - Dallas, TX
11/28 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ
11/29 - The Wiltern LG - Los Angeles, CA
11/30 - Warfield Theatre - San Francisco, CA
12/2 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
12/3 - The Showbox - Seattle, WA
12/5 - Gothic Theatre - Englewood, CO

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."

----------------
Now playing: Dir en grey - CLEVER SLEAZOID
via FoxyTunes

Finish What You Start...

Because my mind is on many other things this week, I've decided to start a new segment promoting music videos from Japan.

Teriyaki Boyz - Zock On! (feat. Busta Rhymes & Pharrell)


Just why isn't this song playing on the radio here?!

Anna Tsuchiya - Rose


First opening theme to "NANA." Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit), Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle), and Chis Chaney (Jane's Addiction) plays guitars, drums, and bass respectively.

GING NANG BOYZ - I Don't Wanna Die (Aidonwanadai) [LIVE]


I was trying to find the actual video for this song, but I couldn't find it. If anyone finds it, be warned of the sex!

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant - Out Blues [Live]


Their album "Gear Blues" was called "hard muscle and euphoric velocity" by Rolling Stone Magazine. Yes, the American print of Rolling Stone. Sadly, TMGE disbanded a couple years ago; but look up Chiba Yuusuke's new band the Birthday, who are just as equally good.

m-flo - Luvotomy ~ m-flo loves Namie Amuro [LIVE]


Let it be known that m-flo brought the SexyBack before Timberlake with the album "Astromantic." Their recent album "COSMICOLOR" proves that they can create tracks that make even Diddy shit his pants in fear.

And with VERBAL book-ending this segment (once in Teriyaki Boyz, the other in m-flo), I close this segment for today.

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."

Finish What You Start...

What happens when you mix punk, rock, ska, and then place it in the hands of three Japanese girls? You get the best all-girl band on the planet: TsuShiMaMiRe!

Since 1999, TsuShiMaMiRe has rocked both America in Japan with their songs about food, sex, and death (and sometimes all three at once). Composed of Mari (vocalist and guitarist), Yayoi (the self-proclaimed "fucking crazy bassist") and Mizue (the greatest female drummer in the world). Their styles range from soft in heart to evil as hell; and this wide variety of song styles makes them an act you can't miss!

TsuShiMaMiRe - Air control remote control


They have so far released three albums (the critically-acclaimed "Pregnant Fantasy," "no-miso shortcake," and "TsuShiMaMiRe to Rock to Beer de), a couple singles, two mini-albums ("Love and Peace & BOU" and "Six Mix Girls"), and a Live DVD that captures a live show in Japan and clips from a couple US tours. Out of the seven US Tours they've done, two were with the famous Suicide Girls burlesque show. The second tour was where this Duckie met and befriended the girls.

TsuShiMaMiRe - no-miso shortcake (Live)


Last night, I went and interviewed TsuShiMaMiRe at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA (which may appear on here in text or in a special audio form). I won't reveal much, but they told me that they are going to be appearing in a music video on Cartoon Network featuring the Powerpuff Girls starting next month; which will help TsuShiMaMiRe more well-known in the eyes of many. They also dream of opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which I think could happen very soon; considering J-METAL band BORIS will be opening for Nine Inch Nails in November & December, and J-PUNK band melt-banana opened for Tool last year. After the interview I was treated with one of the most exciting shows I've ever witnessed (even more than Queens of the Stone Age). These women are not just proof that women can rock, but that they can do it much better than the guys.

TsuShiMaMiRe - Sakuran Boy


"Pregnant Fantasy" is available on CD and iTunes, "no-miso shortcake" & "TsuShiMaMiRe to Rock to Beer de" are available on iTunes, and "Six Mix Girls" is currently only available on their US Tour. I highly recommend checking out this band more than any other group from Japan. Their music is catchy, experimental, and just simply amazing!

This is King Baby Duck: 脳みそショートケーキ!!!

Finish What You Start...

The Duck hath returned with another great music act to look out for from the Land of the Rising Sun. This week we look at monobright!

I was watching Space Shower TV (greatest music channel ever, by the way) while staying in Japan one July week in '07, and monobright's first mainstream single came onto the TV. It was called "Mikansei Riot" (or "Incomplete Riot"). For almost four minutes I was spellbound by the most original rock 'n' roll I had heard in years.

monobright - Mikansei Riot


The following Thursday I was in Shibuya, where I picked up the new single; as well as their indie EP "monobright zero." When I listened to both, my thoughts had been confirmed: monobright was going to be the next big thing in Japan, and possibly the world.

Following "Mikansei Riot" came "Atama no Naka no SOS," a bit similar to the first single, but with more of a skip-down-the-street-happily feel to it. Then, their first major album "monobright one" was released a month after. The album mixed past rock, blues, and the current sound to make one solid CD.

monobright - wARp


In late-January came "wARP," a single that opened with something sounding like the classic Adam West "Batman" series; which brought a nostalgic sound into my ears. It was followed in May by monobright's next EP "Ano Toumei Kan to Shounen." That month also saw the band hit the UK for the first time, meeting success by both fans and critics. Whether or not monobright will hit the US anytime soon is anyone's guess; but let it be know that once they do it'll be hard to not notice this band.

monobright - Ano Toumei Kan to Shounen


monobright's music is not currently available in the US (or the rest of the world), but if you got money to spare I highly recommend importing their music through either CDJapan or HMV Japan. If demand is high enough, maybe a good-natured indie record company might pick them up (looking at you, Matador Records!).

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!"

Finish What You Start...

You probably have noticed that every CD that I have reviewed has been positive. This is not to say that every Japanese album I've listened to this year has been that great. Let's look at some of my biggest disappointments of January-July 2008!

March 5 saw the release of Asian Kung-Fu Generation's newest album in almost two years: "World World World." After the release of their last singles "After Dark" and "Korogaru Iwa, Kimi ni Asa ga Furu" I had very high hopes for this CD. Unfortunately those hopes turned into despairs. Sure the songs were okay, but the flow and style were quite dull in comparison to their previous albums. Not only that, but many of the songs lacked the variety seen in "Sol-fa" and "Fanclub." It was as if AKG were trying too hard to keep the average fans entertained instead of expanding their horizons towards new listeners. Unless you are a hardcore fan of Asian Kung-Fu Generation, I cannot recommend this album. (However, their recent EP "Mada Minu Ashita ni" has what "World X3" lacked. If only they replaced half of the album with the songs featured on the EP.)

In late 2007 POLYSICS released the CD single for the song "Rocket," their best song in recent memory. Before the release of their 2008 album "We Ate the Machine" the fans were told to expect a new, exciting sound from the quartet. What I heard, sadly, were some of the most annoying songs these ears were forced to hear. Granted, "Pretty Good," "Pony to Lion" and "Kagayake" had some good sounds, but tracks like "Kikai Tabechaimashita," "Mind Your Head," and "Digital Coffee" were too noisy to bear. Now I am for bands expereimenting with their music; but this had to have been the first time I had wished that a group would stick to what they know best instead of trying something different. POLYSICS is already a standout band, so there should have been no need for them to go forth with trying to widen their surroundings.

My final disappointment appeared in the form of FLOW's "Isle." Their last singles "Colors," "Answer," and "Fuyu no Amaoto / Night Parade" were all really good, but many of the tracks lacked the fun that FLOW is well-known for. In fact half of the time they sounded like one of those shitty boy bands out from Johnny's Entertainment. (NOTE: If you've never heard of this Japanese boy band company, then I envy your ignorance.) Their previous album "Golden Coast" was filled with radio-worthy tracks. "Isle," though, is too sappy for its own good. It made me want to fly to Japan myself and slap the band members silly for blindly taking the wrong path on this album. (Where's Rick Rubin when you need him? Seriously, if he could help Linkin Park make their best album yet, then he should have no problme getting FLOW back on track!)

These three great bands have all hit creativity speed bumps this past year. Let's hope that by next year these music powerhouses will keep their heads straight, and their minds well-tuned to some better song choices next time around.

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!

Finish What You Start...