It’s time once again for the Top 3 Indies Artist Video Countdown! This week s a special! Today we have five of my recent fave Japanese Indies bands for the week of Dec. 1, 2017! These are five groups that I think could do alright in the west. First up are a group of four fab psychos doing the trash garage thingy like a boss! They are from Tokyo known as “Ed Woods.” Ed Woods describe themselves as, “B-Movie, Rock`n`Roll & TV Game Or Die !! They are ”ED WOODS”. Link Wray is their father. Ed Wood is their Grandfather. Divine is their Mom. Big Foot is their Pet. Thank you!!” 

Ed Woods are, in my opinion, one of the best garage bands around. They have some shows coming up if you are in Tokyo over the next few weeks. In fact, they are playing tomorrow night 12/2(Sat) in Nagano, @Live House J.  “MIDNIGHT RAMBLER” and Ed Woods will appear with UnderGrounded Monogram, Mr. Fin And Jake, Living Is Not Breathing.

Yeah? They have a Facebook page. Go Like it or DIE! https://www.facebook.com/trash.crazy.edwoods/

#5) ED WOODS – Rock Shock In My Head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hCF1wYMzZ4

At #4 are three guys who contributed a hot track to the Original Soundtrack of “Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story.” They are from Tokyo also and they are called, the Mackshow!” I’ve seen these guys live before and not only did they rock, they were funny too! Great sounds. Great look. Tokyo’s own Mackshow!

Their bio states: “The Japanese Rock & Roll icon of 21st century, sets the unique concept such as Leather jacket, regent hair, rock and roll and the “Showa” (Japanese 60’s~80’s) style three piece R&R band. They formed in 2002 by Vocal & guitar Kozzy Mack, bass Tommy Mack, and drums Bikeboy. For much of their career, most of their performances were held at club circuits. Very simple original R&R sound and vocal skills hit all over Japan.”

Here’s their Facebook page: http://bit.ly/2x5CgRn

#4) THE MACKSHOW – Phantom of Twenty Faces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OCQ0QK1BQw

Next up is a group that must have stepped into some sort of time machine. They are called the Learners! The Learners are known for covering songs from the 50s and beyond. They describe themselves as “Girl pop, punk, ska, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll” and they revive famous songs. The Learners do not have a Facebook page but they have a Tumbler page: https://learnersband.tumblr.com

Oh, and the Learners also have some shows coming up soon too: https://learnersband.tumblr.com/tagged/show

#3) LEARNERS – I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiEWcShzypc

At #2 is a girl’s band that I think just might be one of the best girl’s punk band in Japan! They are Su凸ko D凹koi! How does one pronounce that? I don’t know, just try this: Su Ko D Koi! This is their latest video and it is for a song called, “Momanaide.” “Momanaide” is about her ex-boyfriend who has a new girlfriend and she pleads with him to not rub her, uh, well, not rub her tits…. Later on, when she fumes about what is going on, she consoles herself by remembering that she has a new boyfriend. It’s cynical and funny. Theie new album goes on sale Jan. 17, 2018.

Here’s their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ssttddkk/

#2) Su凸ko D凹koi (すっとこどっこい) ｢MOMANAIDE｣ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYo4fvFQ8dc

At #1 this week are Kyushu’s favorite sons, The Routes. The Routes bio says: “Based in bowl in the mountains (Hita City, Oita prefecture), Anglo-Nipponese trio The Routes play independently over 600 miles south of the Tokyo garage scene. 
The Routes play mostly original music, taking influence from UK and US 60s music and culture, happily oblivious to the fads and trends of today.” I know for a fact that The Routes are getting airplay all over the world. And I air them a lot on my new FM radio, The Mike Rogers Show on InterFM 897 in Tokyo, Radio Neo 79.5 in Naogoya and nationwide on Radiko.jp. Please check it out! The Routes’ new album is now on sale too! http://greenwayrecords.storenvy.com/products/21914390-the-routes-dirty-needles-and-pins

Here’s their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/theroutes/

#1) The Routes – Somebody’s Child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxixtQY3Hmg

Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story world premiered in London on Sept. 25 and was completely SOLD OUT! The movie is now on a Road Show in Japan and at a theater near you. You can find details here:  https://www.facebook.com/Japaneserocknrollghost/

日本語の情報は：http://ghostroads.jp/

Here’s the Japanese trailer (It has English subtitles!) Check it! Oh, and we have a really cool webpage: http://ghostroads.jp/

Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story – Theatrical Release in Hiroshima and Yokokawa decided! Jan 13 ~ Jan. 19, 2018!
【広島・横川シネマ上映決定！】
横浜シネマリンさんでの上映後少し間が空きましたが『ゴーストロード』の広島での上映が年明け1/13(土)～19(金)に横川シネマさんで決定いたしました！映画公開の前の週1/5(金)には広島クラブクアトロでTHE NEATBEATSのライブもございますので年明け早々、気分を上げていきましょう！
http://yokogawa-cine.jugem.jp/

That’s all for today! See you next week when we return to the Top 3 Indies Artist Videos Countdown. See ya! – Mike in Tokyo Rogers