DJ Japan – Episode 1: LOVE PSYCHEDELICO and TRICERATOPS

Recently, I received some requests (both from inside and outside Japan) for some Japanese music recommendations.  I will post these music recommendations in a series of episodes.  Most foreigners (including myself, before coming to Japan) think that all Japanese music is the goofy Anime Pop songs that you hear in popular Japanese cartoons and commercials.  This is true to some extent.  Those songs are popular for a reason.  I am happy to report, however, that there is some really fantastic music over here.  You just have to search for it.  The same is true back home.  Turn on a radio in the U.S. (with the exception of NPR, oh how I miss it), and all you hear is crap.  Popular music in America is just as awful as popular music in Japan.  Anyway, enough ranting.  I have posted some YouTube videos below of some of the groups to which I’ve been listening recently.  My choices were limited when it came to songs, though.  Videos are usually only made for radio singles and therefore represent that which is most radio friendly.  So, bear in mind that these groups all have a lot more to offer.  Also, sometimes people post songs on YouTube with no video.  I might include some of these below since I’m more interested in the music than the visuals.  I highly recommend each one.  Enjoy…

In no particular order:
1.) LOVE PSYCHEDELICO: A blend of sixties rock and modern pop.  Lyrics are a blend of Japanese and English.

“Right Now”

“Freedom”

“Standing Bird” (Live)

“I Will Be With You”

2.) TRICERATOPS: Plain old rock ‘n roll, but in a variety of forms.  These guys are fantastic live.  Mostly Japanese lyrics.

“Loony’s Anthem”

“Warp”

“赤いゴーカート” (Translation: Red Go-cart)

“If”