Archive for “March, 2016”

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Mar. 28, 2015 – Coldcut and Hexstatic, Tom Lehrer, Sweden Heaven and Hell!

We’re back to Cool & Strange Music for March 29, 2016! This is THEE Cool and Strange Music chart! The only one that matters (probably the only one that exists, actually…) Here is this week’s chart of the most out of this world musical bizarreness!

On last week’s Cool and Strange Music Countdown I got thousands and thousands of emails from folks who just went crazy over the Hexstatic version of Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking.” People wrote that they want to see more! (Okay, well, maybe “thousands” is a bit of a stretch! This is Coldcut and Hexstatic. Awesome!

#3) Coldcut and Hexstatic – Timber https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8-QDCKdVO4

It’s Springtime in Japan! And what song always reminds me of Spring? It’s Tom Lehrer! Thomas Lehrer is an American singer-songwriter, satirist, pianist, and mathematician. He has lectured on mathematics and musical theater. He is best known for the pithy, humorous songs he recorded in the 1950s and ’60s.

This song is hilarious! Check out the lyrics of Tom Lehrer’s “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park”:

Spring is here, spring is here,
Life is skittles and life is beer,
I think the loveliest time of the year
Is the spring, I do, don’t you? Course you do
But there’s one thing that makes spring complete for me
And makes every Sunday a treat for me

All the world seems in tune on a spring afternoon
When we’re poisoning pigeons in the park
Every Sunday you’ll see my sweetheart and me
As we poison the pigeons in the park
When they see us coming
The birdies all try and hide
But they still go for peanuts
When coated with cyanide

The sun’s shining bright
Everything seems all right
When we’re poisoning pigeons in the park

We’ve gained notoriety
And caused much anxiety
In the Audobon Society
With our games
They call it impiety
And lack of propriety
And quite a variety of unpleasant names

But it’s not against any religion
To want to dispose of a pigeon

So if Sunday you’re free
Why don’t you come with me
And we’ll poison the pigeons in the park
And maybe we’ll do in a squirrel or two
While we’re poisoning pigeons in the park
We’ll murder them amid laughter and merriment
Except for the few we take home to experiment
My pulse will be quickenin’
With each drop of strychnine
We feed to a pigeon
It just takes a smidgin
To poison a pigeon in the park

#2) Tom Lehrer – Poisoning Pigeons In The Park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhuMLpdnOjY

At #1 is something that is very Cool and Strange. It’s Sweden Heaven and Hell, Here’s what Wikipedia says: “Sweden: Heaven and Hell (Italian: Svezia, inferno e paradiso) is an Italian mondo film from 1968 directed by Luigi Scattini. The film which is made up of nine segments that focus on different aspects of sexuality in Sweden such as lesbian nightclubs, porn films, swinging lifestyle of married couples and sex education of teenagers (“…lesbian nightclubs, porn films, swinging lifestyle of married couples and sex education of teenagers”!? I’m in!- Mike). The film also examines drug addiction, alcoholism and suicides in Sweden (Been there. Done that. – Mike) The film also featured the debut of the song “Mah Nà Mah Nà” by Piero Umiliani.

#1) Sweden Heaven And Hell (Svezia Inferno E Paradiso) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj_jaAsTpHg

Well that’s it for Cool & Strange Music for this week. As Mr. Spock would say, “Live well and prosper!” Have a great week! – Mike in Tokyo Rogers

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Past issues of:

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Mar. 21, 2015 – Mr. Diagonal, Hexstatic, Messer Chups, Messer Fur Frau Muller! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-feb-21-2015-mr-diagonal-hexstatic-messer-chups-messer-fur-frau-muller/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Star Wars Mah Na Mah Na, Dj Trotsky, Messer Chups! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-feb-13-2015-star-wars-mah-na-mah-na-dj-trotsky-messer-chups/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, Hexstatic, Great David Bowie & John Lennon Imitator! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-feb-13-2015-mojo-nixon-skid-roper-hexstatic-great-david-bowie-john-lennon-imitator/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 29, 2015 – Oleg Kostrow, Jimmy Bo Horne & Kim Jung Un, Milky Edwards & the Chamberlings robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-jan-29-2015-oleg-kostrow-jimmy-bo-horne-kim-jung-un-milky-edwards-the-chamberlings/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 14, 2015 – David Bowie Tribute! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-jan-14-2015-david-bowie-tribute/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 29, 2015 – Eddie Murphy, Messer Chups, Vladimir Putin! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-29-2015-eddie-murphy-messer-chups-vladimir-putin/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 21, 2015 – Bennie Melwin, Cambodian Space Project, The Rebel Scumbagsrobot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-21-2015-bennie-melwin-cambodian-space-project-the-rebel-scumbags/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 15, 2015 – Hexstatic, Stan Freberg, Mary Schneider, The Fancs Brothers!robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-15-2015-hexstatic-stan-freberg-mary-schneider-the-fanc-brothers/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 8, 2015 robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-8-2015/ (Messer Fur Frau Muller, Eliert Pilarm, Zlad)

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 1, 2015 robot55.jp/blog/cool-strange-music-dec-1-2015/ (Mrs. Miller, Ray Stevens, Barnes & Barnes)

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Top 3 Videos for Mar. 26, 2016! Reverend Horton Heat, Dog Party, Aquadolls, Walkings from Japan!

It’s time for The Top 3 Indies Artists Videos for the week of Mar. 26, 2016! Welcome back to the Top 3 Video countdown!

First up is a band from California. Two sisters who call themselves “Dog Party.” The story goes like this: When eldest sister Gwen was 9, she pushed a drum kit into Lucy’s bedroom (her then 6-year-old sister) and proclaimed, “We’re starting a punk band!” Fab! Here they are covering “Los Angeles” originally by the 70s Los Angeles punk band, X! Here’s Dog Party’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/dogpartylive

#3) Dog Party Los Angeles https://youtu.be/GIn0SCdCu5I

At #2 is a 4 piece band from Los Angeles and Orange County. They call themselves a “psychedelic surf punk” outfit. They have been getting lots of requests on my FM radio show and rave reviews (“WTF?” on Interfm 897 in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan – that’s me on the far right!) Here’ their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/theaquadolls/?fref=ts

#2) Melissa Brooks and The Aquadolls – Sinus Infection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6opkuvVQuLQ

Next up is a fab track sent to us by Kona Cindy. I guess Kona Cindy is good buddies with the manager of the good reverend… Hey! Wait a minute!? Since when do reverends need managers besides the Good Lord? Here’s the latest from Reverend Horton Heat who are a Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Country, Surf, Rock n Roll band from Dallas, Texas. “Go “Like” their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/reverendhortonheat/?fref=ts

#1) Reverend Horton Heat – Let Me Teach You How To Eat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H96XcNWKZVg

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Japan’s own version of T-Rex 2016! The Walkings. These are 3 guys from Tokyo who are really happening. Reviewers are saying they are reminiscent of Led Zeppelin or the White Stripes. We’ve played them several times on the radio show and I suspect this band is going to be huge! Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/walkingsband/

Here’s Walkings homepage: http://walkings.wix.com/walkings

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Walkings – Flying Fly  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UMsFv_bKws

Well, that’s all the videos for this week. See you back here in a week from now with more cool new music! – Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers

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PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK:

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 19, 2016! Purple, Pom Poms, Taymir and Wotzit from Japan!! http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-mar-19-2016-purple-pom-poms-taymir-and-wotzit-from-japan/

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 12, 2016! HINDS, Lola Dutronic, Rews, Japan’s TADZIO! http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-mar-12-2016-hinds-lola-dutronic-rews-japans-tadzio/

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 3, 2016! The Mirror Trap, The Love Me Nots, The Jacques, Eddie Legend Story! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-mar-3-2016-the-mirror-trap-the-love-me-nots-the-jacques-eddie-legend-story/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 27, 2016! Black Mambas, Baby Shakes, Love Me Nots, The Soap (Japan)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-27-2016-black-mambas-baby-shakes-love-me-nots-the-soap-japan/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 20, 2016! Wavves, Baby Shakes, SWMRS, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-20-2016-wavves-baby-shakes-swmrs-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 7, 2016! Ming City Rockers, Los Tiki Phantoms, Hey! Hello!, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-7-2016-ming-city-rockers-los-tiki-phantoms-hey-hello-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Jan. 25, 2016! Killmama, Dukes of Hamburg, Ginger Wildheart and Courtney Love, The Sleaze-Aholics! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-jan-25-2016-killmama-dukes-of-hamburg-ginger-wildheart-and-courtney-love-the-sleaze-aholics/

MORE TOP 3 VIDEOS SEARCH: http://robot55.jp/?s=Top+3+videos

ARTISTS! SEND ME YOUR NEW VIDEOS! I WANT TO HELP PROMOTE YOU!

These Top 3 Video posts are sometimes getting tens of thousands of hits per week. Need proof? Do a Google Search for “Top 3 Videos” or “Top New Artists Videos” and you’ll see Robot55 on page one! blowing away MTV, Billboard Magazine, Billboard, Niconico Douga and all the rest.

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Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Mar. 21, 2015 – Mr. Diagonal, Hexstatic, Messer Chups, Messer Fur Frau Muller!

We’re back to Cool & Strange Music for March 21, 2016! This week’s chart is the grooviest and most out of this world line up of musical bizarreness on the planet!

Today, I have some homework to catch up on so, let me clear out my Cool & Strange cabinet. First up is a band we featured last week called Messer Chups. Messer Chups is a trio from St. Petersburg, Russia (used to be called Leningrad for all you geekoholics!) Messer Chups have tons of fab tunes. They used to be in a unit called “Messer fur Frau Muller” and I’ll tell you more about them in a minute. But first, this awesome twist for all you David Lynch and Twin Peaks fans! Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/messerchups/?fref=ts

#3) Messer Chups – Twin Peaks Twist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZZHrK311aw

Next up is another artist that debuted two week’s ago on our Cool & Strange Music countdown. It’s Hexstatic from Jolly Old. Two guys who mix up visuals as well as sounds. This is an awesome mashup of the 1966 smash hit by Frank Sinatra’s daughter Nancy Sinatra. Here is Nancy’s original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbyAZQ45uww. Now check out the Hexstatic mashup. This is KILLER!

#2) Hexstatic – Nancy`s Boots  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu8VEN4K83o

At #1 is the band that was the original configuration of Messer Chups. Their name was Messer fur Frau Muller (In English that translates to: “A Knife for Mrs. Muller.”) There isn’t much information about either band on English language pages on the internet, but one common thing I’ve noticed is that the guitarist, Oleg Gitarkin and that hot Russian goddess on bass, Svetlana Zombierella Nagaeva, were in both bands. This next song was one of, if not the, most requested song in the 25-year history of my radio show.

#1) Messer fur Frau Muller – The Best Girl in USSR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUzcKlgy_a4

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Today a special treat! It’s Mr. Diagonal. Not much seems to be known about Mr. Diagonal but we do know that he was once a member of Mr. Diagonal and the Black Light Orchestra which was a group that consisted of a guy named Mr. Diagonal and two statues (judging by their FB page). Now, according to informed sources, Mr. Diagonal suddenly disappeared on Feb. 29, 2016 and hasn’t been seen since. Some are suspecting “fowl” play. I suspect he’s “chicken.” Nevertheless, he is under contractual agreement to appear in Japan for several shows starting today, in fact, and lasting until the end of this month. To prevent Mr. Diagonal from being sued in Japanese court, I hear that Dan Barbenel has agreed to step in and perform at these shows…

I’m sure Interpol will be there too with questions for about the sudden disappearance of  Mr. Diagonal and where Mr. Barbenel was at the time. Go check it out. Tour dates below the video. Here is Mr. Diagonal’s FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/mrdiagonal/?fref=ts

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST!  Mr Diagonal – Holiday on Ice  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrVKsWx_CKc

MARCH 22-31 – Dan Barbenel solo tour of Japan. Here’s the webpage URL: http://mrdiagonal.com/

3/22 Kyoto RAG

3/24  Kobe Kyu-Guggenheim-Tei

3/25  Osaka Knave

3/26  Kanazawa Mokkiriya

3/27  Tokyo Pit Inn

3/28  Kashiwa Nardis

3/29  Yokohama Airegin

3/31 Tokyo Saravah

Well that’s it for Cool & Strange Music for this week. Have a great weekend! – Mike in Tokyo Rogers

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ROBOT55 はビジネス、商業、製品紹介動画の制作のみならず、アートや音楽の映像も創っております。ビジネス動画においてはウェブ動画時代の到来に合わせ、お求めや すい¥70,000という格安価格より承ります。ご予算に応じて皆様にご満足のいく高品質動画を制作致します。勿論インディー・バンド向けPV制作も行っ ております。よ!

コチラよりお気軽にお問い合わせ下さいませ♬

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Past issues of:

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Star Wars Mah Na Mah Na, Dj Trotsky, Messer Chups! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-feb-13-2015-star-wars-mah-na-mah-na-dj-trotsky-messer-chups/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, Hexstatic, Great David Bowie & John Lennon Imitator! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-feb-13-2015-mojo-nixon-skid-roper-hexstatic-great-david-bowie-john-lennon-imitator/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 29, 2015 – Oleg Kostrow, Jimmy Bo Horne & Kim Jung Un, Milky Edwards & the Chamberlings robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-jan-29-2015-oleg-kostrow-jimmy-bo-horne-kim-jung-un-milky-edwards-the-chamberlings/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 14, 2015 – David Bowie Tribute! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-jan-14-2015-david-bowie-tribute/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 29, 2015 – Eddie Murphy, Messer Chups, Vladimir Putin! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-29-2015-eddie-murphy-messer-chups-vladimir-putin/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 21, 2015 – Bennie Melwin, Cambodian Space Project, The Rebel Scumbagsrobot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-21-2015-bennie-melwin-cambodian-space-project-the-rebel-scumbags/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 15, 2015 – Hexstatic, Stan Freberg, Mary Schneider, The Fancs Brothers!robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-15-2015-hexstatic-stan-freberg-mary-schneider-the-fanc-brothers/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 8, 2015 robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-8-2015/ (Messer Fur Frau Muller, Eliert Pilarm, Zlad)

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 1, 2015 robot55.jp/blog/cool-strange-music-dec-1-2015/ (Mrs. Miller, Ray Stevens, Barnes & Barnes)

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Gaijin Gourmet – By Far the Best Ramen in Futakotamagawa: Kokumaro!

I found the best tasting ramen for the best price in Futakotamagawa. It’s a shop called Kokumaro and it is the most delicious and reasonably priced ramen in town.

Hello! My name is Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers and I am the Gaijin Gourmet!

600 yen ramen

Futakotamagawa’s ONLY ¥600 ramen shop! This is the regular ramen for ¥600 yen (tax included.) includes two slices of pork in Tonkotsu (Kyushu-style pork based soup). In this photo and egg is included at an extra ¥100. Best ramen deal around!…. And, of course, there’s no tipping in Japan!

Futakotamagawa is about 10 ~ 15 minutes from Shibuya station on the Den-en-toshi line. It is famous for Takashimaya department store and a bunch of other high class shopping establishments as well as the headquarters of online shopping giant, Rakuten.

Since this is a high class shopping area, nearly all of the restaurants are expensive; and filled with rich housewives. That’s why a find like Kokumaro is a lifesaver for the Gaijin Gourmet who is always watching for ¥1 coins on the ground at the train stations! Nearly all of the local ramen shops sell their lowest priced ramen for at least ¥760. There’s a few places that sell so-called “Gourmet ramen” that goes for ¥1000 ~ ¥1200 a bowl.

Kokumaro starts at ¥600. By far the best tasting ramen for the price in this town.

tokyo ramen front day

Outside of Kokumaro just after opening at 11:00 am. This place gets packed and there’s a line of people there waiting to get in at all hours of the day. Kokumaro is a chain of restaurants and they have shops in Futakotamagawa, Shibuya, Kabukiocho and a bunch of shops in their homeland of Kyushu. See there homepage here: http://www.kokumaro.com/

Tokyo ramen long dist.

 

This is what it looks like at night. The one to the right. The shop to the left is some high-falutin’ dinery. Never been there… It is expensive. Of course expensive restaurants are supposed to taste delicious. The problem is that many of them are just expenisve and not so delicious. It is a fine art for the Gaijin Gourmet to find the Holy Grail! I like cheap and delicious establishments!

tokyo ramen tickets

And speaking of cheap and delicious, when you go into Kokumaro at Futakotamagawa, you will be immediately confronted by Mr. Meal Ticket-Machine. Not to worry. Follow the easy instructions: Look at picture. Insert money. Press button. Take ticket. give ticket to shop staff. Sit down. Eat.

It’s so simple a chimpanzee was able to complete the task in 6 seconds.

If you want a beer to drink, just say, “Beer?” the staff and they will help you press the correct button.

tokyo ramen customers

Like I said, Kokumaro in Futakotamagawa is always packed and, there is almost always a line of at least 3 ~ 10 people waiting to get in. The place is cozy and clean.

ramen

Here is what I always have. It’s the regular ramen with extra mountains of sliced green onions. Cost? ¥800! (with tax!) Wow! At the top left is Beni-shoga (pickled ginger root). Top right is Takana (hot & spicy leafy vegetables that originally came from China). And now we get to why Kokumaro is always packed and there’s always a line outside: Not only is it cheap and delicious, but you can add the condiments like Beni-shoga or Takana all you want…. And!….

Tokyo ramen garlic

The plat de résistance! The deal clincher! Fresh garlic and a garlic press at the counter that you can add as much healthy and fresh, raw and delicious garlic as you want. Oh my god! I am in heaven! Usually ramen shops have already crushed garlic in small bins, but those have preservatives in them. This is the real (raw) deal!

tokyo ramen kitchen

Of course, the Gaijin Gourmet insists upon a spic and span, clean kitchen. Kokumaro in Futakotamagawa has it as well as friendly staff. On the right is the manager of the Futakotamagawa branch, Morita san! (If you go there, tell him Mike sent you!) This guy is great. He and his staff work hard to make sure that you get the best ramen in town… And they do it with a smile and they do it every night! Bravo! Well done Morita san!

ayako

Even the ladies love Kokumaro Futakotamagawa. All the locals know this ramen shop and it has the reputation for the best ramen and best ramen deal in town! Here’s Ayako giving rave reviews for the taste!

tokyo ramen front

This photo was taken at about 1:30 am the other day. Look at that! Inside the place is packed and, like I said, there are always people waiting to get in. Oh, by the way, even if you have to wait, it’s only a few minutes and well worth it.

Kokumaro Ramen at Futakotamagawa? 5 + Stars for value, volume of servings, service, friendly staff and great taste!

Futakotamagawa Kokumaro Ramen  3-14-6 Tamagawa, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo 158-0094
Tel 03-3708-2790
Business Hours: 11:00 am ~ 2 am.

〒158−0094東京都世田谷区玉川3−14−6

I like this place so much I even made a map for you!

Map to Kokumaro Ramen. From Futakotamagawa station, take a left out the ticket gates toward the big street. Walk between the two Takashimaya buildings straight for about 3 minutes.

Map to Kokumaro Ramen. From Futakotamagawa station, take a left out the ticket gates toward the big street. Walk between the two Takashimaya buildings straight for about 3 minutes.

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Looking for great deals on cheap eats in Japan?:

Gaijin Gourmet! The Best, Most Delicious Soba Restaurant in Shibuya and Shinjuku robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-the-best-most-delicious-soba-restaurant-in-shibuya-and-shinjuku/

Gaijin Gourmet – Hamazushi! Tokyo’s Best Robot Sushi! robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-hamazushi-tokyos-best-robot-sushi/

Gaijin Gourmet – Sukiya! Japan’s Best Gyudon (Beef Bowl) robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-sukiya-japans-best-gyudon-beef-bowl/

Gaijin Gourmet Advice for Foreign Gentlemen Living in Japan!

Gaijin Gourmet Advice for Foreign Gentlemen Living in Japan!

Gaijin Gourmet – Best Soba Chain in Tokyo?Yude Taro and ¥220 Draft Beer?! robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-best-soba-chain-in-tokyo?yude-taro-and-¥220-draft-beer/

Gaijin Gourmet: The Best Premium Salad Bar in Tokyo? – Sizzler in Setagaya robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-the-best-premium-salad-bar-in-tokyo-sizzler-in-setagaya/

Gaijin Gourmet! Great Cheap and Delicious Soba in Gaienmae on Ginza Line! robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-great-cheap-and-delicious-soba-in-gaienmae-on-ginza-line/

The Gaijin Gourmet: The Best Salad Bar Deal in Tokyo at Big Boy – My Favorite Rock N Roll Diner!! robot55.jp/blog/the-gaijin-gourmet-the-best-salad-bar-deal-in-tokyo-at-big-boy-my-favorite-rock-n-roll-diner/

Tokyo’s Best Cheap Sushi is in Okachimachi!? 東京の一番安くて美味しい寿司屋?御徒町にあるの? http://robot55.jp/blog/tokyos-best-cheap-sushi-in-okachimachi/

Gaijin Gourmet – Beware! The Worst Noodle Restaurant in Tokyo? robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-beware-the-worst-noodle-restaurants-in-tokyo/

The Gaijin Gourmet: Soba Wars At Hanzomon Station in Tokyo robot55.jp/blog/gaijin-gourmet-soba-wars-at-hanzomon-station-in-tokyo/

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At Robot55 we make video productions for businesses and services and products, but we also pride ourselves on making videos for art and music. Our starting price is ¥70,000 and we are sure we can work out something that fits your budget. Oh, and we love making band videos too! Contact us! contact@robot55.jp

ROBOT55 はビジネス、商業、製品紹介動画の制作のみならず、アートや音楽の映像も創っております。ビジネス動画においてはウェブ動画時代の到来に合わせ、お求めや すい¥70,000という格安価格より承ります。ご予算に応じて皆様にご満足のいく高品質動画を制作致します。勿論インディー・バンド向けPV制作も行っ ております。よ!
コチラよりお気軽にお問い合わせ下さいませ♬

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Gaijin Gourmet, budget dining Tokyo, ビデオ編集格安、ビデオ撮影格安、動画制作東京、格安ビデオ制作, 格安, ロボット・ゴー・ゴー,  格安, ビジネスビデオ制作, ロボット・ゴー・ゴー, Gaijin Gourmet, Delicious places to eat in Tokyo, Cheap places to eat in Tokyo, Healthy, cheap, inexpensive food, Tokyo dining, budget dining Tokyo, delicious budget soba, soba, tokyo soba

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 19, 2016! Purple, Pom Poms, Taymir and Wotzit from Japan!!

It’s time for The Top 3 Indies Artists Videos for the week of Mar. 20, 2016! Welcome back to the Top 3 Video countdown!

First up is a band introduced to us by Hollywood Party girl Kona Cindy. The band’s name is Taymir and they are 4 lads from Rotterdam, Netherlands. This video is cool because the song rocks but they are also playing it live, so that’s quite unusual for a music video. Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Taymirmusic

#3) TAYMIR – Doghouse  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_lccRw51M4

At #2 is a 5-piece group from Los Angeles, California that is performing at SXSW right now! This is hot! The Pom Poms. Here’s their FB, go Like it: https://www.facebook.com/pompomsmusic/?fref=ts

#2) Pom Poms – 123   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOopJc06yZY

At #1 this week is Purple from Beaumont, Texas. Purple is three rockers and a they feature a hot girl who sometimes growls when she sings! It’s great! It’s their 3rd time on our countdown. They call their music Punk/Rock/Stuff. Here’s their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purpletexasmusic

#1) Purple – Bliss https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVjT_mGcB8s

Earlier this week, I did a TV special for the folks at Tower Records as they were promoting the punk rock classic, “The Decline of Western Civilization.” It was fun. I wore my “Used Car Salesman clothes” (that reminds me how some of the guys in Repoman dressed.” (That’s me in the middle)

The Decline of Western Civilization Japan

Here’s information about the film and showings in Japan on Tower Records TV page: http://www.towerrevo.jp/article/20890/

Anyway, why I mention this is that I became friends with the two guys who run this Tower Records project, Naohiro Yamada and Masao Nakagami. These guys know their shit!!! They know everything about what’s really going on. I asked them to introduce me to some cool new Japanese Punk outfits and Nakagami san sent me a BUNCH of them within 10 minutes!

Thanks guys! You guys rock and are singlehandedly spreading the word about cool music to Japan and cool Japanese music to the world! I am proud to know you! Keep up the good work!

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Wotzit! Wotzit has no videos with good sound on Youtube. Their Bandcamp page says, they are “Soaked with Venom.” And a Punk Rock band from Tokyo. Formed in 2015.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO LISTEN! http://wotzit.bandcamp.com/album/tape-2

Japanese punk poster with Wotzit.

Japanese punk poster with Wotzit.

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Well that’s all the videos for this week. See you back here in a week from now with more cool new music! – Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers

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PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK:

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 12, 2016! HINDS, Lola Dutronic, Rews, Japan’s TADZIO! http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-mar-12-2016-hinds-lola-dutronic-rews-japans-tadzio/

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 3, 2016! The Mirror Trap, The Love Me Nots, The Jacques, Eddie Legend Story! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-mar-3-2016-the-mirror-trap-the-love-me-nots-the-jacques-eddie-legend-story/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 27, 2016! Black Mambas, Baby Shakes, Love Me Nots, The Soap (Japan)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-27-2016-black-mambas-baby-shakes-love-me-nots-the-soap-japan/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 20, 2016! Wavves, Baby Shakes, SWMRS, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-20-2016-wavves-baby-shakes-swmrs-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 7, 2016! Ming City Rockers, Los Tiki Phantoms, Hey! Hello!, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-7-2016-ming-city-rockers-los-tiki-phantoms-hey-hello-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Jan. 25, 2016! Killmama, Dukes of Hamburg, Ginger Wildheart and Courtney Love, The Sleaze-Aholics! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-jan-25-2016-killmama-dukes-of-hamburg-ginger-wildheart-and-courtney-love-the-sleaze-aholics/

MORE TOP 3 VIDEOS SEARCH: http://robot55.jp/?s=Top+3+videos

ARTISTS! SEND ME YOUR NEW VIDEOS! I WANT TO HELP PROMOTE YOU!

These Top 3 Video posts are sometimes getting tens of thousands of hits per week. Need proof? Do a Google Search for “Top 3 Videos” or “Top New Artists Videos” and you’ll see Robot55 on page one! blowing away MTV, Billboard Magazine, Billboard, Niconico Douga and all the rest.

If you like this countdown every week, please come “Like” our Robot55 Facebook page (or friend us on Twitter or subscribe to our Youtube page). Thanks!

If you like this, please “Like” the Robot55 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robot55video

On Twitter, we are: @robot55video

Robot55 Youtube?: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCRBSdzh-E4_bRM_akdRAAQ

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 12, 2016! HINDS, Lola Dutronic, Rews, Japan’s TADZIO!

Welcome back to the Top 3 Video countdown. The Top 3 Indies Artists Videos for the week of Mar. 12, 2016! And it’s “Ladies Nite!” on the Top 3 this week with some of my recent fave acts that are females or have a female lead singer!

First up at #3! Is Hinds. This band was turned on to us by alert reader and friend named Mami Nagamachi! Thanks Mami!!!!! Wikipedia says, “Hinds is a Spanish indie rock band from Madrid, formed in 2011. The original name of the band was Deers, but they were forced to change it at the end of 2014, due to the threat of legal action from a similarly named band.” What? That other band must suck! That’s bullshit, ladies! Another band doesn’t own the copyright on the English language or the name “Deers.” They can’t sue you… Oh well…

#3) HINDS | Chili Town https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdHVboNNkAo

Next up are two girls from London who call themselves, “Rews.” Today’s song just came out at the start of March. Of course, on WTF? we’ve been playing this constantly. It’s great. Awesome lyrics. Here’s their FB page. You go, “Like”! https://www.facebook.com/wearerewsmusic/?fref=ts

#2) REWS – Death Yawn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTWx9nmMU4w

This week’s #1 is another song Hot Off The Presses! It’s a duo who has been on the Top 3 many times in the past. Lola Dutronic is a Canadian electronica duo, consisting of remixer/producer Richard Citroen and vocalist Stephanie B. The band adapts songs from the French and British sixties (from artists such as Serge Gainsbourg, Françoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot or John Barry) with modern electronic arrangements. They have issued five albums and two EPs so far. Here is their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LOLA-DUTRONIC-80232595392/?fref=ts

#1) Lola Dutronc – Harley Davidson  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Af2dtXm0mw

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: Today’s Spotlight Artist from Japan are two girls who make a hell of a lot of racket for only having a drum kit and a guitar. Their name is Tadzio. They are getting a following overseas and have been featured on “Spine TV” in the UK. They call themselves a “Roaring Hardcore Pop Band.” Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TADZIO-122557687912383/?fref=ts

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: TADZIO / DEATH DRIVE – KISS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQlZsVXjjJw

Well, that’s it for today! See you next week!!!!!  – Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers

—————————–

PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK:

Top 3 Videos for Mar. 3, 2016! The Mirror Trap, The Love Me Nots, The Jacques, Eddie Legend Story! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-mar-3-2016-the-mirror-trap-the-love-me-nots-the-jacques-eddie-legend-story/ 

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 27, 2016! Black Mambas, Baby Shakes, Love Me Nots, The Soap (Japan)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-27-2016-black-mambas-baby-shakes-love-me-nots-the-soap-japan/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 20, 2016! Wavves, Baby Shakes, SWMRS, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-20-2016-wavves-baby-shakes-swmrs-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 7, 2016! Ming City Rockers, Los Tiki Phantoms, Hey! Hello!, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-7-2016-ming-city-rockers-los-tiki-phantoms-hey-hello-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Jan. 25, 2016! Killmama, Dukes of Hamburg, Ginger Wildheart and Courtney Love, The Sleaze-Aholics! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-jan-25-2016-killmama-dukes-of-hamburg-ginger-wildheart-and-courtney-love-the-sleaze-aholics/

Top 3 Videos for Dec. 27, 2015! John No Arms, Sunflower Bean, St. Tropez, The Neatbeats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-dec-18-2015-john-no-arms-sunflower-bean-st-tropez-the-neatbeats/

Top 3 Videos for Dec. 18, 2015! Clara Belle and the Creeps, Ringo Deathstarr, Punk Lung, The 50 Kaitenz!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-dec-18-2015-clara-belle-the-creeps-ringo-deathstarr-punk-lung-the-50-kaitenz/

Top 3 Videos for Dec. 12, 2015! Messer Chups, Lazyeye, Ringo Deathstarr and Su Ko D Koi! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-dec-12-2015-messer-chups-lazyeye-ringo-deathstarr-and-su-ko-d-koi/

MORE TOP 3 VIDEOS SEARCH: http://robot55.jp/?s=Top+3+videos

ARTISTS! SEND ME YOUR NEW VIDEOS! I WANT TO HELP PROMOTE YOU!

These Top 3 Video posts are sometimes getting tens of thousands of hits per week. Need proof? Do a Google Search for “Top 3 Videos” or “Top New Artists Videos” and you’ll see Robot55 on page one! blowing away MTV, Billboard Magazine, Billboard, Niconico Douga and all the rest.

If you like this countdown every week, please come “Like” our Robot55 Facebook page (or friend us on Twitter or subscribe to our Youtube page). Thanks!

If you like this, please “Like” the Robot55 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robot55video

On Twitter, we are: @robot55video

Robot55 Youtube?: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCRBSdzh-E4_bRM_akdRAAQ

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Star Wars Mah Na Mah Na, Dj Trotsky, Messer Chups!

We’re back to Cool & Strange Music for March 7, 2016! This week’s chart is way cool for you cool guys and gals, geeks and geekettes, dorks and dorkettes!

First up is a song that everyone knows. It was written by Piero Umiliani. Umiliani is an Italian composer of film scores and today we feature a song that is a world famous track. “Mah Nà Mah Nà” (1968) was originally used in Sweden: Heaven and Hell, a 1968 Mondo documentary about Sweden, but the song was popularized by The Muppets, who covered the song several times on their own show as well as The Ed Sullivan Show. The track was also a hit in the UK, reaching number 8 in the UK Singles Chart in May 1977. Today’s version is by Cake who is an American alternative rock band from Sacramento, California. This songs has really nothing to do with Star Wars, but do you think there is a geek in the room who cares?

#3) Cake – Star Wars Mahna Mahna https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qF6yjFZbTY

Next up is a band that have become “regulars” on the Cool & Strange music countdown (“Regulars” on “Cool & Strange”? Hmmm?) They are a hot surf-rock band from St. Petersburg, Russia! (“Surf Rock from St. Petersburg, Russia!?” Are you kidding me?) Look for the hot sounds and the hot guitar and girl in the bikini! (I wouldn’t kick her out of bed for eating animal crackers!) Here’s their FB page. Go Like it! https://www.facebook.com/messerchups/

#2) Messer Chups – Curse of Stephen Kong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LtsJmxcj2M

Finally, this week’s #1. This is Dj Trotsky. DJ Trotsky is Los Angeles based producer, songwriter, bassist, mixer and DJ David Brownstein. This week’s #1 is a hot track and cover of Iggy Pop’s “Search and Destroy.” Imagine, if you can, Amy Winehouse doing a sultry cover of that Iggy song! Can’t imagine it? OK, check it out right here! This is “Very Cool!”
While you’re at it, go “Like” DJ Trotsky on FB: https://www.facebook.com/DJ-Trotsky-886854641332900/

#1) DJ Trotsky – Search and Destroy (feat. Koralee) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S9zD1XvZSA

Thanks to Trip to the Moon for the trippy illusion! Check them out here: http://www.triptomoon.com/

Well that’s it for Cool & Strange Music for this week. Have a great weekend! – Mike in Tokyo Rogers

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ROBOT55 はビジネス、商業、製品紹介動画の制作のみならず、アートや音楽の映像も創っております。ビジネス動画においてはウェブ動画時代の到来に合わせ、お求めや すい¥70,000という格安価格より承ります。ご予算に応じて皆様にご満足のいく高品質動画を制作致します。勿論インディー・バンド向けPV制作も行っ ております。よ!

コチラよりお気軽にお問い合わせ下さいませ♬

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Past issues of:

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, Hexstatic, Great David Bowie & John Lennon Imitator! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-feb-13-2015-mojo-nixon-skid-roper-hexstatic-great-david-bowie-john-lennon-imitator/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 29, 2015 – Oleg Kostrow, Jimmy Bo Horne & Kim Jung Un, Milky Edwards & the Chamberlings robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-jan-29-2015-oleg-kostrow-jimmy-bo-horne-kim-jung-un-milky-edwards-the-chamberlings/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 14, 2015 – David Bowie Tribute! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-jan-14-2015-david-bowie-tribute/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 29, 2015 – Eddie Murphy, Messer Chups, Vladimir Putin! robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-29-2015-eddie-murphy-messer-chups-vladimir-putin/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 21, 2015 – Bennie Melwin, Cambodian Space Project, The Rebel Scumbagsrobot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-21-2015-bennie-melwin-cambodian-space-project-the-rebel-scumbags/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 15, 2015 – Hexstatic, Stan Freberg, Mary Schneider, The Fancs Brothers!robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-15-2015-hexstatic-stan-freberg-mary-schneider-the-fanc-brothers/

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 8, 2015 robot55.jp/blog/cool-and-strange-music-countdown-dec-8-2015/ (Messer Fur Frau Muller, Eliert Pilarm, Zlad)

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Dec. 1, 2015 robot55.jp/blog/cool-strange-music-dec-1-2015/ (Mrs. Miller, Ray Stevens, Barnes & Barnes)

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Top 3 Videos for Mar. 3, 2016! The Mirror Trap, The Love Me Nots, The Jacques, Eddie Legend Story!

Welcome back to the Top 3 Video countdown. The Top 3 Indies Artists Videos for the week of Mar. 3, 2016! We’ve got a hot line-up for you today!

First up is a band that has appeared on the countdown before. Today makes their 3rd time. It’s the Jacques from Bristol England. The Jacques are made up of two sets of brothers. The band was formed in early 2014, and were then a support band for The Libertines show at Hyde Park. They were signed at that very same show by The Libertines drummer Gary Powell for his 25 Hour Convenience Store label. Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/TheJacquesBand/?fref=ts

#3) The Jacques – Weekends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCLUt8ZKirI

Next up is a band who first appeared on our countdown last week (but we have been playing on our radio show for years!) It’s the Love Me Nots! They are from Phoenix Arizona. They are two hot chicks and two dudes (OK, well, one can’t have everything!) and here is their FB page. Go “Like” it! https://www.facebook.com/TheLoveMeNotsOfficial/?fref=ts

#2) The Love Me Nots – You Gotta Go  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En3T8NM-PgQ

At #1 are a fantastic new band called the Mirror Trap and they are from Scotland. And!!!! Taa-daa! I have big news! the Mirror Trap will be playing at Summersonic 2016 in Japan along with Radiohead and Underworld! Wow! They will also have an album release in Japan on the very cool Vinyl Junkie Label to coincide! Here’s the webpage for the album at Vinyl Junkie: http://vinyl-junkie.com/label/mirrortrap/

Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/themirrortrap/?fref=ts

#1) The Mirror Trap – New Trance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbmyc7v6VE4

Oh, and did I tell you that the Mirror Trap are appearing at Summersonic with Radiohead and Underworld? I did? Great!

top_lineup2 (1) 2

Be there or miss the chance to see this great lineup and The Mirror Trap’s japan debut. Here’s a link to the Summersonic webpage: http://www.summersonic.com/2016/

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: Today’s Spotlight Artist from Japan is a Garage Surf Rock/Psychobilly Band from Tokyo. Their name is the Eddie Legend Story. Lead by, who else? Eddie Legend, one helluva hot guitarist and he is doing so many projects at once, I can’t keep up. Eddie Legend doesn’t have a FB page, but they do have a bloghttp://ameblo.jp/eddie-legend/ They also have a lot of cool videos. Check out today’s pick! This kind of stuff goes on every night in Tokyo! Really! 😉

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST: Eddie Legend Story – Devil Men   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEsaG2WpjkY

Well, that’s it for today! See you next week!!!!!  – Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers

—————————–

PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK: 

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 27, 2016! Black Mambas, Baby Shakes, Love Me Nots, The Soap (Japan)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-27-2016-black-mambas-baby-shakes-love-me-nots-the-soap-japan/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 20, 2016! Wavves, Baby Shakes, SWMRS, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-20-2016-wavves-baby-shakes-swmrs-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Feb. 7, 2016! Ming City Rockers, Los Tiki Phantoms, Hey! Hello!, The Pats Pats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-feb-7-2016-ming-city-rockers-los-tiki-phantoms-hey-hello-the-pats-pats/

Top 3 Videos for Jan. 25, 2016! Killmama, Dukes of Hamburg, Ginger Wildheart and Courtney Love, The Sleaze-Aholics! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-jan-25-2016-killmama-dukes-of-hamburg-ginger-wildheart-and-courtney-love-the-sleaze-aholics/

Top 3 Videos for Dec. 27, 2015! John No Arms, Sunflower Bean, St. Tropez, The Neatbeats! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-dec-18-2015-john-no-arms-sunflower-bean-st-tropez-the-neatbeats/

Top 3 Videos for Dec. 18, 2015! Clara Belle and the Creeps, Ringo Deathstarr, Punk Lung, The 50 Kaitenz!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-dec-18-2015-clara-belle-the-creeps-ringo-deathstarr-punk-lung-the-50-kaitenz/

Top 3 Videos for Dec. 12, 2015! Messer Chups, Lazyeye, Ringo Deathstarr and Su Ko D Koi! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-dec-12-2015-messer-chups-lazyeye-ringo-deathstarr-and-su-ko-d-koi/

MORE TOP 3 VIDEOS SEARCH: http://robot55.jp/?s=Top+3+videos

ARTISTS! SEND ME YOUR NEW VIDEOS! I WANT TO HELP PROMOTE YOU!

These Top 3 Video posts are sometimes getting tens of thousands of hits per week. Need proof? Do a Google Search for “Top 3 Videos” or “Top New Artists Videos” and you’ll see Robot55 on page one! blowing away MTV, Billboard Magazine, Billboard, Niconico Douga and all the rest.

If you like this countdown every week, please come “Like” our Robot55 Facebook page (or friend us on Twitter or subscribe to our Youtube page). Thanks!

If you like this, please “Like” the Robot55 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robot55video

On Twitter, we are: @robot55video

Robot55 Youtube?: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCRBSdzh-E4_bRM_akdRAAQ