Japanese Rock Suggestions

[Dr. Rated-R]

I was reading the latest edition of TokyoPop's free manga magazine, and in it I read a small preview of the manga "Beck", and in it Namie Amuro, a Japanese pop singer, was mentioned. On the footnotes, where the magazine staff post witty comments relevant to the panel the text is next to, it mentioned that Amuro is a real person. And I thought, "Hey, what the hell..." and downloaded a few of her songs. I like them. So now I'm asking you, as I know at least two or three of you are fans, for some suggestions of Japanese rock music?

[apsham]

After the last band list, I would suggest any songs from The Pillows. Also, if you don't mind the Japanese pop, look for songs from Katmari Damancy and We Love Katamari.

[tristy]

Balzac

[Fanku Kaibutsu]

Dragon Ash is one of my favorite bands, particularly the songs from the albums Buzz Songs, Viva La Revolution, and Lily of Da Valley. Their most recent album, Harvest, kinda sucked, but thier singles since then have been pretty good.

Bump of Chicken, from what I've heard, is another good band, though I've only heard one album.

X Japan is another very good band, if you're a fan of 80s style metal.

Gakt and Dir En Gray have a few good songs. I believe Shonen Knife actually has had several albums released in the US,and they're OK, plus their songs are in english.

[Guest Crimson Nightmare]

I'm a big fan of Dir en grey. I'd suggest starting with "Raison D'etre", as it's a catchy (albiet relatively dark lyriced) song. I've got quite a few of their albums legally purchased via a local anime store as well as a t-shirt. They're a pretty sweet band if you're into that kinda thing. Their music videos, or "PV"'s are worth a look too.

[VerbalPuke]

There's quite a few good bands out of Japan, these are closer to a garage/punk rock sound but any rock fan can enjoy this. I'd suggest stuff like Teengenerate, Firestarter, and Guitar Wolf. Those are three excellent bands that I'd give a strong reccomendation to anybody to.

[stokeriño]

Get the soundtrack to the Beck anime...alternatively, look up the band that does the majority of it: Beat Crusaders.

[MalaCloudy Black]

Namie Amuro is a fantastic pop singer, she's a rapper too. She's done collabs with Japanese rappers.

Also I'd say check out Gackt, Especially the songs Lu:na, Metamorphoze, Mind Forest, U+K, & Vanilla (Mars Version).

As for Namie check out Kiss 'N Ride, butterfly, Girl Talk, & No.

[illmatic]

X Japan

Porno Graffite

Dir En Grey

Gackt

Luna Sea

Move

TM Revolution

Dragon Ash

Asian Kung Fu Geration

Hyde

Bump of Chicken

L'arc~en~ciel

Shiina Ringo

Malice Mizer

B'z

Glay

If you like Namie you should check these out:

Ayumi Hamasaki (that beautiful lady on my sig)

Kumi Koda

AI

BoA

Kuraki Mai

Utada Hikaru

M-Flo

Soulhead

Edited November 27, 2005 by illmatic

[Bushmeister]

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

[LUKIE]

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

I love you

They are easily my most favourite of bands ever

I love Yusuke Chiba's voice, and if you do to, check out his new work with his new band, Rosso.

Also, you should look at:

Go!Go!7188 (2 awesome chicks with great voices)

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (Most unique sounds ever)

Guitar Wolf (If you like Garage Metal)

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

Polysics!

Gotta love 'em baybee!

[Guest Thiia Deshi]

AAA - I cant remember what it stands for, it may be attack all area's but they have a song called "Blood on Fire" which is awesome

[fourstarfizzle]

The Polysics

Melt-Banana

Mad Capsule Markets

[Skummy]

Melt Banana.

I can't stress that enough.

Polysics, X-Japan and Gackt are all wonderful too, though.

[ChrisSteeleAteMyHamster]

Melt Banana.

I can't stress that enough.

Polysics, X-Japan and Gackt are all wonderful too, though.

Polysics are amazing live, I've seen 'em twice now.

They'll be supporting Kaiser Chiefs in Birmingham NEC/NIA (whichever one it is) in April next year....