tokyo gig guide blog: July 2010

BAD NOISE on July 24th

Are there any gigs on this weekend?

Yes, as a matter of fact, on Saturday night (July 24th) there shall be a most gratifying evening to be spent at the latest installment of the regular BAD NOISE! night.

It is to be at the laidback Ruby Room in the heart of the youth eclave of Shibuya.

You will be able to witness topflight performances by these musical outfits:

NATASHA FORREST
Confrontational new-wave with Brit singer.

PINKY DOODLE POODLE
These Bubblegum-punkas are to return to Bad Noise.

+ MORE??
Yes, more, but you'll just have to wait and see.

For more facts, photographic evidence and the like, see www.badnoisetokyo.com

On Tokyo Gig Guide

Labels: bad noise, gig, natasha forrest, pinky doodle poodle, ruby room, shibuya

Caribou and solo show-going

by liza

Was anyone else at the Caribou show at Daikanyama Unit this week?

I saw this review of it in Metropolis. It's funny how people can go to the same show and think different things! While I love Caribou, I'm not sure if it was a "triumphant" return -- the place was not even close to full and I'm sure the promoter lost money. I didn't think the crowd was particularly energetic, and people didn't really seem to be drinking either. I think the gig was bound to be good (I like the new album) but the band seemed a bit tired and just plowed through the set -- understandable as they're on quite an extensive tour at the moment.

Most everyone there looked like they were on their own -- I was too -- but buried in their phones. It seems like more people go to gigs solo in Tokyo than I remember in the United States or Australia. I don't mind it, but prefer company. However I usually need some liquid courage before I'll try to meet strangers! Are you usually at gigs solo or in groups?

Labels: electronic, Live music in Tokyo, psychedelic, unit

Fuji Rock Festival - recommended Japanese bands

by craig

There are a lot of good Japanese artists playing Fuji Rock Festival this year. Here are some of my recommendations:

HIKASHU (ヒカシュー)
Incredibly strange new-wave band that has been going since the late 70s, fronted by the amazing vocal gymnast Koichi Makigami. Here's a clip of them from 1980:

bloodthirsty butchers
2008 FRF had My Bloody Valentine and last year's festival had Guitar Wolf - this year's band with the loudest guitars will likely be bloodthirsty butchers. They've been playing their noisy indie-rock since 1987.