Song of the Day - BOMBRUSH! - "STAY STRONG"

What's up RSF fans! It's Alan with your daily dose of Japanese HYPE! Today's RSF recommendation- "Stay Strong" features my friend DAG FORCE on the track. This song is great, even if you don't understand Japanese. Push play, share and enjoy!

BOMBRUSH! - "STAY STRONG" feat. NORIKIYO, SHINGO★西成 & DAG FORCE

Song of the Day - KOWICHI (Enmaku) feat. AKASHINGO (EMERALD) - JUST WALK ON PV

KOWICHI (Enmaku) is back with a new single featuring EMERALD member; AKASHINGO. I love KOWICHI's flow and AKASHINGO makes good use of auto-tune, which isn't always easy to do.

REVIEW - PePe&Jony the sonata - paper.cheeze.plate.

Last month I bought rapper and Ultimate MC Battle champion 晋平太's (Shinpeita) latest release, a compilation of various artists who competed in UMB, all coming together to contribute their own original tracks as well as a cypher type track as the opening. Number three on the album's first disc is Peep Show by PePe&Jony the sonata and upon hearing them I had to find out more. Luckily I found their album on iTunes and that's about it. On to the review!

Song of the Day - LIL KOHH - Young Forever

This kid can rap for someone so young and looks to have a very promising future doing so. Let's hope to see him at UMB some time in the next 5 years or so. Another great video directed by EillyHustleHard (At least I think, I found it on his page and he only uploads videos he directed or produced, at least usually.) A very clever and refreshing video. I look for him to go from LIL KOHH to just KOHH on down the road, reminiscent of Lil Bow Wow for instance.

INTERVIEW - AXIS (LIBRA LTD)

I recently had the opportunity to interview Yokohama based rapper AXIS. AXIS is on the LIBRA LTD label which has acts such as MSC who are known as one of the founding groups of Japanese Hip Hop. As with all of my interviews it was via email.

Song of the Day - GAZZILA - WHAT'S MY NAME?

A brand new PV from R-Rated Records, starring label newcomer GAZZILA! Pretty cool video if you like R-Rated Records and skateboards/BMX! This came out of nowhere on YouTube yesterday and it's not being released as a single yet either. Hopefully it's a sign of his first album. The track is produced by NAOtheLAIZA & RAGSIX. The video is directed by JONAH SCHWARTZ.

REVIEW - AXIS - UNCIVILIZED

I pre-ordered AXIS's new album from JetSet Records and after it arrived I got sidetracked for a month and didn't get around to reviewing it. AXIS is a rapper on the LIBRA LTD label known for Japanese hip hop legends MSC aka Mic Space Crew and SHINGO NISHINARI as well as JUSWANNA and many great DJ. Anyway! Without further ado, on to the review!

1.Prologue - It's basically a good intro track that sounds like it could go in a action film, then AXIS just kills it with a freestyle session. It definitely sets up the rest of the album, especially the eerie demonic laughter. The beat is courtesy of DADDY VEDA a.k.a. REBEL BEATS (ILL EAST RECORDS).

RIZE 2012 Fallin' Tour

RIZE TOUR 2012 - Sponsored by Stride gum

Everyone's favorite Japanese grunge-rock band RIZE is back at it again, along with the release of their newest single, "Local Defense Organization." 

Song of the Day: ChthoniC - KAORU

By now, it should be painfully obvious to most of our regular readers that I am a HUGE fan of ChthoniC. Their latest album, Takasago Army embraces the theme of a WWII Taiwan. I am especially fond of the art style they chose for the posters and flyers - it really draws people in, as if it is another piece of wartime propaganda.

Song of the Day: Loreena McKennitt - Marakkesh Night Market

I am very fond of Celtic music, and Loreena McKennitt is probably the main reason for this. When I was in junior high school, my father gave me one of her albums to listen to, The Book of Secrets. I fell in love with her music, and it is a love that continues to this day. Traditional and innovative, McKennitt's music captures the ear and draws the listener into a world far away, filled with dreams and fragments of histories that long passed by.

Song of the Day: Silver Ash - Gorgeous Devil

Many of the veterans of the visual-kei scene will be familiar with the name Silver Ash. Silver Ash are one of the first visual kei bands to come out from China, having been founded in Beijing. They are not well-known to most younger fans (who, at most, are familiar with ParanoiD, Venue, and other current VK bands from Hong Kong), but at one time they were rather popular. Their song Gorgeous Devil is one of my favorite tracks. 

Song of the Day: Melechesh - Negative Theology

I will admit that I find metal rooted in traditional music to be  one of the most engaging genres possible. From Orphaned Land to ChthoniC, from Kagrra to Rudra, I find myself enchanted by the timeless melodies that echo amidst the clanging chaos and the sounds of battle. Metal is meant to portray a battle - perhaps that is why some of the heaviest metal comes from Scandinavia, where vikings had once feasted in the name of Odin and planned their battles. In that line of thought, the Middle East should also produce music of battle, music of war, music steeped in blood and tears and sweat and history - and they do. Melechesh is one such band, and today's song of the day is a prime example of excellent metal. 

Song of the Day: Dio - I Could Have Been a Dreamer

I remember quite clearly where I was, when I heard about Ronnie James Dio's death. I don't suppose many people do, but it was a strange night for me, that one night. You see, I was outside of Webster Hall with some friends, waiting to get into a show... in the basement, of course. Cool people go to the basement, don't you know? It's underground. (Yes, I made a hipster joke. Moving along, now.) Now, it was about 6:30pm, and the sun was setting, and it was a lovely May evening, and my friend was checking his facebook when he nearly shit himself and announced that RJD was dead.

Song of the Day - Shazna - Sumire September Love

Ah, the 1990s had certainly been a great decade. Lately, I have been feeling nostalgic for that time - watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed, and listening to Savage Garden and such... ah, yes. It had been a great time for music and a fascinating time to be alive. Thus, coming back to RSF after my hiatus as I am, I thought I'd start with one of my favorite songs. Shazna were one of the first bands I encountered, and their Golden Sun and Silver Moon compilation is one of my most prized albums to date. 

Regarding - Politics - The Way It Looks ( US Election 2012)

Due to a very disheartening revelation I must make a correction to the statement I made earlier.

Mitt Romney will be the next President of the United States. Mitt will be the next president thanks to no actions of his own. Mitt Romney will be the next president thanks to the voter suppression ID laws, cut backs on early voting (especially in Democratic leaning counties/districts and in Florida for instance have an 10 page voting ballot. 

Few people, excluding hardcore voters I.e. few young people and the sick, disabled, elderly will not spend a lot of time in line and if you're older you may very well have eyesight issues. The turn out will be lower than usual if it's raining or even snowing in some states like Colorado.

All of this makes for a perfect storm of rigging an election in the GOP's favor. The system has never been more rigged than it is this year. It will be amazing if Obama gets a second term.

Regarding a Personal Matter - 30 Days in Seclusion

Last month after seeing my routine matinee movie in the form of The Bourne Legacy, I decided that was the last time I would go anywhere for the rest of the month. Little did I know it would be the beginning of a routine that would be very powerful.

Song of the Day - Purple Swag Remix PV

Watch "Purple Swag Remix feat. VITO, KUTS DA COYOTE, ERA, Cherry Brown, PUNPEE & DJ TY-KOH" on YouTube

Another great PV from EillyHustleHard. It's got some great rappers on it!

INTERVIEW - CRAZY-T

Recently I had the opportunity to interview American-Born, Hip Hop artist living in Japan, CRAZY-T. I can't say how much I appreciate him taking his time out of his busy schedule to do an interview, it was via email, but he replied just a few hours later and that I am very grateful for. Where was I? Oh right! On to the interview!

ALBUM REVIEW - SHINGO☆西成 - ブレない (Burenai)

Where to begin...SHINGO☆西成 is a rapper from Nishinari, Osaka Japan and is signed to LIBRA RECORDS and SHOWA RECORDS, one for management, the other for distribution purposes. SHINGO☆西成 has made a name for himself as one of the top emcees in the game and the face of Hip Hop in Osaka. Anyway, on to the album!

Song of the Day - Triga Finga - Level 7 (Subbed) PV

Very good song with a great message behind it.

SONGS of the WEEK MONDAY-WEDNESDAY SPECIAL!

Japan's Top R&B - A.I.

I love music. It's simple. Unfortunately, finding new music I like is often impossible. Either it's too "poppy" for me or it lacks a certain element of the underground, which I so desperately crave. In recent years, in terms of the music I've been listening to on a daily basis, most of the music I listen to these days were orchestrated by friends I've made in real life. Today's featured artist is no different, allow me to introduce you to Japan's top R&B singer, the beautiful "A.I.".

Born in Los Angeles, California in 1981, AI would go on to become one of Japan's top R&B artists. In 2000, she signed with Universal (BMG) Japan, and moved to Def Jam Japan in 2002. It wasn't until 2005 when AI found major success with her single, "Story." Since then, AI has gone on to win numerous awards from Billboard Japan, Space Shower and MTV Japan. No matter what AI does, there is just no stopping this sensational singer.

Megadeth - Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good!

Megadeth's first album. Definitely my favorite! It keeps to amaze me the fact that their first album is so good, usually first albums are not necessarily bad, but not the best either. It amazes me even more the fact that they managed to record such a great album even after they spent half of their already limited budget in drugs/alcohol, I wonder what it would've been like if they didn't... but I guess we can see some of that on the remastered version, which I recommend over the "original" if you're looking for sound quality. This album enters my top 3 Megadeth albums right next to Countdown To Extinction and Youthanasia

ALBUM REVIEW - V.A. BLACK SWAN 3 -In the Case of BES from SWANKY SWIPE-

You've probably never heard of BES, unless you've heard him featured on a track or happen to know who SWANKY SWIPE is OR have the 2008 Ultimate MC Battle DVD, otherwise you could have very well missed out on one of the best young MC's in the game today. Now that you have an idea (albeit small) of who BES is, I'd like to introduce you to the label that has made this album come to be. BLACK SWAN INC is an independent record label based out of Tokyo, which was created for the sole purpose of exposing those who people tend to ignore, the "BLACK SWAN's" of the music basically. Since May BLACK SWAN INC have been releasing monthly albums in the form of BLACK SWAN 1/2/3, which typically deal with multipe artists, which makes sense, seeing as their slogan is Music for Multiple Fanatics. BLACK SWAN 3 features just one artist though, with multiple track makers with all lyrics by BES from SWANKY SWIPE.

Magenta Beach

Some bands make it, some bands don't. Some bands have great music, and terrible PR. Other bands just don't give a f*** and make music for the love of it. Magenta Beach is one of those bands...

Magenta Beach has 5 members:

Ali (Vo,)

Candy (Bass, Vo.)

Kosuke (Guitar)

Maro (Drums)

Chemizalfa (DJ)

I can't accurately recall the first time I met these guys. I want to believe it was in 2008, at a show at Club Asia in Shibuya. At the time, I had no idea their music would find its way to my iPod, but flash forward to 2012 and I can't help but smile every time I hear one of their songs come up on shuffle.

Hakai Hayabusa ( ハカイハヤブサ )

While waiting in the clubs for the headliners to play, I've often discovered new bands I would have otherwise never known existed.  I've been introduced to some really great bands, and really great people via this method. One such notable group I've met via a random encounter is the band Hakai Hayabusa (ハカイハヤブサ).

Pictured: KZ (Gu./Vo.)

Hakai Hayabusa was formed in 2002 and was originally a three piece band. Hakai Hayabusa currently consists of four members:

KZ (Guitar, Vocals)

Nori (Drums)

Moby (Bass, Chorus)

WACK (Guitar, Chorus)

I've rocked out with Hakai Hayabusa live a few times. I remember first seeing them (meeting them, and partying with them) on August 8, 2008 at a show in Tokyo. I was at the show to support my friends in the band Chokesleeper, but before they were due up to the stage that evening, this super chill, surf-punk band ruled the stage (Hakai Hayabusa).

Song of the Day - CRAZY-T X SPENCE - チンコ ft. 鎮座DOPENESS PV

East meets West to make for a great song/pv.

ALBUM REVIEW - KOWICHI (enmaku) - The Chips

A few days ago I bought KOWICHI (enmaku)'s latest album The Chips off of iTunes. With a glance you can find a lot of Hip Hop from Japan on there. KOWICHI is a member of the group enmaku with fellow rapper d.u.g. from Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan and The Chips is his first solo release. I decided to get this after watching some trailers of the music videos that are to come from the album, which feature some of the best producers around. The trailers can be viewed via Street Official's YouTube channel. Okay, without further ado, lets dig into The Chips!

Song of the Day - KULO - MAGMA PV

Props to EillyHustleHard for ANOTHER great video!

ALBUM REVIEW - 迷子 & TOMOZ - Yellowish Green Radio EP

After religiously following 2Dcolvics music blog I discovered this album and the artwork caught my eye, very urban in feel. Now on to the artists. 迷子 (Maigo) & TOMOZ. 迷子 is an emcee from Saitama, Japan who started rapping around 2001 and was part of an group called KUROCODAiLL and is currently signed to G.M.P. (Get More Props) Records. TOMOZ is a Hip Hop/R&B producer, DJ and CEO of bull star Records, also a part of G.M.P. 

We are not dead.

I've been dealing with sickness (colds/headaches) and power outages lately *not fun*, but it is no excuse honestly. The other contributors here are busy with things like work and finding a job, etc. I've been holding off and waiting for things to arrive in the mail, I've spent a lot of money this month on CDS but when they're the best of quality of Hip Hop from Japan, it's worth it. I've been gone, but as anyone who reads this knows, I always come back with one hell of a surprise. This will be the same.

Song Of The Day: Braveheart - Pipes & Pints

Reaching to my Celtic roots with bagpipes and my rock n roll soul with roaring guitars and thunderous beats, Pipes & Pints is one of my new favorite bands. Hailing from the Czech Republic with ties to California via vocalist Mike House, the way they describe their sound (via their Facebook) is "Melodical punkrock music mixed with sound of highland bagpipes, influenced by infinite portion of punk, rock, folk, bagpipe music, country and rock'n'roll."

This track is off their 2009 debut album, Until We Die. They are currently touring Europe as well as working toward putting together their lastest album. 

Pipes & Pints Official Facebook

Song Of The Day - Gone Til November - Wyclef Jean

This, the third single off Wyclef's (the Fugees) solo album The Carnival, features the New York Philharmonic orchestra in the orchestral accompaniment which was arranged and conducted by Sonny Kompanek as well as a cameo by Bob Dylan when he sings the verse "I'm knockin on heaven's door like I'm Bob Dylan." 

Song of the Day - Golden Age - Def Tech

And today's song is... Golden Age by Def Tech. I've got a special love for Def Tech - somehow, their music just fills me up with a happy floaty feeling. Which, by the way, is a feeling you don't often encounter if your hobby is writing depressing lyrics about death, destruction and annihilation... oh, right, getting way off topic here. In any case, this is a great song, and somewhat recent at that.

Song of the Day - HellHounds - Dante

What do you know, I'm back folks. Following a flood of biblical proportions in the studio, of course. In any case, I'd like to bring you guys a little something that floated up in my Youtube suggestions today: Hellhounds, by Dante. 

Song Of The Day - Election Day - Arcadia

The band Arcadia was formed in 1985 by Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, drummer Roger Taylor, and keyboardist Nick Rhodes while the other two members - bassist John Taylor and guitarist Andy Taylor - formed their side project The Power Station with vocalist Robert Palmer. Their album, So Red the Rose, peaked the U.S. charts at #23, while the single "Election Day" peaked at #6. Other contributors to the album include Herbie Hancock, David Gilmore (Pink Floyd), Sting (The Police), and Grace Jones, who is heard in the speaking portions of this track.

Song of the Day - A-THUG & DJ SPACE KID - Block Hustlers feat. HEAVY SMOKER, BLACK & TOP

I've never seen a PV for a song off a mixtape so this was really unique and EillyHustleHard can make some amazing videos. The video features fellow rappers HEAVY SMOKER, BLACK and TOP, I believe all are from the same hood. The video also features two beautiful young ladies named Yoshiko and Nozomi Ills. Not to leave him out this was produced by JoE IRoN

A-THUG has a new mixtape mixed by DJ SPACE KID that comes out tomorrow called HEAT CITY.

You can pick it up at HMV and Jetset Records (Have to wait until it's available they don't do overseas preorders) if you live overseas.

A-THUG - Twitter

DJ SPACE KID - Twitter

HEAVY SMOKER - Twitter

Dancer Yoshiko - Twitter

EillyHustleHard - Twitter

JoE IRoN - Twitter

Song Of The Day - In This River - Black Label Society

Zakk Wylde (Ozzy, Black Label Society) composed this song for the album Mafia, yet made it a tribute to his friend "Dimebag" Darrell Abbot (Pantera, Damageplan) after his shooting death on a concert stage in 2004. 

In light of the events in Colorado, it seems to hold the feeling, the color of the mood of the country at this time.

Enjoy....

Song of the Day - Norra el Norra - Orphaned Land

We have previously featured Orphaned Land on this site, and the fact is, we love their music. So, today, we are featuring another of their songs as song of the day. This time, it is Norra el Norra, from the album Mabool.

Yuki, Versailles drummer, confirms hiatus

From his  official blog:

Notification of hiatus from Versailles

Dear our loyal fans and supporters in the world,

Versailles is going to take a hiatus at the end of 2012. In the 5th
anniversary year for us, we have kept seeking for our new musical
direction to enter a higher stage of Versailles. During that process
of discovering a new musical direction, we felt strong need and desire
to step outside of the band to inspire each of us to be a better
musician. This hiatus is for focusing on each member’s own
musicability that we will definitely bring all our new inputs to
Versailles when we are ready to be back together.

Japanese VK Band Versailles Announces Suspension Of Activities

After only five years of performing, the band released this statement, as well as Kamijo posting it on his Twitter: 

Song Of The Day - Stratovarius - Land Of Ice & Snow

Stratovarius formed in Finland in 1982 and since then has been one of the powerhouses of symphonic metal. 2011 saws their album Elysium reach #1 on the Finnish charts, after which they placed a call on their Facebook page looking for a new drummer. It was Rolf Pilve that answered the call and made the cut, making him the youngest member of the band at only 24. 

Interview & Free Music: Koboloris

 Today, we have a special treat for everyone! This is our 100th blog post - on the 2-month anniversary of our founding. It is a big anniversary for all of us and we are delighted to bring you guys an interview with the rising stars of British black metal - Koboloris from Leeds!! So, read on for more info on these guys, as well as a FREE DOWNLOAD!

RIP Jon Lord Song of the Day - Child in Time - Deep Purple

So, as we all know, I'm a big fan of classic rock. Imagine my joy today, when I signed onto Twitter and saw Deep Purple trending.... well, until I actually clicked on it and found out Jon Lord died. Jon Lord had been a co-founder of Deep Purple, and a legendary keyboardist. His playing gave the band's music its unique quality - I understand, when Deep Purple debuted, it wasn't so common to integrate keyboards as part of a band's sound. 

Steady & Co.

In 2001, members from the bands Skebo King, Rip Slyme, and Dragon Ash, combined forces to make one of Japan's most epic Hip Hop groups of all time, Steady & Co.

Steady & Co. consists of 4 members:

Kenji Furuya (Dragon Ash)

Bots (Dragon Ash)

Ilmari (Rip Slyme)

Shigeo (Skebo King)

The band's only major release was in 2001, an album titled "Chambers." The Chambers album is packed from front to back with awesome songs, as to be expected from Japan's 2001 Hip Hop dream team.

Song of the Day - Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels

"The Devil went down to Georgia
He was lookin' for a soul to steal
He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind
And he was willin' to make a deal"

Come on, any song that starts like this, cannot be anything but awesome - which is why this is our song of the day today! 

Song Of The Day - Children Of The Sun - Billy Thorpe

Released as the title track from the album in 1979, this song still resonates well - the beat, the vocals, the whole feel of the piece being slightly ahead of its time. Thorpe is credited on this album as a jack of all trades -    guitars (lead, bass, rhythm), vocals, record producer, sound engineer, keyboards, synthesizer, sound mixing and harmonica.

Song of the Day - SHINGO☆西成 - 大阪Up Pro.By DJ Fuku PV

This just came out, a PV of a song off of SHINGO☆西成's new album that comes out the 18. It is SO energetic and has just about every hip hop and reggae person in it from Osaka! Very cool and different video, SHINGO☆西成 has yet another hit right here.

Nobuaki Kaneko's New JDrama - VISION

Nobuaki Kaneko, the drummer to the popular Nirvana-esque Japanese garage punk band RIZE, finds himself behind the camera once again in this summer's new police drama- Vision.

Nobuaki Kaneko (NK) has been a drummer his entire life. When he was 17 years old, he created the (now famous) band RIZE with his lifelong friend, Jesse McFaddin. RIZE has gone on to release 7 major full length albums, spanning the genres of Rock, Reggae, Rap, Punk, and JPop. It is also rumored that RIZE will release a new album in 2012 (or early 2013), but the release date has not yet been confirmed.

In Vision, NK plays the role of the lead character Kazuma, a cop who frequently finds himself on the wrong side of the law. In episode 1 - Awakening, the plot reveals that Rena, the lead actress, thinks she is being followed by a ghost. I won't spoil anything though, so if you want to find out what happens in this summer's hottest JDrama, head over to Crunchy Roll and check out the first two episodes.

Fade - 天 TEN

Fade's follow up to Kings Of Dawn - appropriately called 天 TEN as 2012 marks the band's tenth year together - begins with the "In The End," a tune that will have one head banging until the last note.

And that's just the beginning of this powerhouse CD.

REVIEW - Young Hastle - Can't Knock the Hastle

The other day I bought Young Hastle's new album off of iTunes and have been listening to it, well somewhat constantly or at least a lot every day. I've been a fan of Mr.Hastle for a while and was very excited for this new album, especially with all the great features and producers on it and the single Spell My Name Right pointed towards greatness as a whole. Read on to find out if you can in fact, Knock the Hastle.

FIREBALL (Japanese Reggae)

The Japanese reggae scene has seen an explosion of talent in recent years. From Ryo the Skywalker to 卍Line, and Def Tech, the Japanese music scene continues to embrace the irie culture. One of my personal favorite Japanese reggae bands is FIREBALL.

FIREBALL consists of four members:

CRISS

TRUTHFUL 

CHOZEN LEE 

JUN4SHOT

If you see FIREBALL perform live, you might be confused to see more than four people on stage performing with  them. Providing FIREBALL's irie sound while touring is their supporting (back up) band, Home Grown. The two bands intermingle frequently, as seen in the Home Grown song "Stay with Me" featuring Criss from FIREBALL.

Events: Soul Train: "The Hippest Trip in America" Free Screening in Harlem

Heads up, folks. Here's a fun event that I wish I could go to tomorrow. Since I won't be able to, though, I thought I'd share the last-minute news with everyone. There will be a free screening of the documentary on Soul Train at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on Thursday 12th July, 2012. The title is Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America.

Song of the Day - Lupinotuum - Koboloris

Today's song of the day comes to us from the gloomy, rainy Leeds, where angry people make black metal music worth listening. 

Song of the Day - The Queen and I - Gym Class Herores

I remember, it was sophomore year of high school, I'd just gotten a Myspace, and a boyfriend, and this song was a hit on the radio. Ahh, yes, memories - those things it's best not to look into too deeply. Myspace was kind of lame now that I think about it, and the at-the-time boyfriend was a douchebag. Thankfully, the song still rocks.

Song of the Day - DJ Ken Watanabe - Hang Over ft.Young Hastle, Y's, 十影, Raw-T

This song has been stuck in my head and I've continued to play it constantly. A great beat with a great list of featured artists. Props to EillyHustleHard for making another great video. Very different and original.

Be sure to check out DJ Ken Watanabe's new Mix CD A+ Tokyo Shit Vol.3 dropping later this month! A+ @ HMV

EillyHustleHard - Twitter
Young Hastle - Twitter
Y'S - Twitter
十影 (Tokage) - Twitter
Raw-T (Ice Dynasty) - Raw-T @ Ice Dynasty OHP

PaymoneyTomyPain

One of my personal favorite bands from Japan, PaymoneyTomyPain offers up a collection of rhythmic hits, each with their own catchy guitar riffs and punk/rock hooks. Formed in 2005, PTP continues to make waves throughout the Japanese music scene.

The band consists of four main members: 

K - Vocals

Pablo - Guitar

Zax - Drums

Tsuyoshi - Bass

Albums

• Another Day Comes (September 12, 2007)
• After You Wake Up (March 18, 2009)
• Remember the Name (January 26, 2011)

Song of the Day - 14:41 - Hidden Dissonance

Our apologies for not updating, we were having another zombie crisis. It's always the damn zombies, you know? And when it's not zombies, it's work and stuff. Really frustrating. I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter as well.

Song of the Day - Cherry Pie - Warrant

It's Fourth of July here in the US of A, and y'all know what that means - barbecue, fireworks, and pie. Oh yeaaah. It's a party in the USA and everyone's invited! Thus, today's song of the day is Warrant's Cherry Pie. They've managed to fit all the hair metal cliches into one video, it's almost hilarious to watch.

Song of the Day - Sister Christian - Night Ranger

Not going to explain why this song, today, but why not, they're good.

Song of the Day - GOTHIC CIRCUS - Sads

As usual, when low on Song of the Day ideas, we look to Sads for inspiration and material. Generally it is hard to find disappointment - everything is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. 

Song of the Day - Carry on Wayward Son - Kansas

I sweaaaaar I was not watching Supernatural today. Or anytime in the past year, actually. It's an awesome show, I'll give it that - however, my interest in classic rock dates waaaay back before Dean Winchester ever drove a Chevy Impala.

Song of the Day - "AWAKE" by EGG BRAIN

Song of the Day - Loreena McKennitt - The Mummers' Dance

Just a quick post today, had too much stuff to do and technically haven't slept yet since... umm yesterday morning? Well, this is what I listen to when there's too much to do, so please enjoy!

ARTIST PROFILE - RYUZO (R-Rated Records) - RYUZO Puts the R in R-Rated.

When you think "R" you think an R rated movie or Restricted, but in Japan a man has turned it into a household name in Japanese Hip Hop. I typically warn you when something I post will have some R-Rated material, but this R-Rated is entirely different and not the least less as entertaining as the OTHER R-Rated.

Song of the Day - 卍LINE - O.RE.O.RE.O

This is a very nice song with some beautiful landscape and 卍LINE's trademark reggae sound.
Twitter
Official site

Song of the Day - California Love - Tupac

I remember back when I used to work at this one shitty ass chain clothing store, which shall remain dishonorably unnamed, this was legit the only song worth hearing that played on the in-store radio. I'm not even making it up, everything else was absolute shit, played on repeat. So, when I decided to stick up a Tupac song today for y'all's enjoyment, this was the first one I thought of. 

Short Live Show Recap - Suaka at Saint Vitus Bar - July 23rd 2012

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of catching a Suaka show at the undoubtedly haunted Saint Vitus heavy metal bar in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The night was fraught with ill luck, cameras not working and running out of batteries, strange shapes showing up in photos, and dead birds on the sidewalk.

Song of the Day - Get the Funk Out - Extreme

So, here's a quick Song of the Day post folks. I've had a rough weekend after hitting a show at a haunted nightclub on Saturday. Me and my ego's personal photographer had a fun time regardless, and managed to get some good shots of the band we were there to see. Expect reviews shortly, once I've had enough tea to be considered somewhat human.

Song of the Day - "PIERROT" CLUTCHO

     Greetings, readers! It's Nex, again. For today's Song of the Day, I present to you, "PIERROT" by the rock band CLUTCHO. The band was formed in Anjoshi, Aichi, Japan in 2002. Definitely check them out!

     Homepage: http://www.clutcho.com/

     Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/clutchoJP

     YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/clutchotv

     Twitter: https://twitter.com/clutcho

     If you enjoy our articles, interviews, and reviews, then keep informed of updates by typing in your email address in the box on the right hand side that says "Follow by email"! You won't get any spam, just emails when we post new articles!

INTERVIEW - JONNY 5 (FLOBOTS) - Cracking the Surface of a Musical Freedom Fighter

Recently I managed to catch Jonny 5 the lead vocalist of Flobots for an interview. This was very hard mind you since they're recording a new album and when I last spoke to him he was off the grid! I really appreciate him taking the time to answer me though! I did this entire interview on my phone and I can ride my bike with no handlebars ;)

Song of the Day - Chung Choon 98 - No brain

I'm back! Did you miss me? ....*silence* 

Well, okay, beyond that point... here's your Song of the Day!!

I have always wondered if they have punk bands in Korea... well, today, I checked, and they do!

This one seems kind of an old video though. Anybody know some current bands? I'm curious.

NEWS - THA BLUE HERB - 9 Day Tour Schedule!

Tha Blue Herb have announced the dates for their latest tour including one show already sold out in Shibuya! The tour will only last 9 days, but is going to feature a very long set list so this is going to be a very special release tour! All the information can be found at  http://www.tbhr.co.jp/jp/livescedule/index.html

Song of the Day - "NO ESCAPE" coldrain

     Why, hello again. Nex here with another Song of the Day!
   

     Today I bring you "NO ESCAPE" by the band coldrain. While I'm not the best at labeling genres, I'd say it's a post-hardcore - hardrock sound. Either way, it's a hard hitting song with great guitar work, and screaming in parts. The song itself was featured in a commercial for the popular game: Biohazard: Operation Raccoon City. 

     coldrain is one of those bands that have been consistently rising up in the rock scene in Japan. They're definitely a band worth checking out.

     Check out their website: http://coldrain.jp
     Twitter: https://twitter.com/coldrain_jp

     If you enjoy our articles, interviews, and reviews, then keep informed of updates by typing in your email address in the box on the right hand side that says "Follow by email"! You won't get any spam, just emails when we post new articles!

Mini-Album Review - SiM ``LiFE and DEATH``

SiM 『LiFE and DEATH』

Release date: May 2, 2012

GILS-1002

     I had heard of the band SiM before, but I never listened to them. It wasn't until I was wandering around a store in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo and walked past a display of their new Mini-Album, 『LiFE and DEATH』 that I actually heard their music.They had the music video for “AMY” playing, and I liked how it sounded, and they also looked cool. I felt very compelled to get the CD.

     SiM (Silence iz Mine) lists their style as “REGGAE PUNK (STREET PUNK / HARD CORE / SCREAMO meets SKA / REGGAE)” on their website. Well, that pretty much sums up the sound of 『LiFE and DEATH』. It's a very intriguing mix that really works for them. I'll be honest, I have never heard anything like it.