Since ELLEGARDEN's last release in November 2006, I've been eagerly waiting for some new music from my favourite J-Rock/Punk Rock group. For those hardcore the brilliant green fans that waited five years for their comeback single, how did you survive? Last week, I was skimming through the March 17, 2008 edition of Oricon SINGLE WEEKLY TOP 30, when I found the song DAYBREAK e.p. by GLORY HILL (ranked 26). I promptly took out my "Essence of ELLEGARDEN" checklist from my pocket and filled in the details:
We have a winner! The list may be simple, but it fully represents the wonders of ELLEGARDEN.
Here is a YouTube video of DAYBREAK e.p. by GLORY HILL
I hope they're using Japanese and English in this song, otherwise they have some epic English pronunciation problems...
If you've never heard of ELLEGARDEN before, here's a sample from their song Marry Me
Since YouTube tends to remove Jpop videos, an alternative MV for ELLEGARDEN is the song Space Sonic, which can be found at JpopAsia by clicking here.
If you've never heard of the popular Canadian band Simple Plan, here a sample MV for their song Perfect (one of my favourite songs by them)
Unfortunately, JPOPSUKI doesn't have their single and they have no Wikipedia article. They may be lacking popularity now, but if you're a fan of the J-rock/punk rock genre or a fan of ELLEGARDEN, they're a nice temporary substitute.
GLORY HILL's myspace page can be found here. You can legally sample some of their songs. An interesting note: ELLEGARDEN and POLYSICS are myspace friends with GLORY HILL.
J-Rock Group GLORY HILL, the ELLEGARDEN Substitute?
The Joys and Horrors of English Lyrics in Jpop
The Joys of English Lyrics
I've always been a fan of seamless integration of English and Japanese lyrics from popular Jpop artists such as Angela Aki, Utada Hikaru, melody., and Yuna Ito. I'm a big fan of English lyrics in Jpop for two reasons. First, I don't know Japanese. God knows I've tried to learn, but I can never make it past the first few chapters of any learning Japanese books. Unless the lyrics involve common romaji terms or ninja jutsu techniques, I have no idea what they're saying. Second, when used correctly, it creates a unique sounding song with lyrics I can understand and sing along to.
Pop quiz! What do all four artists mentioned previously have in common?
Answer: they were all born or brought up in the United States, so their English skills are superb (i.e. they are cheaters).
Angela Aki - brought up in Hawaii
Utada Hikaru - born in New York City
melody. - born in Hawaii
Yuna Ito - born in Los Angeles, brought up in Hawaii
Depressing note: the only Jpop artist I know who is from Canada is Monkey Majik...
However, English lyrics also bring much pain when used incorrectly.
The Horrors of English Lyrics
#1 - Jpop Artists who pronounce English poorly
One of my pet peeves is poorly pronounced English from Jpop singers. If you can't pronounce English properly, please don't use it in your songs...For those poor Japanese listeners trying to learn English, it doesn't help to hear bad English.
Example offenders: Beat Crusaders and BoA
The first offender is Beat Crusader's song Tonight Tonight Tonight. I first heard this song while watching the anime Bleach and later heard the full version on Oricon top singles. Although it was popular, the English killed me. There are parts in this song where I'm not sure if they are speaking English (nor do I know what the hell they are talking about). Here's a sample:
Second, is BoA, the undisputed master of terrible English. Although BoA is getting slightly better, some of her older releases featured English so terrible, it could be used to torture prisoners. In 2003, this horror was released in dangerously high concentrations. I'm referring to BoA's English album Next World, an album I believe would be looped continuously in hell. I'll admit that not all the tracks are bad, but then there's tracks like Amazing Kiss (English version):
What horror!!! Did you feel a part of you die in the inside?
#2 - Seemingly unnecessary use Of English
It can get annoying when people use English in Japanese songs for no reason. Maybe it sounds cool, but sometimes I feel like it's forced and really breaks the flow.
Example offenders: Namie Amuro and Mika Nakashima
The first example is the recent release of Namie Amuro's single 60s 70s 80s, which features the song ROCK STEADY. In the chorus, Namie uses the phrase "bungee jump" in the middle of some Japanese lines. If you're like me, you're wondering what the hell she is talking about and grow increasingly angry each time she says it. In my opinion, it would have annoyed me less if she had just used Japanese instead.
The second example is Mika Nakashima's song GLAMOROUS SKY. For most of the song, I don't even realize that Mika is using English phrases here and there, but around three-quarters into the song, she uses the lines:
SUNDAY MONDAY inazuma TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY yukibana... OH...Source: Absolute Lyrics
FRIDAY SATURDAY nanairo EVERYDAY
yamikumo kieru FULL MOON kotaete boku no koe ni
Thank you Mika, for saying all the days of the week in English. Maybe it's poetic to others, but it really annoyed me.
#3 - English lyrics I'd rather not know about...
Sometimes it's best to not know what your favourite artists are saying. If the lyrics are in Japanese, your favourite artist could be singing about horrific killing spree and you'd never know, unless you found a fan translation. Then you'd realize you were indirectly enjoying songs about serial killers. It's pretty horrible when your favourite Jpop artist's reputation is destroyed when you hear some of their lyrics.
Example offenders: ELLEGARDEN and m-flo
First, it's ELLEGARDEN's song Under Control. Here are some verses:
She's 40 when I'm 22Source: Seek Lyrics
Her skin is almost like my mother's
She'll be 50 when I'm 32
Stop wondering what is the point
Leave us alone
Her sweet smile is cure for my wounded mind
That's all and you won't understand
Way she cares for me no one else has ever done
That's all hey I do mean it
Personally, I find this song disturbing since he's talking about loving someone 18 years older than him. Not that I'm saying it's wrong, but compared to other young punk-rock bands out there, they are usually singing about girls within a decade of their age group.
Second, it's m-flo's song Stuck In Your Love (which features melody). Here are some verses:
Let's leave all of this behind usSource: Just Some Lyrics
Forget it like highschool calculus
I'm into YOU and YOU into ME
And I know intuitively you feelin me
So please, TALK IS CHEAP
So like Ben Stiller in Starsky and Hutch…and just DO IT
Those are some killer metaphors. Who couldn't relate to a calculus and a mediocre movie reference? "Forget it like highschool calculus" is probably my favourite line. I'm sure VERBAL could've come up with something better. These lyrics alone have destroyed any gangsta rapper image I had of VERBAL.
Conclusion
Ironically, I complain about bad English lyrics in Jpop when my English is poor and I write articles in this blog. I'm a hypocrite, there's no doubt about that. I hope I provided some decent examples of bad English in Jpop. I know there's an abundance of terrible English in Jpop, but I typically stop listening to those songs and remove it from my memory. If you have some examples you'd like to share, feel free to leave a comment. If I've offended anyone, say if BoA's Next World album is your favourite album of all time, direct your anger towards clicking some ads or something...so I can continue buying better Jpop.
Looking at Jpop Artist Blogs Part 2
http://www.myspace.com/melodymelmode
As if I wasn't already obsessed with melody., I found her official MySpace page. Thankfully, I wasn't dissapointed since melody. uploads many pictures of herself. Like all MySpace pages, it's a stalker's paradise (not that I'm stalking melody.). You can also subscribe to her blogs, so you can find out what's she doing. She updates frequently and writes in an informal tone. For example, she says:
..the flower looked way too big!! It was as big as my face! ...actually the flower was completely in my face and in the way... lol.Her posts are relaxing and fun to read, so I'd highly recommend it for any melody. fans. However, the absolute best part of her MySpace page, is you could potentially be added to her friend list. You can be part of her exclusive 2000 member friend list :)
http://ameblo.jp/leahdizon/
Before visiting Leah Dizon's music blog, I was contemplating what I would see. Perhaps something pink, maybe a few hearts, maybe some scantily clad photos of Leah Dizon...getting 2 out of 3 isn't too bad. Unfortunately, the one I got wrong is probably what people were looking for :)
From Leah Dizon's past posts, it seems that she has only recently started to translate her posts in English. I'm not sure if it makes sense in Japanese, but her English is very random. For example:
Ive been busy, busy, busy but Ive been sleeping well. I dont want to speak too soon but I can finally sleep at night. Ganbaru yo~The photos aren't too bad, since they are approximately 400x300 pixels. However, Leah Dizon looks surprisingly normal when she's not under special lighting and mass makeup.
Im also taking very good care of my skin and doing face massages everyday. Machi taught me how. She made a blog recently.
Also, I ate sashimi recently and really liked it. I am surprising myself more and more everyday. Maybe tomorrow I will eat EBI NO ODORI GUI =D!
POLYSICS - "DOMO ARIGATO" Mr. Roboto
Thanks to J-MELO, I was introduced to the Jpop group POLYSICS. My favourite music video is "DOMO ARIGATO" Mr. Roboto. I'm all for comedic Jpop music videos, since I rarely see any humerous music videos from the likes of Yuna Ito, Ayumi, or Namie Amuro.
The music video starts of with the antagonist Mr. Roboto filming a Japanese robot TV show. However, like all free minded robots, he escapes and prepares to wreak havoc on humanity.
Mr. Roboto's wrath includes:
1. Tipping over supplies and stealing batteries from a local convinience store
2. Pushing over bikes on a bike rack
3. Pulling childish pranks like ringing a door bell and running away
4. Kicking ass at a club (including the DJ)
5. Beating up children until they are unconscious (although I wouldn't rule out death)
6. Returns to the film set to kick the director's ass
The gruesome aftermath of Mr. Roboto's wrath on small children
It's a random music video, which is always good. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. As for the song, it's pretty repetitive, but I'm too distracted by the music video to make any deep analysis about it.
This music video proves once again, why robots are a danger to our society. Yes, that means you Honda ASIMO. Your cute outer shell was intelligently designed by engineers to hide your dark, evil intentions...
Looking at Jpop Artist Blogs Part 1
I visit quite a few Jpop blogs, but I hadn't visited many Jpop artist blogs. So I started off with two blogs today: Angela Aki and Blaise Plant (the guy from Monkey Majik). You are absolutely right if you think I'm bored out of my mind today.
http://blog.excite.co.jp/angelaaki/
Angela Aki's blog (I hope it's her official blog, otherwise we have an amazing stalker) has tons of photos, which is exactly what I want since I don't understand Japanese. I browsed through the photos and was satisfied.
http://blaiseplant.syncl.jp/
Blaise Plant has both English and Japanese in his posts, accompanied with a low quality photo. I was pretty surprised that he would put Google Ads on his blog. If you're wondering why a song plays, which isn't by Monkey Majik, it's a solo song called "Call me"
Starting March 18th Blaise Plant will beginHe better not leave Monkey Majik, or I'll be crushed. Also, Blaise Plant singing without amazing guitar = NO THANKS.
his solo project "The Alphabet Project"
releasing his first single "Call me"
On the same day this blog will also be renewed and connected with www.blaiseplant.jp
Nothing Like Jpop to Brighten Your Day
After getting terribly sick on the long weekend and forcing myself to go to work today, I felt like dying. However, upon returning home, I noticed that the mail box was bulging with two small packages. Finally, my Monkey Majik's Sora wa Marude album and AAA's Around album had arrived from YesAsia and eBay.
With what could only be described as short-term amnesia, I forgot about all my problems as I viciously opened up the packages. The eBay seller had included a gift CD, which was Yuna Ito's single stuck on you. Good thing I like Yuna Ito...and free stuff :D
Perhaps I'll attain self-actualization when I purchase all the Jpop albums I've ever wanted. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy listening to these new CDs on my (death) bed.
Don't forget to support your favourite Jpop artists! ^_^
AAA: Shalala Kibou no Uta and Shocking Truths
After watching every AAA music video and listening to most of their songs, I found that the music video for "Shalala Kibou no Uta" reveals a frightening truth about the group. If AAA ever lack funds, the music video shows exactly how the members will be kicked off.
We start of with 4 members standing behind the tree. There seems to be way too many members in this group. The whole group barely fits in this wide screen shot. Who's first to go?
Everyone starts walking through an alley. The camera rotates around and...gasp...only three members are left.
Three seems like a nice number. We got our two lead singers here and a guy in a toque (who sings well). To be perfectly honest, these are the only members I truly care about in AAA. Rather frightening how accurate this music video is getting. Can they reduce more? The music video reveals more shocking truths!
Now only the two lead singers remain. We got the handsome fellow Nishijima Takahiro and the cute Uno Misako. I could live with AAA being two people. I'm sure most people could live with that fact as well. However, in the end, AAA is a wonderful band that I hope won't ever break up. However, one female member, Goto Yukari, has already left due to health reasons. And yes, she was one of the first people to get kicked off the music video.
Of course, near the 55 second mark, the whole gang is together again dancing in the middle of a town. Hooray for AAA!
Japanese Hairstyles: Male Jpop Artists
Japanese people generally have some pretty neat hairstyles. Japanese female hairstyles aren't particularly interesting as they don't do anything crazy. However, males just go crazy with the wax or gel and come up with artistic and creative looking hairstyles. I'm fully aware that Koreans have amazingly cool looking hair...but this is a Jpop blog (the "J" is for Japanese).
Need some examples? Here are some of the wickedly cool looking hairstyles from some of my favourite male Jpop artists:
Tohoshinki
UVERworld
L'Arc～en～Ciel
Nightmare
I've never worked up the courage to try any of these hairstyles myself. But I have watched "How to" videos. Basically, the best source for Japanese male tutorials is from Gatsby. You can visit the Gatsby website here.
You need to navigate around to see the tutorials. After it fully loads, you should see a menu called "Ch 1 HAIR STYLING." Most of the videos of interest are in that menu. Browse around! Have fun!
For those of you who think these hairstyles are absolutely ridiculous, you might find these videos humerous. People do spend a lot of time making their hair look like that. If you want a few previews, you can always look around YouTube. Here are some interesting videos in case you don't feel like manually searching:
I actually watched all the videos on the Gatsby site and enjoyed it. The tutorials are quite detailed and somewhat addictive to watch. There are some other humerous videos on that site. For example, there is one video where they teach you how to wash your face. If you truly love Jpop, you would wash your face like an authentic Japanese person after all!!!
