PINK CRES has dropped the video for “Etcetera”, the first video from their forthcoming sophomore album of the same name. The K-pop R&B that PC toyed with on crescendo is back, and once again it's a bit dated, although perhaps not so much as before. It's a nice hard-R&B stomper with a catchy chorus and … Continue reading PINK CRES – “Etcetera” Video
Jpop
Morning Musume ’17 “Wakaindashi” – First Impressions
The first song of Morning Musume '17's new single has been radio-ripped to Youtube. If you haven't heard it yet, here's your big opportunity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Px4rBfIGIeA I know this is only half the song, but I really hate this. It's musical pabulum. The arrangement feels mailed-in and directionless, which is odd for a Tsunku production. It … Continue reading Morning Musume ’17 “Wakaindashi” – First Impressions
Postmodern Jukebox Takes on BABYMETAL
Is there any more irrefutable confirmation of having made it in today's music world than having Postmodern Jukebox cover your music? They are the modern-day "Weird Al" Yankovic in that respect, so it's cool to see them take on BABYMETAL's "Gimme Chocolate" and confirm BM's place in the not-Japan music scene. Going with 20s-era jazz … Continue reading Postmodern Jukebox Takes on BABYMETAL
Speaking of Mash-ups…
Henkka's Tsubaki/Wonder mash-up reminded me the one I did about three years ago, that is possibly the most ridiculous mashup ever: AKB48's "Beginner" and 80s one-hit-wonder Kingdom Come's "Get It On". Don't ask how this popped into my head -- genius can not be explained, but merely accepted. Set aside such uncomfortable questions and just … Continue reading Speaking of Mash-ups…
The Problem With LoVendoЯ
So the cover art for LoVendoЯ's come-back mini-album Яe:Start has been released, and the girls look just like... an idol group. Here, bask in the plenary pinkness of Reina's rock band: The only things missing from this cover are Sayu and Koha, and it encapsulates the problem I've had with LoVendoЯ from the start: this … Continue reading The Problem With LoVendoЯ
So, About That Rumored Aya Matsuura Comeback…
Back in March, rumors began circulating about an Aya Matsuura comeback, and sadly, we’ve heard nothing new since then. Now, planning a return to the music biz isn’t something you do spur-of-the-moment, especially if you’re the mother of a two-year-old. I get that, but for the media to have caught wind of such a return, … Continue reading So, About That Rumored Aya Matsuura Comeback…
Judy And Mary, Won’t You Please Come Home?
Isn't it time that Judy And Mary had a reunion? I mean, really, it's long over-due isn't it? I get the desire to break free from the constraints of being in a decade-old band, of wanting to tackle new challenges and explore new musical ground. Every artist needs fresh experiences with new people and new … Continue reading Judy And Mary, Won’t You Please Come Home?
Kinki Kids’ Tsuyoshi Domoto Hospitalized For Sudden Deafness
(From jpopasia.com) Kinki Kids member Tsuyoshi Domoto has been hospitalized for a week after experiencing sudden deafness. Kinki Kids was supposed to make an appearance on TV Tokyo's "Ongakusai 2017" broadcast on June 28. Domoto was not present for the recording. Group mate Koichi Domoto explained that Domoto has experienced hearing loss and will be … Continue reading Kinki Kids’ Tsuyoshi Domoto Hospitalized For Sudden Deafness