CAT5 9075 Posted February 2, 2013 I'm a million years late, but as they say, "better late than never!" 2012 was been a wonderful year for Japanese music & abroad. Here are my personal favorite albums and EPs of 2012. I've divided them into 2 parts - Japanese and non-Japanese! I've also provided full sample tracks from each album.Please feel free to leave any comments! Japanese Picks!ATATA - TATATtags: alternative, emo, post-rockSample song: General HeadquartersAfter releasing a string of demos, ATATA has finally released their first full length and it is thoroughly fantastic! Consisting of ex. Bandwagon, nenem, Retromania, Mirror, Holstein, and 3cm tour members, ATATA combines all of the punk, post-rock, and emo/hardcore elements from these bands into one seriously rocking package!ar - YONtags: rock, indie-pop, electronic, folkSample song: breakin' Mama&Papa sleepy.ab is usually regarded as Japan's answer to radiohead, but the lesser known ar is also very noticeably influenced by them as well. However, such a simple comparison doesn't do ar's sound any justice. They're much more colorful and adventurous than the aforementioned bands, manage to span several genres within the same album, and yet they somehow maintain their own unique sound. The aptly named "YON" is the ar's 4th full album and does a wonderful job of showcasing the band's highly imaginative musical palette.COgeNdshE - cogencytags: post-rock, experimental, female vocalsSample song: un deux troisZankyo records is well respected amongst fans of indie and post-rock due to their impressive roster of quality bands (mudy on the 昨晩, the cabs, and te' to name a few), and COgeNdshE is a welcome addition to the label. Their music isn't as easy to digest as some of their label-mates, however. Cogency has a dark, often brooding quality to it and is chock-full of unusual rhythms and time signatures. In addition, the hauntingly melodic female vocals provide a stark contrast to the music itself. The band focuses more on creating a solid atmosphere as a single unit as opposed to employing overly flashy instrumentation in an attempt to highlight themselves as individual musicians. This album is perhaps a bit more left-field than most Monochromians are accustomed to and may require several listens to truly wrap your head around, but it's a rewarding listen if you're willing to give it a try...or two!ESNO - Visionarytags: electronic, jazz, female cocalsSample song: RRDebut album from ESNO, the new project of jazz/hip hop producer Kenichiro Nishihara. In contrast to his normal material, Nishihara has taken a decidedly electronic approach on this album and it's quite possibly his best work to date.FilFla - Fliptaptags: electronic, folktronicaSample song: Morse Mall4th album from FilFla, one of Keiichi Sugimoto's many monikers, and the the latest addition to the "’10 Songs In 20 Minutes’ series by music label Someone Good. Given the duration, Fliptap emphasizes the essentials of FilFla's sound - a stunning mishmash of organic elements like acoustic guitars and field recordings, and vibrant electronic programming. Short, but oh so sweet!fresh! - What Are You Doing In This Confusion?tags: hardcore, avant-garde, progressive, instrumentalSample song: ハイビスカスfresh! have been around for a few of years performing on the Japanese underground circuit, but have finally released their first proper album - the aptly titled "What Are You Doing In This Confusion?". This album is one nonstop cacophony of hectic drumming, disharmonic guitar noodling and obnoxious saxophone screeching. fresh! fits right in with bands like NATSUMEN and PANICSMILE. I can only imagine how killer their lives shows are!GAGLE×Ovall - GAGLE×Ovalltags: hip-hop, smooth-jazz, soulSample song: Heaven Feat. Shea SoulFor those that follow the non-mainstream Japanese hip hop world, GAGLE×Ovall is a match made in heaven! The amount of talent between the 2 groups is undeniable. Gagle (consisting of MC Hunger, DJ Mu-R, and DJ Mitsu the Beats) is already a powerhouse, but with the added abilities of Ovall (Shingo Suzuki, Mabanua, and Shingo Sekiguchi/Vusik) these guys are pretty much incapable of producing anything less than quality.JariBu Afrobeat Arkestra - NO MORE PATIENTtags: afrobeat, funkSample song: No More Patient Prt 1&2Along with KINGDOM AFROCKS, JariBu Afrobeat Arkestra is one of the Japan's premiere afrobeat bands in a small, but flourishing scene. Their last album "Mediacracy" ALMOST made my list for 2011, but the production value wasn't quite as dynamic as I'd hoped for. Thankfully, that's been rectified on this new album and JAA's grooves are more sonically tangible than ever!Jimanica - Torsotags: electronic, experimental, instrumentalSample song: Walking BehindJimanica is a drummer and laptop musician who is one-third of the trio "d.v.d" (drums visuals drums) and also 'partners in sound' with fellow electronic musician, Ametsub. Torso is Jimanica's 3rd solo album is a dynamic assortment of live drumming, electronics, and fractured vocal lines (provided by Anna Yamada, Hitomitoi, and Koshi Miura).KATUSI from EL SKUNK DI YAWDIE & EXTRAVAGANZA - Rhythm Messengertags: reggae, jazz, acousticSample song: マチマチ feat. CHAN-MIKA&長崎真吾As you can somewhat gather from his name, KATUSI is the drummer/percussionist from the little-known bands EL SKUNK DI YAWDIE & EXTRAVAGANZA!. Rhythm Messenger is KATUSI's solo effort in which he features various musicians and singers over his Cajon playing/Drumming. In addition to reggae and jazz, there's a variety of "organic" genres to be found throughout the album. Some awesome features include Likkle Mai, EKD, CHAN-MIKA, and 千尋 (Chihiro)!KINGDOM☆AFROCKS - SanSanNaNatags: afrobeat, funk, jazzSample song: No Son Tuyas (Not Yours)SanSanNaNa is the 2nd studio album from Japanese afrobeaters, KINGDOM☆AFROCKS. Their first studio album Fanfare made it on my list last year, but the grooves here are just as prominent and uplifting!LAGITAGIDA - CartaMarinatags: instrumental, progressive-rockSample song: Yellow SharkJust a few months after their first EP, instrumental prog-rockers LAGITAGIDA have returned with their 2nd EP and they mean business! The band consists of members from the now defunct bands mahiruno, Green Milk From The Planet Orange, and school food punishment. They site their major influences as Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Can, The Mars Volta, Battles, Metallica, Slayer, and Melt-Banana. CartaMarina is intense from beginning to end and proves that LAGITAGIDA is worthy of sharing the stage with Japan's best instrumental bands.LITE - PAST, PRESENT, FUTUREtags: math-rock, post-rock, female vocalsSample song: BondLITE is no doubt one of Japan's finest instrumental acts, and their latest EP, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE offers a glimpse into the band's evolution over the years. From their humble beginnings as a traditional post-rock band to their more experimental, vocal-driven compositions that strive to defy classification.Matryoshka - Laideronnettetags: modern classical, ambient, IDM, female vocalsSample song: Cut All TreesAbsolutely gorgeous modern classical pieces embroidered with subtle electronic glitches and angelic female vocals. The tone of Laideronnette is epic and highly emotional - captivating from start to finish.middle 9 - Cettia Diphonetags: post-rock, jazzSample song: DejaCettia Diphone is middle 9's third album and continues the band's tradition of immaculately fusing jazz and post-rock. With only five tracks spanning about 30 minutes, I only wish this one were a bit longer!M-KODA - Ingatags: idm, electronic, ambientSample song: GlowOnly in his early 20's, M-KODA (real name Satoshi Kodama) is young, but already producing music like a seasoned pro. Inga is his 2nd full album and it exhibits just the right amount of minimalism - not overly melodic, but not subtle to the point that it's boring either.mmm (ミーマイモー) - ほーひtags: folk, indie, female vocalsSample song: 無題2nd full album from the indie-folkstress, mmm (pronouced me-my-mo)! Fortunately, she hasn't fallen into a sophomore slump - in fact, she's managed to produce an even better folk album than her first! With her unique voice, memorable songwriting, and endless charm, I don't think this woman is capable of doing any wrong. ;3Moe and ghosts - 幽霊たちtags: hip hop, experimental, indie, female vocalsSample song: ルー=ガルーガールSplendid debut album from the enigmatic underground hip hop unit, Moe and Ghosts, who unsurprisingly, describe themselves as a "ghost coast hip hop group from Japan". The production on 幽霊たち has a distinct "underground" feel with many experimental liberties taken, while the rapping/vocals are all handled by the equally interesting female known as Moe (萌); who has a remarkably dynamic flow and style. The tone of moe's voice is also atypical for hip hop, but then again, this is not your typical hip hop album. : )nego - SANSARAtags: dub, psychedelic, tribal, experimental, clubSample song: Raga NajaSophomore album from the fascinating, hybrid-band, NEGO. Mixed and mastered by none other than KASHIWA Daisuke, SANSARA (meaning "metempsychosis" in Sanskrit) is a riveting album that utilizes simplicity and repetition at the core, and builds around that core a diverse wall of sound that is utterly entrancing! Members from bands like sgt., kacica, ROVO, egoistic 4 leaves, and WUJA BIN BIN have all given praise to NEGO and this album!Re-Trick - re:Re-Tricktags: jazz, club-jazzSample song: RegenerationWhile some of the more popular of acts of Japan's jazz scene have been on a steady decline (quasimode and jabberloop come to mind), Re-Trick has only been improving! After the release of their last album in 2010, the band went on hiatus for about 15 months, but they haven't missed a beat. As the title of the album implies, re:Re-Trick is a bit of a self-cover album since half of the tracks are re-recordings of early tracks. However, each of those tracks have been redone masterfully and in most cases, aren't even identical to the originals. And of course, the new tracks maintain re-trick's originality and technical prowess. Hands down, my favorite jazz album of 2012!ROTH BART BARON - 化け物山と合唱団tags: folk, indieSample song: CampfireI was initially introduced to this band by MH's resident Japanese folk expert, Aion, a year or 2 ago and I've been following them ever since. The world of Japanese folk music is vast and saturated with mediocrity, so it's easy to point out the greats from the fakes - and ROTH BART BARON is the former. Their music has a simplistic beauty to it and it's evocative without being either overly sappy or too depressive. Hopefully, these guys will release a full length one day!Tam Tam - Meteoritetags: dub, reggae, alternative, female vocalsSample song: dry rideMeteorite is the first full album from the obscure, reggae/dub outfit, Tam Tam. While they employ a lot of traditional elements from reggae/dub, their sound also incorporates pop and alternative sensibilities - giving them a young and fresh appeal.THE★米騒動 - 十九歳でぜんぶ終わるtags: rock, garage, female vocalsSample song: ストランゲーゼ30番地2nd mini album from the young garage rock trio, The rice panic. They have a fantastic, raw energy that's reminiscent of MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS' more agressive side.TK from 凛として時雨 - floweringtags: alternative, indie-rockSample song: flowerSolo album from Rin Toshite Shigure vocalist and distinguished guitarist, TK (Toru Kitajima). Even with the ensemble of strings, piano, and additional electronics, flowering isn't much of a departure from rin toshite's sound. In fact, it shows just how much influence TK has over the band. Though this isn't much of a gripe considering the consistently high quality of rin toshite albums. Naturally, TK remains above par.Wienners - UTOPIAtags: punk, hardcore, pop, electronicSample song: 三原山の怪獣2nd full album from wienners! Wild, zany, and fun punk that sporadically fuses elements of pop, hardcore, and electronica. Highly energetic with hardly ever a dull moment.Wuja Bin Bin - Wuja Bin Bintags: jazz, avant-gardeSample song: Middle Age RiotWuja Bin Bin is the new project of ex. ex-BEAT CRUSADERS' keyboardist, KEITAIMO, but this is no ordinary project. WBB is more like a super-group of superb indie and "under the radar" musicians. Within the line-up you have achico (on button down/KAREN), jazz trumpeter Shinpei Ruike, Satoru Takeshima (EGO-WRAPPIN & THE GOSSIP OF JAXX), Takuji Nomura (goodluckheiwa/natsumen/sakerock), Keisaku Nakamura (toe/hotel new tokyo/stim/kowloon) and more! Wuja Bin Bin's debut is an amazing mix of jazz, progressive, and experimental elements.アルカラ - ドラマtags: indie-rock, alternativeSample song: 踊れやフリーダI consider Arukara the flag-bearers of a particular brand of rock in Japan that see bands blending traditional elements of "indie-rock" with pop sensibilities. While many attempt this style, trying to appease the indie/DIY fans and exert mass appeal at the same time, Arukara simply excels at it. Whether they're doing ballads, instrumental tracks, or simply rocking out, they always manage to remain catchy and melodic without compromising their skills as musicians. Drama does a wonderful job at showcasing the band at their best.キリコ - Greyhound...tags: hip-hop, underground, female vocalsSample song: Layeredsubenoana is one of my favorite Japanese indie labels, as they're constantly releasing some of the most interesting, abstract and experimental Japanese hip hop. Although kiriko is usually very left-field, his new album features a more accessible sound full of soul and jazz-laden samples (courtesy of DJ OLDFASHION) and a host of female rapper/singer collaborations. Kiriko's flow and style remain very off-kilter though, which makes for a unique and refreshing listen.コトリンゴ - La memoire de mon bandwagon EPtags: pop, singer-songwriter, female vocalsSample song: Ghost DanceStunning EP from Ryuichi Sakamoto's handpicked protege, Kotoringo! For this EP, Kotoringo formed a trio with Shige Murata (□□□, Cubismo Grafico Five, Circle Darko) on bass and Jumpei Kamiya (Akai Kutsu) on drums - and of course, herself on piano. As always, kotoringo has managed to produce some of the most exquisite pop music around and proves that she is in a league of her own.スガダイロー - 春風tags: free-jazz, avant-gardeSample song: 不屈New album from the insanely talented avant-garde pianist, Suga Dairo. His previous album actually made it onto my BEST-OF 2011 list; however, this work is almost entirely different. 46 minutes of pure piano work without the accompaniment of bass, drums, or vocals. Replete with broken melodies and meandering improvisation, this album may not be the easiest listen for some, but may be rewarding to those with an ear for the uncanny.トクマルシューゴ - In Focus?tags: folk, indie-popSample song: Helictite (LeSeMoDe)5th album from singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Shugo Tokumaru. Extravagant and meticulously crafted folk-music with a cartoon-ish flare. Superb~!ハイスイノナサ - 動物の身体tags: math-rock, post-rock, indie, female vocalsSample song: logoshaisuinonasa's first full album is every bit as fabulous as their previous 2 mini albums suggested it would be. While the band has always mixed several genres (math-rock, post-rock, electronic, etc), they've really been able to let loose and expand their musical prowess to new areas on this full length. At this point, trying to dissect their music into genres would be futile. Despite the varying elements, their sound is so cohesive that it's nearly indescribable. Whatever haisuinonasa has become, I only have one word for them - EXQUISITE.伊集院幸希 - THIS IS MY STORY 憐情のメロディtags: soul, pop, doo-wop, female vocalsSample song: 家に帰ろうFirst full album from the obscure, but lovely singer-songwriter, Ijuuin Yuki. THIS IS MY STORY is like a blast from the 50's/60's past - even the production of the album is tailored to suit Yuki's impeccable retro-pop sound. Vocally, she sounds similar to early 90's Bonnie Pink, who also had a retro vibe around that time. All-around great tunes~八十八ヶ所巡礼 - ○△□tags: rock, progressive, experimentalSample song: ((((未練))))○△□ is 88kasyo's 3rd full album, with their previous 2 albums being released in 2011 and 2010 respectively (all in the month of August btw). With releases so close together, you'd think it would be hard for a band to maintain the quality of their work, but that hasn't been the case with this trio. 88kasyo has only improved and grown even wilder with each release. Their skills are simply undeniable (srsly, their guitarist does more on his guitar in one song than some bands with 2 guitarists do in an entire album *cough*thegazette*cough*). But more importantly than their skills as musicians is their ability to craft songs that are unique, refreshing, and keep your ears craving more. Their previous album made my into my top picks of 2011, and they've managed to do so again this year.小南泰葉 - 嘘憑キズムtags: pop-rock, female vocalsSample song: ルポルタージュ精神病棟Impressive major debut from the up-and-coming singer/songwriter, Kominami Yasuha. She plays an edgy, yet radio-friendly brand of pop-rock that harkens back to early "Muzai Moratorium" days of Shiina Ringo. It's not often that you come across quality major artists, but Kominami is definitely one worth keeping an eye on!空きっ腹に酒 - 僕の血tags: indie-rock, punk, hip hopSample song: 記憶Imagine throwing bands like qomolangma tomato, usotsuki barbie, and UHNELLYS into a blender - you'll likely end up with a concoction like this band. "Boku no chi" is Sukipparanisake's first full album and is a spastic mix of indie-rock, punk, and hip hop with just enough craziness to keep your ears excited from start to finish.緋と陽 - タイヨウニホエロtags: hardcore, emo, post-rockSample song: いざ沙らばhitohi's first EP made my best-of list last year, and their new EP is equally as deserving. While the band's songwriting seemed to meander aimlessly a few times on the last EP, they've made noticeable progress in streamlining their "mathy-proggy-postrockish-folky-hardcore" sound. Unfortunately, this EP is only 4 tracks long, but each one is epic in it's own right! ; )鎮座DOPENESS & DOPING BAND- だいぶ気持ちいいね!tags: hip-hop, alternative, experimentalSample song: ヒップ ホップ IS...With the bulk of Japan's hip hop culture filtered through the likes of MTV, it's tough to find Japanese rappers that really understand the essence of hip hop, but thankfully, CHINZA DOPENESS knows what hip hop is all about! CHINZA has formed a band (THE DOPING BAND), which consists of the up-and coming reggae songstress, CHAN-MIKA, percussionist and producer, IZPON (from KINGDOM☆AFROCKS, Panorama Steel Orchestra, and Orquesta, Nudge! ) with the rest of the members coming from the disbanded reggae/dub outfit 犬式 a.k.a Dogggystyle. This is anything but your typical rap record, as CHINZA and the DOPING BAND play a diverse array of styles including funk, jazz, reggae/dub, as well as your more traditional, old-school hip hop numbers. CHINZA and the DOPING BAND aren't out to talk about their swag or brag about material riches, they simply want to show you a good time! 高橋征司 - N41°tags: ambient, glitch, minimalSample song: first reportThis album nearly flew under my radar, as it was released under an obscure, fledgeling label called Te Pito Records. Seiji Takahashi's first album, N41° is only the 3rd release from this label. I bought this on a whim, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of it! Incredibly soothing ambient soundscapes! 5 usuxorz, radioradioradio, bukimi_heishi and 2 others reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAT5 9075 Posted February 2, 2013 Non-Japanese Picks!Big K.R.I.T. - 4evaNaDaytags: hip-hop, southernSample song: Boobie MilesBig K.R.I.T. represents an era of southern hip hop that has become all but extinct. His style harkens back to early days of UGK, 8ball&MJG, Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Devil the Dude - all of which he pays homage to in his lyrics. And just like Pimp C( one of his major influences), Big K.R.I.T. produces all of his own material. Technically, this is a mixtape, but it's clear that Big K.R.I.T. takes the utmost integrity in his work, as this plays just like an album.Catherine Feeny - Americatags: folk, singer-songwriter, indie, female vocalsSample song: Spill it all Over the GroundAtmospheric and rhythmical folk music with female vocals. The music itself is subtle and pretty, which poses an interesting contrast to Catherine's socially and politically driven lyricsElle Varner - Perfectly Imperfecttags: r&b, popSample song: Sound Proof RoomElle Varner's debut album is the perfect example of what I think a modern r&b album should sound like - great production, great song-writing, and amazing vocals with no auto-tune in sight. I should also not that Elle has an incredible rasp to her voice that really makes her a treat to listen to.Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Societytags: jazz, soul, female vocalsSample song: Crowned & Kissed4th album from the amazingly talented multi-instrumentalist and jazz vocalist, Esperanza Spalding. On this record, Spalding flawlessly delves into pop, soul, and funk while retaining the jazz and classical sensibilities that she's had from the start. Lovely~Gary Clark Jr. - Blak and Blutags: rock, blues, soul, r&b, rock&rollSample song: When My Train Pulls InImpressive debut from Gary Clark Jr. that tackles a plethora of different genres, (rock&roll, blues, r&b, soul, and doo-wop) and does so without fault. While each style is performed wonderfully, my only gripe is that the album loses it's cohesiveness amongst all of the genre-hopping. So while this album doesn't exactly provide a smooth track-to-track listening experience, it is however, a gGrasscut - Unearthtags: electronicSample song: Pieces British independent record label Ninja Tune is one of my absolutely favorites, as they specialize in a variety of electronic genres and manage to maintain a consistent level of quality. With a sound that lies somewhere between modern classical and electropop, British duo Grasscut is no exception to Ninja Tune's excellent lineup.Hiatus Kaiyote - Tawk Tomahawktags: soul, breakbeats, indie, female vocalsSample song: Mobius StreakHailing from Melbourne, Australia, (senedjem, did you draw the cover art? ) Hiatus Kaiyote is a quartet dubbed as a "future soul" band. They're definitely much more forward-thinking than most contemporary soul acts, as they attempt to meld elements of hip hop, jazz, and other more subtle elements into a sound of their own.Hidden Orchestra - Archipelagotags: downtempo, instrumental, jazz, electronic, ambientSample song: DisquietSplendid release from another one of my favorite UK labels, Tru Thoughts. Hidden Orchestra's music is a cinematic boiling pot, borrowing equally from genres like jazz, electronic, classical, ambient and hip hop. Each track is brimming with intensity under the surface, yet they all maintain an overwhelmingly subtle exterior. It's perhaps because of this permeating contrast that the band's name couldn't be more fitting.Invalids - Eunoiatags: math-rockSample song: Ursine ValorMath-rock heavily influenced by early Maps & Atlases - from the vocals to the toy-like guitar tones! Awesome!K.Flay - Eyes Shut EPtags: hip-hop, indie, female vocalsSample song: Stop, FocusThe prospect of a white female rapper has always been taboo, but K.flay pretty much destroys all expectations. Not only can she flow, but she also sings and produces all of her own material as well. This girl is just dope all around.Kaki King - Glowtags: instrumental, acoustic, worldSample song: Great Round Burn6th album from guitar virtuoso Kaki King, which in entirely instrumental in contrast to her previous albums. The primary focus here is King's masterful guitar playing which she serves up through a worldly assortment of styles; all done in a very cinematic fashion.Krizz Kaliko - Kickin' & Screamin'tags: hip-hopSample song: Kill Shit (Feat. Twista And Tech N9ne)4th album from rapper/singer and Tech N9ne's right-hand man, Krizz Kaliko. There aren't many rappers around with a style as vigorous and creative as Krizz Kaliko's. His flow in impeccable, he can actually sing (like, really sing), and his production is varied and dynamic. An excellent hip hop album from start to finish!Ladylike Lily - Get Your Soul Washedtags: folk, indie, female vocalsSample song: PricklingMarvelous debut from French folkstress, Ladylike Lily. Haunting and beautifully melodic folk tunes reminiscent of Germany's Entertainment for the Braindead.Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough?tags: neo-soul, folk, female vocalsSample song: They Could Be Wrong2012 has seen a great deal of impressive debut albums and Is Your Love Big Enough? is one of them. Lianne La Havas' sound is a stunning mix of neo-soul and folk, and her vocals are absolutely heart-melting!Lucy Rose - Like I Used Totags: folk, indie-pop, female vocalsSample song: Watch OverMelancholic and ethereal folk music riddled with post-rock-esque sensibilities. Wonderful!Marriages - Kitsunetags: post-rockSample song: Ride In My PlaceThanks to Ito for introducing me to this band. Marriages is a new band consisting of Greg Burns and Emma Ruth Rundle as the core duo - both members are formerly of the band Red Sparowes. Dark and grungy post-rock with male/female vocals.Mina Tindle - Tarantatags: indie-pop, folk, french, female vocalsSample song: PanMina Tindle is a French musician whose debut album is a delightful collection of lilting folk and indie-pop tunes sung both in English and her native tongue. She's already being compared to the likes of Feist and to a lesser extent, Cat Power.Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Prehistorytags: indie-rockSample song: The DayFrankly speaking, a lot of American indie-rock can be flat-out bland - especially compared to the indie-rock scenes of Canada and Japan. However, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band has a keen melodic sense, both vocally and instrumentally, that keeps them floating above monotony. They actually remind me a bit of OGRE YOU ASSHOLE circa 2007/2008 - which can only be a good thing!Quantic & Alice Russell - Look Around the Cornertags: jazz, soul, latin, female vocalsSample song: I'd CryAlice Russell has to be one of the most CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED modern soul singers around. Although she's been around since the early 2000s and has released a number of solo albums (in addition to myriad features), she has never broken into the mainstream. Though in this case, that's a good thing. While Ms. Russell may not be a household name, any soul music fan that's keen enough to look beyond the media has heard of her. On this album, Alice has teamed up with reknown Tru Thoughts producer, DJ, and musician Quantic and the results are nothing short of exceptional!Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radiotags: jazz, neo-soul, hip hop, r&b, female vocalsSample song: Cherish The Day (feat. Lalah Hathaway)While the Robert Glasper Experiment doesn't actually play experimental music, Black Radio is Glasper's attempt to seamlessly fuse jazz with hip hop and neo-soul while remaining true to each individual element. To accomplish this task, Glasper has recruited some of the finest singers and rappers around - including, but not limited to Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Mos Def, Bilal, Lalah Hathaway and more. If you ask me, the experiment has been an unparalleled success!Ruby Throat - O' Doubt O' Starstags: folk, acoustic, female vocalsSample song: Arctic FoxRuby Throat is the side-project of Queen Adreena vocalist KatieJane Garside. This is their 3rd album, which continues much in the vein of their previous 2 releases. Dark, ethereal folk music with Garside's signature sweet, yet eerie croon.Silversun Pickups - Neck of the Woodstags: indie-rock, alternative, shoegazeSample song: Mean SpiritsUnfortunately, I've always neglected the Silversun Pickups - writing them off as your typical mainstream rock band before even hearing a note of their music. Thankfully, I stepped down from my delusional "indie high-horse" and decided to give their latest and 3rd album Neck of the Woods a try. Little did I expect I'd be posting this album in my best-of list, but it's simply a great all-around rock record.SPC ECO - Don't Say EPtags: shoegaze, eletronic, dream-pop, female vocalsSample song: Break It OutSPC ECO (pronounced Space Echo) are a Brittish "nu-gaze" band that incorporate elements of dreampop and electronica. In some ways, they remind me of a less experimental 101A. SPC ECO has been fairly prolific in 2012, releasing 2 Eps, a single, and an album, but I consider the Don't Say EP to be the highlight of the bunch.Submotion Orchestra - Fragmentstags: downtempo, electronic, brokenbeat, soul, nu-jazz, dubstep, female vocalsSample song: EyelineSubmotion Orchestra is a 7-piece collective from the UK with a downtempo sound forged from soul, ambient, electronica, dub, and jazz. Cinematic tone, deep/bass-driven grooves, and great female vocals - this release is perfection.Sy Smith - Fast And Curioustags: neo-soul, acid-jazz, funk, electronic, female vocalsSample song: Personal ParadiseAlthough this is her fourth album, Sy Smith has consistently flown under the radar - and for no apparent good reason. The woman is insanely talented - she has a five-octave vocal range and can sing in whistle register, and has always sidestepped convention. In fact, Smith is so cutting-edge for a neo-soul artist, that some music critics are trying to credit her as ushering in a new genre referred to as "Electronic soul" or "Electrosoul". Whatever you want to call it, Sy Smith knows how to make good music. Fast And Curious was produced by the acclaimed Mark de Clive-Lowe, and I couldn't imagine anyone better to help realize Sy's ambitious blend of 80's funk, acid-jazz, house and soul.Tame Impala - Lonerismtags: psychedelic rockSample song: Mind MischiefOutstanding sophomore album from the Australian psychedelic rock project, Tame Impala - who is actually one man, Kevin Parker - with the other members existing merely to perform the songs he records alone live. Since their debut, Parker has been hailed as John Lennon reincarnated, which, of course, is a favorable comparison. Lonerism has been on almost every best-of list that I've read for 2012, and while I hate to jump on the bandwagon, the album really is just that good!White Lung - Sorrytags: punk, hardcore, female vocalsSample song: Thick LipMajor thanks to Jigsaw9 for introducing me to this band! Straightforward DIY punk from Canada. At only 19 minutes long, sorry is a short, but thoroughly intense record!Wot Gorilla? - Kebnekaisetags: math-rock, progressiveSample song: Afraid of the DarkDebut album from England's Wot Gorilla?. Progressive math-rock sprinkled with hints of pop and hardcore elements throughout.歌者森 - The World in My Eyestags: pop, electronic, trip-hop, Chinese, female vocalsSample song: SirensLastly, yet another brilliant Debut album; this time from singersen of Beijing, China. Unapologetically eccentric pop music with a theatrical flare! 4 bukimi_heishi, Tokage, Zeus and 1 other reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freesia 714 Posted February 2, 2013 awesome post. thanks for lots of different kinds of music for me to get into.XD 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeus 7997 Posted February 2, 2013 Now I know a lot of things I need to catch up on!MOAR DETAILED POST TIME:1) You and Aion need to let me in on where you guys get all your music from.2)I had totally forgotten that you had given me middle 9 a few months back to check out. I started listening to it now while I was doing research and man this was fantastic! It's really chill music that's helping me to calm my nerves while I track down this really annoying recursion bug. Plus, I was looking for some more jazz music and this hit the sweet spot.On the mix you sent me not too long ago a lot of these artists were included. I'll comment on SingerSen first and say that she's amazingly talented. I love her pop side and I love her dark, eccentric, messy side. If I had gotten wind of her album earlier I would have definitely spun this more!With this list, I'm going to need to get started with THE★米騒動, nego (who sound fantastic by the way), 緋と陽 (I should be hung from a very tall tree by my ankles for sleeping on them for an entire year) 高橋征司 and Wuja Bin Bin.MOAR DETAILS COMING LATER 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aion 184 Posted February 2, 2013 So it becomes clear that though our indie love is similar, we still have a lot of differences xD but then again, you listen to a lot wider variety and a lot more releases in general than I do =) Only Roth Bart Baron in common, but that is just one of the albums,even if you aren't intoo folk that much, you have to enjoy. It's really great, and certainly one of the best releases of last year =) And I see I completely forgot the releases by mmm, middle9 and hitohi in my list xD. I tend to take a different approach for my year end-lists this year around so I won't forget so many releases xD Also great to see you got Lianne La Havas, Wot Gorilla, Silversun Pickups and Tame Impala also on your list. Loved those releases 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tokage 5930 Posted February 2, 2013 god damn 10/10 best list of 2012 gonna have to check out many of these things. if only i didn't already have so many things to check out aaa 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D.L.S 11 Posted February 3, 2013 I'm always horrible at listening to everything on these lists, but I'll find something that I like just like with last years list. Edit: So far I have listened to Marriages, 歌者森, Tame Impala, and Grasscut. I'm loving the sample songs for all of them! 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LIDL 692 Posted February 3, 2013 Well, I won't bother to check on the Japanese ones since chances for me to get those albums in full are zero. Not gonna get me cock teased for nothing. But will check the Western ones. 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeithX252 1266 Posted February 3, 2013 awesome, almost all lists are very unknown for me I wonder, Where can you get information DAT unknown band/musician? 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aion 184 Posted February 3, 2013 Now I know a lot of things I need to catch up on! MOAR DETAILED POST TIME: 1) You and Aion need to let me in on where you guys get all your music from. As for me, only 2 of my top 10 of last year was stuff I got from CAT5, but all others were bought by myself. That said, those 2 (RBB and Siamese cats) are both releases that I intend to buy with my upcoming package. Most of my stuff are coming from JetSet Records =) For CAT5, I know he has some really good connections that can arrange stuff for him, and he also buys a lot =). In both cases, you just have to know some places where you can buy some lesser known stuff that ship internationally or accept CC/paypal on their digital shop. But moreso, you need to get intoo a group of enthousiasts that are sharing good Japanese music (and by that, I mean links to soundcloud/bandcamp/youtube most of the time). Just get to know to which labels and artists you're interested in, and check their websites for updates. Just when you know where to look (personal preferences) it's kinda get easy to search for similar bands. For example, I love Mona Records, and once every while, I browse throught their store (discovered yesterday that way, and intend to buy that EP when I get the chance)to see what's out, then check it out on youtube or something and then try my ultimate to obtain the release if I like it =). Sometimes it's so easy... And ofcourse, sometimes a random purchase also might turn out to be a gem =) For me personal I discovered Akiko Ando (and thus kusuguru when she formed that band later), Shibata Satoko and SHIBATA/HOLA that way amongst others. Only heard some bad recorded stuff by Akiko Ando and bought the album, while the other two were only 500 yen demos which turned out to be amazing. Knowing the right people to get stuff from is only a small thing for myself, as I download almost nothing. Over the last two months, downloaded only 8 albums (androp, float down the liffey, RBB, Siamese cats, this town needs guns, the cabs, Uri Gagarn, and tarte tatin), It mostly resides self-exploring, getting recommendations and purchasing (in my case at least) @Deith Well, see above actually xD. 2 Zeus and CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jigsaw9 6783 Posted February 3, 2013 LOL no wonder you're kinda late with this....this list is HUGE! Seems like there's a lot of nice stuff in here, might be checking them out one by one, slowly-but-surely. Also yay for including White Lung! That pic was actually taken at a venue (Club Noir) about 5 blocks from where I live - sadly at the time I didn't know they played here, or even who they were, ehh~ xD 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bukimi_heishi 62 Posted February 3, 2013 I didn't know hasuinonasa released an album! >_< I loved their mini albums! I haven't got to listen to your japanese choices yet but there are several non-japanese artist on here that I really want to check out 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sai 868 Posted February 3, 2013 Wow CAT, that is one impressive post! I decided to check the Japanese artists for now, might check the non-Japanese ones later. There are quite some things in there that didn't really fit my taste, but these releases I'd definitely like to give a try now: ESNO, FilFla, fresh!, Jimanica, M-KODA, nego, TK's solo, アルカラ (I'm already familiar with them, but haven't listened to much of their stuff yet), トクマルシューゴ and LAGITAGIDA. 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CAT5 9075 Posted February 4, 2013 @freesia - you're welcome! @Zess - I believe Aion answered most of your question for me. I try to buy a lot because there's simply A WEALTH of Japanese music that gets overlooked by Japanese music fans abroad. And yes, over the years, I have kinda built up an online network of friends that are into similar music as me, so I am privy to a few releases that some may not be. But really, like Aion said, it's mostly about just finding stuff on your own. There's literally a world of music at your fingertips! @Chianti - all you have to do is ask. If I can hook you up with something, then I will. @sai - you're an interesting one to be sure. I never expected you to be interested in so many of the things here! 1 LIDL reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tokage 5930 Posted February 4, 2013 How did I even miss that ar release though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LIDL 692 Posted February 5, 2013 @freesia - you're welcome! @Zess - I believe Aion answered most of your question for me. I try to buy a lot because there's simply A WEALTH of Japanese music that gets overlooked by Japanese music fans abroad. And yes, over the years, I have kinda built up an online network of friends that are into similar music as me, so I am privy to a few releases that some may not be. But really, like Aion said, it's mostly about just finding stuff on your own. There's literally a world of music at your fingertips! @Chianti - all you have to do is ask. If I can hook you up with something, then I will. @sai - you're an interesting one to be sure. I never expected you to be interested in so many of the things here! Oooh thanks Cat, then i will see what i like B-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ito 2438 Posted February 8, 2013 Welcome to the post were Ito decides if your picks are spot on or absolute shit! Get the majority of the correct and you win the prize of being awesome! I am really only making comments based off of the sample songs you chose, and except where noted (I think only 1 or 2 songs), I listened all of the way through. *this means I have listened to the full album before For now, I have only done the Japanese releases *ATATA - TATAT This album is awesome. I really liked just how fun of an album it was while always keeping things interesting. *Ar - Yon I am still not sure how I feel about this album...some of it I like, some I didn't. The vibe is something I feel like you need to let grow on you. I also am not sure if I am keen on the vocalist. Still good stuff though. As a side note, the song you picked for the sample was my least favorite off of that album lol. *COgeNdshE - cogency Pretty sure you know how I feel about this release already Esno - Visionary This seriously sounds fantastic. I need to obtain this album. FilFla - Fliptap Reminds me of miyauchi yuri a lot, and that is a very good thing. fresh! - What Are You Doing In This Confusion? This is some odd stuff, I think I would need to listen to this at least a couple times before I would start to enjoy it tbh (though I would like to give it a try). GAGLE×Ovall - GAGLE×Ovall Not bad, but really not my kind of music. JariBu Afrobeat Arkestra - NO MORE PATIENT Fun stuff! I could see myself turning this on to jam out to every once in a while. *Jimanica - Torso I wanted to like this, I really did...but the fractured vocals just drive me nuts. I had downloaded this ablum and I ended up deleting it because I just couldn't do it XD KATUSI from EL SKUNK DI YAWDIE & EXTRAVAGANZA - Rhythm Messenger Once again, good stuff, but not really my kind of music XD KINGDOM☆AFROCKS - SanSanNaNa See my response to the last Afrobeat band lol *LAGITAGIDA - CartaMarina I liked this album, but I'm afraid I didn't love it. Nothing really stuck with me after listening to it. *LITE - PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE I love how this EP almost has sections and they switch over to a completly different feel. I loved the last two songs on this release. Matryoshka - Laideronnette Ooooh, this is lovely. I need to check out this album, though I will need to be in the right mood to enjoy it I suspect. middle 9 - Cettia Diphone Sounds like some more great jazz I should snag from you M-KODA - Inga Reminds me of Ametsub, though the vice is different. I dig it. mmm (ミーマイモー) - ほーひ Really awesome recording quality, but I can't stand how hard of a pan there is on the horn in the sample song. I would like to hear some of the other stuff of of this album Moe and ghosts - 幽霊たち Not my kind of stuff, but really interesting. I don't mind it, but I can't imagine listening to it on my own lol. nego - SANSARA Not sure what to say after listening to the sample song...I think I will pass though. Re-Trick - re:Re-Trick I really liked their 2010 album, so I will have no question I will love this ROTH BART BARON - 化け物山と合唱団 Aion linked the sample song previously and it sounded fucking awesome, not sure why I havn't picked up this release yet. Tam Tam - Meteorite I enjoy this, I like the way they depart from the reggae style put still have that feel still there. THE★米騒動 - 十九歳でぜんぶ終わる This seems so firmilar...They sound a lot like White Ash, vocals included (infact, I think they might sound a bit better). *TK from 凛として時雨 - flowering Tk might as well have called this an RTS album lol. I really like this album, but for whatever reason the more I listened to it, the less I liked it. Listening to it now with fresh ears makes it sound a lot better tbh. Wienners - UTOPIA Hahaha...though maybe a bit much, it is just so out there and aggressive/fun that I will have to check out this album more. My GF will hate this Wuja Bin Bin - Wuja Bin Bin I think I will need to listen to the whole album to appreciate this. By itself, this song is just so odd...some of the parts of the song felt beyond my ability to enjoy. *アルカラ - ドラマ This album is just so solid and enjoyable. Not sure if it would make my personal top of 2012 list, but it is a darn good none the less. キリコ - Greyhound... Hip hop is just not my thing, so a major pass from me. コトリンゴ - La memoire de mon bandwagon EP This is some really different pop music, I kind of like it! I am sure my GF will enjoy this too, so a win win. スガダイロー - 春風 If this sample is a good sample of the entire album, I don't think I could do it トクマルシューゴ - In Focus? Not bad, but to be honest, I felt like I zoned out through the entirety of this album xD *ハイスイノナサ - 動物の身体 I think this album is going to make it on to my top of 2012 list if I ever finish it 伊集院幸希 - THIS IS MY STORY 憐情のメロディ God no this sounds awful to me. I couldn't make it more than a few seconds in...this stuff is not for me lol. *八十八ヶ所巡礼 - ○△□ I need to spend more time with this album *小南泰葉 - 嘘憑キズム I really did enjoy this album a lot, it's fun and really well done. My gf can not stand her raspy part (which I love), though her screams make me laugh. 空きっ腹に酒 - 僕の血 I am going to go out on a limb and say that this song feels a little VK too. Intersting stuff, I want to check out more. 緋と陽 - タイヨウニホエロ I am hoping this is just because it is a sample song, but the production sounds really off on this song. I hope that this is the case, cause it sounds awesome. 鎮座DOPENESS & DOPING BAND- だいぶ気持ちいいね! No thanks XD 高橋征司 - N41° Yes please! Looks like we have a winner on our hands! Come on down, Cat, and except your prize of being awesome! 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sai 868 Posted February 14, 2013 I'll write small reviews of the releases I tried from this list here and add stuff to it whenever I listen to more. ESNO - Visionary: Really blew me away. Great electronics, great mixing and really relaxing. This would do really well as studying music too. I'd recommend everyone to try this, because it's simply beautiful in its own way. FilFla - Fliptap: A pretty good release. It didn't grab my attention well enough for me to keep it on my mp3-player, but definitely not bad. It shouldn't have been any longer than it is as well, I noticed that I'd get bored easily at the longer tracks. M-Koda - Inga: Incredibly surprised at this one as well. I thought this might bore me after a few tracks, but I was completely wrong. Definitely recommended. nego - SANSARA: Absolutely great, nego is great at what they do and this album shows it. Each instrument is crucial to the compositions, which also means that using low quality gear to listen to this completely ruins the experience. Each instrument does its job wonderfully and even my friend who isn't that big on electro-rock enjoyed this record a lot. fresh! - What Are You Doing In This Confusion?: Jimanica - Torso: Even though the electronics were well done and created nice beats here and there, I couldn't get over the incredibly annoying distorting vocals. They completely ruined the atmosphere in most of the songs for me, which left me really unimpressed around halfway in. I was practically waiting for this to be over at a certain point. If you can stand distorting vocals, it's probably a great album though. LAGITAGIDA - CartaMarina: This sounds like an instrumental heavier version of school food punishment and I'm actually loving it. All five tracks were just nuts and really well composed. Let's just say "short but sweet". I will definitely keep an eye on these guys! TK from 凛として時雨 - flowering: Good album. I was afraid I wouldn't like it too much because I'm not a big fan of TK's voice but he didn't overdo it on his this album. The upbeat tracks are all very diverse and actually pretty damn great, my only complaint would be the mash-up of ballads at the end, it kind of got boring because of that. The ballads didn't sound very different from eachother most of the time, which is a shame. Overall still very likeable. アルカラ - ドラマ: This has to be the best アルカラ release I've heard thus far. The tracks are diverse, have interesting hooks and bring new things to the table that I haven't heard before on other アルカラ releases. Even if you're not a big fan of indie music, I'd definitely recommend this EP. トクマルシューゴ - In Focus?: Great album, never thought I'd love this style of music as much as I did. Though he's not the best vocalist, his vocals really match the playful atmosphere of his compositions. Best listened to on fine spring days. 1 CAT5 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
