The fascination of Japanese culture is both its familiarity and its otherness, how we like to stare, prod and analyze this place, its people and in the case of Japanfiles.com its music.
It was a staple of documentaries on the Land of the Rising Son when I were but a lad to show Japanese youngsters enthusiastically embracing western youth cults with an dedication and attention to detail that shamed the lazy British punks, teds, and rock-a-billy silly billies, they took what we had and made it better.
What I know of Japanese music can be written in this space here: (not much). I loved the Lost in Translation soundtrack, have been wowed on occasion by Shonen Knife, who I saw supporting Nirvana very many years ago, and was bought some marvelous electronica by a friend who travelled there.
Fresh Cuts From Japan Volume 2 takes us into the world of J-Pop, J-Rock, Hip Hop, and Punk (why no J-Hop or J-Punk?). The label lists over 200 acts on their website, which seems to be run by a company selling Japanese language courses. I suppose the fascination lies in the filtering of essentially western forms through the distorting mirror of Japanese culture and these bands do just that.
I am immediately semi-lost in translation because what I know of the Japanese language can be written in this space (). Most of these tracks are in Japanese so the lyrics are a mystery, however, I have no problem engaging with foreign language singing and love a lot of Welsh language pop despite my lack of Cymraeg.
Swinging Popsicle's "Clash" is a marvelous little power punk pop gem with a soaring chorus beautifully embellished with electronic curlicues (someone should translate and cover this) and my favourite of a mixed bunch. A pleasing tendency to mix and match is a feature of my standouts from this 15 track sampler, however, I shall refrain from extrapolating a lazy cultural generalization from that.
Article comments
1 - Radicalpatriot
At present, Japanese music at all levels and styles has no peers. It's a beautiful universe getting larger and more fascinating with every passing day!
2 - Colin Ricketts
I was certainly inspired to try and find out a little more by this release Radical Patriot - this was really a first toe-dipping for me, and if you haven't already do have a look at their website, there's a lot you can download for free to try out. I'd also like to check out Acid Mother Temple, who, a friend of mine is absolutely thrilled by.