With such a busy slate of Okay-pop releases, I don’t all the time have an opportunity to rave about a few of my favourite J-pop. This week, I’ll be giving an outline of a few of my favourite acts and songs. Hopefully you’ll discover a new obsession so as to add to your playlist!
Why I Love T.M.Revolution (and it is best to too)
Over the previous decade, there’s been an rising urge for pop stars to develop into extra relatable, constructing social media narratives and infusing their music with particular particulars about their lives. T.M.Revolution isn’t like that. He’s a veritable pop music god from one other planet, and that’s why I discover him so iconic and one-of-a-kind. If nothing else, he’s my pop music god — somebody who subscribes to the philosophy of pop maximalism I really like a lot.
Together with his throaty, highly effective voice and provocative (generally downright comical) seems to be, his persona is like nothing else on the market. I’ll all the time really feel most connected to his 90’s and 00’s work, however he’s nonetheless lively at the moment underneath his given identify and creating standout tracks that embrace the rockier facet of his music.
There’s extra to him than his 90’s work, proper?
After all! My prime 5 songs is likely to be caught in a single period, however he’s bought loads of highlights past the 90’s and early 2000’s. In truth, I’d wish to characteristic the blistering Bare Arms from 2010 and the unbelievable Crescent Cutlass from 2019 to point out how his work has progressed as he’s moved on to totally different collaborators and a heavier sound.
My High 5 Singles
(Disclaimer: These music movies are (criminally) region-blocked in a lot of the world, however in case you have entry to a VPN I strongly encourage watching them as a result of the visible side is so necessary to understanding T.M.Revolution’s attraction. However, I’m additionally together with the streamable audio beneath every video for many who can’t bypass the region-blocking. And in case you’re okay watching movies on a special platform, I’m together with a clickable hyperlink to the video uploads on Bilibili, which must be accessible to everybody.)
5. Der Freischutz (2000)
(Bilibili video link)
Probably the most surreal and bonkers music movies ever made. You merely should watch this one till the tip. The music itself is addictive in its blistering pressure.
Score: 9.5
4. Burnin’ X’mas (1998)
(Bilibili video link)
that single cowl just about tells you you’re in for an overblown, ridiculous time. Don’t go into this anticipating a Christmas carol. The costuming is… one thing else.
Score: 9.5
3. Wild Rush (1999)
(Bilibili video link)
That repeated guitar riff is a factor of magnificence, made even higher by the music’s filtered backing vocals and big refrain. (full review)
Score: 10
2. Scorching Restrict (1998)
(BiliBili video link)
Probably the most iconic songs and movies in J-pop historical past! Although blocked in a lot of the world, the YouTube add nonetheless has virtually 50 million views. That ought to let you know how beloved a music that is. (full review)
Score: 10
1. Excessive Strain (1997)
(BiliBili video link)
I imply, it’s one among my favourite songs of all-time in any style or market. I don’t know what else I can say besides this seems like me in musical kind. Make of what you’ll! (full review)
Score: 10
My High 5 B-sides
5. Untouchable Ladies (1998)
This one has all of the hallmarks of my favourite T.M.Revolution singles of its period. It simply occurs to be a b-side as an alternative!
Score: 9
4. Aqualovers – Deep In The Evening (1998)
A agency fan favourite, Aqualovers‘ creeping riffs and atmospheric electronics mix to craft a should-have-been single.
Score: 9
3. Neo Sphere (2003)
That is as near disco as T.M.Revolution ever bought. The chugging electronics and anthemic melodies make a flawless match.
Score: 9.5
2. O.L. (1998)
Surprisingly, my favourite T.M.Revolution b-sides are usually slower-paced. I feel that is the perfect ballad in his arsenal. The guitar, synth beat and beautiful vocals so completely evoke 80’s-era Billy Idol.
Score: 9.5
1. Fragile (2000)
An completely beautiful piece of synth pop perfection. The second at 0:50 when the complete beat drops is as transcendent as music will get.
Score: 10
