Yura Yura Teikoku

Basically what you get is a somewhat mainstreamed version of a whole bunch of big-in-Japan psych guitar styles. Formed in '89, the early records are blown-out and heavy, from what little I’ve heard of ‘em. Traces of Rallizes/K. Makoto/High Rise style speed & distortion going head-to-head w/ classic rock songwriting. Catchy riffs and occasional pop hooks help 'em stand apart from the pack (or render them second-tier sellouts, depending on where you stand w/ regard to that kinda thing).

As they've aged, they've become more poppy and experimental. I’ve got several post 2000 albums, and they cover a LOT of ground: epic Krautrock jams to aching Big-Star harmonies. Stomping Nuggets garage to treacly J-pop ballads. Abstract noise freakouts to folk forgeries. With stops along the way for Brazilian Tropicalia. And creepy robot disco. And whatever else seems to fit.

It's head-bending, but also relatively slick and sometimes even kinda radio-friendly (in an alternate-universe sense, anyway). Could use a few more epic guitar/noise solos here and there, which the early records seem to have had in spades, but the musicianship's so goddam great overall that it hardly matters. Drumming’s especially remarkable.

Anyway, they're writing and playing some of the best and most interesting guitar pop I've heard in ages. Retro, but catchy, varied and astoundingly well-played. Can't imagine they'd ever manage to score much American radio time, but I'm kinda surprised that they remain so totally invisible in the States.

Any fans on the ILX?

I mean, I've heard good things about those NY shows from a number of folks over the past couple years, but I missed 'em.

I'd give almost anything to see YYT, but given the almost total lack of awareness of the band in the U.S., I wonder whether they'll tour again. Maybe they're trying to lay the groundwork for something, and then again, maybe it was a once-off.

DFA are releasing what I think is a new album from these guys (not 100% sure, though, finding reliable English discographies for Japanese bands is always a nightmare) and a non-limited version of the remix 12" on DFAbroad from earlier this year. Excited!

And a question: I've only got the Mesh-Key releases (Sweet Spot and the live album with the really long name, NA.MA.SHI.BI.RE.Iforgettherest). What else should I seek out?

If there's anything else to be found at all easily or affordably outwith Japan, then I'd love to know too. I have both of those CDs as well and they're awesome.

Hey, that's me up there (as Pye Poudre) talking about this band almost three years ago. Hi old me.

Anyway, just picked up the DFA 12", which is excellent, much better than the remix 12" Mesh-Key put out a few years back (though more earthbound). Folks who like Sweet Spot oughtta check out the pop-oriented, roughly contemporary albums No Memai/No Shibire and III -- the latter's my favorite YYT record. Haven't heard Hollow Me, the 2007 album that Dekinai's drawn from. If yr into the heavier, freakier rock stuff, the early records are the way to go: 3x3x3 and Me No Car. Only way I know to get this stuff is to look for people selling on Gemm, Discogs, eBay, etc.

shintaro sakamoto's love if possible is out today

http://ototoy.jp/_/default/p/64618

just listening now

shintaro sakamoto's love if possible is out today

http://ototoy.jp/_/default/p/64618

just listening now

this is nice