BEST OF 2007 (J-Rock song selection)

Well after one of the BEST J-Rock years in the last decade, I am proud to say these are my choices for the TOP 90+ songs in the (mostly J-Rock) genre (with a few adlibs, J-Pop songs, & bonus songs that reach the Japanese market)... I pick the songs by the singles, or the really strong songs off an album release that outshine the act's single releases (and some imput from Brian ^_^)... I usually start this list about mid-year, & most of the bands represent the mainstream J-Rock & Visual genres & some indies acts as well.. You'll see a lot of repeat preformers from the 2006 collection, some old friends returned, new faces, & fan faves... So here it is... the official tracklist for my "BEST OF 2007 MP3 Disc"
***In alphabetical order***
Artist/song:

1. 12012 - cyclone
2. ABINGDON BOYS SCHOOL - howling
3. ACID BLACK CHERRY - spell magic
4. ALICE NINE - white prayer
5. AN CAFE - ryusei rocket
6. ANGELA - gravitation
7. ANIMETAL - pegasus fantasy (saint seiya anime cover - bonus track)
8. ASAKUSA JINTA - sky zero
9. THE BACK HORN - utsukushii namae
10. BEAT CRUSADERS - ghost
11. BLOOD - brumes et pluies
12. THE BRILLIANT GREEN - enemy
13. BUCK-TICK - alice in wonder underground
14. BUMP OF CHICKEN - mayday
15. B'Z - super love song
16. CHOKESLEEPER - space in my pocket
17. D - dearest you
18. DEMON KOGURE - distanca ~kono mune no yakusoku~
19. D'ERLANGER - xxx for you
20. D'ESPAIRS RAY - mirror
21. DIR EN GREY - concieved sorrow
22. DUEL JEWEL - es
23. THE EMERALDS - juliet (bonus track)
24. EVE - play me (bonus track)
25. F.I.R. - tenth planet (bonus track)
26. THE FIFTY KAITENZ - ???
27. YOSHIKI FUKUYAMA - hajimari no hi
28. THE GAZETTE - chizuru
29. GACKT - returner ~yami no shuuen~
30. GALNERYUS - everlasting
31. GIRUGAMESH - vermillion
32. GLAY - kodo
33. GO!GO!7188 - manatsu no dance hall
34. HIGH & MIGHTY COLOR - rosier (Luna Sea cover)
35. HIZAKI GRACE PROJECT - mizerable
36. HY - street story (bonus track)
37. JAM PROJECT - rocks
38. JUKA - aravesque
39. RYUICHI KAWAMURA (Luna Sea) - once again
40. KAGRAA - shizuku
41. KAYA (Schwarz Stein) - kagami oni
42. KETCHUP MANIA - real yaayo
43. NANA KITADE - antoinette blue
44. KAELA KIMURA - yellow
45. RIYU KOSAKA - danzai no hana ~guilty sky~
46. KUMI KODA - ai no uta
47. SHIZUKA KUDO - amayo no tsuki ni
48. L'ARC~EN~CIEL - daybreak's bell
49. LORD feat. VIGILANTE - silent jealousy (X Japan cover - bonus track)
50. M.O.V.E. feat. 8-BALL - speed master
51. MEILIN - save my soul
52. MELL - virgin high!
53. MERRY - blind romance
54. MISONO - zasetsu chiten (by Straightener)
55. MIYAVI - neo-visualism
56. MOI DIX MOIS - xanadu
57. HARUKO MOMOI - tough boy (fist of the northstar anime cover)
58. MUCC - libra
59. MURAMASA - can't sleep but
60. MIYU NAGASE - key ~yume kara samete
61. NIGHTMARE - raison d'etre
62. NOODLES - love my life
63. MASAMI OKUI - gaia2012
64. OLIVIA - starless night
65. ONMYOUZA - kokui no tennyo
66. LENA PARK - inori ~you raise me up~ (Josh Groban cover - japanese version)
67. THE PILLOWS - scarecrow
68. PISTOL VALVE - flap up elephant
69. PORNO GRAFFITTI - link
70. RENTRER EN SOI - just mad pain
71. RICE - tsuji
72. SCARECROW - steal your misery
73. SID - mitsuyubi
74. SKULL CANDY - kimi ga kureta mono
75. STRAIGHTENER - today
76. SWINGING POPSICLE - crash
77. TAIA - kazamai
78. NAMI TAMAKI - brightdown
79. YOUSEI TEIKOKU - gothic lolia propaganda
80. TETSU (L'Arc~en~Ciel) - can't stop believing
81. TOKYO JIHEN - killer tune
82. TOMMY HEAVENLY6 - heavy starry chain
83. ANNA TSUCHIYA - bubble trip
84. VERSAILLES - shout & bites
85. VIDOLL - cloud
86. WITCHERY SKANK - snow magic
87. VIOLET UK - blue butterfly
88. WIZARD - kuchizuke
89. X JAPAN - longing (demo) (2007 CD release - bonus track)
90. YOU (Janne Da Arc) - powder happiness (instrumental)
91. ZWEI - 1+1=2
**. ???????? - ????? ????? ?? ???? (???????? ???????)

Hopefully you'll find some new bands you like & hear some of your favorites in this selection as well!! THANX!!

L'Arc~en~Ciel KISS (review) +

L'Arc~en~Ciel: KISS *****

Mega popular J-rock sensation L'Arc~en~Ciel strike back in 2007 with their 11th original album enitiled "KISS"... Being a HUGE L'Arc fan even though this came out last month I wanted some real time to listen to it & really soak it in before I posted a review. "SMILE" was Larku's epic raw-edge return album & will always hold a special place as my fave album of their's due to the Otakon concert in 2004. "AWAKE" was the proper follow-up that boasted many powerful singles & some of their best writing to date... after a year off, how would "KISS" stack up? It was evident by the early singles like "Seventh Heaven, My Heart Draws a Dream, & Daybreak's Bell" that this album was going to have a retro L'Arc feel to it, which it does. And in all honesty I prefer some of the album tracks to the singles (which is rare) ...although this album's songs are more joined in flavoring than alot of L'Arc's later 90's work, it is not as conjoined as "SMILE" (which almost sounds like it was written in one session,) or as polished as "AWAKE" (which has some real song mastery on it), but hold's it's own as one of L'Arc's stronger albums. Song's like the catchy "Pretty Girl", the moody "The Black Rose", or the epic ballad "Yuki no Ashiato" are some real jems in L'Arc's entire discography...and will have you going back for repeat listens immediately. The only somewhat "off" song is the final single from this release "Hurry Xmas" which is an over the top Christmas big-band ballad released for the season, & even though winter themed material is nothing new for L'Arc, this particular number is a bit rich to be an album track (thankfully the last on the album) as it will be one after Xmas you will probably pass... This song IMO should have been a single release only. The boys should have included the anime "Moribito's" AWESOME opening theme "Shine" ..which sounded like it would be one of the best songs on this album, yet it has not been released as an album track or single release despite being attached to the period martial arts anime early in 2007. Their next release is yet ANOTHER single that is not "Shine"... when is this song going to be released??? I thought for sure when it wasn't a single, it would have been on the album, & then when that proved to be wrong, that it would be the "after single"... & again that failed to be true... @_@
Where is "Shine?" I want that song!!!
All in all L'Arc delivers another great album that will have their fans very pleased with a strong 2007 effort filled with much greatness! Check it out, you'll love it!!

L'Arc~en~Ciel from their new album KISS (ALSO available on iTunes):
"Pretty Girl"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/L%27Arc%7Een%7ECiel%20-%2002%20-%20Pretty%20girl.mp3
"Sunadokei"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/L%27Arc%7Een%7ECiel%20-%2004%20-%20Sunadokei.mp3
"The Black Rose"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/L%27Arc%7Een%7ECiel%20-%2009%20-%20THE%20BLACK%20ROSE.mp3
"Yuki no Ashiaro"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/L%27Arc%7Een%7ECiel%20-%2011%20-%20Yuki%20no%20Ashiato.mp3

LUNA SEA TRIBUTE: Memorial Cover Album -Re:birth-
Some of your favorite acts came together this December to tribute one of the BEST Visual Kei bands ever, the legendary LUNA SEA... & even though the tracklist changed a bit from the 1st released tidbits, there is truly some real justice served on this album covering the aforementioned Visual Gods... from the likes of MUCC, MERRY, HIGH & MIGHTY COLOR, NAMI TAMAKI, ABINGDON BOYS SCHOOL, KANNIVALISM, MARTY FRIEDMAN, & more!!...
For your LUNA SEA cover listening pleasure:

MUCC: "Deja Vu"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20-%20Dejavu.mp3?

MERRY: "Precious"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/04%20-%20PRECIOUS....mp3

NAMI TAMAKI: "Storm"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/03%20-%20STORM.mp3

HIGH & MIGHTY COLOR: "Rosier"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/05%20-%20ROSIER.mp3

MARTY FRIEDMAN: "Shine"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/10%20-%20SHINE.mp3

***Other Cool NEW Stuff***:

12012: "Screen Out" (from their new album "Diamond")
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/03%20-%20SCREEN%20OUT.mp3

ACID BLACK CHERRY: "Aishitenai" (new single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20-%20Acid%20Black%20Chery%20-%20Aishitenai.mp3

ANGELA: "End Of The World" ~remaster (from their new Best 2CD set "Treasure Box")
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/03.%20The%20End%20Of%20The%20World.mp3

THE BRILLIANT GREEN: "Enemy" (new single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01.%20Enemy.mp3

DUEL JEWEL: "Buller x Star" (from their new album "Bullets" ...finally ^_-)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/04%20bullet%20x%20star.mp3

GO!GO!7188: "Poloroid ~live bootleg @ the Knitting Factory NYC 8.2007"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/04%20Polaroid.mp3

HIZAKI GRACE PROJECT (Hizaki & Juka): "Mizerable" (from their album "Dignity of Crest")
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/03%20Mizerable.mp3

NANA KITADE feat. MARTY FRIEDMAN: "Alice" (from her new Best album "Berry Berry Singles")
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/Nana%20Kitade%20(feat%20Marty%20Friedman)%20-%2011%20-%20Alice%20~Tsubureta%20Berry%20Ver.~.mp3

NIGHTMARE: "Dirty" (new single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01.DIRTY.mp3

***Bonus track from Guitar Hero III ~Steve Ouimette "Devil Went Down to Georgia" ^_-
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/11-steve_ouimette-devil_went_down_to_georgia__guitar_hero_original_.mp3?gda=5yWRSXgAAAAgMIm1j-dtsN5eNf-coMVV7v06L63vf2FBHD9wnXXmLGG1qiJ7UbTIup-M2XPURDQMBsl0dae1q92-0COSJ9qTKtrAW9yVRulHGai0wVUAukunoKNU4q4VaWCVljBcanz0wMmGVBFlhCAne-0GsXWi8sRAzm5UXyllIosOsu_D-g

GALNERYUS on itunes!!

Galneryus' 1st album "The Flag of Punishment" is currently available at iTunes.
Albums 2, 3, & 4 "Advance to the Fall,"" Beyond the End of Despair" and "One for All - All for One" are also expected to become available for foreign customers to purchase in the future!! As you can see your favorite J-ROCK is already hitting itunes today! This is just the beginning of something great for J-ROCK in the USA!!

MUCC USA ALBUM in 2008!!!

MUCC's website states that a brand new "untitled" album is coming in March 2008, but the BIGGER news is that the album will not ONLY get Japan & Europe releases... but ALSO a USA RELEASE!!! @_@ ^_^
This news is from their offical site: http://www.55-69.com/
They will also be on tour in the US, with fellow visual rockers D'espairsRay as part of the "Taste of Chaos Tour 2008" spanning from 2.2008~5.2008...
More info as it becomes available!!

JAPAN NITE DATE Announced!!

Looks like our friends at the KNITTING FACTORY NYC will be hosting "JAPAN NITE" again in 2008!!
2007 was a great event featuring a live-wire roster full of J-Rock fun with fan favorites GO!GO!7188, & HY...classic "Japan Nite" acts like The Emeralds, plus brand new original break-through talent like ASAKUSA JINTA & PISTOL VALVE!
Here's hoping for another fantastic lineup in 2008!! We should start making plans to be there!!
DATE @ KNITTING FACTORY NYC:
Sunday, Mar 16, 2008 // DOORS 7:00 PM // ADV $10// DOS $12
***2008 J-ROCK BANDS HAVE YET TO BE ANNOUNCED***

Samples from Japan Nite 2007 Live @ The Knitting Factory in NYC:

GO!GO!7188
"Jet Ninjin"
professional audio: http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/JET%20NINJIN%20PRO%20VER%20Knitting%20Factory%20NYC%2031107%20(audio).mp3

"Ukifune"
bootleg audio: http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/Ukifune%20NYC%2031107%20(audio).mp3

bootleg video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGTxRlVelBI

HY
"Street Story" feat Doug E. Fresh
bootleg video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg4c5gBb-ao

TOP to BOTTOM: Asakusa Jinta/Pistol Valve/The Emeralds/HY/GO!GO!7188

photos by Jeff Katin

DIR EN GREY ~DECADE (official best)

On 12.19.07 in Japan DIR EN GREY will release their 1st official "best of" collections chronicling their decade in the mainstream. The 1st release is a 2-CD set spanning 1998~2007, the 2nd is 1 CD from 2003~2007. On a personal note, I don't think I could put a better 3 CD compilation together myself of their music as this is an amazingly strong tracklist of Dir en Grey's best single & album tracks & a must for any Diru-fan!! @_@ Check it out!!

DECADE 1998~2002:
CD1:
1. akuro no oka
2. cage
3. schwein no isu
4. yokan
5. 304 goushitsu, hakushi no sakura
6. deity
7. rasetsukoku
8. audrey
9. myaku
10. wake
11. jealous reverse

CD2:
1. ain't afraid to die
2. filth
3. bottom of the death valley
4. gyakujoi tannnou keloid milk
5. kigan
6. embryo (single ver)
7. mushi
8. mr. newsman
9. umbrella
10. child prey

DECADE 2003~2007:
1. obscure
2. kasumi
3. the 3D empire
4. drain away
5. sajou no uta
6. audience killer loop
7. saku
8. dead tree
9. merciless cult
10. kodou
11. C
12. the final
13. clever sleazoid
14. grief
15. agitated screams of maggots
16. ryoujoku no ame
17. repetition of hatred
18. conceived sorrow

Here's hoping for a release with "FREE WILL AMERICA" who also released "Withering to Death" & "Marrow of a Bone" here in the US.
site:
http://www.free-will-america.com/portal/
online store:
http://www.free-will-america.com/store/

YOSHIKI 2006~2007

YOSHIKI made good on his promises in 2006 for 2007... Not only did his new super-band S.K.I.N. (feat Gackt, Sugizo, & Miyavi) perform live in the US @ Anime Expo for their Debut, he also hosted the biggest Visual event ever in the US with his JROCK REVOLUTION (featuring bands like Mucc, Merry, Duel Jewel, & D'espairs Ray) & he also gave us a new VIOLET UK release & reunited X JAPAN both for US movie soundtracks... with the promise of a X JAPAN Reuninon Tour & possible new album... 2008 looks prosperous as well!! The gang was VERY lucky to meet one of the founders of the Visual-kei movement last year, & this year he just continues to impress... check out some of YOSHIKI'S madness in 2007!!

X JAPAN: "I.V." (first new song from X since 1997, featured in US horror film "SAW IV", this is a preview bootleg rip of the recording of their PV performance in Japan, featuring YOSHIKI, TOSHI, PATA, HEATH & a recorded segment from the deceased HIDE, making all 5 members part of this awesome new song!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/X-JAPAN%20-%20IV%20.mp3

VIOLET UK: "Blue Butterfly" (new song *first studio commercial release* from the US horror film "Catacombs" ost)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/VIOLET%20UK%20-%20Blue%20Butterfly.mp3

S.K.I.N: "Geisha" (live bootleg from Anime Expo 2007)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/S.K.I.N.%20-%20GEISHA%20Live%20AX07.mp3

***THE BEST of the NEW NEOCLASSICAL VISUAL ROCK: with front-runners JUKA (ex-Moi Dix Mois) HIZAKI one of the hottest guitarist in Visual Rock scene (ex- Madeth Gray'll) & KAMIJO (ex-Lariene)

JUKA: "Saint Croix" (cool new single from ex-Moi Dix Mois singer)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20SAINT%20CROIX.mp3

HIZAKI GRACE PROJECT: "Philosopher" (from their debut album "Dignity Of Crest" featurng Juka & Hizaki one of the best guitarists on the J-rock scene!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20Philosopher.mp3?

VERSALLIES: "Shout & Bites" (new project from Kamijo & Hizaki guitarist from their brand new hot debut EP "Lyrical Symphony!!")
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/3%20Shout%20&%20Bites.mp3?

*** more VISUAL ROCK:

MUCC: "FUZZ" (new single from everybody's favorite band)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20FUZZ.mp3

DIR EN GREY: "Dozing Green" (new single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/DIR%20EN%20GREY%20-%20DOZING%20GREEN.mp3

ACID BLACK CHERRY: "Black Cherry" (YASU from Janne Da Arc's solo project featuring Pistol Valve!!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/Acid%20Black%20Cherry%20-%20Black%20Cherry%20-%2001%20Black%20Cherry.mp3

KAYA (ex-Schwarz Stein): "Carmella" (new limited single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20Carmilla.mp3?

***J-SKA: New movement gaining steam, check out these bands!!

SKULL CANDY: "Kimi ga Kureta mono"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/SKULL%20CANDY%20-%20kimi%20ga%20kureta%20mono.mp3

WITCHERY SKANK: "snow magic"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/WITCHERY%20SKANK%20-%20snow%20magic.mp3

***JPOP:

MIYU NAGASE (ex-ZONE): "Key ~Yume Kara Samete" (new single, new sound!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/MIYU%20NAGASE%20-%20Key%20~Yume%20kara%20Samete~.mp3
RINGO SHIINA (from Tokyo Jihen): "Creep" (live bootleg cover of RADIOHEAD)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/creep%20by%20Ringo%20Shiina.mp3

let me know what ya think!!...

GO!GO!7188 569 (GOROCK) Review

RATING: *****(CD) ***** (CD+DVD)
Fan favorite GO!GO!7188 strikes back with their brand new 2007 album "569" (in Japanese these numbers pronouced together sound like "GOROCK")...
Both MK & I recieved our CD/DVD copy 2 days after release...with "569 the sticker" from CD JAPAN. I wanted to give it a few spins before posting...I can positively say this album is stronger than their 2006 comeback effort "Parade"!! More like their old stuff with more SURF-tones to it which has always been my favorite material of theirs, that Grindhouse 60-70's flavored GOGO-goodness!! This album is solid & inspired... It was nice hearing songs like "Manhole" on CD for the 1st time as they played it before release in NYC & I was like WOW!! I really think the band is getting back to a really positive direction & doing what they do best... It sounds a lot more unified & not as experimental, even though the very polished songs of their latest efforts may not have the "down & dirty" feel of their early works, the songs are a well-crafted rock effort & radio ready with higher production values. With this recent US events, new album, & switch to BMG (bigger label), this all makes me think GOGO is here to stay for a long while & has given so much to their fanbase in 2007 & I can't thank them enough (as being one of their biggest US fans.) I never thought I would see them live... nevermind TWICE!! The EXTRA treat for me was the DVD in the limited edition... I couldn't live without seeing some of the "Japan Nite" NYC footage from March... & yes..."I CAN SEE MY HEAD!!" ^_^ What's funny is they had A LOT more cameras for the "US TOUR" in August, which still leads me to believe they will be doing a USA TOUR DVD soon or a WORLD TOUR DVD with Japan footage as well, since the footage here was from "Japan Nite." And trust me, I was completely ecstatic to get this jem. Also the packaging on this CD is great as that overall RED color really stands out on my shelves of 100's of Japanese CD's. GREAT WORK GOGO this CD ROX MY SOX!!

Check it out!

Ashinoke
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01%20Ashinoke.mp3

Nounai Traveler (album only single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/02%20Nounai%20Traveler.mp3

Esoragoto

http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/13%20Esoragoto.mp3

LUNA SEA ~New Tribute CD (Official Memorial Cover Album!!)

Released on 12.19.07... Here's the Tracklist!!

LUNA SEA -Special Medley- - YU-KI & DJ KOO from TRF
TONIGHT - Mihimaru Gt
TRUE BLUE - HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
BELIEVE - UVERworld
Déjà Vu - MUCC
END OF SORROW - Merry
DESIRE - The GazettE
SHINE - Anna Tsuchiya
STORM - Nami Tamaki
IN SILENCE - WaT
gravity - Tsuchiya Masami
MOTHER - Sakamoto Ryuichi and Sakamoto Miu
I for You - Mr.Children
ROSIER - abingdon boys school (TMR)
WISH - Special...

WOW THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME!!

X JAPAN REUNITES!!!

From JaME USA:

X Japan are reuniting for a new song and their worldwide debut, finally confirming the rumours that have been flying around the internet for the past year!

The song I.V will be the main theme song for the film, 'SAW IV' - an incredibly successful horror series. Written and produced by Yoshiki, I.V will be entirely sung in English by Toshi with guitars and bass provided by Pata and Heath. The song will furthermore feature unreleased material by hide thereby meaning that I.V involves all five members of X Japan.

While a release date for I.V has not yet been confirmed, the film is released in cinemas on October 26 in both the USA and in the UK.

X Japan meanwhile will shoot the promotional video for I.V at Tokyo's Odaiba Aqua City on October 22.

WOW!! @_@ ^_^ ^_-

POWER METAL in JAPANESE??

That's right & not by a Japanese band either @_@ ...Check out the bold singing on the Japanese language version of "Spill Blood On Fire" by French Power Metal Masters HEAVENLY... (it's Visual Criminal found & approved!) OR the "Japanese only bonus track" by newcomers Austrailian Power Metal Band LORD ...covering "Silent Jealousy" by X JAPAN!!
Brings ya pack to the old days at WECS... ^_-
Plus listen to some fun new songs, lives, & covers of Fan-Fave J-Rock+ acts!!

HEAVENLY: Spill Blood On Fire (Japanese Language Version) from their latest album "VIRUS!"
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/11-heavenly-spill_blood_on_fire_%28japanese_version%29-nth.mp3

F.I.R.: Tenth Planet (title track to Chinese mega-stars new album "Love Diva")
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/02.+Tenth+Planet.mp3

B'Z: Super Love Song (new single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01.SUPER+LOVE+SONG.mp3

NANA KITADE: Antoinette Blue (new single)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01+Antoinette+Blue.mp3

MISONO (ex-Day After Tomorrow): Zasetsu Chiten (new single that doesn't suck..because it is part of her new 3 -part Rock Singles Project ...this one by alt. band STRAIGHTENER)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/01.+Zasetsu+Chiten.mp3

RIYU KOSAKA: Danzai No Hana ~Guilty Sky (Swordswoman Guitar Style Version) ...(Guitar cover of Riyu's hit Claymore single released on her new "Dober Man" single as a c/w)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/03.+Danzai+no+Hana+%7EGuilty+Sky%7E+swordswoman+guitar+style.mp3
MUCC: La Vie En Rose ~feat KYO (LIVE Bootleg - D'ERLANGER cover!!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/08+-+LA+VIE+EN+ROSE+feat.+kyo.mp3

L'ARC~EN~CIEL: All Dead (LIVE!!) (classic "Tierra" track from 15th Anniversary 2006!!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/06.All+Dead.mp3

NIGHT HAWKS: Breath Of Fire (LIVE!!) (best Night Hawks song ever live!!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/Night+Hawks+-+07+-+Breath+Of+Fire.mp3

W (double-you): Koi No Fuga (GO!GO!7188 cover by j-girl-pop duo!!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/W+-+Koi+no+Fuga.mp3

KETCHUP MANIA: Kokoro No Tabi (GO!GO!7188 cover from omnibus album!!)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/03+-+Kokoro+no+Tabi.mp3

LORD: Silent Jealousy (X JAPAN cover!! Japanese only release...)
http://cultureshockjapan.googlegroups.com/web/13+Silent+Jealousy+%28Japanese+bonus+track+feat+Vigilante%29.mp3

The End of GENEON

In a recent blow to the North American Japanese Popular Culture Industry, fan-favorite GENEON (formerly known as Pioneer) is closing it's doors & becoming a "licensing company only" by parent company DENTSU. That means no more inhouse domestic releases from GENEON & this also effects "newbie to the market" DVD company BANDAI VISUAL (aka HONNEAMISE, known for translated versions of Japanese direct to market replica DVD's) as GENEON was their distributor & now their titles (like the newly released faithful Japanese replicas of GUNBUSTER & PATLABOR) will be online only in the future via this website (for now): https://www.dot-anime.us/
This comes as a major hit because GENEON is not only one of the largest & best companies for quality product in the anime industry here in the states, but was also a major contributor to the J-Music industry & a frequent to bring quality popular acts to Anime Conventions (like Otakon) all over the USA. We all know I am on good terms with Nobu Yamamoto (their Director of Field Sales Marketing). In the past they were responsible for bringing acts like YOKO ISHIDA (PARA PARA MAX), ANGELA, THE INDIGO, & THE PILLOWS to many a J-Rock Fan's delight as well as releasing a high volume of domestic anime cd soundtracks. Now with GENEON laying off all of their employees & their titles either going unfinished or on moratorium... it is time to finish up your collections of anime or GENEON released music. As the remaining stock & last few orders companies can get into them is all that is remaining of this once mighty empire.
So what does this mean for J-Rock in the future as far as USA releases go? (...as GENEON helped the cause)... Well ...now GENEON has folded, TOFU is still on hiatus till they reformat, & FREE WILL is having some legal issues...but still carrying on. BUT J-Rock is more popular in the States then EVER & I think you will DEFINATELY be seeing more upcoming US concert tours & just as many CON shows as before... just perhaps without the support of a US only sub-branch. Which means CONS will be responsible for their own acts instead of suggested activities, & the record companies will maybe become more behind the scenes, ...you will probably see the new trend I spotted this year of Import CD'S getting priced down for the US market rather then a domestic US release... All in all... whatever works! ^_- And the J-Rock community will be waiting for this new beginning, and maybe will see some new companies take the helm. In the meantime, I suggest you clean up that GENEON collection of Anime DVD's you have or need or just need to complete by getting them while they are still available, in the coming months it will just get harder & quite possibly more expensive as things are now officially "out of print" as of November 6th 2007.
As for CD's The RIGHT STUF still has a healthy dose of your GENEON faves to help fillout your J-Rock collection with originals, and MANY as LOW as $5.99 for some classics, get on it while the gettings good...check out:
ANGELA:
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/im4HSS2QHBlNai8AL-/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
YOKO ISHIDA (PARA PARA MAX):
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/nfgTe2WACbNH1BcA7m/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/UlTPRAqZOqpLLsTVn2/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
THE INDIGO:
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/49plvf-mz46so=VdTY/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
YUKI KAJIURA (acclaimed composer):
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/4ig2xNgwOwuoYc=ILb/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
PILLOWS:
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/v54mOiFKhHRO1e75J=/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/v54mOiFKhHRO1e75J=/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1
Anime CD's, J-Rock & more at THE RIGHTSUF:
http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/v54mOiFKhHRO1e75J=/browse/search/5/4/0/0/results/desc/asc/50/1

...Thanks for the memories GENEON!!!

GACKT 1st USA DVD x 2 release + JAPAN GIRL'S NITE in NYC

2 official GACKT DVD's hit USA stores October 9th collecting all of his PV's (The Greatest Filmography 1996-2006) ...they are titled "RED" & "BLUE." (from VIZ... $19.98 each & ENGLISH SUBTITLED!!)
http://www.myspace.com/gacktdvd

RED:
1) ANOTHER WORLD
2) OASIS
3) SECRET GARDEN
4) REDEMPTION
5) MIZERABLE
6) BLACK STONE
7) SEKI - RAY
8) VANILLA
9) DREAMS YOU PURSUED
10) MIRROR
11) NEVER FORGET YOU
12) METAMORPHOZE
BLUE:
1) MY STORY
2) EVERYTHING FOR YOU
3) LUNA HYMN
4) BECAUSE YOU ARE EXPECTING ME
5) I KNOW MY LOVE CAN NEVER REACH YOU
6) DECEMBER LOVE SONG
7) LAST SONG -UNPLUGGED-
8) LONGING FOR YOU
9) WITH ALL MY LOVE
10) LAST SONG
11) MIRROR--UNPLUGGED
12) LOVE LETTER

...nice!!

Presented by BENTEN Tokyo, Japan Girls Nite in New York is on October 21st!! At Bowery Ballroom, will feature performances from 5 girl bands: NOODLES, GITOGITO HUSTLER, Red Bacteria Vacuum, Falsies on Heat, & Bleach 03 Tickets go on sale on Monday, September 17th at noon. More information can be found at Japan Girls Nite's Myspace... ^_-
http://www.myspace.com/japannite
http://sister.co.jp/JGN2007oct/

GALNERYUS One For All- All For One (review)

Rating: *****
Guitar Hero Syu is back with Galneryus' 4th album which is definately the band's most diverse yet! Both the Audio Ninja & Visual Criminal agree that this will get a spot in the coveted "album of the year" awards... maybe as the headliner! Offering a wide range of influences from Yngwie Malmsteen, X Japan, Power Metal,Visual Kei, J-Pop, Spagehetti Western, & Pan-Kitsch!
Check it out, the hottest metal band in Japan just got hotter!

GALNERYUS: (from their new album "One For All - All For One")
The NightCraver
Aim At The Top
L'ARC~EN~CIEL: My Heart Draws A Dream (new single)
BUCK-TICK: Alice In Wonder Underground (new single)
JAM PROJECT: Rocks (new single)
M.O.V.E (feat 8-BALL): Speed Master (new single)
NAMI TAMAKI: Brightdown (new single)
TOKYO JIHEN (~Ringo Shiina's band): Killer Tune (new single)

Taste Test!! ~try something new!!
B says to check out this visual band "D"... it has Asagi from Je*Reviens fame as the singer!!
D: Schwarzchild (new single)

And try MidnightPumpkin too!!...
MIDNIGHTPUMPKIN:Vega (from their album "Pop Irony")

OPENING SE

Welome to Culture Shock!!
This is my new J-Rock Blog dedicated to having you check out what's NEW on the J-Rock scene by LISTENING to the Hottest Artists, using the comfort of your own PC! As well as give us a way to archive our J-rock advetures in the past with pics & autographs, (like from Otakon)... I will update as often as I can hopefully once a week or bi-weekly dependent on my own time or how active the new releases on the J-Rock scene are! Hopefully you will get more familiar with some of my current favorite bands as well as find some new ones you may like by listening to the musicians here! I hope it will get us talking more about J-Rock & keep you up to date!
New tracks this week from the following acts!!: (CDS = Single & CDA = Album)

Visual Rock:

Acid Black Cherry: Spell Magic (CDS debut!!)
Versailles: The Revenent Choir (CDS debut!!)
An Cafe: A Hero Without a "Name" (CDS)
Rentrer En Soi: Just Mad Pain (CDA track from "The Bottom Of Chaos")
Onmyou-za: Kokui no Tennyo (CDS)
Duel Jewel: Es (CDS)
X Japan: Longing (Original Version) exclusive first time released to CD demo from 1994 (bonus track!!)

J-Rock:

Yoshiki Fukuyama: Hajimari no Hi (CDA track from "Yellow House")
The Brilliant Green: Stand By Me (CDS 10th Anniversary)
The Pillows: Ladybird Girl (CDS)
Anna Tsuchiya: Bubble Trip (CDS)
Aya Kamiki: Ashita no Tame ni (CDS)
GO!GO!7188: Manatsu no Dance hall (CDS)

...enjoy!! And give me some feedback!!