Author Archive
ELLEGARDEN going on indefinite hiatus
Tokyograph has an announcement from punk/rock band ELLEGARDEN, who have decided to suspend their activities for an indefinite period of time (possibly permanently). This is considerably sad news, especially considering the fact that they had an album planned for July of this year that will now never see a release.
pengie • May 2nd, 2008
Blogs, News, Punk, Rock • No Comments
To add to this busy week in Hello! Project news, Tokyograph reports that producer Tsunku and his wife Kanako are now parents of twins–one boy and one girl.
Congratulations!
pengie • Apr 30th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, News, Noteworthy • 2 Comments
ZARD - Tsubasa wo Hirogete / Ai wa Kurayami no Naka de
Lex takes a look at ZARD’s posthumously released 44th single, enjoying her recording of “Tsubasa wo Hirogete” (a song written originally for the popular 90s group DEEN) but finding Kamiki Aya’s part in the second track unnecessary.
pengie • Apr 27th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Gold Hikari takes a look at Suzuki Ami’s AROUND THE WORLD, thoroughly discussing each of the album’s tracks. This is a glowingly positive review, with the overall package called both “sensational” and “refreshing.”
pengie • Apr 27th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
While looking for para para music on Youtube, Millhouse stumbles upon HINOI Team’s “Night of Fire,” and seems largely amused by the whole thing. He also declares the dance (as seen in the linked instructional video) to be “something to try while VERY, very drunk.” I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard a more fitting description, myself…
pengie • Apr 26th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Radiantdawn offers up a review of Perfume’s GAME, covering only the new songs (as the previously released singles or c/w tracks have already been covered). It’s a largely positive review–some rough patches are noted, but Ethan thinks they can be smoothed over in time.
pengie • Apr 26th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
OGRE YOU ASSHOLE - OGRE YOU ASSHOLE
They have a decidely vulgar name, but tehlupin finds this group quite diverse and talented. OGRE YOU ASSHOLE’s first album is briefly reviewed, and it’s noted that the vocalist is an “acquired taste,” but so far the reaction here seems to be mainly positive.
pengie • Apr 26th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
chipple.net has a report on a recent concert featuring several pico and techno pop artists, including Hazel Nuts Chocolate and Mitsuki Aira. It sounds like it was a fun event!
pengie • Apr 26th, 2008
Blogs, Concerts • No Comments
[album] heartY - HY; HY vs. Ikimono Gakari
Recommended reading. SB responds to a recent remark (from Marc of Marc’s JPOP Blog) about ikimono gakari wanting to become more like HY, disagreeing rather openly with this idea. He goes on to give a brief overview of HY’s new album, HeartY, noting the songs he enjoyed, and then jumps back to the topic of HY vs. ikimono gakari. He expands his argument against Marc’s comment some more, and it’s good to see that he still enjoys the HY album despite his initial strong reaction to an idea he didn’t agree with.
SB’s writing is growing by leaps and bounds–he speaks very plainly about his opinions, and isn’t afraid to be critical of what he’s seeing or hearing. I’ve said it before, but this is a blog to keep an eye on, as I fully expect SB to continue this trend of thorough, enjoyable reviews.
pengie • Apr 26th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended • No Comments
Lex continues reviewing Hello! Project singles, this time stopping to examine Maki’s “Glass no Pumps.” There’s a killer line in this one:
Most Hello!Project singles follow this formula: GOOD A-side; BAD B-side.
It’s a bold declaration, but also one that many fans may agree with, and it’s easy to see how a casual H!P listener would arrive at that conclusion.
pengie • Apr 22nd, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
If you’re even the least bit curious about the group that’s been threatening Perfume’s #1 placement on Oricon for the past few days, Marc has a dash of information about HY’s new album, HeartY. As he puts it, “they are probably what Ikimono Gakari wants to become.” The tracklisting is offered, and there’s also a PV sample for those who haven’t heard them yet.
pengie • Apr 21st, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Zac has two more band profiles, complete with samples for your enjoyment. Usk is a one-man “chip-tune musician” act, producing music that sounds as if it could have come straight out of a Game Boy, while rururu is an indie rock/shoegaze group that produces not spacey songs, but “loud spacey songs.” If you’re on the prowl for something new and unique to listen to, one of these acts may be a good fit for you, so check them out!
pengie • Apr 16th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Road to the Deep East breaks the news of Perfume’s new album, GAME, breaking into the Oricon chart at #1. It’s both a surprising and meaningful event, and Santos promptly declares the Hello! Project reign over and the Perfume reign begun. Seeing the success of a group he enjoys, Santos seems to have regained some confidence, and considers introducing some more music on his blog. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we’ll be looking forward to it!
(And congratulations Perfume!!)
pengie • Apr 16th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
[single] Sakura Mankai - Morning Musume Sakuragumi
SB posts his “virgin Hello! Project entry,” and it involves Morning Musume Sakuragumi’s “Sakura Mankai” single. He praises the use of traditional instruments, as well as describes how he felt upon first listening to the song. Lots of admiration is dished out for this single, and SB’s positive feelings could not be made any more clear.
pengie • Apr 16th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Perfume’s “Secret Secret” PV (appears)
Perfume - “Secret Secret” and the GAME album (fly to high)
[pv review] Perfume - シークレットシークレット (boylikesmusic)
More reactions to the Pino-filled Perfume PV are popping up. appears seems both amused and bewildered by the healthy doses of Pino advertising and self-promotion, while fly to high is delighted, and offers some enthusiastic notes on the GAME album along with the video. boylikesmusic explains the plot of the video, which may clear up some confusion, and then shares some choice screencaps. johpan has links to purchase the upcoming album at the bottom of his post, which, after hearing this song, I’m sure some of us will be using. Now where did I put my wallet…
pengie • Apr 11th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
sillylittleme.net reviews the singer’s latest single, finding the B-side to be a better, more memorable song than the title track.
pengie • Apr 11th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
80 PAN restarts with new album
So how many times can they change their name? Tokyograph brings us the news of pop group Harenchi Punch/80★PAN! returning to the scene, and they’re already set to release a new album in late June. With guitarist and singer Saya departed to pursue a gravure career, the new 80_pan has a challenge ahead of them. I have no doubt they’ll succeed, though, seeing as they have producers like Shitdisco working for them!
In other news, who the heck is Shitdisco?
Recommended reading. Lex has a great review of Every Little Thing’s eighth (eighth!) album, calling it “soft rock at its best.” Each track is praised individually, but the review of each is just long enough to get your attention and give you a reason for listening to it. Judging by this post, ELT certainly haven’t lost their spark yet!
pengie • Apr 9th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended • No Comments
melody. blogs release of her new album, “Lei Aloha”
Karakui has a short post about singer melody.’s new album, Lei Aloha, and its connection to her birthplace of Hawaii. There’s a cute picture of the singer with the CD, as well as information on where to purchase it.
pengie • Apr 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Not only is he bitchy, he gives advice too!
Raid My Minibar has done it again, this time answering (theoretical) questions from your favorite pop stars in the style of a no-holds-barred advice columnist. It’s a great dash of humor to brighten your day.
pengie • Apr 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Shit is getting a little crazy.
jim, in his usual endearing fashion, discusses Kago Ai’s “re-return,” US and world tours by several jrock acts, and the upcoming collaboration between PUFFY and Avril Lavigne. He makes a great point about PUFFY being just as “constructed” as Avril, and it’s worth reading his take on the entire matter. There’s also a hilarious note at the end about being able to buy ringtones from a Japanese black metal band on Verizon, which makes me wonder if there are any other obscure bands offering ringtones in the US.
pengie • Apr 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
[album] I LOVED YESTERDAY - YUI (Our Second Blossoming)
YUI - I LOVED YESTERDAY (tehlupin)
I Loved Yesterday (Keys to Everything)
I LOVED YESTERDAY (we to U)
Singer-songwriter YUI’s third album is out, and several bloggers have already written up some very critical, thorough reviews. Our Second Blossoming admits right off the bat that the album is not YUI’s best work, although noting that the bar was set pretty high with some of her previous songs. A comment is also made about some songs seeming “rushed.” Keys to Everything agrees, saying the album is “dull, monotonous, and has very little to offer.” More diversity seems to be needed, as the word “boring” is used pretty frequently.
On the other side of the spectrum, we to U has quick reviews of each track, and declares the album “YUI['s] best work so far.” It’s noted that “Laugh Away” gave a good impression of the album, perhaps because it’s the very first track on the CD. Finally, tehlupin, who admits to not being a YUI fan, says that the changes in style have made her more versitile, while even the generic tracks are listenable due to their “unique instrumentals.” It’s also said that the album shows how much YUI has matured as a singer. Maybe this is an example of the well-thought-out counterpoint that Second Blossoming was hoping to read.
Isn’t a Mirrorcle supposed to make you happy?
Recommended reading. Raid takes a thorough look at Hamasaki Ayumi’s latest single, not disliking it but finding the overall tone depressing. I especially liked the note on the drawn-out syllables in the original version of “YOU”–as always, Raid’s snark has a pretty good basis to it. (She really does hold out that “ze” for a long time.) Noting that this particular self-cover makes Ayu sound like “an idol that has lost her sparkle” is a little surprising, but this statement is backed up by a clearly well-thought out opinion, as is the rest of the post.
pengie • Apr 7th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Pop Idols, Recommended • No Comments
Gold Hikari has a track-by-track review of Hamasaki Ayumi’s third album, finding it pleasantly “explosive.” There’s also some eyecandy from the album’s inserts and promotional work, so if a grown woman dressed as a cat is your kind of thing, then this is one review you’ll probably want to check out.
pengie • Apr 7th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Pop Idols • No Comments
Ai Kawashima to release two best albums
Tokyograph has news of two compilation albums from this singer, currently set to be released in early June. This shortly follows the release of the compilation of songs from Ai’s former duo, I WiSH, released not too long ago. One of the discs will contain new material, so there is reason for both new and old fans alike to buy either one or both of the albums.
pengie • Apr 7th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
GLAY - STARLESS NIGHT ~ -VENUS (Single)
Chris has a review of this group’s latest single, finding it an overall good work, although not as memorable as some previous singles.
pengie • Apr 7th, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments
I’m sure you’ve been hearing quite a bit about these ladies recently, so to continue fueling the fire, Our Second Blossoming offers a profile of the band members. He also discusses his hopes for the group’s future now that they’ve toured in the US. With this much buzz so early on in their career, I think I’ll have to agree with the sentiment expressed in this post: they have a lot to look forward to!
pengie • Apr 6th, 2008
Blogs • 2 Comments
Recommended reading! The name may be a little strange, but this is one fantastic blog, from what I’ve seen so far. The author describes themselves as liking “strange films” and “indie music,” and that’s a pretty good summary of what to expect here. Both mainstream and not-so-popular artists are reviewed, and some Japanese films are discussed as well. Perhaps the most refreshing part of this blog is its author’s choice to review items without relying on the tired track-by-track format, instead presenting consise, readable summaries and pointing out notable tracks or offering PVs as samples. I’ll be keeping my eye on this one–just the first page is a great read, and I can only imagine what the future will bring.
pengie • Apr 6th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended • No Comments
This blog has been around since June of last year, but doesn’t seem to be updated all that frequently. Having said that, what material is already available is very thorough, with quite a bit of time spent talking about each track.
pengie • Apr 4th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
I’m sure the subject matter of this blog goes without saying. Having been around since the middle of last year, Marc has many posts “exploring Jpop artists unknown to [him],” adding a PV to nearly every post. The writeups on each item are short and fairly to the point. All the artists are fairly mainstream, but there are a few wrenches thrown into the gears here and there, so the blog may be a good introduction for anyone new to jpop.
pengie • Apr 4th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
[Review] Wish Upon a Star…Tambourine…or something…
Vee takes a glance at Milky Way’s first PV, finding herself pleasantly surprised to be “riverdanced.” There’s some defense of Koharu, but most of Vee’s attention seems to be focused on Sayaka, as well as the fact that the song is one that she really enjoys.
pengie • Apr 1st, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Named after a Suzuki Ami song, Stereo Love is a relatively new jpop blog that, so far, seems to be focused primarily on major label female artists. blackmager has reviewed both albums and singles, and while the typical track-by-track format is relied on, the writing on each song is thorough, and there’s no hesitation to say “this is lacking.” There’s plenty of room to grow here, and I’m especially looking forward to a promised review of KOKIA. Recommended reading.
pengie • Apr 1st, 2008
Blogs, Pop Idols, Recommended • No Comments
After a hiatus, this media-focused blog has returned. The latest reviews focus on ikimonogakari’s two indie albums, as well as the latest single/mini-album from OCEANLANE. There isn’t much to read with these recent posts, but after being away since November, it’s understandable if it takes a little bit of time to regain the blog’s “voice.” Samples are offered, of course, so you can form your own opinions on the music discussed.
Second Blossoming seems to be torn between talking about more “mainstream” items and what he personally enjoys, and as someone who makes that decision on a regular basis, I’d suggest he does what he loves, not what he thinks he “should” do. Ultimately, that kind of blogging will be far more rewarding in the end. I’m looking forward to reading this blog again!
pengie • Apr 1st, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
New project announced for HYDE, KAZ
Tokyograph brings news of a new project, titled VAMPS, between L’Arc~en~Ciel vocalist hyde and Oblivion Dust/ex-Spin Aqua guitarist KAZ. The two have worked together before, so this announcement isn’t all that unusual. They will be touring towards the end of this year, playing a total of 46 shows, and may be working on a single as well.
Since I’m a fan of both artists involved, I fully expect this to be a project worth checking out.
pengie • Apr 1st, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments
[Album] Shinichi Osawa - The One [2007.09.26]
J-MuNet offers up a tracklist and overall review of this electronic artist’s album, noting which tracks stand out as successful or unique. And as always, the album itself is offered for sampling so you can try before you buy.
pengie • Mar 28th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Keys to Everything offers a track-by-track review of up-and-coming singer Aoyama Thelma’s debut album, DIARY, finding it too “mid-tempo” and noting a single memorable track. There seems to be a lot of buzz going on around Thelma, so if you’re looking to read a relatively consise, to-the-point review of her first album before purchasing it, this is where you should go.
pengie • Mar 28th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Discovering Bands Through SXSW
Recommended reading and listening! This article was originally published in February, but now that the bands mentioned in it are stirring up interest in the US, it seems appropriate to link to it. Each band profiled has a short history offered, as well as at least one video to watch. There are links to the appropriate websites or Myspaces, if they are available, for further reading. There is a lot of up-and-coming talent in these groups, so definitely give this post a read.
pengie • Mar 26th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, Rock • 2 Comments
This is a group that’s certainly not for everyone, but if you like the sound of “speedy, grunting cyber metal,” go check this post out. Their progression into a unique band is credited to the addition of electronic effects, as well as a change in vocalists, and it seems to have worked well for them. As always, multiple PVs are offered so that anyone interested can both see and hear the band at hand.
Personally speaking, I think they’re a fairly decent act. If you’re the kind of person who listens to a lot of Western metal, this will probably appeal to you. And if not, well, you have to start somewhere, right?
pengie • Mar 26th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
[rant] Happy birthday to you you!
Arsal wishes YUI a happy 21st birthday, noting that she doesn’t quite look her age yet. He also offers a brief history of her music career, as well as a concert clip that just never gets old. The photoshopped picture at the top of the post is probably the best touch.
pengie • Mar 26th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
SUGIZO to fill in for hide at X Japan concerts
Tokyograph confirms that LUNA SEA guitarist SUGIZO will fill in for deceased guitarist hide in the upcoming X Japan reunion concerts. The concerts are planned to take place in only a few days, so it’s a somewhat late announcement, but the fact that he’s not the only guitarist participating may have allowed this to be kept a secret for so long.
pengie • Mar 26th, 2008
News, Rock • No Comments
YUI - FROM ME TO YOU
YUI - Namidairo
Elizabeth reviews YUI’s debut album, FROM ME TO YOU, as well as “Namidairo,” her latest single. Both reviews are enthusiastic, noting specific details that make each mentioned track worth listening to. This is rather timely, considering YUI’s third album will be released in a matter of days. If you’re (somehow) new to this artist or just need a refresher course, this is the perfect place to get what you need.
pengie • Mar 22nd, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
The H!P Kids Are Alright 9: Ray
Recommended reading. Ray continues the roundtable discussion on the Hello! Project Kids at American Wota, discussing what–if anything–groups like Berryz Koubou and C-ute can do to get out from under the shadow of Morning Musume. This round brings up a number of good questions, particularly “will these groups still matter in ten years?”, and I’m sure we’ll see equally interesting responses from the others participating in this shuffle.
pengie • Mar 22nd, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
Dropsintheocean is a jpop, cpop, and kpop review blog. A track-by-track format is used, but instead of the standard letter grade assignment or percentage rating, Tayson sticks to a sliding scale between 0 and 10. Having been around since August of 2007, there are a number of reviews already available; scanning the first page offers a pretty wide range of albums and singles covered, with samples available for a few tracks.
pengie • Mar 22nd, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Tsuki of Lost Wing has some brief commentary on the first quarter of 2008’s jpop scene, discussing some new artists, who’s still in power, and anticipated events for Q2. I would have liked to see her expand more on this list with some other categories, or discuss what she’s particularly enjoyed so far this year, but it’s still a nice little review.
pengie • Mar 22nd, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Resonant Blue MV on TV, Hot Fan-Reactions Continue
Recommended reading. jinryuichi continues HNPH’s stream of reporting on “Resonant Blue,” noting that the version of the PV which appeared on TV in Japan is the same version as the one already seen on Dohhh UP! a few days ago. He notes that Japanese fans appear to actually be calling this PV “the birth of Morning Musume,” and enjoying the focus on three lead members. In contrast, as we all know, most English-speaking fans think this is unfair. This is a good look, albeit quick, at how opinions vary between countries, and just this fact may get you thinking about how this video really should be perceived.
There is still an “alternate version” of the PV to give viewers hope, as a commenter notes, but jin relays that Tsunku calls this merely “two kinds of expressions,” so any hope you may have for an all-panda version or Aika breakdancing up front is probably in vain. Sorry!
pengie • Mar 22nd, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended • 1 Comment
the blog of EVERYTHING JAPANESE!
At this relatively new jpop blog, you’ll find album reviews, live performance downloads, news, and PVs. Of particular interest is Arsal’s review of school food punishment’s SCHOOL FOOD IS GOOD FOOD album, found here, which goes track-by-track without boring the reader or offering too much unnecessary detail. Lots of samples are offered for new listeners of what’s currently being reviewed. I highly recommend checking this blog out!
It’s a Mirrorcle that this got through the final cut
Raid My Minibar has a review of Hamasaki Ayumi’s latest PV, “Mirrorcle World,” and it is hilarious. Come for the insect eyelashes and stay for the exhibitionism and menses dress! If you want a serious critical approach to this latest video, this isn’t where you want to be, but just how critical can you be about a woman laughing hysterically in a telephone booth?
pengie • Mar 21st, 2008
Blogs, Pop Idols • No Comments
[Top Ten] Top Ten Hikki Songs From Vee
Pink Wota’s unreplacable Vee offers a list of her top ten favorite Utada Hikaru tracks, complete with commentary and eyecandy for each. There’s a lot more discussion than “I like this song, it’s catchy” going on here–the choices are justified by detailed explanations, so you really get a good feel for what was picked and why.
To answer her question at the end of the post, my top ten consists of “Kremlin Dusk” and … uh, yeah. Nothing but that.
pengie • Mar 19th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Our favorite place has the PV for the latest Morning Musume single.
There’s a lot of writhing.
pengie • Mar 13th, 2008
Hello! Project, Media Site • 6 Comments
As some of you may have already noticed, a handful of regularly linked wordpress.com-hosted Hello! Project and/or jpop blogs have been shut down without notice due to “Terms of Service violations.” At this point in time, if you are running a blog with content stored on wordpress.com, the International Wota staff highly recommend that you back up your posts to avoid the loss of data in the event of a sudden shutdown. So far, the blog removals appear to be limited mostly to media-heavy websites, but it is far better to be safe than sorry in this case.
If your blog has already been shut down, please use the wordpress.com contact page linked below to get in touch with staff to ask about your content. Unfortunately, when blogs are removed for ToS violations, it is not likely that they can even be partially restored. It doesn’t hurt to ask, though.
If you do not know how to perform a backup, please see this wordpress.com FAQ: Is everything being backed up? (opens in new window). This FAQ page offers instructions on performing a blog backup to XML (which can be imported to other websites).
Contact Support (opens in new window)
Everyone at International Wota wishes all wordpress.com bloggers the best of luck and hopes for the safety and security of their blog data, both now and in the future. If there is anything that we can do to help, or anything in this post that can be clarified, please notify us in the comments of this post.
pengie • Mar 7th, 2008
News, Noteworthy, Recommended • 2 Comments