Amusing Music Video: Caroline Charonpuroppu Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - PonPonPon

It has been a while since I have posted an "Amusing Music Video".  It's not that I don't see them out there.  It's just that I don't want to become known as a novelty blog, where people can come for empty-headed amusement, rather than for exposure to serious and talented artists. 

But hooo daddy!!!  Have I found a video for you guys today. 

Well, to be honest, lots of people found this video before I did.  Apparently Katy Perry loves this video.  When she tweeted about it, the video went viral, and now it has been viewed almost 15 million times.  But this isn't the first time that I've shown up for a party after it's already over, and I'm sure it won't be the last time.

Anyway, without further ado, I present to you in all of its bizarre psychedelic glory, Japanese musician/model/fashion designer/performance artist Caroline Charonpuoppu Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and her truly revolutionary song PonPonPon.   As for wanting this blog to be about serious artists. . . well, the more I find out about miss Pamyu Pamyu, the more serious in her artistic lunacy she seems.  This is not just funny because it's bad.  This is funny because the whole point of the exercise it to make you wonder if you really just saw that, or if it was just a figment of your fevered imagination.

Music Video: Scandal - Shoujo S

I get depressed when I watch too many "musicians" who are all image and good looks, and who are never actually seen in the same room with an actual musical instrument.  Watching popular music from around the world, as well as from the United States, I have been depressed an awful lot lately.

But then I returned to one of my musical standbys, Japan, and my faith in music was restored - at least for today.  The Japanese band Scandal has been around since 2006, and they have had an impressive impact not only in Japan, but beyond Japanese shores as well.  Partially through their providing songs for the popular anime programs Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist, and partially through worldwide touring, Scandal has developed quite a following in the United States and Europe.  Through their song Shoujo S from their first major label album "Best Scandal", we see Scandal at their indie rock best.  Already, this song has been covered by fans around the world in languages as diverse as Italian and English.  Don't let the rather tired and overwrought cliche of the schoolgirl outfits dissuade you, Scandal can rock out with the best of them.

Music Video: ZukunaSisters - Live

When I am bored, I try to think of odd combinations.  Today, the odd combination that popped into my head was "Japanese funk."  I don't know why that popped into my head.  It just did.  But boy, am I ever glad that it did!

You see, it turns out that there is a vibrant funk and soul scene going on right now in Japan.  And one of the notable bands in that scene is ZukunaSisters (aka Zukunasi in Japan).  This all female four-piece takes what many think to be a fundamentally American style of music, applies Japanese lyrics, and belts it out in one of the more compelling live acts I've seen in a long time.

Anybody who is a fan of soul, funk, or R&B, do yourself a big favor and check ZukunaSisters out.  I promise that you will not be disappointed.

Music Video: Ryo the Skywalker - ????

A few years ago, when I had the opportunity to vacation in Japan, I spent most of my non-housing and food money on music.  The Japanese consume vast amounts of popular music from every corner of the world.  They also produce some pretty impressive music.  One amazing CD that I picked up in Tokyo is a compilation of Japanese reggae artists, among whom is Ryo the Skywalker.  I wish that I could tell you the name of this song, but I don't read Japanese, and my computer won't mimic the characters.  Suffice to say, this song will cheer up even the most dour listener.

Music Video: Pizzicato Five - Baby Portable Rock

Some music out there is just painfully happy.  Japanese band Pizzicato Five made their money making music that is so painfully happy that it makes your teeth hurt.  But I mean that in a good way.  Baby Portable Rock is unashamed 1960s bubblegum pop.  While that would get really irritating if sung by some precocious teen working for Disney, when sung by a lovely Japanese chanteuse and her Dorothy Hamill hair-doed musician chum it is simply irresistible.