Concert: Uzuhi

Uzuhi

Genre: punk
Song style: a pianoy alternative song. Not wonderful hehe.

I walked outside this morning and saw the beautiful scenes of petals drifting down from trees all around me. These weren't the cherry blossoms I was used to in Kyoto, but from today I will be going to Washington DC to see some and relive my memories. While I'm there, there will be a "Sakura Matsuri," or Cherry Blossom Festival, featuring many Japanese cultural activities. I'm very excited, I've never been to it before... let's hope it's not fakey! At this Matsuri, this band "Uzuhi" will be performing. The members are all Japanese but formed their band in New York. They're really a very "local" band, and they still seem amateur to me. Not really my style (in particular, check out their really bizarre not so wonderful single. But I'll still be there to check them out. They'll be playing Saturday, April 10 at the Sakura Matsuri in Washington DC.

New release: King Brothers

King Brothers - XXXXX

Genre: hard rock, garage rock
Song style: a heavier version of 60's British rock

This band is releasing their first new album in six years "The First Rays of the New Rising Sun" today! Great for a week where we're finally seeing the first rays of spring. I don't know much about them, but I like the sound I hear from this first song. They really have a good charisma. They are very internationally-minded, touring in the US occasionally, but haven't received much recognition, especially because of their long hiatus. I look forward to checking out their new album.

Anyone go see Dazzle Vision?

Dazzle Vision - HERE

Genre: hard rock, metal-ish
Song style: sounds like Utada Hikaru went metal

So did any of you see this group play at Sakura-con a couple of days ago in Seattle? I don't know much about this band and they haven't had any new releases since 2008, but I think they're a very respectable heavy group. I think the female vocalist is very talented. The band is still pretty underground (I mean look at the quality of their music videos) but deserve more appreciation. Today I woke up and felt so peaceful and loved. (And no, no one was there or anything!!) Hope you all feel that same feeling sometime this week as the weather becomes more beautiful and the cherry blossoms reach their peak.

Quick note about commenting

I have now made it so that anyone can comment on this blog (not just blogger members). Some people had been complaining to me about that. So feel free to post your feelings whenever, wherever!

Let's go home!

斉藤和義 - 歩いて帰ろう

Genre: pop-rock
Song style: a happy guy with his guitar

Possibly one of the first Japanese "rock" songs I ever heard, this song became the theme song for Ponkiki, a Japanese Sesame Street-like show my sister and I would watch fondly as kids. Sometimes it is nice to return to one's childhood and relive things even if they aren't 100% top notch compared to today's standards. Luckily I think this sweet tune by Saito Kazuyoshi is just as nice, listening to it today. He's still a very active musician, having released a live album March 24th and set for a new single soon. I look forward to see how he's changed in the past eighteen years!

Been so busy these days

Half-Life - 色彩

Genre: indie
Song style: soft, very "adult" indie. Somewhat reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World

First of all, Happy Easter and Happy April Fools day! I didn't have the guts to pull a lame trick on you guys. The weather has become nicer here but so much has been going on (both academically and not) that it was hard to update in the last couple of days. I'm in the mood for something chill like Half-Life to help me relax this last day of the weekend. This band actually started off in Canada and then moved their activities to Japan (and they're all Japanese members). I have to say it's quite unfortunate they chose a band name that shares the name of a popular video game, because it's hard to find info on them specifically. However, I've had their 2009 debut release "Second Narrow" in my computer for a while, and it's very relaxing (but not too mentally stimulating music) that's perfect for an airy, springy day like today.

Selfish Love

Miyavi - Selfish Love

Genre: guitar rock
Song style: rock/bluesy guitars and vocals

Can't post for long, cause in a meeting, but I wanted to put something out there. This guy is so weird, interesting, and charismatic. His voice has a nice snarl to it, and he uses his guitar in unique almost percussion-like ways. He released a compilation album and DVD on March 24th. My friend who lives across from me recommended him to me while considering going to see him during his US tour, but couldn't go in the end. Gotta go - shortest post ever!