Did Riho Sayashi join Babymetal? Maybe. No one knows at this point. What we do know is that the ex-Morning Musume ace performed with the metal-idols at their June 30th Glastonberry Festival performance, with no announcement or introduction made prior to or during the show. Sayashi's appearance made the group a trio again, and allowed … Continue reading Riho Sayashi to join Babymetal?
Jpop
PINK CRES. — “Tokyo Confusion” single
Not sure how this release passed me by -- this being the Foremost English Language PINK CRES Blog, and all -- but I'm glad I found it. I'm happy to report that PINK CRES has finally arrived to the current day music scene! After two full albums of mostly re-hashed 3rd-wave Kpop, our girls have … Continue reading PINK CRES. — “Tokyo Confusion” single
PINK CRES. — Etcetera album
Remember 2017? It was a particularly painful year for fans of Hello! Project and associated acts, which was made to feel even worse as it followed one of the absolute best years in 2016. This plugged-toilet of a year saw the end of C-ute's 15-year run, the Country Girls/KSS Divestment Draft, Kobushi Factory pushing the … Continue reading PINK CRES. — Etcetera album
PINK CRES – “Etcetera” Video
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
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?