The latest BAWDIES single confused the hell out of me upon first listen. Sure, we all know that the band specializes in that classic 50′s/60′s rock’n'roll sound. But, I swear, when I first heard this song, “HOT DOG” had me convinced I was listening to a James Brown or Little Richard tribute band. Or something along those lines. There is some serious funk and groove in this song. Needless to say, it made me incredibly nostalgic for those good ol’ days, which was perhaps the whole point anyways.

You can find more info on THE BAWDIES at their official website and MySpace.

Of the over 4000 music videos produced in 2009, 70 were nominated, and now 16 have won big at the 13th annual SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

Here’s a full run down of who took home what for what (Red = links = videos!):

BEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Amuro Namie for “FAST CAR”

BEST ARTIST
Shiina Ringo

BEST YOUR CHOICE
RADWIMPS for “Oshakashama”

BEST DIRECTOR
Kodoma Yuuichi

BEST MALE VIDEO
KREVA for “Shunkan speechless”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Shiina Ringo for “Tsugou no Ii Karada”

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Chatmonchy for “Last Love Letter”

BEST ALTERNATIVE VIDEO
Yakushimaru Etsuko for “Oyasumi Paradox”

BEST POP VIDEO
Kimura Kaela for “Butterfly”

BEST GROOVE VIDEO
m-flo for “SOUND BOY THRILLER feeeeeeeeeeat.LISA”

BEST CONCEPTUAL VIDEO
Sakanaction for “Native Dancer”

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY VIDEO
BIGBANG for “GARA GARA GO!!”

BEST ART DIRECTION VIDEO
Amuro Namie for “FAST CAR”

BEST SHOOTING VIDEO
EXILE for “Futatsu no Kuchibiru”

BEST INTERNATIONAL VIDEO
Lady Gaga for “Paparazzi”

BEST NEW ARTIST VIDEO
The Bawdies for “Emotion Potion”

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
RHYMESTER for “Once Again”

BEST REGGAE VIDEO
PUSHIM for “My Endless Love”

BEST CREATORS’ CHOICE
Monkey Majik for “Aishiteru”

Information and images via SPACE SHOWER TV and Natalie.mu

To celebrate the recent release of Riddim Saunter’s latest album, Days Lead, here’s “Sweet & Still”. The band’s signature sound and Hiroto Homma’s flute are accompanied by “The Riddim Saunter Orchestra” and it’s all indeed quite sweet and chill. Also, got to love vocalist Keishi Tanaka’s “FUCK YEAH” t-shirt, as is said over at J-Rock Explosion.

Riddim Saunter is featured in the latest edition of the amazing magazine, Indies Issue (must-click link). The cover story includes exclusive photos, interviews, profiles, detailed discography, and a track-by-track breakdown of Days Lead. Members of bands like YOUR SONG IS GOOD, back drop bomb, The Bawdies, 80kidz, and asphalt frustration also leave comments.

In related news, Riddim Saunter and The Bawdies appear in a Tower Records “NO MUSIC, “NO LIFE” advertisement. Makes me wonder what a collaboration between the two bands would sound like.

For more info on Riddim Saunter and Days Lead, check out the band’s official site and MySpace page.

Though spacey — both astral and bizarre — The Temptation X is a fair effort by the young band to create a union between off-beat synthetic esoterism and coherence; they affectionately refer to it as ‘rocktrance’ (ロッカトランス).

Much of The Temptation X is an experimental adventure composed of stratified synths overflowing with strange effects. Folds of often saw synths overlap while low frequencies from drums and GEORGE’s bass guitar hum. KAZ-TICKS’ frequent and crisp guitar combines with lead singer/synth player/programmer 68′s decidedly clean vocals to bring a ‘normal’ balance to MONICA URANGLASS’ music. With these guys fooling around with such a wide array of sounds and settings, it’s incredibly refreshing to hear vocals that are without atrocious effects slopped on (like those from Auto-tune).

The Temptation X‘s first track, “O.P.E.R.A.T.I.O.N” sets the tone. An odd fluttering pans across the speakers and commands the aural foreground while a beat breaks and vocal samples flesh out the space beyond. The oscillation lures the listener into the realm of MONICA URANGLASS where strange noises pop in and dance across stereo channels. Though curious, most of this sounds like the result of organic, human creation — as opposed to being a simple output of a programmed sequencer.

The obvious stand-out on The Temptation X is “Katie”. The song is many individually catchy and small, well-thought-out progressions intertwined as one. “Katie” flows from standard verse to chorus and back but never dulls. The vibrantly flashing melody will endure in the listener’s head long after the song has concluded.

“Kill The Sebastian” is a trancy block of tones that divides “Katie” and “Jill United” (a track that also appeared on MONICA URANGLASS’ 2008 The Invitation EP). From there, The Temptation X dives into a celestial sea of synth waves and goes exploring. Such tracks as Luv Tick・・・Ticks, U.LA.LA, and Picture A.B.S.T glow brightly in the quirky depths populated by Galaxico Fantastico (new favorite song name), Generation X, P.O.T.X, and Termination X (a lot of X’s)

MONICA URANGLASS formed in 2007 and although the young band’s music is defined by electronic exploration, it’s apparent that they are still finding their place and sound. That’s encouraging though, since The Temptation X is a substantial effort that proves that MONICA URANGLASS is on the right track. Additionally, the progress made in the jump from the admirable “Jill United” to the astonishing “Katie”, proves that the trio can really grow.

MONICA URANGLASS is currently signed with actwise and EVOL Records-Excite Music Entertainment and will promote their new album with the PROJEKT “The Temptation X” TOUR 2009, which runs from March 18th to July 12th. MONICA URANGLASS recently toured with VOLA & THE ORIENTAL MACHINE and “Jill United” is featured on a compilation that came out on March 4th. The compilation, UNDER CONSTRUCTION～rock’n'roll revival from Tokyo!!!～ also features songs by The John’s Guerrilla, The Mirraz, QUATTRO, THE BAWDIES, PILLS EMPIRE, and Veni Vidi Vicious.

The name MONICA URANGLASS most likely means “MONICA URANIUMGLASS” since “ウラン” (uran) is Japanese for uranium.

PV RECAP (“Jill United” & “Katie”):

Visit MONICA URANGLASS’ official site & MySpace page

Buy The Temptation X and UNDER CONSTRUCTION～rock’n'roll revival from Tokyo!!!～

The band that’s influenced heavily and directly by such icons as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Otis Redding, The Beatles, and many more released “Emotion Potion” on March 4th and the band’s third full-length album, THIS IS MY STORY, is set for April 22nd.

“Emotion Potion” is a new stride for the band in a couple of ways. It’s THE BAWDIES’ first release in a year — a follow-up to 2008′s masterful Awaking of Rhythm And Blues. The band’s sound also gets somewhat of an update. With each release, THE BAWDIES get more original and continue to develop a sound that’s more their own yet still fashioned out of vinyl and vacuum tubes.

Like the tracks off of Awaking of Rhythm And Blues, “Emotion Potion” hops along with some that 50s/60s rock ‘n roll bounce. The overall sound does step in a modern direction, though not too far. The small leap conjures up images that may appear more in color than in black & white.

Vocalist & bassist ROY still sings in his unmistakable raspy style that sounds a little bit like a lot of classic singers and strums away. The guitarist duo of JIM and TAXMAN (yes) go at in memorable fashion. JIM wisely brings a slide with him for this song while TAXMAN maintains the vivacious rhythm. Drummer MARCY backs the band up with hard hits and crashing cymbals.

“Emotion Potion” doesn’t have the same catchiness of THE BAWDIES’ previous single, “I’m In Love With You”. Instead, “Emotion Potion” is more of an adventure that rocks to a tune that stands out and is less predictable. It is a track that may not seem like too much at first but can really, really grow on you.

The b-side off of “Emotion Potion” is also considerably solid. More solemn, “Nobody Knows My Sorrow”, doesn’t possess as much bounce as its a-side counterpart and though more conventional, it is perhaps more catchy. This isn’t intended to be introspective art rock, so ‘catchiness’ is definitely a valuable quality.

A history lesson will certainly enrich a listener’s experience of THE BAWDIES. Since going back all the way to a time like 1956 to explain roots will take too long, we’ll just jump back to 2006 (and substaniate the above claim that wth each release, THE BAWDIES “continue to develop a sound that’s more their own”):

THE BAWDIES’ first full-length release, 2006′s YESTERDAY AND TODAY was mostly a cover album. The release featured the band’s take on such classics as “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, “Tutti Frutti”, “Have Mercy, Miss Percy”, and more. The second effort, Awaking of Rhythm And Blues, saw THE BAWDIES take a more inspiring approach. Songs still flickered with that late-50s flair but the compositions were original. This break-out release boasted tracks like “I’m In Love With You”, “I’m So Lost Without You”, and “I Beg You”. Awaking of Rhythm And Blues was remarkably solid and had ‘catch’ around every corner. THE BAWDIES set the bar with its release so expectations for future efforts are very high.

Considering the style of the band’s music, releases on vinyl are very appropriate. THE BAWDIES have released copies of the I BEG YOU EP and Awaking of Rhythm And Blues as records and will release THIS IS MY STORY on vinyl as well. That version of the album is produced by Naoki of LOVE PSYCHEDELICO fame.

THE BAWDIES were formed on New Year’s Day in 2004 when classmates since grade school ROY, JIM, and MARCY were joined by TAXMAN, a high school classmate.

These guys toured around Australia in late 2008 and it’d be great to see them play some shows in North America.

Watch the PV for “Emotion Potion”:

Visit THE BAWDIES’ official site and MySpace page

andymori’s self-titled debut album came out February 4th and should not be missed.

The album is a remarkable effort from a band that was formed less than two years ago. Although it clocks in at just over 30 minutes, the 12 tracks combine to cast a release that evokes a multitude of human emotions, thoughts, and sounds.

The sentiments explored in andymori fall along a spectrum with a bulk of them populating opposing ends of it. Along one tail are tracks that exude elation. From spirited anthems to songs of assurance, the album’s playful half shimmers with youthful sanguinity and ambition.

Other parts of the album traverse a different path. This route is one of maturity, of contemplation and curious stares into the twilight horizon. Though more tracks wander along a more upbeat way, these downbeat reflections lift the album to greatness.

Included in this introspective realm are tracks like “青い空” (Aoi sora, blue sky) and “Life Is Party”. Two of the album’s most memorable tracks, the former is pure aural enchantment. A strolling, palm-muted guitar combines with heartfelt vocals and an alluring female voice accompanies both during the chorus. “Life Is Party” (as featured here) develops in a daze of decided minimalism. Though not particular, the track has an aura of hopelessness that makes it even more sublime and profound. “都会を走る猫” (Tokai o Hashiru Neko, cat running through the city) and “HAPPY END” also fall near this mellow end of the scope.

A majority of the rest of the release rocks out to that afformentioned playful tune. These intense jams include the likes of “FOLLOW ME”, “Everything is My Guitar”, and “Mongoloid Blues” (best song name ever?) — the first three tracks of andymori. Tracks like “僕が白人だったら” (Boku ga Hakujin Datara, if I was a white person) — the second best song name ever?, “すごい速さ” (Sugoi Hayasa, amazing speed), “ベンガルトラとウィスキー” (Bengal Tora to Whiskey, a Bengal tiger and whiskey), and the rest follow suit.

andymori’s debut album is an exquisite premiere and the young rockers have set the bar so high so early. Already near masters of their craft, the future certainly looks bright for these guys.

andymori was formed in the fall of 2007 in Tokyo. The band is the trio of vocalist/guitarist Sohey Oyamada (小山田壮平), bassist Daiki Gotou (後藤大樹), and drummer Hiroshi Fujiwara (藤原ヒロシ). They’re currently on Youth Records.

The band has and continues to play shows with THE BAWDIES, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, C-999, butterfly inthe stomach, THE LOCAL ART, THE JETZEJOHNSON, and more.

Watch the PV for “FOLLOW ME”:

If you want to laugh, watch andymori’s PV for “Everything is My Guitar”.

Check out the band’s official site and MySpace page.

Buy andymori’s self-titled debut on HearJapan

I had to share “I’m In Love With You” by THE BAWDIES. The song was released with the band’s 2008 album Awaking of Rhythm And Blues. These guys are my latest infatuation. They sound like they’re straight out of the ’50s American rock ‘n roll scene and I just can’t get enough.

I guarantee an article on their upcoming release soon! Guaranteed =)