Originally posted back in July to September 2005, these posts include more of keikaku’s staff recommendations.
Speaking of staff: “Like what you see here at Keikaku.net? Hate what you see here and want to improve things? If you think you would be a good addition to the staff here, drop us a line here. We’re looking for someone who’s willing to contribute an article at least once every two weeks. Tell us a bit about yourself - specifically your musical tastes (both Japanese and non) and anything else you think would make you a good candidate. We may ask for a writing sample, so be prepared to write up a profile or review.”
How too: k.net > about > drop down menu > select become staff > fill in name/emai/form > press send > done!
Please consider joining k.net, and I hope you enjoy your ride in the wayback machine.
Date: 2005.09.27 Artist: BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town Staff: Denise
Taking the stage at eleven members strong, BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town’s cool reggae sound comes alive under the strong female vocals of front-woman Mai. After surviving a few member changes in the last five years, BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town released their third album Movin’ On, on September 22nd. Samples from the album can be heard here. BAGDAD CAFÉ THE trench town members are Big Mama [Chorus], Mai [Vocal], Ran [Chorus], What’S Up Raita [Guitar], Iwai Long Seller [Organ], Yama [Bass], Ogi [T.Saxophone], Ume [Trombone], Michel Punch [Piano], Bancho [Drums] and Mura [Guitar].
Date: 2005.09.21 Artist: Onepercentres Staff: Denise
Onepercentres’ loud and in your face garage-rock sound is defined by an over-the-top energy that permiates everything this band plays. Onepercentres’ are releasing their newest album Platinum Bundle on 2005.11.02. You can listen to samples of the band here. Onepercentres members are Osamu Seino [Vocal. Guitar], Osm [Guitar], Yumi [Bass] and Yoshimi Moriyama [Drums].
Date: 2005.09.14 Artist: Hi-Standard Staff: Taylor Morris
Starting in 1991 and running until an indefinite hiatus stopped them cold 2000, Hi-Standard are largely responsible for bringing Punk music back to the mainstream in Japan during the mid-90’s. Three albums: 1995’s Growing Up, 1997’s Angry Fist and finally, 1999’s Making The Road. The band was also responsible for the legendary Air Jam festival each summer from 1997 to 2000 where tens of thousands of fans showed up to see the band play with some special guests along like bloodthirsty butchers and Cocobat. Band members: Akira Tsuneoka (Drums), Akihiro Nanba (Vocals, Bass), Ken Yokoyama (Vocals, Guitar). Ken Yokoyama went on to play in BBQ Chickens, another Pizza Of Death group, and his second solo CD comes out soon. Frontman Akihiro went on to form Tyunk whose first EP came out last month.
Date: 2005.08.29 Artist: Sugarhill Downtown Orchestra Staff: Bob Vielma (disbanded)
Sugarhill Downtown Orchestra is a two-tone ska band whose sound is spiced up by elements of hip-hop and saloon-style ragtime piano. Guitarist/pianist/lead songwriter Kota Tsukamoto was a member of the legendary 90’s ska-punk band Fruity. After having released a limited edition 7″, CD-EP, and full length album, Sugarhill Downtown Orchestra is releasing their second album on September 7th of this year.
Date: 2005.08.27 Artist: AndMarkHer Staff: Simon (disbanded)
Swirling guitars, melodic songs and impassioned vocals are the trademarks of this fledgling foursome, AndMarkHer are comprised of: U.D.A. (Vocals/Bass), Yukihiro (Guitar/Chorus), Ishida (Guitar/Chorus) and Uni (Drums). Formed in 2002, their first single was finally released in March of this year after a few previous demos.
Date: 2005.08.10 Artist: Soil & ‘Pimp’ Sessions Staff: Taylor Morris
Soil & ‘Pimp’ Sessions are leading a revolution across Japan bringing explosive club bebop to the forefront of today’s popular culture. Combining fierce solos and a blurrily quick pace to intricate instrumental jazz arrangements, the band has become widely noticed and critically lauded with their two albums, Pimpin’ and Pimp Master as well as with recent EP, Summer Goddess. In 2003, without any recordings to their name and a reputation built solely from live performances, the band was invited to perform at the Fuji Rock Festival of that year and soon a bidding war ensued with Victor coming out on top and currently releasing all of the band’s work. Soil & “Pimp” Sessions are Shacho (Agitator), Tabu Zombie (Trumpet), Motoharu (Sax), Josei (Piano), Akita Goldman (Bass) and Midorin (Drums).
Date: 2005.07.25 Artist: Movin` Jelly Staff: Denise
Movin` Jelly is considered by some to be one of the best Japanese power pop bands today. The band combines traditional Japanese pop with elements from bands like Cheap Trick and The Raspberries, giving them a definite rock edge. They released their debut album Girl’s Trouble on February 28, 2003. You can sample two tracks from the album here. Movin` Jelly members are Yutaka [Vocals, Guitar], Osadorako [Drums] and Gunji [Vocals, Guitar].
Date: 2005.07.20 Artist: The Court Staff: Denise (hiatus)
With a recent name change from O-Front to The Court, this band’s rock instrumentals are both driven and retrospective melodies, sometimes all in one song. These apparent contradictions in tempo and melody, meld together under the deeply moving vocals of front-man Tokizaki Satoshi. Samples of the band’s first single Sayonara, can be heard here. The Court members are Tokizaki Satoshi [Vocal, Guitar], Watanabe Masaya [Bass] and Tanokuchi Shinkai [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.16 Artist: The Emeralds Staff: Denise (changed name)
Advertised as the “Japanese R&R Samurai Trio,” and proclaimed “The New Agers of Japanese Rock and Roll.” The Emeralds live up to both advertising and reputation, by playing straight up rock and roll delivered with spirited guitar solos and pounding beats. The band released their latest single Surfing Baby, on May 25, 2005. You can sample two songs from the album, Talk About Love here. The Emeralds members are Kazuya [Guitar, Vocals], Osuke [Bass] and Akio [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.16 Artist: The Water Method Man Staff: Denise
Complicated instrumental arrangements and blues inspired vocals, characterize The Water Method Man’s cool jazz-fusion sound. The band released their first album Depth, on July 14, 2005. You can hear samples of the band’s music here. The Water Method Man members are Kounosuke Nakatsuka [Vocals], Yoichi Kobayashi [Keyboard], Yuuki Mizoi [Bass] and Shigenori Watanabe [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.12 Artist: The Havenot’s Staff: Denise
Reminiscent of the Ramones, The Havenot’s punk-rock sound is defined by catchy melodies and reverberating guitar. Apostrophe not optional, The Havenot’s can be seen and heard in a live video hosted at socketTV. The Havenot’s members are Matt Aoki [Guitar, Vocals], Shimmy [Bass] and Kohta [Drums].
Date: 2005.07.03 Artist: HeavensDust Staff: Denise
Taking their influence from bands like Korn and Nine Inch Nails, HeavensDust mixes traditional Japanese melodies and rhythms with alternative metal and rock. HeavensDust’s newest album Higher Than Heaven, Louder Than God, can be heard at the band’s homepage. HeavensDust members are Shinsaku [Vocals, Guitar], Mai [Bass], Atushi [Guitar], Ajo [Wadaiko], U-ky[koto],Yuta [Drums] and Nan-Zan [Shakuhachi].
This here blog is one small step for Keikaku, one giant step for the staff's collective ego. Unimportant news and many ramblings (sometimes about music) will likely be a big part of the posts. Enjoy.
