End of Year List Fitear1590's 2014 Favorites

[fitear1590 2414]

My year-end list is finally done! This is a collection of my favorite releases of 2014, including a handful of singles. It is always at this point in the year I learn about new/overlooked/dark horse releases from other member's lists, so I look forward to reading those! But as it is, this is very much a list that is reflective of my own tastes. For organizational purposes (/my inability to truly rank releases), within each list, everything is listed in alphabetical order. Hopefully, you'll find a few things that strike your fancy! I did spend a lot of time working on this, so any feedback/comments you have would be very much appreciated! So, without further ado, let's get to it!

Japanese Releases

Top 10

伊集院幸希 (ijuuin yuki) - 月曜日と金曜日 ～Sugar Hi Junnie～

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The music consists of beautifully retro arrangements that remind you of classic 60s pop, all topped with Ijuuin's surprisingly soulful vox. While not as "husky" as most American/European soul artists, she's definitely got a nice voice. This time around, she has paired up with a handful of "elites" from the Japanese hip-hop scene. The rapping fits perfectly with her music, giving it a little extra kick! This album covers a number of different styles, including traditional pop, funk, rock 'n' roll, and ballads and I can say Ijuuin succeeds in all of them! So if you're not the biggest hip-hop fan, that won't necessarily stop you from loving this album.

Kamijo - Symphony of the Vampire & Heart
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Kamijo was the king of visual kei this year, as far as I'm concerned. On top of a number of singles, he released the mini-album and full album listed here. The mini-album is notable for its flow, reading like a half-hour seven-movement epic. While the mini-album has been overshadowed by its full album successor, Heart deserves praise for its diversity, exhibiting moments of Versailles-esque power metal, the wandering-the-streets-of-Paris flair of Lareine, and even whimsical orchestrations that call to mind Lacroix Despheres. Any fans of the "gothic"/French-tastic/vampire sect of visual kei need look no further than Kamijo's releases this year.

Lamp - ゆめ
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Lamp returns with their eighth album and I still don't know exactly how to describe their music. It's dreamy and ethereal. It's warm and masterfully composed. Whatever you call this beautiful, flute-y jazz-pop-bossa concoction, I love it. As usual, Lamp suck you in with their layered stunning arrangements and heavenly dual vocal harmonies. This time around, however, they do introduce a synthesizer element, which works surprisingly well with their style! One of their best albums to date.

Moran - dark & 堕落へと続く偏愛の感触
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While not as prolific as Kamijo, Moran has also been hard at work in 2014. From the highly successful "ballade concept mini album" dark to my favorite single of theirs, 堕落へと続く偏愛の感触, there's plenty to love from them this year! The mini features six beautiful ballads and Moran gets to show off the style they arguably do best. The single also features a Latin-influenced title track, but b-side "Memorable" is what really stands out to me, expertly mixing these more classic Moran influences with a darker, aggressive sound.

ねごと (NEGOTO) - アンモナイト! / 黄昏のラプソディ
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A double whammy, double A-side single. I've said it about NEGOTO time and again, but I think their ability to mix pop and indie sensibilities in a fun, creative, yet accessible way (they are major, after all) is unmatched. This still holds true on their latest single. One quirky super PV joins the songs together.

THE NOVEMBERS - Rhapsody in beauty
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Although the best NOVEMBERS release remains 2012's GIFT for me, I do tend to prefer their softer, dreamier side. Having said that, Rhapsody in beauty is my favorite album of theirs. It's more memorable and varied than zeitgeist and more consistent than any of their pre-2011 material. I could listen to Yusuke's vocals all day long and this album is further confirmation that he is one of the freshest and most versatile voices in the Japanese indie scene right now. While not without its minor structural flaws, this is a hell of an album. Whether you'd rather float aimlessly through the clouds with "Romancé" or fuck shit up to the tune of "Blood Music.1985," THE NOVEMBERS have you covered. Anyone with even a marginal interest in Japanese indie rock/alternative/shoegaze owes it to themself to check out Rhapsody of beauty. You'll be glad you did!

シナリオアート (Scenarioart) - night walking & Tokyomelancholy
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Frankly, I'm shocked this band has garnered more of a following yet! What's not to love? There's dynamic, frenetic compositions that are somehow majestic and uplifting. On top of that, drummer Kumiko and guitarist Kousuke provide the band's dual vocals so rich with interweaving harmonies that you have to stay on your toes to keep up! Not unlike NEGOTO, this band is proof that major-label bands can still excel with their indie sensibilities largely intact.

Teen Runnings - NOW
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Teen Runnings is the solo project of precious indie dork Shota Kaneko. His all-English brand of surf pop is drenched in fuzzed-out distortion. All of his PV and album imagery call to mind a sunny, carefree day at the beach.

ユナイト (UNiTE.) - レヴ / ice
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Armed with a new drummer, UNiTE. returns with their double A-side single! Your choices are the chug-alicious ode to neo VK stylings "Rev," Halloween-tastic "ice", or the gorgeous acoustic B-side ballad. Because of the variety and quality of the songs here, the single serves as an excellent starting point for new listeners. So if you’ve been sleeping on UNiTE., now’s the perfect time to give them a chance!

Ventla - A
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Ventla (real name: Shuji Suzuki) is an active Japanese music producer whose goal it is to release 100 digital albums for free. What does Ventla sound like? Try to imagine that chillwave-y sound, but reinterpreted through a lo-fi, shibuya kei-ish filter with all samples removed, and instead played on vintage CASIO synths and toy instruments. And somehow, Animal Crossing music is used as an influence. Prime your ears for nostalgia, even if you've never exactly heard something like this before!

Samples: "Hajimekara" & "Mijirogi No Sai"

Honorable Mentions

八十八ヶ所巡礼 (88kasyo junrei) - 攻撃的国民的音楽
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88Kasyo Junrei has always excelled at producing an astoundingly dense, technical sound for a trio. This is no different on their most recent, yet shortest album. It may be a little difficult to recall individual songs from the album (or the band's discography actually) as the band is decidedly un-catchy -- some would say a bit "same-y." Having said that, no other band comes remotely close to this sound, so they certainly get a pass from me. While not exactly my favorite album of theirs (that probably goes to 2012's ○△□ ), this is another solid addition to the band's repertoire.

BABYMETAL - BABYMETAL
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Perhaps the new poster child of perpetuating the "those crazy Japanese" trope, BABYMETAL is the new mainstream mindfuck: idol pop meets extreme metal. Yes, it's gimmicky, but the group's producers revel in that notion and just have fun with it. You should too! I think over time, the group has streamlined their compositions and eliminated some of the tackier influences (see the hip-hop section of "いいね"). This is a nice compilation of just about everything BABYMETAL has done so far.

HOLLOWGRAM - Qualia
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HOLLOWGRAM is a new VK band with members stemming from prominent acts like 9GOATS BLACK OUT, LC5, and DIMMDIVISION. While most people probably stan this band for 9GOATS vocalist Ryo, my prime interest is in the music; Ryo's a touch too nasal for me on some tracks. The band seems most successful in their emotional ballads and more brooding tracks like "ideologue", despite occasionally dabbling in some louder material. While the original release of QUALIA is the definitive one for me, the ALBUS and RUFUS "updates," with restructured tracklists and a four new songs total, are also worth a listen.

吉澤嘉代子 (Kayoko Yoshizawa) - 変身少女
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Kayoko Yoshizawa delivers bright indie pop with a 60s influence, not unlike what I'm used to hearing from the UK. The subtle twang in her voice and her slight quirkiness help give her an edge over the average idol songstress. While her songs might be too overly happy for some, she does slow it down on a few tracks.

ミソッカス (misokkasu) - 統一された混沌(カオス)
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Misokkasu are certainly an underrated group. They play a goofy style of synthy indie rock, which is at times poppy/summery and other times playfully spooky. Just one look at their PVs reveals that they don't take themselves too seriously and the band uses this energy to their advantage. They've managed to make this combination work for four mini-albums. In fact, by steadily upping production values and composition prowess over time, they might have their best release on their hands with 統一された混沌(カオス). Be sure to give them a chance!

My Fairytale - Tokyo under note
 

I just downloaded My Fairytale on a whim this past week and I don't know if I was feeling extra generous in my state of finishing up my list or what, but the band's preview video immediately struck me. With their dark sound, beautiful high pitched vocals, and background piano flourishes, I have to tip my hat to them. I've since spun the single countless times. As far as I'm concerned, they are the VK newcomers of the year.

ねごと (NEGOTO) - "Z"OOM
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"Z"OOM is the first mini-album from NEGOTO in 4 years. After experimenting with a more streamlined sound (read: less synths) on their 2013 album 5, the band returns this time with a sound closer to the style on their debut album ex Negoto. From the stunning synths during PV track 真夜中のアンセム's chorus to the slow buildup in the mini's final ballad track, there's plenty to enjoy here. Not as good as their double A-side, but still a very solid release.

Nohtenkigengo - Never
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This is a release I stumbled on late in the year, but it immediately grabbed my attention. Recommended for fans of a laid-back indie sound like that of ミツメ (mitsume) or Czecho no Republic's (best) release Erectionary.

Scarlet Valse - -GENESIS-
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Deemed a "budget Versailles," I've been following Scarlet Valse for some time. Their latest release is their debut album, which compiled a lot of the band's key songs with fresh new recordings. Sadly, the album suffers from trashcan drums, but I know there's plenty of us here that appreciate cheesy rose kei, so just give in to it!

ユナイト (UNiTE.) - Ai
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It's no surprise that I'm one of MH's resident UNiTE-fanboys. Their third album is another solid collection of pop-rock tunes, with intermittent moments of deviation, like the marching "At traction S", Donkey Kong Country jazz tune "May_A_Fly_i", or the sample-heavy headbanger "FCW". Still, the fact that the three rerecorded singles here are inferior to their original versions means this album cannot rightfully attain top 10 status.

[fitear1590 2414]

Non-Japanese Releases

Top 10

The Bilinda Butchers - HEAVEN
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California dream pop group goes for some kind of 19th century Japanese love tragedy concept album (or something). I don't care about the concept, but I do love this album, haha. Throughout, there's lush, layered dreamy tunes, a handful of more rocking Yuck-esque numbers, and misty spoken-word interludes that link the whole thing together. Somehow, they also managed to do a collab track with Lamp, who made the Japanese top 10!

Fear of Men - Loom
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This band seems to have a bit of a fixation on museum imagery (see: album cover, "Vitrine", etc). But beneath the porcelain exterior of the fluttering, understated riffs loom vocalist/guitarist Jessica's nihilistic, introspective lyrics. This juxtaposition creates a curious mix that I've been trying to unravel through repeated listens all year. Who knew jangle pop could be so delightfully sulky?

Got a Girl - I Love You But I Must Drive Off This Cliff Now
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Trip-hop beats, a touch of classic French pop, and James Bond music: that's how I would describe the amalgamation that is Got a Girl's music. This new project is made up of producer Dan the Automator and actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead on vocals. Moments of tongue-in-cheek lyrical sass also add to the fun.

Loop - Flirting With The Universe
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This Filipino foursome play soft alternative/pop-rock, accompanied by Kim Trinidad's delicate vocals. I recently acquired their debut album and while admittedly not being blown away on first listen, I've been steadily "looping" it this year. It certainly is a grower of an album! From the hypnotic "Adorable" to more radio-friendly tracks like "Peppermint Mocha" and anthemic "Lite", the band succeeds at a number of styles. The album might also serve as an easy introduction into the Filipino indie scene, because this band performs solely in English.

Kimbra - The Golden Echo
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I've had my eye on Kimbra since the original 2011 release of her debut album Vows. Finally, three years later, she's back with a mammoth of an album. The patchwork of funky, psychedelic, pop, and R&B influences is well-executed. The hour-long adventure wanders through a number of multi-part songs and interludes and it wouldn't initially be clear just how many "tracks" it actually has. Kimbra's uniquely soulful, yet shrill vocals are probably what will make or break the release for most, but for me, she's a total hit.

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - Slingshot to Heaven
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On their fifth album, the initially chamber pop group goes for a largely acoustic approach. Musically, the results are gorgeous. The melancholy songwriting is simple enough, but the layered arrangements are still present. Richard Edwards is one of my favorite male vocalists and his performance here further confirms that. On top of that, I always enjoy hearing his imaginative lyrics.

Moodoïd - Le monde Möö
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This is the band of the guitarist from Melody's Echo Chamber. Rather than the psych-pop sound that that project pursues, Moodoïd is much more cinematic. I've seen some comparisons drawn to Of Montreal. Not that I would expect members of a Japanese music forum to be too concerned with not understanding lyrics, but there's plenty of psychedelic atmosphere and sonic experimentation to grab onto without giving the French language a second thought. Doing its title justice, the music is other-worldly, so dive in headfirst into the realm of Moodoïd.

Noh Salleh - Angin Kencang
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Noh Salleh plays in the Malaysian alternative band Hujan (whom I haven't gotten the chance to listen to yet) and he debuted his solo project this year. I've gathered that this release is quite different from what his band is known for. Possibly the most similar music I've ever heard to Lamp, Noh Salleh plays relaxing music that one reviewer called similar to 70s jazz. In any case, it's calming, emotional, and will have you imagining a different era. I suspect his vocals might also be more palatable to some listeners than the ones in Lamp.

Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox - Historical Misappropriations
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Surely some of you have seen a song or two by this YouTube cover band by now. Their whole shtick is reinterpreting modern pop songs as classy jazz/doo wop/swing/soul arrangements. As someone who really can't stand 90% of radio pop, it astounds me how successful this band is with turning songs into something that is not just decent, but something I love! I think the group, lead by pianist/head of arrangement Scott Bradlee, has finally found their sweet spot. Whether Bradlee is just backed up with percussion or a full brass-section and doo-wop group, Postmodern Jukebox can do it all. This third collection of covers is my favorite so far.

Sia - 1000 Forms of Fear
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So I guess Sia would belong to the 10% of radio music that I do enjoy, haha. Funnily enough, I first encountered her song via Postmodern Jukebox's cover and decided to give her original song a listen. The vocals instantly blew me away. Her powerful, emotional delivery is in a league of its own, soaring miles above the rest of the twerk-obsessed pop masses below. On top of that, her surprisingly dark lyrics are a clever twist that only draw me in even more.

 

 

 

Honorable Mentions

Curtis Harding - Soul Power
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A simple, soulful indie rock release. Whether it's acoustic ballads like "Castaway," upbeat Motown-esque ditties like "Keep On Shining" or the groovy keys in "Next Time," there's just enough variety to keep things interesting.

Daley - Days & Nights
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Spacey ginger R&B with slick production. Musically, his approach reminds me of Miguel. They even have similarly whiny voices (but I like them, haha). I guess Daley's lyrics are just less overtly sexual.

Night Flowers - Night Flowers EP
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The market is saturated with indie bands dabbling with a shoegaze sound. Somehow, Night Flowers caught my attention with their combination of Brit pop tendencies. I wish the female vocals had a bigger role though; she only sings on one of four songs on this release.

Purson - In the Meantime
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After their successful 2013 album, Purson is back again with another organ-soaked, psychedelically charged release that looks to classic rock, occult rock, and other influences. The real star of the show, however, is Rosalie Cunningham's deep, spellbinding vocals.

Rusty Machines - City Lights
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Rusty Machines is a Filipino indie group that produces straightforward, summery rock. Laid-back vocals and easy melodies are perfect for a sunny day.

Sean Nicholas Savage - Bermuda Waterfall
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Sean Nicholas Savage's album is chock-full of half-whispered, awkward vocals and an ever so creepy mood. Somehow, his timelessly catchy melodies allow you to overlook this. Yes, there is still an uncomfortable feel to it, but the latent pop hooks reel you in. He gives off some major serial killer vibes, but I find myself wanting to keep listening, haha.

Spazzkid - Promise EP

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Promise is the latest EP from Filipino-American chillwavey producer Spazzkid. This time around, he's gone for more of an upbeat synth-pop approach and does more of his own singing. While I slightly prefer his 2013 album Desire 願う, this EP is also a welcome listen.

Springtime Carnivore - Springtime Carnivore
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Springtime Carnivore is the solo project of Greta Morgan. Her woozy, Americana brand of "wall of sound" indie pop makes for an intriguing listen. Despite the warmth of her melodies, her name and videos indicate something slightly subversive and kooky.

SZA - Z EP
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SZA is one of those artists who has thrived thanks to the internet, with a number of free EPs and mixtapes. Her hazy, synth-pulsing style of "alternative" R&B is definitely in vogue right now, but I do feel that she's one of the more interesting performers. Her breathy, soulful vocals, esoteric lyrics and unpredictable song structure are her strongest assets.

TOPS - Picture You Staring
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TOPS has some kind of strange power over me. Their reverence for wispy synths, jangly guitar riffs, and Jane Penny's endearing vocals are a winning combo. Their music tends to capitalize on an awkward catchiness and a slow groove. I imagine the song in the first video befitting the cheesy elegance of an 80s prom.

[doombox 4421]

Wow, what a list!! Lots of interesting and unexpected picks. It was loads of fun listening to all of those samples. So many 70s nostalgia feels. XD

 

Co-signed: Babymetal

They made my list as well (though I'm assuming honorable mention is technically a part of the list?) that album is really addictive for me. I don't know, just blending two of my favorite things and I can't get enough. 

 

Likes: Unite.

Rev/Ice was a nice listen with some pretty sweet videos. That band is really moving up the ranks and making some awesome tunes lately.

 

Thanks for these: Teen Runnings, ミソッカス, Got a Girl, Sia, Night Flowers, Spazzkid

I'm looking forward into checking out more from these. Misokkasu I have been wanting to check out since the MH list, and Sia I've seen everywhere I just keep putting it off when I shouldn't because her voice sounds amazing. 

[DeithX252 1266]

Lol I missed Scenarioart, I didn't know they released Tokyomelancholy, Listening to it atm, pretty good release I think!

[Zeus 7997]

I've only made it through the Japanese releases of the year but here are my thoughts:

• I really liked Ijuuin Yuki. I need to find that album.
• On the fence about misokkasu but I'll check their album out. I didn't care for the first preview but the second sounded much better.
• Negoto and scenarioart caught my attention so I'll check them out too.

 

I was familiar with a lot of the releases you posted here and a few of them made it onto my list as well. Kayoko's mini was nice but I felt it lacked the same charm as her debut. I guess you feel the same but generous enough to give it a mention. I also don't know how I feel about 88Kasyo's latest album but I feel that way about most of their music. It's just not for me.

Great list and I liked how representative some of your samples were.

[Pretsy 1343]

Man, I always forget to check out on latest Spazzkid, Kayoko and Ventla

 

Very cool list tho (as always), fitz  

[fitear1590 2414]

Wow, what a list!! Lots of interesting and unexpected picks. It was loads of fun listening to all of those samples. So many 70s nostalgia feels. XD

 

Thanks for these: Teen Runnings, ミソッカス, Got a Girl, Sia, Night Flowers, Spazzkid

I'm looking forward into checking out more from these. Misokkasu I have been wanting to check out since the MH list, and Sia I've seen everywhere I just keep putting it off when I shouldn't because her voice sounds amazing. 

Thanks, ender!

Very eclectic mix of "thanks for these" artists yourself. Lemme know if you need help finding any of them!

 

I've only made it through the Japanese releases of the year but here are my thoughts:

• I really liked Ijuuin Yuki. I need to find that album.
• On the fence about misokkasu but I'll check their album out. I didn't care for the first preview but the second sounded much better.
• Negoto and scenarioart caught my attention so I'll check them out too.

 

I was familiar with a lot of the releases you posted here and a few of them made it onto my list as well. Kayoko's mini was nice but I felt it lacked the same charm as her debut. I guess you feel the same but generous enough to give it a mention. I also don't know how I feel about 88Kasyo's latest album but I feel that way about most of their music. It's just not for me.

Great list and I liked how representative some of your samples were.

Yay, I'm so happy! The Ijuuin Yuki album is uploaded here, ready for your enjoyment. I'm also glad NEGOTO and Scenarioart piqued your interest! 88Kasyo is definitely an acquired taste, but a rewarding one once they finally "click" they with you! I'm checking out your (extremely well-formatted) list tomorrow, d00d!

 

Lol I missed Scenarioart, I didn't know they released Tokyomelancholy, Listening to it atm, pretty good release I think!

So far, they are a very consistent band in quality! I hope they can get some more fans!

 

Man, I always forget to check out on latest Spazzkid, Kayoko and Ventla

 

Very cool list tho (as always), fitz

Thanks, bruh! The Ventla album is here, btw!

[Zeus 7997]

I made it through the rest of your list.

 

Got a Girl caught my eye because I never expected Mary Elizabeth Winstead to make music. She works it though.

 

Loop and Noh Salleh sounded really cool, especially the latter. I can always use some more jazz artists. You've also convinced me to give the Filipino music scene a go and I'll start with these two. Eventually.

 

I see Kimbra on two lists so far and I've heard nothing but good things about it but something about her doesn't click with me.

 

I can see SZA growing on me with time. I get lost in those hypnotic beats and her voice matches with it well.

[Sakura Seven 593]

yass moran

 

a good list

[Mabuta 76]

I'm kind of surprised when I saw Kayoko on this list

I personally like Kayoko overly happy songs in Showa pop sound and her quirkiness. Her hairy video for “kekeke” is cute and funny, right?

Kayoko just has to strongly keep her ‘Kayoko’-style and make it a differentiation between her and the other singers.

 

I’ve checked Moran and I like their MV which you put on the list. Their animated character somehow reminds me of a lonely robot at SPITZ’s MV「Yumejanai」. I think Moran has a kind of distinct uniqueness, therefore it’s quite hard to like their work at the first shot.

... and  just realized that UNiTE has been way better than when I (accidentally) saw them around 2 years ago. They have a lot of hidden potential!

 

When I listened to Noh Salleh’s song, I suddenly remember about a band called “Payung Teduh”

I don’t know how but I think you would also like them.

[CAT5 9075]

ijuuin yuki - would love to see her hook up with some other producers. The hip-hop artists featured on that album were mostly top-notch

Lamp - Probably the first full album I actually listened to from them? Fantastic either way and makes me want to travel back through their discog

Moran - we all know , has been hyping them like crazy. But even @Disposable has given them a nod. And now you too? Should look into these guys

NEGOTO - it seems like tokyokarankoron are trying to move in the same musical direction - with the whole pop/indie sound, but you're right, NEGOTO sound like they do it much better. It seems more natural. Will have to grab that single.

THE NOVEMBERS - ;3

Scenarioart - pleasant. The industry is just oversaturated, and they'd probably need a stronger gimmick to reach people.

UNiTE. - need to check this band out.

ventla - interesting. if he's really that prolific, then i'm sure he's created something i might enjoy

BABYMETAL - was honestly surprised to see this on your list, fitz, but not in a bad way. Anything that crosses boundaries like this is good in my book.

HOLLOWGRAM - this has been sitting on my HD for way too long. still need to try it. Agreed about ryo's nasal vox

My Fairytale - these dudes seem really solid

Nohtenkigengo - can also vouch for this

Scarlet Valse - I've never really listened to Versailles, so I can't make that comparison. They sound solid, though.

Blinda Butchers - uhhh...wow. one of my friends, whose taste i really admire, also ranked this as his #1 of 2014! Samples sound nice too, so I need to give this a try for sure.

Fear of Men - really digging the music here..on the 2nd sample especially. I think the vocals will grow on me

Loop - judging from the samples...i'm digging the atmosphere and have the songs seem to have a post-rockish progression to them. nice

Kimbra - high-five

Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox - I remember you playing some of this on plug.dj, but wouldn't have imagined they had an actual album out. very cool

Sia - Have loved sia's voice since hearing her on zero7 records

Purson - had no idea they had a new album! Need!

Rusty Machine - I like this a lot actually.

SZA - love her voice and aesthetic. was hoping for a bit more in regards to songwriting and production, however.

Very interesting taste you've got - and a lot of stuff I've never even heard of before. Going to look a bit further into some of these. Thanks for sharing with us, fitz! ( :

[fitear1590 2414]

Thanks for the further comments Zeus!

Sakura, Moran is another one of those bands that I don't understand why they don't have more of a following! Trying to help out, gurrl! They kicked ass this year.

CAT, reading through your comments was a blast. I'm glad you found so much stuff you enjoyed!
 

When I listened to Noh Salleh’s song, I suddenly remember about a band called “Payung Teduh”

I don’t know how but I think you would also like them.

 I actually just learned about Payung Teduh on YouTube a week or so before releasing this list. Maybe it was a "related video" for Noh Salleh, but in any case, I enjoy them too! So your recommendation is spot-on!
Do you listen to much Indonesian/Malaysian music?

[Mabuta 76]

 

 I actually just learned about Payung Teduh on YouTube a week or so before releasing this list. Maybe it was a "related video" for Noh Salleh, but in any case, I enjoy them too! So your recommendation is spot-on!

Do you listen to much Indonesian/Malaysian music?

 

actually I kinda like that kind of music (something soothing and 'vintage', I think?)

I do not really listen to much music in general, but I think Indonesia/Malaysia has some musician who suit my taste, like bands called "Mocca" or "White Shoes & The Couples Company"