Search Results for “cool & strange music”

Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Feb. 13, 2015 – Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper, Hexstatic, Great David Bowie & John Lennon Imitator!

We’re back to Cool & Strange Music for Feb 13, 2016! And I’ve got some great weird stuff for you today!

First up, an oldie from 1985. It’s Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper! The name of their debut album and their real names too! They are two rock/psychobilly musical artists and this hot track was released in 1985. Blogger RYP writes of this album, “It reveals this dynamic duo at their vibrant best, putting across an instrumental conceit that weds a kind of old-timey instrumentation with a whisky-soaked, poetry-slam mentality.”… Another fave track of mine on this twisted slab of vinyl is “Jesus at McDonald’s.” Look for it… Oh, and the album credits the boys with: Skid Roper: upright washboard and other stuff; Mojo Nixon: vocals, guitar and foot.

#3) Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper – Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant With My Two Headed Love Child https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXLuSHx1fR0

At #2 is Hexstatic. Hexstatic is an English electronic music duo that formed in 1997. Hexstatic specializes in creating “quirky audio visual electro.” They have released two CD/DVDs so far. This stuff is VERY cool.

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

Are you still missing David Bowie? I am. At #1 is a delightful Bowie imitator that made this video in 2009. I think this is great! Check it out. (Sorry, but it seems that no one knows this guy’s name!)

#1) David Bowie & John Lennon Imitator – Fame https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkLE1Gno724

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 – 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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Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 29, 2015 – Oleg Kostrow, Jimmy Bo Horne & Kim Jung Un, Milky Edwards & the Chamberlings

We’re back to Cool & Strange Music for Jan. 29, 2016! And do I have some strange and cool stuff for you today.

First up, is Oleg Kostrow. Oleg Kostrow is a very prolific Russian synth & sample artist, and the member of the Messer Für Frau Müller duo, and Messer Chups. He mixes modern beats with cool & crazy samples.

#3) Oleg Kostrow – Bukva F https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldyZ-Pdo418

And speaking of people from the East, at #2 is also a guy from a faraway land. It seems that North Korea has (or hasn’t?) blown off a hydrogen bomb. That puts our #2 song in the news this week. North Korean military propaganda videos are very boring (as are all military propaganda). So the creator of this video took the footage and tried to sync it up with some delicious disco groove (Jimmy Bo Horne – Dance Across the Floor). It’s really funny in places where it looks like the editor had it almost in sync. It’s worth several laughs. Check it! The artillery firing off in unison with the trumpets towards the end is hilarious!

#2) North Korean People’s Army Funky Get Down Juche Party https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwoSFQb5HVk

Finally at #1, Milky Edwards & The Chamberlings. Did a a gospel group record an album of cover versions of all the songs on David Bowie’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” album in the 1970’s?

On YouTube you can find three videos of someone playing songs from this album (that doesn’t exist) being played on a record player (with record noise added for special effect). The videos were uploaded in early 2012 and recently they started to draw attention (you can also check out the very basic website: www.milkyedwards.com).

Milky Edwards and the Chamberlains

Milky Edwards and the Chamberlains. Track listing: Starman, Suffragette City, Moonage Daydream, Five Years, Soul Love, It Ain’t Easy, Lady Stardust, Star, Hang Onto Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Rock N Roll Suicide.

Who created these songs (and videos) and why? No one seems to know. Whoever created them, did an excellent job. The recordings are top quality professional. The only thing I know for sure is that the album cover is definitely not from the 1970s because it uses Mojo Standard font (which didn’t exist until 1990!) The font is altered – easily done on a computer – I do it all the time. Besides that, there’s not much else. Oh, there is a rumor that this could be the hi-jinks of David Bowie with Luther Vandross from the Young Americans period. I have to admit that, yes, the singer does sound a bit like Luther Vandross. Check Luther Vandross and compare voices here, if you like (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmDxJrggie8)

#3) Milky Edwards & The Chamberlings – Soul Love https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GlsNSWDVdM

Heck, while we’re here, I’ll link to the other two existing videos!

Milky Edwards & the Chamberlings – Starman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y115_2h4a68

Milky Edwards & the Chamberlings – Moonage Daydream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvXLuYXPL94

Read more about Milky Edwards and the Chamberlings here.

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♬

————

Past issues of:

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 Indies Videos 9/8/18! Sloks, Monsieur Blumenberg, Pink Slips, Down & Outs!

It’s time once again for the Top 3 Indies Artist Video Countdown for Sept. 8, 2018!

Starting us off today is a trio from Torino, Italy on the Voodoo Rhythm Records label and their name is the Sloks. Their bio states: “SLOKS!!!! RawPower, Super Primitive Garage Punk, Desperate No-Wave, Trashed out Rock’n’roll combo, based in Turin Italy. Peter Chopsticks drum, Ivy Claudy screaming and snare, Buddy Fuzz strings.

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

#4) SLOKS – Dad can Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPQdImE_17M

At #3 is a delightfully amusing track that I just stumbled upon from wasting time surfing music videos. And this act is from Italy also! His name is Monsieur Blumenberg. His bio says, “Monsieur Blumenberg is side solo project of Federico Montefiori spliting up from “Montefiori Cocktail” in his “Wunderkammer Music” style.” (I’ve played Montefiori Cocktail on my Cool & Strange Music corners many times on my radio show!)

Here is his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monsieurblumenberg/

#3) Monsieur Blumenberg – Anarchy In The U.K. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMMZJUkZeA0

At #2 is a band that just finished a 10~12 show tour of Japan and they were guests on my radio show (in fact, if you don’t blink you can see me in the video at about the 46 seconds mark). It’s the Down & Outs! Their bio states: “Punk rock band from Liverpool. Just three mates making music and playing a few gigs now and again.

Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/Down-And-Outs-100972913255/

#2) Down and Outs – Tea and Sympathy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv_kV8Cu3mc

This week’s #1 comes to us from Cindy Kona in Hawaii… But this band is not from Hawaii, this band comes from Los Angeles. They are called, The Pink Slips. Their bio states: “Pink Slips define their sound as a fusion of ‘synth-pop, punk, dance, and vintage rock n’ roll,’ and are fronted by a genuine star in the making: GRAVE.

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

#1) The Pink Slips – TRIGGER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiVuKZFOd58

Of course, if you want to hear more of this stuff, check out InterFM’s, “The Mike Rogers Show” (Every Sunday morning from 5 am ~ 7 am on InterFM 897 in Tokyo, Radio Neo 79.5 in Nagoya, and nationwide simulcast on Radiko.jp! Check it out for tons of cool new music every week!)

Well, that’s it for today. Have a great weekend!

Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha

Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha‘ will World Premiere at the 2018 Raindance Film Festival in London, England. ‘Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha‘ is a documentary about one of the last true geisha in Japan. From her wartime childhood to geisha apprenticeship to the glory days of a top geisha. This film illustrates the trials of the ultimate Japanese cultural enigma that is – The Life of a Geisha.

See “Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha” on Wed 3rd Oct 15:00 & Fri 5th Oct 17:30 at VUE Theater in Piccadilly London! Matsuchiyo folding Japanese fans will be given out by drawing to at least 50 lucky fans each night! BUY TICKETS B4 IT SELLS OUT: https://bit.ly/2LkiMxI

Here is the teaser: “Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr0OAB0Kmn0

At least 50 lucky fans will win a “Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha” folding Japanese fan each night! BUY TICKETS B4 IT SELLS OUT: https://bit.ly/2LkiMxI

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Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock and Roll Ghost Story,” enjoyed its World-Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival in London on Sept. 25, 2017, and was released by a major Japanese motion picture company and in theaters all across Japan.  The DVD and Blu-Ray went on sale all across Japan on June 13, 2018! It also enjoyed its Canadian theatrical release on August 31, 2018! 

Here’s the movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxwJ4AfzOwM

Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story DVD and Blu-Ray on sale all across Japan and available on rental everywhere in Japan!

Well, that’s it for today. Have a great weekend!

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About Mike in Tokyo Rogers: Mike has been a professional music/TV/radio/anime-related program producer in Japan since the eighties. He began in the music business in 1977 as lead vocalist with the legendary Los Angeles Punk Band, “The Rotters” (Sit on My Face Stevie Nix.). As a university student, he was assistant to the legendary Rodney Bingenheimer (Rodney on the ROQ – KROQ Los Angeles from 1980 ~ 1981.) Mike was the first and only foreigner in Japanese history to become the General Manager of a major Japanese broadcasting station (TV Tokyo owned InterFM). Has produced a few smash hit programs (some real losers, too!) and several of Tokyo’s highest rated and most famous radio programs. A recent hit Internet TV program was “The TV Show” (Set Program with “Ninja Slayer”) which, between April – Oct. 2015, garnered over 10 million viewers.  He is currently producing and hosting “The Mike Rogers Show” every Sunday live on InterFM 89.7  in Tokyo and Radio Neo in Nagoya 79.5 and nationally broadcast on Radiko.jp (Internet radio).  And he is the creator and founder of the Mt. Fuji – Atami Film & VR Festival. Also his life’s dream is his just completed full-length motion picture, “Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock and Roll Ghost Story,” which enjoyed its World-Premiere at the Raindance Film Festival in London on Sept. 25, 2017, and was released by a major Japanese motion picture company and in theaters all across Japan from Sept. 2017 ~ Mar. 2018.  The DVD and Blu-Ray went on sale all across Japan on June 13, 2018! His next project, “Matsuchiyo – Life of a Geisha” will world premiere at the 2018 Raindance Film Festival in Oct.

Mike is also an Official Jury member to the 2018 Raindance Film Festival in London making him the first person ever to serve as a Jury Member from Japan in Raindance Film Festival history.  

… Oh, and he likes to write about himself in the third person!

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PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK:

Top 3 Indies Videos 9/01/18! Living Roomers, Pato Fu, The B-Girls, Sugar and Tiger! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-9-01-18-living-roomers-pato-fu-the-b-girls-sugar-and-tiger/

Top 3 Indies Videos 8/25/18! Reptilians From Andromeda, Bad Nerves, Sugar & Tiger! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-8-25-18-reptilians-from-andromeda-bad-nerves-sugar-tiger/

Top 3 Indies Videos 8/18/18! Sino Hearts, Lisa Mychols, Hayley and the Crushers & the B-Girls! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-8-18-18-sino-hearts-lisa-mychols-hayley-and-the-crushers-the-b-girls/

Top 3 Indies Videos 8/11/18! Tony Dork, The Routes (Jpn), Tiger Bomb, Get Married. http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-8-11-18-tony-dork-the-routes-jpn-tiger-bomb-get-married/

Top 3 Indies Videos 8/4/18! Pup, Starbenders, Criminal Kids, Su Ko D Koi (Jpn)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-8-4-18-pup-starbenders-criminal-kids-su-ko-d-koi-jpn/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/28/18! Stiff Love, Daisy House, Titty Twister (Jpn), Duke of Surl! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-7-28-18-stiff-love-daisy-house-titty-twister-jpn-duke-of-surl/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/21/18! Taleen Kali, Fabulous Johnk Wray (Jpn), The Blankz, IDestroy! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-7-21-18-taleen-kali-fabulous-johnk-wray-jpn-the-blankz-idestroy/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/14/18! IDestroy, The Speedways, THE MOST, CCS (Japan)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-7-14-18-idestroy-the-speedways-the-most-ccs-japan/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/7/18! Helen Love, Ill, Shonen Knife, Down & Outs, Pussy Cat & Dirty Johnsons! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-7-7-18-helen-love-ill-shonen-knife-pussy-cat-dirty-johnsons/

Top 3 Indies Videos 6/23/18! Primetime, Asylums, The Blinders, The Stephanies! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-6-23-18-primetime-asylums-the-blinders-the-stephanies/

Top 3 Indies Videos 6/16/18! The Scrags, La Luz, Down and Outs, Jett Sett (Jpn!) robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-6-16-18-the-scrags-la-luz-down-and-outs-jett-sett-jpn/

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

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!

 

Top 3 Indies Videos 10/23/17! Japanese Garage Bands and Amyl & the Sniffers!

It’s time once again for the Top 3 Indies Artist Video Countdown of the Top 3 best Indies and Alternative Music artists for the week of Oct. 23, 2017! And it’s almost Halloween! Who cares? Well, I don’t know the answer to that question, but you won’t see me poo-pooing the spirit, so today I have some of my favorite bands from Japan and my favorite new band together in a special Halloween Mix!

First up, are a bunch of delinquents from Japan in a “Trash Crazy” band named Ed Woods. These guys have been around since 1999 making their own brand of crazy fucking rock n roll. Their names are: Billy Trash, Jhonny Trash (sic) and Jet Trash. Their story goes like this: “(Ed Woods is) 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!!”

I played these guys on the radio yesterday and the reaction was immediate: the guys in the studio and the listeners loved it. The station management told us to “turn that shit off!” OK… Look, these guys are in Japan so they can make a crazy assed video like this. Be forewarned. This is truly a Halloween Rock n Roll Nightmare! Long live Ed Woods! These guys don’t fuck around!

Of course, they have a Facebook page. Like it or die. https://www.facebook.com/trash.crazy.edwoods/

4) ED WOODS – Wild Crew Rules:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54DE4EmGxQ

At #3 for the Halloween special are this year’s #1 export from Down Under: Amyl & The Sniffers. They have tons of cool tracks at their Bandcamp page: https://amylandthesniffers.bandcamp.com/

Yesterday, on my regular radio show, I played, “She’s not a loser” when the song stopped I screamed into the microphone. “What a freaking great song! One. More. Time!” and we played “She’s not a loser” again – twice in a row. The listeners loved it! Well, today, we have something hot off the presses from their stylish label name “Pissfart Records.” This band is going places folks! Amyl and the Sniffers are gonna be huge!

Here’s their FB page. Go “Like” it. https://www.facebook.com/amylandthesniffers/

3) Amyl & The Sniffers – Balaclava Lover Boogie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA0nEEMUz-g

Actually, folks, today’s #4 track, #2 track and #1 track are bands that are featured on the new Kaminari (Thunder) compilation of Japanese Garage Monsters.

KAMINARI VOL. 2
19 More Japanese Garage Monsters LP/CD (On sale on Amazon 10/27/17!: http://amzn.to/2xZ0DPm)

KAMINARI VOL. 2
19 More Japanese Garage Monsters

This monster compilation is described as: “Since the long sold out Kaminari Vol. 1 compilation, we spent almost two years trekking through the mountains and bamboo forests, to bring you 19 entirely different breeds of monster. If you thought the first Kaminari album was vicious, you better brace yourself because Vol.2 is just plain killer!”

So, at #2 is a band named Lulufin the Woo Hoo. These are four girls from Osaka and they describe themselves as “Girl Surf Instro.” This band is cool. Actually, I’ve wanted a recording from these ladies for a long time and thanks to the folks at Kaminari Vol. 2, I got them!

They’ve got a great Facebook page too: https://www.facebook.com/lulufinthewoohoo/

#2) Lulufin the Woo Hoo – Jellyfish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFWsF4qjvBI

At #1 are one of Japan’s best garage bands: the Routes! The Routes are not strangers to this countdown as they have been on it MANY times in the past! World Famous DJ, Rodney Bingenheimer, has been playing the Routes just about every show since lat year. That’s how much he digs this hot band – from Japan! The Routes have some new hot wax coming out in November and this is the first single from The Routes’ next record, “Dirty Needles and Pins” which will be out November 17 from NYC’s Greenway Records!

The Routes have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theroutes/

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

Spotlight Artist!  Today’s spotlight artists are the main band that appears on the soundtrack of  “Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock n Roll Ghost Story.”  They are the Neatbeats! The Neatbeats are easy to understand for a foreign audience. They are the Japanese Beatles. But this is no crap cover band. No siree! The Neatbeats are one of the best, and most entertaining bands I have ever seen in my life and I have seen LOTS and LOTS of bands.

Of course, the Neatbeats have a Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/theneatbeats/

Spotlight Artist!  The NEATBEATS – Snakey Baby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1L3leqBg-8

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/

The Japanese trailer just came out! (It has English subtitles!) Check it! Oh, and we have a really cool webpage: http://ghostroads.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

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About Mike in Tokyo Rogers: Mike has been a professional music/TV/radio/anime-related program producer in Japan since the eighties. He began in the music business in 1977 as lead vocalist with the legendary Los Angeles Punk Band, “The Rotters” (Sit on My Face Stevie Nix.). As a university student, he was assistant to the legendary Rodney Bingenheimer (Rodney on the ROQ – KROQ Los Angeles from 1980 ~ 1981.) Mike was the first and only foreigner in Japanese history to become the General Manager of a major Japanese broadcasting station (TV Tokyo owned InterFM). Has produced a few smash hit programs (some real losers, too!) and several of Tokyo’s highest rated and most famous radio programs. A recent hit program was “The TV Show” (Set Program with “Ninja Slayer”) which, between April – Oct. 2015, garnered over 10 million viewers.  He is currently producing and hosting “WTF?” the hugely popular Sunday live show on InterFM 89.7 . And his life’s dream is his just completed full-length motion picture, “Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock and Roll Ghost Story”which will be released by a major Japanese motion picture company and in theaters all across Japan in Autumn 2017.

Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock and Roll Ghost Story Japanese Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxwJ4AfzOwM&t

Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock and Roll Ghost Story Foreign trailer: https://vimeo.com/210533272)

… Oh, and he likes to write about himself in the third person!

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PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK:

Top 3 Indies Videos 10/14/17! Femme Krawall (Ger.), Neatbeats (Jpn), Fazerdaze, Pale Waves! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-101417-femme-krawall-ger-neatbeats-jpn-fazerdaze-pale-waves/

Top 3 Indies Videos 10/08/17! Crazy Squeeze, Su凸ko D凹koi (すっとこどっこい), The Beverleys!
robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-100817/

Top 3 Videos 9/30/17! The Neatbeats (Jpn!), Lola Pistola, The Jacques, MeMe Detroit! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-92317-the-neatbeats-jpn-lola-pistola-the-jacques-meme-detroit/

Top 3 Videos 9/16/17! Amyl & the Sniffers, Cambodian Space Project, Mackshow (Jpn), Shame! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-91617-amyl-the-sniffers-cambodian-space-project-mackshow-jpn-shame/

Top 3 Videos 9/9/17! The 50 Kaitenz (Jpn), Lisa Mychols, The Sold! & Bones!, Ya Freshness! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-9217-the-50-kaitenz-jpn-lisa-mychols-the-sold-and-bones-ya-freshness/

Top 3 Videos 9/2/17! Twinkles, Neatbeats, Peter118, Mr. Diagonal! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-9217-twinkles-neatbeats-peter118-mr-diagonal/

Top 3 Videos 8/25/17! The Neatbeats, Darts, Estrons, Honeychain, Creepshow, Homeless Gospel Choir! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-82517-the-neatbeats-darts-estrons-honeychain-creepshow-homeless-gospel-choir/

Top 3 Videos 8/18/17! Amyl & the Sniffers, Aimee Lay, Holy Moly & The Crackers, The Soap (Jpn) robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-81817-amyl-the-sniffers-aimee-lay-holy-moly-the-crackers-the-soap-jpn/

Top 3 Videos 8/11/17! Amyl & The Sniffers, Spam69 (Jpn!), Draggs, Cosmic Psychos! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-81117-amyl-the-sniffers-spam69-jpn–draggs-cosmic-psychos/

Top 3 Videos 8/5/17! Kilo Tango, Cat Lundy, Amyl & the Sniffers, Lucy Gucy, The 50 Kaitenz (Jpn!) robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-8517-kilo-tango-cat-lundy-amyl-the-sniffers-lucy-gucy-the-50-kaitenz-jpn/

Top 3 Indies Videos August 2, 2017! The Twinkles, The Shanghais, Daisy House, Thee 50s Highteens (Jpn)! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-august-2-2017-the-twinkles-the-shanghais-daisy-house-thee-50s-highteens–jpn/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/29/17! Fiona Silver, Sloan Peterson, Shitkid, Shit Girlfriend! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-72217-starcrawler–tacocat-polo-pan-daisuke-takase-jpn/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/16/17! Bombón, Dubmatix King, The Van T’s, N’shukugawa Boys (Japan) robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-71617-bombon-dubmatix-king-the-van-ts-nshukugawa-boys-japan/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/9/17! Pats Pats (Jpn), Pale Lips, Flemmings & Peeling! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-7917-pats-pats-jpn-pale-lips-flemmings-peeling/

Top 3 Indies Videos 7/1/17! Vile Assembly, Wolf Girl, Taffy (Jpn), Mutation, The Darling Buds, Bonsai Kitten! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-videos-7117-vile-assembly-wolf-girl-taffy-jpn-mutation-the-darling-buds-bonsai-kitten/

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

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!

Top 3 Indies Music Videos 3/25/17! The Stephanies, Kolars, Bonsai Kitten, Fazerdaze!

It’s time once again for the Top 3 Indies Artist Video Countdown. The Top 3 best Indies and Alternative Music artists for the week of Mar. 25, 2017! As usual, all artists who make the Top 3 countdown, get an automatic pass to be aired on my nationally broadcast FM radio show, “WTF?” (What the Funday?) on InterFM 897 (Sundays 8 am ~ 10 am). interFm.co.jp/wtf/

Starting us off today are a band that were introduced to us by, Marleen of Bonsai Kitten. Bonsai Kitten are are “Rock riot from Berlin.” They have some interesting and amusing comments on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BonsaiKittenBand/) It says, “All paws up!!! Do what you want to!!! Times are changing! Be the change you want to see in this fucking world! Open your mind + your eyes! Revolt!! Scream! Demostrate!!! Protest!!!!! Speak your mind!!!!! Do something!!!!!!! Be a part of this change!!!!!

This is the latest single from Bonsai Kitten.

#3) Bonsai Kitten – Mindcraft    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPu75Ka7pjk

At #2 is something by a brand new artist named Fazerdaze. Fazerdaze is “A girl in bedroom on guitar.” The label webpage says, “The brainchild of Amelia Murray, Fazerdaze began as a string of bedroom recordings created late in the night, emerging fully-formed in 2014 as her debut eponymous EP. A succinct collection of intimate, beautifully produced dream-pop written, produced and performed by Murray herself. It’s a significant first outing for the young New Zealander with layers of softly crunching guitars swirling over consistently driving drum machines, and sparse electronica.” This video was shot by Amelia and her friend Sam Kristofski. It reminds me of Astro Boy for some reason. It’s very cute. Here’s Fazerdaze’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fazerdazemusic

#2) Fazerdaze – Lucky Girl    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My4j3vgFxbE

At #1 this week is another new artist named “The Kolars.” The Kolars descirbe themselves as, “Desert Disco. Glam-a-Billy. Space Blues. R&Beyond.” OK? Sounds cool. The Kolars are a husband and wife duo. They are getting fab reviews. Check this: “KOLARS has created a sonic world that straddles self-described genres such as Desert Disco, R&Beyond, Space Blues, and Glam-a-billy . Rob produces, mixes, and writes the material. His studio experimentation is incorporated into the live show. Lauren has invented her own drumming style. She tap dances rhythms with her feet atop a bass drum while simultaneously playing a stand-up kit. She uses this dance to transform beats into natural extensions of her movement. The two perform with energy, sweat, and excitement, thrilling audiences with their unabashed exuberance.”
Go “Like” their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kolarstheband/

#1) Kolars – One More Thrill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D675mAfdNeU

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Today’s Spotlight Artist are no strangers to our countdown. It’s Japan’s own, The Stephanies! The other day, the Stephanies came on my radio show as guests and unveiled their newest single, “Haconia.”…. Then, we all went to eat sushi! Really!

Stephanies sushi 031217

Soon after, the Stephanies had their new single release party and tour final show on March 26… But, guess what? For the encore of their tour final, they kicked off their new tour that ends in May! Wow! Go like their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TheStephanies/

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Stephanies – Haconia   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNIPXaQsMp0

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

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About Mike in Tokyo Rogers: Mike has been a professional music/TV/radio/anime-related program producer in Japan since the eighties. He began in the music business in 1977 as lead vocalist with the legendary Los Angeles Punk Band, “The Rotters” (Sit on My Face Stevie Nix.). As a university student, he was assistant to the legendary Rodney Bingenheimer (Rodney on the ROQ – KROQ Los Angeles from 1980 ~ 1981.) Mike was the first and only foreigner in Japanese history to become the General Manager of a major Japanese broadcasting station (TV Tokyo owned InterFM). Has produced a few smash hit programs and several of Japan’s highest rated and most famous radio programs. A recent hit program was “The TV Show” (Set Program with “Ninja Slayer”) which, between April – Oct. 2015, garnered over 10 million viewers.  He is currently producing and hosting “WTF?” the hugely popular Sunday live show on InterFM 89.7 as well as Rakuten Superrr Radio’s  Power Morning everyday Mon. ~ Fri. 6 am ~ 10 am. As well as Rakuten Superrr Radio’s Power Evening Mon. ~ Fri. 5 pm ~ 8 pm. And his life’s dream is his just completed full-length motion picture, Ghostroads – A Japanese Rock and Roll Ghost Storywhich will be released by a major Japanese motion picture company and in theaters all across Japan in Autumn 2017. (See trailer here: https://vimeo.com/197078048)

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PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK: 

Top 3 Indies Music Videos 3/18/17! Japanese Bands! The Swamps, Pats Pats, Su Ko D Koi, The Goggles! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-music-videos-31817-japanese-bands-the-swamps-pats-pats-su-ko-d-koi-the-goggles/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Mar. 11, 2017! Theee Bat (Japan), Middle Kids, Honeychain! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-mar-11-2017-theee-bat-japan-the-mirror-trap-honeychain/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Mar. 4, 2017! Baby Shakes, TsuShiMaMire (Japan), The Coathangers, Hands Off Gretel! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-mar-4-2017-baby-shakes-tsu-shi-ma-mire-japan-the-coathangers-hands-off-gretel/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Feb 26, 2017! Neatbeats (Japan), Lemon Twigs, Faz Waltz, Honeychain! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-feb-26-2017-neatbeats-japan-lemon-twigs-faz-waltz-honeychain/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Feb 19, 2017! Sex Organs, LA Velvet, Molice (Japan), Honeyblood! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-feb-19-2017-sex-organs-la-velvet-molice-japan-honeyblood/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Feb 12, 2017! The Coathangers, The Regrettes, The Routes & Luby Sparks (Japan), http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-feb-12-2017-the-coathangers-the-regrettes-the-routes-luby-sparks-japan/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Feb 5, 2017! Baby Shakes, Su Ko D Koi (Japan), Bleached, Daphne Guinness! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-feb-5-2017-baby-shakes-su-ko-d-koi-japan-bleached-daphne-guinness/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Jan 29, 2017! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-jan-29-2017-pint-shot-riot-lola-dutronic-david-the-curse-molice-japan/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Jan 22, 2017! Daphne Guinness, Kylie Hughes, Peter118, Plasticzooms (Japan) robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-jan-22-2017-daphne-guinness-kylie-hughes-tilli-plasticzooms-japan/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Jan 8, 2017! Su凸ko D凹koi, Sex Organs, Tearaways, Cabbage! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-jan-8-2017-su凸ko-d凹koi-sex-organs-tearaways-cabbage/

Top 3 Indies Artist Videos for Jan 1, 2017! Rews, The Tearaways, Future Babes, Su Ko D Koi (Japan) http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-indies-artist-videos-for-dec-31-2016-rews-the-tearaways-future-babes-su-ko-d-koi-japan/

 

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

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!

Top 3 Videos for Aug. 13, 2016! Black Honey, Mirror Trap, Spam 69 (Japan), Rock ‘n’ Roll Monkey & the Robots!

It’s time once again for the Top 3 Videos! The best of the Top 3 Indies Band videos for August 13, 2016!

And at #3 this week is the newest sensation from Brighton England. A female fronted 4-piece named Blood Honey and they are coming to Japan! They are performing at the Astro Hall in Harajuku on August 19th and appearing at Summersonic that weekend with The Mirror Trap!!!! See them before they become big!

The Black Honey with The Mirror Trap club show will be @  the Astro Hall in Harajuku Tokyo on Friday August 19th. For more information see:  http://www.creativeman.co.jp/event/mirror_black/

Black Honey describe themselves as a, “60’s alternative female fronted indie psychedelic rock chick band from Brighton.” They are cool.

Oh, and here is the FB page for Black Honey: 
https://www.facebook.com/BlackHoneyUK

#3) Black Honey – Bloodlust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2k-dZhgAPI

At #2 is a mysterious band that I stumbled upon while collecting records for weirdos at the last record collectors fair. Didn’t know if I should put it in the Top 3 or in the “Cool & Strange Music” countdown so I thought, “Why not both?” They call themselves, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Monkey & the Robots.” They describe themselves as a “60s garage, rock, rockabilly, garage punk, surf band from Detroit.” Here is their FB page. Go be the first one on your block to go and “Like” it: https://www.facebook.com/Rock-n-Roll-Monkey-and-the-Robots-134899603208073/

#2) Rock ‘n’ Roll Monkey & the Robots – “I Like To Go Man Go” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1KtidMBRNw

At #1 is the mighty Mirror Trap from Scotland with their newest video hot off the presses. And guess what? The Mirror Trap are coming to Japan too. In fact, they will be performing with this week’s #3 artist, Black Honey, at the Astro Hall in Harajuku on August 19th and appearing at Summersonic that weekend. This show will become legendary! See them before they become big!

TheMirror Trap with Black Honey show will be @  the Astro Hall in Harajuku Tokyo on Friday August 19th. For more information see:  http://www.creativeman.co.jp/event/mirror_black/

I’ll be there. I hope to see you there too!

#1) The Mirror Trap – Under The Glass Towers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz5zaf7NlEI

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST! Today’s Spotlight Artist is a Japanese Punk/Garage outfit that cracks me up. They are 6 crazy mo-fos that put on a wild rock n roll show. They kind of remind me of an Iggy and the Stooges on Spam. They’ve been around since 2011 and they are from Tokyo, Japan. Their name is Spam69.

Spam 69

Spam 69

OK. I have to explain. English speaking people will think this name is “Spam sixty-nine,” (which is also a great name), but the name of the band is, “Spam Rock.” You see, the numbers “69” are read in Japanese as, “Ro Ku.” Get it? “Roku,” “Rock.” I love these guys balls out attack on rock music as well as their sense of humor. Here is their FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/THE-SPAM69-295272680531003/?fref=ts

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST!  Spam69 – Fuck You, Fuck Mehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFaZRwX7ZO8

Hilarious!

Well that’s it for today. See you next week – Mike in Tokyo Rogers

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PAST ISSUES OF THE TOP 3 VIDEOS:

LAST WEEK: 

Top 3 Videos for Aug. 6, 2016! The Whereabouts, Guitarwolf, Mirror Trap, Dog Party! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-aug-6-2016-the-whereabouts-guitarwolf-mirror-trap-dog-party/

Top 3 Videos for July 31, 2016! Ginger Wildheart, myeahns (Japan), Deap Vally, Julie Ruin!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-july-31-2016-ginger-wildheart-myeahns-japan-deap-vally-julie-ruin/

Top 3 Videos for July 19, 2016! The Mirror Trap, Black Honey, The Coathangers!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-july-19-2016-the-mirror-trap-black-honey-the-coathangers/

Top 3 Videos for June 25, 2016! Kill My Coquette, Rat Boy, Van T’s, Let’s Go’s (Japan)!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-june-25-2016-kill-my-couquette-ratboy-van-ts-lets-gos-japan/

Top 3 Videos for June 25, 2016! Richie Ramone, Rangsteen (Japan), Angelic Milk, Mommy Long Legs! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-june-25-2016-richie-ramone-rangsteen-japan-angelic-milk-mommy-long-legs/

Top 3 Videos for June 18, 2016! Frankie and the Studs, Su Ko D Koi (Japan), Creeping Ivies, Dressy Bessy! robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-june-18-2016-frankie-and-the-studs-su-ko-d-koi-japan-creeping-ivies-dressy-bessy/

Top 3 Videos for June 11, 2016! The Mirror Trap, Woolly Bandits, So So Glos, King Brothers (Japan) http://robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-june-11-2016-the-mirror-trap-woolly-bandits-so-so-glos-king-brothers-japan/

Top 3 Videos for June 5, 2016! Wendy James, The 50 Kaitenz, The Sloths, John No Arms!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-june-5-2016-wendy-james-the-50-kaitenz-the-sloths-john-no-arms/

Top 3 Videos for May 21, 2016! The Routes (Japan), Wendy James, Parquet Courts, Jack Torera!  robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-may-21-2016-the-routes-japan-wendy-james-parquet-courts-jack-torera/

Top 3 Videos for May 14, 2016! The Mirror Trap! Shonen Knife, Lucy’s Crown, Peter118!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-may-14-2016-the-mirror-trap-shonen-knife-lucys-crown-peter118/

Top 3 Videos for April 30, 2016! Mitski, Skating Polly, Palaye Royale, Japan’s own Molice!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-april-30-2016-mitski-skating-polly-palaye-royale-japans-own-molice/

Top 3 Videos for April 23, 2016! Frankie Cosmos, Bleached, Dog Party and Japan’s Count Phantom!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-april-23-2016-frankie-cosmos-bleached-dog-party-and-japans-count-phantom/

Top 3 Videos for April 17, 2016! Japanese Punk Bands! The Privates, Moja, Su Ko D Koi, The Soap!robot55.jp/blog/top-3-videos-for-april-17-2016-japanese-punk-bands-the-privates-moja-su-ko-d-koi-the-soap/

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

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!

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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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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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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♬

————

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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Cool and Strange Music Countdown – Jan. 14, 2015 – David Bowie Tribute!

Welcome friends! It’s time once again for the Cool & Strange Music Countdown! It’s been a sad week this week due to the passing of one of the greatest stars of the 20th and 21st centuries. You all know I am talking about the death of David Bowie.

Bowie so influenced my life. When I was a teenager, David Bowie was just about all I ever listened to. I did listen to other music, of course, but no one ever touched my life or enthralled me like Bowie did. I wanted to be like him and even look like him.

He taught me that it was OK to be different and that everyone is special. I got high with him, laughed and screamed with him, sang with him and dreamed with him…

And, on Jan. 11, 2016, Bowie made me remember how to cry again.

This is the Cool & Strange Music countdown. And what could be cooler than David Bowie or stranger than he? Today, I want to share with you some of David Bowie’s music, art, fashions and some of the really fantastic and bizarre videos he made.

There’s so many great Bowie videos that I couldn’t possibly list them all. This first video is a great start as it has an interesting story. It was 1972 and David Bowie was breaking big in England. David Bowie was the first rock star of the seventies. Before him, all the bands were remainders from the sixties and the Vietnam War and the Hippie movement. Bowie came out with outrageous red hair, and androgynous look and spandex clothes. He looked totally different from all other rock stars. He appeared on “Top of the Pops” with the Spiders from Mars (His band from “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”). This was the moment the Bowie became a superstar. Watch carefully as he captured an entire nation of British girls when he points at the camera (at about 1:35) and sings, “I had to phone someone so I picked on you-u-u-u!” Every girl in the UK fell in love with him at that very moment because he was talking directly to them. A heart-throb not seen since the likes of silent film superstar Rudolph Valentino was born.

#4) David Bowie – Starman  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B5zmDz4vR4

In the late eighties, I was programming the music videos for a TV show here in Japan. When I received the list of possible videos that I could select from, I found this official version of “Jean Genie.” I inserted it into the playlist. Later, I would receive complaints from some people at the station for “playing too many old videos.” I also received massive accolades (mostly from women viewers) about this video and how, even after all those years, Bowie was still so fashionable and cool. I was redeemed. It’s still way cool now! Check it

#3) David Bowie – Jean Genie https://vimeo.com/61137000

Many Bowie videos were so artistically done that they belong in a category by themselves. Here is a classic Bowie track with the bizarre video that looks like something out of a dream. Pay special attention to the characters in this video. Who are they? Why are they there? What does it all mean? I especially was floored by the appearance of his “mom”(?) at about 3:12. It seems like an experience we all had in our lives; our mothers trying to convince us to change our ways. Or, maybe in Bowie’s case, she is trying to convince him to “come back to earth.” Wow! What an imagination!

#2) David Bowie – Ashes To Ashes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMThz7eQ6K0

Last night, as I lay in bed. I could hear my son practicing piano upstairs. He won second place in the All-Japan Piano Finals so he is no slouch on the keyboard. He will be playing at Japan’s version of Carnegie Hall in March. You can imagine the tears I shed when I heard him playing this next song and singing. He only plays classical piano, but I think, someday, it will matter that the first rock song he has ever played on the piano in his life is Bowie’s “Life on Mars.”

“Life on Mars” was directed by the world famous photographer, Mick Rock. I guess I can say that the closest I ever came to Bowie was that Mick Rock’s wife, Sheila Rock, a famous photographer in her own right, has also taken my photo! I think if there ever just one Bowie song I could take to heaven, it would be this. What style and fashion! What great lyrics and what a touching song.

#1) David Bowie – Life On Mars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEgfckymRjY

Thank you David Bowie! I love you! Even in your death, you are with me and a guiding light to do greater things than myself.

See you next week!

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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♬

————

Past issues of:

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 Scumbags robot55.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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