| 10.23.06 |
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Envy "Insomniac doze" CD
One of the leading bands in the Japanese
hardcore scene since they formed back in 1992. Envy play sprawling
Mono-esque rock songs that evolve into intensely emotional acts
of aggression. Their songs begin quiet and meditative, build to
loud guitar work with screaming vocals and then retreat the same
way they came. Mogwai and Isis are fans. Recommended. |
Mono
"One Step More And You Die" CD
Mono's 2002 sophomore album that critics
will inevitably compare all of their future releases to. More sophisticated
than their previous release yet seemingly more raw and honest than
their subsequent releases...incredible in any case. Eight tracks
of beautiful brutality. |
Mono & world's end girlfriend
"Palmless Prayer/Mass Murder Refrain" CD
Recorded right before their "You Are
There" album, this collaboration between Mono and Tokyo-based
electronic composer "world's end girlfriend" is a "five
part sojourn of neoclassical grace and luminescence that defies
lazy categorization (taken from their label's site)." Does
the period go before or after the quotation mark? You'll have plenty
of time to think about the answers to questions like that while
you listen to this meditative orchestral masterpiece. |
The Spunks
"Yellow Fever Blues" CD
NYC's finest garage punk rockers are back
with their first Gearhead Records release. 12 tracks featuring live
staples like "Hey! Hey! Hay!" and "I Love Wok &
Roll" as well as some brand new songs including a cover of
The Clash's "Brand New Cadillac". Produced by Don Fury
(Youth of Today, Bouncing Souls). Highly recommended for fans of
Guitar Wolf, Teengenerate and Chinese food. |
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| 9.20.06 |
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The 5.6.7.8's
"Bomb the Twist" 7"
Seven inches of upbeat primitive rock on classic
black vinyl. The B-side is the unreleased track "It's Rainy".
Beautiful packaging that will impress your friends. |
Hoahio
"Peek-Ara-Boo" CD
Hoahio's third release features 11 new tracks
of noisy improv, charming folksongs and romantic moods. A great
mixture of traditional instruments (koto, shamisen, mandolin) and
modern electronics. Perfect for art students. |
Hoahio
"Ohayo! Hoahio!" CD
Sophomore release from this all-star female
three piece. Formed in 1997, Hoahio features vocalist Haco (ex-After
Dinner), renowned koto virtuoso Yagi Michiyo, and sampler manipulator
Sachiko M. 10 tracks that range from comfortable minimalism to the
jarring avante-garde. |
Melt Banana
"MxBx1998/13000 Miles At Light Velocity" CD
The defining band of New Japanese Hardcore.
Sounds like a pleasant punch in the face. This CD is a virtual "best
of": 26 tracks recorded live during their 1998 US tour. Lots
of rare songs including a great cover of "Surfin' USA"
(listen below). The perfect introduction to the world of Japanese
noise. |
ni hao!
"Gorgeous" CD
Full-length debut from this Kansai-based
female three piece (two basses and a drummer, the singer is from
Limited Express...). Complex, tender, poppy...these 20 tracks are
all over the place yet complement each other nicely. Includes a
cover of the Ramones' "Do You Remember Rock 'N' Roll Radio".
Highly recommended. |
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| 8.29.06 |
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8 Roof
"Yeah! If you can't win!!" CD
Politically-minded sing-along pop punk.
13 track CD released in 2001 on Snuffy Smile. Their "thank
you" credits include "all people who helped us...and you
unless you're cop". Now that's punk. |
Akiakane
"Kasumisou" CD
From the ashes of Softball comes lead singer
Moe's new band Akiakane. And thankfully they're just as good as
the former. 12 tracks of sing along pop punk including a secret
cover track of the Sex Pistols' "EMI". |
The Amppez
"The Irony of a Sweet Fruit" CD
Female three piece from Shizuoka that play
melodic, melancholic rock songs. The emotion level is high as are
the melodies, beautiful stuff. Perfect music for a Sunday afternoon.
This is their debut seven song CDep. |
Bleach 03
"S/T" CD
A terrifically aggressive and talented female
three-piece. The 10 songs on their US debut range from soft ballads
to ska-like pop numbers, addictive as hell with a mass appeal. We
love this CD, highly recommended. |
Brain Failure
"American Dreamer" CD
US debut from China's biggest punk band
(who cares if they're not Japanese, this CD is classic). This foursome
from Beijing have amassed quite a following after appearing on an
Epitaph "Give Em The Boot" compilation and touring with
Dropkick Murphys, a member of which produced this CD. It also features
guest vocals by Mark of The Unseen. Perfectly danceable sing-along
punk rock for fans of Rancid and The Clash. |
Caroline
"Murmurs" CD
"Caroline will impress, depress, compress,
suppress and repress your most inhibited desires." Born in
Okinawa and currently residing in LA, singer/songwriter Caroline
Lufkin plays light, hypnotic rock that defies description and begs
imitation. Beautiful stuff recommended for fans of Bjork and Imogen
Heap. Give her a try, you'll be impressed. |
Caroline
"Where's My Love" CD Single
Caroline's critically acclaimed three track debut.
A mix of minimalist electronic instrumentation, classic arrangements
and supernatural vocals. Includes a remix of the title track and
an unreleased song. |
Electric Eel Shock
"Beat Me" CD
This 2005 release is the record that EES
were born to make. 12 tracks of pure rock and roll that will seem
perfect to some, over the top to others, but enjoyable to all. Produced
by Attie Bauw of Scorpions and Judas Priest fame. EES is much better
than either of those bands though. CD includes a fantastic cover
of Sabbath's "Iron Man". Highly recommended. |
Electric Eel Shock
"Go USA!" CD
A re-worked US release of the Japan only
"Go America" album featuring extra tracks and two bonus
videos. EES play a unique brand of aggro-pop metal, which they perform
live with frantic precision and a naked drummer. This is the record
that contains all of the songs the threesome are known for including
"Suicide Rock 'N' Roll" and "Japanese Meets Chinese
In USA". One of our favorite bands. |
Ellegarden
"Riot On The Grill" CD
Emotional poppy punk for teenyboppers and
their boyfriends. The mainstream emo sound has officially made its
way to Japan and no one is harnessing it more effectively than Ellegarden.
Think Saves the Day meets Sum 41 meets talent. Their positive songs
about heartbreak and innocence have gained them a huge following
amongst the youth of Japan and after an early 2006 US tour they're
finally being noticed stateside. Highly safe, highly recommended. |
Gito Gito Hustler
"Love & Roll" CD
The debut US 11 track full-length release
from all-girl rock throwback sensations Gito Gito Hustler. CD features
brand new tracks along with some old favorites that are available
in the US for the first time. After multiple SXSW appearances and
nationwide tours, GGH are quickly rising to 5.6.7.8's levels of
visibility. Listen to the sound of the current Japanese Hit Parade! |
Guitar Wolf Tribute V/A
"I Love Guitar Wolf Very Much" CD
13 tracks of Guitar Wolf covers by some
of the best bands of today including Lightning Bolt, Jon Spencer
Blues Explosion, Snuff, J. Mascis and the Fog, Sonic Youth's Jim
O'Rourke and many others. Listen to your favorite GW songs in a
diverse array of styles. Highly recommended. Listen to Porch Ghouls'
"Fujiyama Attack" and Puffy Amiyumi's "Can-Nana Fever"
below. |
Guitar Wolf
"Golden Black" CD (Best of)
26 tracks of some of the greatest Guitar
Wolf songs ever recorded. This anthology spans the band's entire
18 year career and includes rare, out of print, and previously unreleased
material. Some of the disc's highlights include tracks off of the
long out-of-print Matador releases "Jet Generation" and
"Missile Me", the songs featured in Wild Zero. No one's
music collection is complete without this record, highest possible
recommendation. |
I Excuse
"...is dead" CD
Formed in Kyoto in 2000, I Excuse are considered
by many to be the most exciting band to come out of Japan in the
last 10 years. Melodic aggro-punk whose influences include Leatherface,
Dag Nasty and Lifetime. This is their 2003 sophomore album released
in Japan-only on Snuffy Smile. |
I Excuse
"Burn The Empty To The Ash" CD
The Kyoto foursome's 2002 debut full-length
is a powerful combination of early Leatherface crossed with Dillinger
Four. 12 tracks of respectable, socially conscious aggro-punk including
a cover of Articles of Faith's "What We Want Is Free".
Japan-only release on Snuffy Smile. |
Melt Banana
"Scratch Or Stitch" CD
After tons of requests we've finally decided to carry
Melt Banana's catalog. This is the first of many CDs that we'll
carry from Japan's queen-led kings of noise rock. 30 to 60 second
outbursts of noisy emotion that actually aren't nearly as serious
or urgent as they sound. 22 tracks clocking in at a 31 minute total,
our favorite MB album. |
Minority Blues Band
"Grab the Fire Swinging in the Rain" CD
The now-defunct MBB played some of the best melodic punk around.
14 songs in that lovely Jawbreaker/Leatherface vein. Perfect for
your hardcore boyfriend. |
Mono
"You Are There" CD
Our favorite CD of 2006. An absolutely brilliant
exploration into atmospheric guitar rock, "You Are There"
fully exploits every emotional corner of the realm of electric instrumentals
creating tender acoustic moments that seamlessly build to anxious
guitar play. Music to dream to, wake up to, and live to. Six amazing
songs ranging in length from 3 1/2 minutes to the epic 13 minute
closer "Moonlight", which may be the group's greatest
achievement thus far. Highest possible recommendation, especially
for fans of Godspeed You... and Mogwai. Produced by the great Steve
Albini. Its impossible to extract a sample of Mono's epic sound
since its so dependent on layering and pacing...but we tried. |
Mono
"Walking Cloud And Deep Red Sky, Flag Fluttered And The Sun
Shined" CD
The third album from Tokyo's explorers of
instrumental rock. Mono's current sound was soldified with this
release, which features 8 tracks of soaring crewscendos, titanic
sheets of distortion and dark melodies. Produced by Steve Albini,
Highly recommended. |
Mono
"New York Soundtracks" LP
Remixes and reworkings of tracks from Mono's
"One Step More and You Die" album. Collaborators include
Calla, Aki Onda, Jackie-O Motherfucker and more. Limited edition
of 2,000, vinyl-only release. |
Mono
"Under the Pipal Tree" CD
Mono's debut full-length released courtesy
of John Zorn's Tzadik label. Mono are a young instrumental band
from Tokyo that combines elements of minimalism, psychedelia and
trance rock to create a masterful sound that rivals the best of
Sonic Youth's collages. Equally exciting and serene. |
Nagisa Ni Te
"The Same As A Flower" CD
Brings to mind the very best of sixties' and seventies'
psychedelic, progressive and folk rock (think mid-era Pink Floyd,
early Neil Young). Nine tracks of restrained melodies that deserve
careful dissection and appreciation. |
Nagisa Ni Te
"Dream Sounds" CD
A four track virtual "best of" (clocking
in at 41 minutes) from Japanese rock legend Shinji Shibayama. Avant
garde psych rock with an earthy, folky feel. The perfect introduction
to the dreamy and nature-obsessed universe of NNT. |
Navel
"depend" CD
Navel play achingly beautiful guitar-pop
that have made them a favorite amongst listeners "in the know".
12 tracks of super pop with the occasional hardcore breakdown...think
Snuff or Jawbreaker. You'll be the coolest introspective kid in
school with this CD. Japan-only release on Snuffy Smile. |
ni-hao!
"Live at Bar Open 2006" DVD
Filmed on a hot February night in 2006 at Melbourne,
Australia's Bar Open. Live sets from four global bands including
TnR favorite ni-hao!. Watch them tear it up on stage with their
unique bouncy pop to noise transitions. Sydney's The Thaw are really
good too. 112 minutes of music, photos, and interviews. Australian
release. |
Petty Booka
"Dancing With Petty Booka" CD
World famous ukulele-playing pop duo from
Tokyo Petty Booka play Hawaiian and bluegrass inspired covers of
country, punk and classic rock songs. This 16 track CD runs the
gamut from Bolllywood tunes to traditional numbers painting the
perfect portrait of these laid back pop sweethearts. One of the
few CDs on this site that can be enjoyed by every member of the
family. Highly recommended. |
Polysics
"Polysics Or Die!!!" CD
A fantastic introduction to Japan's Devo
for the newcomer and a treat for the old. This 18 track anthology
is a virtual "best of" featuring songs from throughout
their career. Lots of Japan-only tracks from singles and mini-albums
plus new recordings of some of your favorites. "Kaja Kaja Goo"
is finally available stateside. A fantastic CD at a low price. The
copies we sell have holes punched in the UPC's signifying their
promo status, we got them from an independent distributor. |
Red Bacteria Vacuum
"Roller Coaster" CD
Three cute young Japanese women who play
ruthless, non-stop punk rock. A great new band to come out of Japan,
this debut six song CDep is hopefully just the beginning for RBV.
Recommended for fans of Bikini Kill and
Lolita No.18. |
The Rodeo Carburettor
"S/T" CD
High distortion rock-n-roll trio that will
set your soul on fire! Formed back in 2001, this is their fifth
full-length release and their first US release. More stylish than
punks, more punk than greasers...Guitar Wolf comparisons are inevitable.
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Umekichi
"The Voice of Geisha Doll" CD
Umekichi presents the sound of traditional
samisen-based music to the contemporary crowd by adding a touch
of pop to the genre. She comes from a family of pedigree and continues
to promote the Edo culture of the mid 1800s through her traditional
music and wardrobe. Umekichi is one of the most popular artists
of her genre and is accepted and enjoyed by Japanese listeners of
all genres. The sound of classic Japanese cinema. Highly recommended
for gift giving. |
The Urchin
"Another Day, Another Sorry State" CD
One of Japanese indie label Snuffy Smile's
flagship bands. Catchy, aggressive punk rock in the vein of Propagandhi
and Leatherface. Recommended for politically conscious emo types
(shudder). 2000 Japan-only release on Snuffy Smile. |
The Urchin
"Fragile Songs in Lukewarm Dreams" CD
1999 debut full-length from this super
punk three piece. 13 emotionally personal yet easily identifiable
tracks in the vein of Jawbreaker and Propagandhi. Japan-only release
on Snuffy Smile. |
Various Artists
"I Hope The End Is Always The Beginning" CD
Imagine a record label made up completely of bands
that sound like Jawbreaker and Leatherface. Make them all Japanese
and you get Tokyo label Snuffy Smile. This 28 track CD features
14 bands that generally play melodic, high energy punk rock. The
impact of other gaijin acts such as Discount and Screeching Weasel
is also evident. A great comp at a great price. |
Various Artists
"Tribute to the Pixies" CD
One of our favorite CDs. 11 tracks of Pixies
covers by some of Japan's best including Beat Crusaders, Penpals,
Naht, Seafood and many more. Click below to hear Feed's amazing
version of "Debaser" as well as Drumkan's "Alec Eiffel".
We managed to secure a box of this out of print masterpiece, which
has never received the visibility it deserves. Originally released
in 1999. |
We've also added:
Guitar Wolf "LoveRock" LP
The modern classic on orange vinyl with a heart-shaped
die-cut cover. A vital item for Guitar Wolf fans.
Guitar Wolf "Red Idol" DVD
We finally have the jet kings' visual retrospective
back in stock! Tons of classic videos and interviews. |
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