Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Clip(s) of the Week Mar. 23: A Tribute to Japan

In respect to Japan, here are a couple of clips of three different Japanese artists from different types of genres.



Boadrum 77 - The Boredoms

On July 7, 2007, Japanese noise-rockers, the Boredoms, held 77 Boadrum, performing with 77 drummers at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, NY. This the sort of performance that demonstrates the band's exuberance, and although their music isn't exactly accessible, it's one hell of a ride. The Boredoms would perform 88 Boadrum the next year on August 8, 2008.



Farewell - Boris (Pink 2006)

Metal cult-favorites, Boris, are one of the loudest bands on Earth, as seen and heard in this clip. Farewell was the introduction track on 2006's Pink, an album worthy of a comparison to My Bloody Valentine's Loveless in terms of layering sounds and textures. But this is Boris's version, loud with downtuned basses, pounding war-like drums, and heavy guitar riffing from the one and only, Wata.



Chapter 8- Seashore and Horizon - Cornelius (Fantasma 1998)

One of the best artists of Shibuya-kei, a Japanese pop phenomenon, Cornelius is often compared to Beck. Although this isn't really a clip, this song (which features back vocal harmonies from American indie band, Apples in Stereo) is one of the best of his catalog and the centerpiece of this classic album, Fantasma. Shibuya is one of the most popular and trendy shopping districts in Tokyo, and the artists incorporated pop from the West, and eclectic fashion.

This sounds like a Japanese anime version of the Beatles, and as playful as Cornelius and the rest of the Shibuya artists are, there is a sweet innocence and youth to the music that makes it so attractive and endearing.

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