What were your favorite releases from 2017?

My favorite LPs and EPs were (in no particular order):
Suiyoubi no Campanella - SUPERMAN
Suzuki Mamiko - Deep Green EP
tricot - 3
Izumi Macra - Yuki to Suna
Mondo Gross - Nandodemo Atarashiku Umareru
POLKADOT STINGRAY - Daisegi
heaven in her arms - White Halo
Seiko Oomori - kitixxxgaia
gesu no kiwami otome - Daruma Ringo

Although my favorite LPs and EPs were mostly Japanese, K-Pop singles dominated most of my actual listening time in 2017. I easily listened to TWICE's "LIKEY," "LOOK AT ME," and "HEART SHAKER" more than 100+ times each. I also loved the singles and b-sides from Red Velvet, Cosmic Girls (WSJN), GFRIEND, DREAMCATCHER, and the girls of LOOΠΔ. Some Korean hip-hop-inspired stuff was just as additive like offonoff's "Gold" and San-E's "Mohae." Morever, we saw collaborations between artists like Dean and Syd (previous Odd Future and The Internet member), and Jay Park was on my favorite song from Charlie XCX's Pop 2 ("Unlock It"). I stopped paying attention to music videos some time in the 00's even for my favorite artists, but K-Pop is the one genre where I actually watch (and rewatch) videos. They're just really fun and neat, and they are usually the best way to get a first listen on the latest releases.

I'm pretty sure my listening habits this year will be pretty similar, and I'm guessing that I'll post at around the same rate as I did last year, although the skew towards K-Pop might continue become more prevalent. Anyways, here's to hoping for another great year of music.

An idol group doing shoegaze/rock songs? It somehow works!

スライド (Slide): https://youtu.be/rjCugrrNY24

ねぇ (Nee): https://youtu.be/N7M5dfe4oMs

トリニティダイブ (Trinity Dive): https://youtu.be/fY3MamVTPHA

Here's their info if anyone's interested:

・・・・・・・・・ is a Japanese shoegaze idol group. It consists of nine members, each known only as 「・」, who were selected from auditions held in Tokyo in April 2016. Other than the nine middle dots, they're also known as Dots (ドッツ) or Dots Tokyo (ドッツ東京 / ドッツトウキョウ). Other names fans have called them include dotstokyo (ドッツトーキョー), dotnine, tenkyuu (てんきゅー, "nine dots"), nakaguro (中黒, "middle dot"), tententen (てんてんてん, "dotdotdot"), and ten-chan (てんちゃん, "dot-chan"). There isn't an official pronunciation, although their official homepage and Twitter handle are versions of "Dots Tokyo."

The group's music debut was Shuwa Shuwa EP (しゅわしゅわEP), a three-song EP released January 9, 2017 via OTOTOY. It was also available on CD-R which included 3 bonus tracks – versions of the 3 songs featuring Hatsune Miku on vocals instead.

On August 16, 2017, they will release CD, which is a single 72-minute-long work titled "Tokyo." "Tokyo" is comprised of the following pieces: "Tokyo1, Tokyo2, Tokyo3, Tokyo4", "スライド", "トリニティダイブ", and "ねぇ". "Tokyo1, Tokyo2, Tokyo3, Tokyo4" was composed by ・・・・・・・・・ with Hakobune, who also mixed and mastered it. The lyrics, composition, and arrangement of "スライド" was handled by 管梓 (For Tracy Hyde).

This came out near the end of last year, but I'm just hearing it now. The interpretation of Earth Wind and Fire's "Brazilian Rhyme" is a nice touch.

https://youtu.be/jNqqBiIQsRQ?t=45s

I'm finally starting to listen to Daisegi (POLKADOT STINGRAY) and I can already tell I'm going to be replaying this one for a while.

My recent favorite bands, tricot and Suiyoubi no Campanella had great albums and, as usual, Suiyoubi has continued to drop random singles that I like.

But I love MONDO GROSSO's Nandodemo Atarashiku Umareru. He was able to release an album with a cohesive, yet varied, sound with different vocalists on each track. Nothing feels out of place and there is some really great stuff on here. This one might be favorite of the year.

I also really enjoyed the releases from hyukoh and Suchmos. I need to go back and listen to some of the older stuff from them and MONDO GROSSO as well since these were the first releases that I heard from any of them.

They released this last year but I forgot to post it. I really like the original song and their version of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ4n0fI23_g

https://youtu.be/9ZPvi8Qjd5k

The girls are back with a video for their latest song.

New link: https://youtu.be/fxsCwzsMOfU

Quality, as usual. Might there be another album/mini-album on the horizon already?

She also did a nice cover of Little Drummer Boy with ?uest and Babyface last year.

Another great single. Love the chord progression of the instrumental and vocals on here.

https://youtu.be/J_CFBjAyPWE

It's only February, but there's no doubt this will be in the running for song of the year for me. I love this as much as anything I heard in all of 2017. There's certainly a '90s/early '00s R&B influence but without sounding too derivative. One thing I love about K-Pop girl groups is the sequencing and layering of vocals that they establish with the various members. And not only is the song great, but the video is also killer.

took the kids to see KODO last spring and somehow remembered a blurb somewhere about a KODOxMiku show. Looked it up and there it was.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctx5ZKGS_Nw

I could do without the Miku, but the kids enjoyed the whole thing.

Her singing voice isn't great (especially compared to the Red Velvet release that came out this), and the rapping/speaking parts don't blow me away either, but I enjoy the overall song, which is certainly carried by the beat. The b-side, "See Saw," is also good.

One&Only: https://youtu.be/m5qwcYL8a0o

See Saw: https://youtu.be/Px2AOY5keG8

Laid back and lounge-y song that reminds me a bit of old Kings of Convenience (e.g., "Misread").

https://youtu.be/E1qX6vE4G6U

I think fans of artists like Suiyoubi, Mondo Grosso, tofubeats, and CICADA will like her music. The only thing is that I can't really find any videos on YouTube to post, but you can easily find her releases on Spotify or Apple Music (unfortunately not on Google Play Music).

She's worked with Kenmochi Hidefumi (of Suiyoubi), so a lot of the production on her songs sounds like a lot of the more relaxed Suiyoubi songs or the more R&B-laced songs by tofubeats. Overall, she and her music sound a little bit less eccentric than KOM_I/Suiyoubi, as she has a deeper voice and more conventional delivery. The music has a very late night cruising vibe and maybe a modern take that vaguely feels city pop-ish.

She has a new album called Juice coming out soon, but in the meantime I highly recommend checking out her Life EP from 2017 (especially the tracks "For Life" and "Fruits") and Groove It LP from 2016.

Here's a video by an artist named TAAR featuring iri: https://youtu.be/tpORjlVVMDA

And an acoustic version of "Night Groove" from her LP: https://youtu.be/-LkjrlEFo3k

I didn't even know this was released last year? I'm digging both "Harvest" and the b-side, "Party Out." Hope they have something in store this year.

偽りのシンパシー (Istuwari Sympathy) (feat. Aina the End) teaser on Youtube: https://youtu.be/dI2LXj6msfc

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2AkkZMgRJupzY7fzbH3olm

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/false-sympathy-feat-aina-the-end/1342535103?i=1342535104

The whole song isn't available on YouTube (yet), but it is available on Spotify/iTunes. Aina the End is from BiSH (Brand-new idol SHiT), an "alternative" idol group, and I'm loving her sort of husky/deep voice on this song. Her skittering/skipping vocal pattern during the verses is great (almost sounds like a rap flow). I'm a sucker for the deep bass over the house-y/acid jazz-y keys, and the hook has the perfect mix of groove and drive. MONDO GROSSO sort of went behind-the-scenes and produced/remixed under his own name in the 2000s, but it seems like he's resurfaced while bringing back some of those wonderful sounds from electronic music from that period to the present. I can't wait for this album now.

It looks like this might only be four tracks. I'll take it though.

I still need to listen to the single although the YouTube clip sounds great (damn you, workplace Spotify firewall).

Stumbled upon this today. Video was uploaded in August but I didn't recognize the song. Looks like it's from the next release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrecWMtr69A

This is great, and I didn't know about it either. Wasn't sure where the song was going to go with just the guitar lines and relatively minimal style in the beginning, but I really what it eventually builds into.

https://youtu.be/B6Y-WsgpzlQ

Maybe NSFW? English subtitles also provided.

Didn't see that you had already added it. After hearing the album preview I was really interesting in hearing the full version of this song. This is great.

Rather than starting a new post I figured I would just put this in here. I've been trying to listen to the back catalogs of new "discoveries" (mostly artists from this series of posts) and recommendations from jpopsuki or other places. Fortunately there's a lot of stuff available of YouTube so I can listen to it at work. I'll probably try to make a new sub-thread for each artist that I feel like mentioning or any other topic (genre, release year, etc.).

I'm making some discoveries for older releases, but I sometimes don't post about them unless the band also has something relatively new (coming) out, and I also don't want to just make new threads, so I think this will be great for sharing non-2018 releases.

Japanese version; Chikai (Oath): https://youtu.be/LuSh4-cbAOc

English version; Don't Think Twice: https://youtu.be/Zc2vEr-618g

Like "Simple and Clean," the song's meaning seems to differ based on language version. I'll need more listens and to have the full versions before deciding which one I prefer.

Really nice vocals, and I really like the guitar playing (the solo on "The Wave" !!).

A Long Dream: https://youtu.be/tzL4A8hyXc8

The Wave: https://youtu.be/VJfGfB4-vP0

Back with original member LISA.

No Question (2018): https://youtu.be/UXa1bG5YFq0

I think a lot of people have been waiting for them to return with this kind of sound for over a decade, although it certainly has elements that sound modern enough. Their sound in the past was a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, and I was really into them as a teenager getting into Japanese music.

I don't think I've ever really liked Verbal (the MC) much, but he was serviceable on most songs, and his back and forth with various guests worked well. However, it really the production (Taku Takahashi) that I was a fan of. 2004 was when they started to really go for more broad mainstream appeal and did collaborations with artists like BoA and Crystal Kay, and LISA had left/parted with the group. You'd think that as a hip-hop head (I was the annoying "no-fun allowed" backpack kind at that time) that their more hip-hop based stuff would have been my favorite period, but this more pop period is actually my favorite.

They continued to go for a more pop and mainstream sound, but I think their style wasn't as popular in the late mid and late 2000s, and they disappeared for a bit until 2012 when they returned with Square One, which had a more pop and EDM sound that definitely was "in" at the moment. I didn't care for the album, but I did think "All I Want Is You" is a good pop/electronic song. NEVEN & THE FUTURE IS WOW were continued misses for me, and I think for the majority of their original fanbase too they had built in the 2000s. With that said, during that period they did give us "IRONY" with (IMO) peak daoko.

A (nostalgic for me) trip through their past singles:

Hands (2000): https://youtu.be/P0sjNXRcvDk

Come To Me (2001): https://youtu.be/RNBiaZbFGII

How You Like Me Now (2001): https://youtu.be/ung-YlfB0qs

the Love Bug (m-flo loves BoA) (2004): https://youtu.be/YVqZKflL4PY

miss you (m-flo loves melody. & Ryohei) (2004): https://youtu.be/KD59LJX2r38

REEWIND! (m-flo loves Crystal Kay) (2004): https://youtu.be/99YQqebbLYU

Loop in my Heart (m-flo loves Emyli & YOSHIKA) (2005): https://youtu.be/4epX9ar-nPs

TRIPOD BABY (m-flo loves LISA) (2005): https://youtu.be/u3pEpQw2apU

Love Song (m-flo loves BONNIE PINK) (2009): https://youtu.be/LsHIlfjD6oQ

Summer Time Love (m-flo loves Emi Hinouchi & Ryohei) (2009): https://youtu.be/vsPWV1O5F1s

All I Want is You (2012): https://youtu.be/1N6WvFh63Wc

IRONY (m-flo + daoko) (2013) : https://youtu.be/LYaSZ0urNBo

favorite things ever.

https://youtu.be/OAdKepqYzzQ

The theme song for some movie that was released late 2017 that I didn't know about, and I think it appears on her "best of" release called 5 years.

https://youtu.be/GsKlF7tGbI8

https://youtu.be/vAEPQmfLNfc

Pretty much the queen of K-Pop. She's probably not doing numbers like the newer acts that all the kids are into nowadays, but she's been in the game forever, and she put out a very solid mini album last week. The production on this with the house/electronic influences are very nice. And her album from a couple/few years ago was one of the best K-Pop releases that year.

ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT: https://youtu.be/Xg_4tbLnIOc

ALWAYS, ALL WAYS: https://youtu.be/bwILQWP4qvE

CAMO: https://youtu.be/bKqe9zqMUcI

I'm not big into K-Pop and I've been aware of BoA for a while without really listening to her too much but I do like that "One Shot, Two Shot" song.

https://youtu.be/oCvw4ot1-k8

One of the best songs from their album just got a music video, although it's more of a low budget video that seems to be more for the group's fans than a traditional release. Lots to love on the song, but the vocal pattern for the first verse by Seulgi and Joy especially stand out to me.

Anyways, I've been revisiting their album from last year, and I'm a bit surprised with myself that I didn't put it in my favorites list in the first post. These girls definitely have the best discography among this generation of girl groups. They are most likely also going to be putting out a Japanese debut this year, and I am pretty hyped for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMjdkEA9jM8

I'd heard them doing the PPAP thing fairly recently but had no idea it was a real thing, let alone Japanese, so I was a little confused when I found this at first.

in Japanese.

Initially checked this out only because of the Hyolyn feature, but I am really enjoying this. She definitely has one of my favorite voices, and she sounds great here. The beat is also super smooth.

https://youtu.be/StdPXUQvIcc

Her first single after creating her own one (wo)man label. Really low-key song that showcases amazing voice.

https://youtu.be/F4oenLX1WcA

https://youtu.be/k-F4XfTXliA

Beautiful song and video. Great production by Primary, and the vocals are just as good, especially that chorus. Going to post the article on it from elsewhere:

http://seoulbeats.com/2017/12/uhm-jung-hwas-ending-credit-is-not-yet-the-end/

Uhm Jung-hwa is recognised as one of the legends in the K-pop industry, finding success in both her singing and acting careers respectively. She has been coined as the “sexy queen from the 1990s,” and despite hitting her late forties, she maintains a stunning image of beauty.

Debate has been going around as to who is to succeed her title as an icon of sexy, with Uhm Jung-hwa seemingly being pushed out of the spotlight by a new generation of idols. However, Uhm Jung-hwa is in no way daunted by such talk of being phased out. Her newest album release, The Cloud Dream of the Nine, is a challenge to these new singers. Its title song, “Ending Credit,” is an attempt to assert her position in the industry.

The MV for “Ending Credit” works hand-in-hand with the music to recreate a portrait of the 80s. The electric-synth pop style is indubitably retro, and the MV does not miss the opportunity to maximise such a theme. From the very first moment Uhm Jung-hwa enters the frame, her large permed hairdo, oversized coat jacket, polka dot blouse, and huge sunglasses all scream eighties fashion style. The few outfits she is later seen donning in the MV also have the same nostalgic overtone of the 1980s. The frilled pink satin dress she dances in follows the trend of ruffles, whereas the leotard is a reference to workout fashion popular in the era.

Uhm Jung-hwa exudes a sexiness that is not explicit or overwhelming. Rather, it is palatable and perhaps innocent even. Her clothes are not overtly revealing, instead placing an emphasis on her silhouette to bring out a form of sensuality. It is strange to conceptualise her image in such a contradictory manner, but she certainly echoes the image of Madonna in the 1980s. Especially with her performance style, it is hard to deny a certain parallel between the two.

However, “Ending Credit” is not just a simple nostalgia trip. The nuances built into each image of Uhm Jung-hwa, with the changes in outfits, constructs a moving message. Within the MV itself, Uhm Jung-hwa occupies the position of both audience and performer. The setting of a theatre makes such a portrayal easy to be conveyed. For a good portion of the MV, Uhm Jung-hwa dances on the stage and fills the role of a star, albeit one that has had her peak of fame rooted in the past. Her makeup is heavy, clearly of a style that is outdated and reminiscent of the 80s. For the briefest moment in the MV, an alternate image of her is seen. She is seated in the audience seat, and watches the stage with teary eyes. The polarising identities portrayed by Uhm Jung-hwa embodies a sad but moving connotation – she watches a moment of glory that she had achieved but is now gone. The fondness of nostalgia works precisely in such a manner, that a moment in the past becomes precious precisely because it appears as stunning yet irretrievable.

The song, if read beyond just a simple love song, has many references to a forgone past. At the end, there is even an iconic scene of Uhm Jung-hwa walking towards the too-bright stage lights. Only her silhouette can be seen, bringing to mind many similar images indicating a curtain call or the end of a glamourous performance. For a singer or performer, this is a poignant portrait. At once, happiness and sadness are combined in a singular image of having achieved greatness but also having such a moment come to pass.

This ties in very closely with her current position in the K-pop industry as well, where her status as a diva also comes with the reminder of her increasing age. The title of the song seems to be ominous if we continue along such a train of thought. Perhaps she is finally reaching the end of her career. Yet, Uhm Jung-hwa’s “Ending Credit” is not as bleak nor does it reflect a defeated attitude. She has been hailed as a legend because of her continued passion and dedication to being a singer, amongst many other achievements. The MV carries with it Uhm Jung-hwa’s determination as a performer.

It was interesting to find that intersecting the opposing images of star and audience member were many moments of Uhm Jung-hwa dancing in the audience seat. Her makeup during these moments are moderate, emphasising a youthful image of the pop singer. In these interluding portions, she somehow floats between the roles of audience and performer, suspending the strict divide between the two. Rather than settle with just watching the past repeat onscreen, she actively performs for an audience. Despite no longer being onstage, she still delivers a charismatic choreography.

The MV itself is shot in the style of a movie, echoing the lyrics tracing memories of the past as a film coming to an end and the audience leaving the theatre. This is also linked to the title, “Ending Credit,” where the rolling of credits punctuates a story. Yet, the MV plays on connotations of a credits scene as indicating finality. Many movies leave the best snippets after the credits scene. Marvel movies are most well-known for their post-credits tidbits, offering sneak previews of upcoming films. “Ending Credits” does the same, where the credits roll in, but the static credits scene interludes into Uhm Jung-hwa dancing. The MV truly ends with Uhm Jung-hwa breaking character and laughing.

Relating this to the value of post-credits scenes, perhaps the ending credits suggested in the title does not simply propose an unyielding sense of finality. Rather, Uhm Jung-hwa’s track suggests that the end of a story is simply a start of another. Despite the story of a specific character that has faded out within the span of a single movie, the actor lives beyond the ending credits. In the same sense, a portion of Uhm Jung-hwa’s career, or her image as a pop singer of the 1990s has and should come to an end. Yet, possibilities continue to abound beyond the closure of that image.

The song ends on an encouraging note, perhaps not only to herself, but also to her peers that reached their peak of fame in the same time as she did. The lifespan of an entertainer in South Korea’s entertainment industry is often visualised as fraught with turbulence and uncertainty. Popularity does not last forever, but opportunities continue to abound if one does not fixate on a single moment of success. Uhm Jung-hwa is the role model of many female artists and it is easy to see why.

In this particular MV, Uhm Jung-hwa’s performance calls to mind the image of Madonna, with the leotard outfit and conservative sexiness. However, she deserves to stand as herself without any reference to Western culture. She is a diva and an iconic figure for the K-pop industry because of her ability to remain relevant despite the shifts in trends, and her versatility as an artist. The MV is clearly nostalgic and a homage to an older generation of pop singers. Within the fond memories of the past, there is a constant reminder that precisely because it is irretrievable, there is even more reason for artists to move forward with the changing tides.

https://youtu.be/uw_HR9jIJww

New single from Heize. A jazzy piano beat, and the instrumental breakdown sounds like it could be something from the Adult era of Tokyo Jihen.

http://www.topshelfrecords.com/roster/tricot

I missed them the first time around, but I should be able to catch them in Chicago this year.

The band put up a few live performances on their YouTube a couple of weeks ago as well:

Yosoiki: https://youtu.be/VSru3ok8w38

Eureka: https://youtu.be/eFDfMEf1MY0

They were awesome. Disappointed that they're not headlining on this tour but I'll take it.

https://youtu.be/qHtXil0ofcY

I was thrown off because the video features Mizuki from Terrace House (a Japanese reality TV show), and I'm pretty sure this was filmed in Japan, but the band is Filipino and singing in Tagalog. Anyways, I really enjoy the chorus and bridge on this song, and I'm also a sucker for these kind of instrumentals.

https://youtu.be/Iv1wLS19GC8

I've only had a chance to preview some of the songs on the album aside from this single, but the group has a sort of consistent jazzy band sound throughout.

I need to check the album out.

Korean group but the lyrics here are all in English.

https://youtu.be/DJ6i8xRcziM

Another video for another single from Heize's latest EP.

https://youtu.be/9mRicqcxQro

Mini LP/EP got released the other day.

Preview of "One Temperature" here: https://youtu.be/EaQDhQSd8xQ

The rap is cool and all, but it's really the first minute of the song that is the highlight for me. I'm really curious who the singer is for this song, and the progression of the beat and vocals really sounds great.

Links to the two previously release songs:

https://youtu.be/B6Y-WsgpzlQ

https://youtu.be/ZrecWMtr69A

So I looked at the credits, and in addition to Big-O (the rapper), someone named Rhyme is also credited on "One Temperature." And the track "KEMURI (Retune)" features Rhyme, which is the same voice, so that mystery is solved. I think I actually prefer the Retune version, because of those final 30 seconds with the keys.

I thought I'd be a little disappointed because half of the release was just remixes, and generally remixes on these kinds of things are disappointing, but they are genuinely good here. The orchestral version of "Labyrinth" sounds beautiful, and it sort of reminds me of something like a Ryuichi Sakamoto composition.

http://www.jpopasia.com/feed/23537/suiyoubi-no-campanella-announces-new-album-galapagos/

https://youtu.be/7kgV7Hrb-1c

Solo song by Hwasa from Mamamoo. Sounds a lot like a SZA track, but that's alright with me.

First single from the album coming out in a couple of months:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJW7kS9AAI4

Been listening to a lot of their stuff on YouTube and I like it a lot. Apparently the band broke up but came back a couple of years ago and has released one song as far as I can tell called Slow-Motion Replay which unfortunately I don't like as much as the older stuff. I'll post some of the older songs below.

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs - Zero Comma, Iro Toridori no Sekai (Zero Comma, Colorful World) from their 2010 album of the same name:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RxYmYsa3T4

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs - Hikizuru Beat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSG8bLRtOjo

Mass of the Fermenting Dregs - After this Speed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkRsnh4K1Vg

They released their first album last year. I actually can't remember if they were mentioned in last year's post but I would have to go all the way over there to check and I'm feeling lazy.

I usually like to buy physical albums from cdjapan but I don't see anything there. Can't check Spotify at work but the last time I checked I don't think there was anything there either. Links to follow.

lical - World End Siren

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ov4noUM9a0

lical - empsea (Short version)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TXIA7JCw9M

lical - undry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKP0U2YAfys

I'm really liking a lot of the guitar playing here, but I'm a sucker that style of guitar and tapping that's associated with math rock. Overall their sound reminds me a bit of chouchou merged syrups too.

The last girl in the LOONA project released her single last night, and it's great. Love the drop right after the chorus, and the transition to the relatively minimal beat during JinSoul's verse is probably my favorite parts of the song.

LOONA/Olivia Hye - Egoist (feat. JinSoul) https://youtu.be/UkY8HvgvBJ8

The group has been putting out an individual song (and b-sides) for each of the 12 girls over the past year and a half, along with EPs for sub-units. In the beginning the songs were nicely composed and overall pretty good, but they didn't necessarily blow me away. I think it was around when Kim Lip's "Eclipse" came out that I felt like their music was getting interesting as they started to use more electronic-sounding beats. They've kind of been on a roll ever since, and even though they have not officially had a group debut, their collection of individual singles, b-sides, and sub-group songs already gives them one of the best discographies in K-Pop. Their company has put a ton of time and money into this project, and it's really nice to actually see it turn out so well, as least on the musical front. I don't know how successful they'll be in Korea yet, but they do seem to have a strong international following.

Some of my selections for their best songs:

Solos (including b-sides):

GoWon/Chuu (feat. Kim Lip): https://youtu.be/JRXV4fQTTmo
This is the b-side to "One & Only," but I think it might be my favorite LOONA song. Love how their voices contrast and mesh with each other, and the gradual progression to the stronger drums/beat is really nice. Chuu's vocals really shine her, and it's most likely she'll be the lead vocalist for the group.

JinSoul - Singing in the Rain: https://youtu.be/RWeyOyY_puQ
The tempo feels restless and always catches my attention when it comes on my playlist. For the longest time I hated dubstep-y drops, but the use here is tasteful and fitting.

Kim Lip - Eclipse: https://youtu.be/_qJEoSa3Ie0
I remember this song being put on NASA's playlist during the Solar Eclipse event. This was probably my favorite solo of their until JinSoul's song came out right after.

Choerry - Love Cherry Motion: https://youtu.be/VBbeuXW8Nko
The song starts with the cute and pure pop tropes and then offers one of the nicest surprises I've heard while listening to K-Pop and pop in general. It shouldn't work, but it's seamlessly done here.

Sub-Units:

Odd Eye Circle - Girl Front: https://youtu.be/tyInv6RWL0Q
If I only had one song to use to introduce someone to the project, this would probably be it.

LOONA 1/3 - Sonatine: https://youtu.be/a6JmCdDs_GM
Beautiful arrangement with great melodies, and I can't help but love the strings instrumentation here.

Odd Eye Circle - Odd Front: https://youtu.be/u1RtViVvFe8
A remix of "Girl Front," and it probably has one of my favorite intros ever. The buildup in the first 40 seconds is perfect.

And two more Odd Eye Circle b-sides because it's arguably on the best K-Pop EPs ever.

Odd Eye Circle - Starlight: https://youtu.be/xsAaa3e6OZc
Odd Eye Cricle - Uncover: https://youtu.be/SSz0Cg5lg-U

I can't remember her name! Something perhaps beiniing with a Y? I never got the chance because my alzheimers ass forgot the name by the time I got home. Anybody know anything close?

https://youtu.be/Q1JiptOTxno

I guess it was only a matter of time before a group would go for this sound as a single this year. They definitely have the aesthetic of the early 90s down here.

I'd say that EXID have one of the most consistent discographies right after Red Velvet and LOONA. The only thing is that their songs sometimes sound a bit derivative even if they're very good. For example, a few of my favorites definitely remind me of Ghost Town DJs and a miami bass influence, but at the end of the day the songs are really enjoyable.

LE's solo song - Velvet: https://youtu.be/_StftNJQBoU

I Know: https://youtu.be/BvWm6CrfV4Y

No Way: https://youtu.be/laz95qxui4w

Without U: https://youtu.be/duWBRJBIt-E

Hani's solo song - Milk: https://youtu.be/z9UGXcPKOKk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6earlGo0b0

So this is interesting:

Ikkyu Nakajima (from tricot) is on vocals and it's produced by Enon Kawatani. The band also features comedian Kazutoyo Koyabu, TV personality Kukki and pianist Takashi Niigaki.

Definitely sounds like a song written by Enon. I'm not familiar with the other folks aside from him and Ikkyu. The video has a decent number of views, and I'm wondering if that's driven by Enon or if it's by the other individuals.

Primary's 2 was one of my favorite albums of 2015, and I also loved his EP with Oh Hyuk that same year. He's been busy producing and creating a lot of great tracks including the amazing "Ending Credit" for Uhm Jung Hwa. The production on this definitely sounds like a continuation of that synth pop sound. They went ahead and put out music videos for all of the songs from the EP today. The first two linked songs are my early favorites.

Moonlight (feat. Xin Seha): https://youtu.be/c-bQi40JuPE

The Open Boat (feat colde of offonoff): https://youtu.be/mU49BKgbBJw

Dressroom: https://youtu.be/LAMRBotYf-I

Zeppelin: https://youtu.be/DWmOXCagdAM

The single is definitely catchy, but it feels lacking compared to "LIKEY." Still felt like I couldn't have an Asian music thread and not have the group's latest single, which kind of speaks to what kind of force they are. The video is definitely the star of the show, however.

https://youtu.be/i0p1bmr0EmE

https://youtu.be/lpzJNwur6Zk

This came out the same time as "Bad Boy" by Red Velvet and Go Won's single, so this kind of got overlooked even though I did stick it on my playlist and have been listening to it ever since. I'm still enjoying it quite a bit after a couple of months. Just a sweet and relaxing track that really makes me wish I was back in California next to the beach.

The first Japanese band that I got into by way of their Gossip of Jaxx album. They have a new song called "A Little Dance" that is being released on 7" for Record Store Day in Japan. The record has two versions: ska and dub and they can be heard in full below:

http://recordstoreday.jp/item/010_1_ego-wrappin-a-little-dance-ska/

>The first Japanese band that I got into by way of their
>Gossip of Jaxx album. They have a new song called "A Little
>Dance" that is being released on 7" for Record Store Day in
>Japan. The record has two versions: ska and dub and they can
>be heard in full below:
>
>http://recordstoreday.jp/item/010_1_ego-wrappin-a-little-dance-ska/

I can't believe it's been 9 years since that album. I'm liking both versions of the song; it'd probably be hard (or maybe just expensive) to get that record in the U.S.

>I can't believe it's been 9 years since that album.

I always wished they made a follow-up to that album. "Darui" and "Ame No Dubism" are two of favorite songs by them.

>I'm liking both versions of the song; it'd probably be hard (or maybe
>just expensive) to get that record in the U.S.

I was hoping that I could find a site that I could order it off of but I'm not having much luck. I'm hoping that it pops up on cdjapan in the next couple of days or something.

Two really nice and smooth R&B/Pop tracks.

Pluhmm: https://youtu.be/7Rb5ISGbAbU

Cigar: https://youtu.be/1Q-JNUMzn_U

https://youtu.be/KNWLQI5_JLc

A solo single from another member of Mamamoo. The style isn't too different from the kind of stuff from artists like Heize. I like the guitar licks scattered throughout the song along with the jazzy electric piano lines.

Another member of Mamamoo, Moon Byul, is going to be releasing a song featuring Seulgi from Red Velvet pretty soon, and I'm most excited about that track and what it's going to be like.

https://youtu.be/Es3DyVMV5mk

Wasn't expecting another video, but here it is. Other than the vocalist (Aco is on the first version), the song is mostly the same with the exception of the added piano outro bit, which I think is the best part of the song.

Probably not the most safe for work video. Hyolyn and her former group (Sistar) have always sort of been known for their sexy concepts, though.

https://youtu.be/AoZFLCy-P-8

I may have said this before, but Hyolyn might be my favorite Asian pop vocalist, which is kind of saying a lot because there are a lot of great and unique voices out there. I think her voice definitely is most fitting over R&B-styled beats, although I don't think she showcases her voice as much on this track compared to "To Do List" or her feature on "One and Only You" by Got7, which I think I've shared earlier in this thread, but that's not to say she doesn't sound good here.

She's doing something pretty unique too, which is that she is the CEO/founder of her own company/label after her (and her group's) contracted ended. She does have the benefit of having been successful with Sistar and being known for having one of the best, if not the best, voices in K-Pop, so it's not like she's starting off as an unknown. However, it's still tough given that K-Pop pretty much revolves around the big 3 companies (SM, YG, JYP) and everyone else trying to just get a small piece of the pie.

New group, and the only member I'm really familiar with is Jeon Soyeon, mainly because she can actually rap and not just the sing-rap that most K-Pop girls do. I'm enjoying the latter half of this EP more than the first half as it's more R&B-centric. "Don't Text Me" reminds me of that R&B vibe that Odd Eye Circle had on a few of their songs from their EP, and "I Want to Know" has some nice smooth house-y chords. Even the ballad-y track is pretty nice.

Don't Text Me: https://youtu.be/AqCXU4v3unQ

I Want to Know: https://youtu.be/kXKyg8PQlTA

And here's Jeon's solo track from last year. It's sort of silly and quirky sounding, but I really liked it: https://youtu.be/FJ8kJdTYj1o

I've always really liked their slow building tracks, and it's no different with this song. Also on this single release is a studio version of "On the boom."

https://open.spotify.com/album/4KXkUlTzabU1S2eU5WYnOu?si=QmvSzgOLRlKBZ4n7MQb10A

https://youtu.be/-rZWdolJfgk

https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2018/05/22/613008999/tricot-splatters-paint-onto-brightly-colored-potage

How do I get Ikkyu Nakajima's pink denim jacket? Its yellow, green and orange splatter seemingly saunters out of a Shozo Shimamoto painting into this Tricot video directed by Yasuyuki Yamaguchi, who has worked with a wide array of Japanese artists like Lili Limit, Shintaro Sakamoto and Dir en Grey. The meticulously painted set — complete with shadows and amps brushed into the background — picks up on the Kyoto band's brilliantly colored math-rock, its hooks popping into view like neon splashes against a canvas.

Following last year's 3 (and just U.S.-reissued albums T H E and A N D), "Potage" comes from a new double A-sided 7". The guitar interplay between vocalist Ikkyu Nakajima and Kida Motifour is built on start-stop riffs that recall American Football, but Tricot's seamless time signature flips are ruptured just briefly by electronic jitters and a funky breakdown led by bassist Hiromi Hirohiro and new drummer Yusuke Yoshia. Nakajima's smooth delivery grounds Tricot's dexterous yet immediately accessible music with longing, singing (in lyrics that appear in the video, roughly translated to English), "When you will cut your hair / I want you to hear my complexion."

Although I'm not the biggest fan of BTS, they're undoubtedly the biggest K-Pop act in the West (they broke Taylor Swift's record of fastest MV to 10 million views yesterday). They usually have a few really good songs on each of their albums, and these are some of my favorites from their latest:

134340: https://youtu.be/m5fJnpebugo

Love Maze: https://youtu.be/nJQW-3QRV0U

Fake Love (the single): https://youtu.be/7C2z4GqqS5E

.

The score they gave (7.1) seems pretty close to what I'd give it too, and the review is pretty well-researched.

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/bts-love-yourself-tear/

The latest album from the masters of the K-pop formula is a slick, loosely thematic album about love and loss, with a stronger focus on rapping than ever before.

K-pop has long been poised for a breakthrough in the U.S., and the stars have aligned for the Korean boy band BTS. It doesn’t hurt that it is easier now than ever to be a K-pop fan on this side of the world, with the genre being tailor-made for our current algorithm-fed content chain. BTS has seized the opportunity, building a ravenous fanbase, not just at home and stateside but in South America and Europe as well. Bangtan Boys (their full name, Bangtan Sonyeondan, translates to “bulletproof boy scouts” in English), are designed for this moment, highly curated, aesthetically optimized for Western consumption.

BTS have been presented as the art-house alternative to K-pop’s manic energy: a modish, dilettantish, act whose music is a vehicle for larger artistic choices and statements. After debuting as a swag rap outfit, they evolved from rap-sung mashups to posh electro-pop pageantry. The concept for their 2016 album, Wings, was inspired by Hermann Hesse’s 1919 book Demian. The visuals for one of the best BTS songs, “Blood Sweat & Tears,” were picturesque stills framed in a pop-up museum featuring “The Fall of the Rebel Angels,” Michelangelo’s “Pietà,” and Nietzsche quotes etched in stone, which all produced dramatic fan readings of the video’s symbolism. The members co-write and co-produce their songs, some of which delve into mental wellness and social responsibility, a process that has led many to dub their songs more “personal,” a word sometimes used as a dog whistle for music appealing to be taken more seriously. Their tactics have been emulated by boy bands who have followed, but in many ways, BTS are simply the K-pop model maximized for efficiency.

Love Yourself: 轉 ‘Tear’, which follows the 2017 mini album Love Yourself: ‘Her’ and the Japanese full-length Face Yourself released earlier this year, is a kaleidoscopic mark of that efficiency, observing the finely tuned formula BTS have been perfecting since 2015. ‘Tear’, like ‘Her’, is a concept album of sorts. Roughly half the songs adhere to the album’s subhead. If ‘Her’ was an assortment of heart-professing love songs, then ‘Tear’ is the inverse. It deals primarily, though not exclusively, with the cycle of grief that lingers through a separation. But all of the songs generally find their way back around to self-love at some point. The album’s opener, “Intro: Singularity,” provides its thesis. “Even in my momentary dreams/The illusions that torture me are still the same,” V sings. “Did I lose myself, or did I gain you?”

Written and arranged with longtime producer and frequent collaborator Pdogg and Big Hit label CEO Hitman Bang along with a team of collaborators (Steve Aoki, MNEK, Chainsmokers co-producer DJ Swivel), ‘Tear’ aims for cohesion and produces fun, prismatic songs in the process. There is some level of thematic consistency on ‘Tear’ with at least a semblance of an emotional arc being teased out across the 11 tracks: navigating a dream world and the real one in search of a personal paradise (which at times reads like an analog for being a pop star, especially on “Airplane Pt. 2”), losing love and facing the requisite anxieties and loneliness. These all come to a head on the foreboding lead single “Fake Love,” characterized in full by a lyric that roughly translates to: “I grew a flower that couldn’t bloom/In a dream that can’t come true.”

K-pop is often experimental in form and function, which produces full-lengths that can be spasmodic in tone and quality. BTS aren’t immune to this, but the rappers—RM (or Rap Monster), J-Hope, and Suga—anchor the group, not only keeping it moored to a unified aesthetic amid constant stylistic shifts but dictating much of what happens in the music. On the bruising, all-rap closer “Outro: Tear,” the three take turns ripping through the track with punchy cadences, at times suddenly swapping places. The group’s vocalists trade off short, sweet passages that revolve around and often pivot off of rapped verses. Where rap verses are often stopgaps for other K-pop groups, obligatory aspects of pop roleplaying, they are essential to structure and composition here. Whispered, breathy raps slingshot into the supple hook on the flute-powered “134340.” On “Love Maze,” RM balances elastic syllabics with singsong musings while Suga dashes into a tightly twisting flow. Between them, the other members let loose mellow, honeyed coos. The sequencing of the vocal routines is as carefully synchronized as the choreography in their videos.

‘Tear’ isn’t as ambitious or stunning or tragic as Wings, which gave each of the seven members a solo turn ranging from lounge-ready piano balladry and symphonic, single-spotlight melodrama to brooding alt-rap with “Blood Sweat & Tears” as its ideological and aesthetic centerpiece. But there are moments here when BTS seem more poised and more in sync than ever. The Aoki-produced “The Truth Untold” is an epic misdirection; instead of leaning into their EDM-flavored pop or the blitzing trap of Aoki’s “Mic Drop” remix, they opt for a seamless piano serenade wherein the group’s four singers weave in and out of each stanza. “Paradise” is largely propelled by graceful exchanges from Jungkook, V, Jin, and Jimin, who surface and retreat gently. Across Love Yourself: 轉 ‘Tear’, BTS are at their best when they feel for and support one another.

https://youtu.be/aXHnLEj1ujg

Single from an EP called Pink Ocean. Her voice sounds like a mix of Heize and Suran, although I feel like it might end up sounding a little grating if I listened to it for extended periods. As you can tell from this thread, I am really enjoying a lot of the poppy R&B coming from Korea right now. I especially like the guitar lines scatter throughout the song.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdkXEU7V0AAn6kN.jpg:large

love4eva (feat. Grimes) teaser: https://youtu.be/Zk--dDnCrUE

It's produced by E-Tribe, so it's not that surprising to me that it sounds a lot like "Gee" from what we hear here.

Gee: https://youtu.be/U7mPqycQ0tQ

"Gee" is THE track that is representative of K-Pop's 2nd wave for most people and a classic, but I'm a little worried this song will sound too similar. Hopefully the full song deviates enough to sound fresh.

Has some features on it including Mario of CHON (who is touring with tricot) and Jordan Dreyer of La Dispute. Will be giving it a listen today.

Selfish (feat. Seugli of Red Velvet): https://youtu.be/QG8bUKBT9FI

Solo release from one of the rappers of MAMAMOO, and it features Seulgi of Red Velvet. Nice to see collaborations between members of different groups and companies. A chill and fun track just in time for the summer.

Single from their new mini-album, and I think it's their first release since the death of Jonghyun. I immediately was reminded of 112's "Cupid" when I heard the song, and apparently they're credited as producers here, although I'm guessing it's for sampling/borrowing the melody rather than working directly with the group.

https://youtu.be/7dGwk5-QMpc

They got into contact with Grimes only recently, so I was expecting just something really short/minimal from Grimes, and it turns out it's basically just an intro the the song, which makes it sound even more similar to Gee. Also sounds a lot like "Very Very Very" by I.O.I.

love4eva (feat. Grimes): https://youtu.be/tIWpr3tHzII

For reference:

Gee: https://youtu.be/U7mPqycQ0tQ

Very Very Very: https://youtu.be/l1hxg1rY17I

This song has grown on me a bit these past few days. Sounds a lot like something Tinashe would do.

https://youtu.be/-z3iyydFevQ

Unfortunately, unlike last time they are not headlining this your and I've been readying on reddit that their set is only 5 or 6 songs which doesn't make sense to me.

Going to a graduation on the West Coast, and I'll be flying the day of their show in Chicago.

Last week I was thinking about how/why they aren't the headliners for the tour, and I think it's because tricot's fanbase in the U.S. is already kind of set. The people who would know and be interested them in the U.S. are already established, and opening for CHON makes sense as it gives them exposure to an audience that might not be aware of them but appreciates that math-y rock style.

Single and video from her album Nipponno Onnawo Utau Vol.5 that came out in March.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st4ZoMhFiVY

I haven't kept up with her despite the fact that I really liked NIPPONNO ONNAWO UTAU BEST which is two years old now.

Another single and video from Nipponno Onnawo Utau Vol.5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CicnGW43Ukw

The has been out since earlier this month, but it's not available on Spotify/Apple, because Japanese labels have no idea what they're doing. Here's a preview trailer for each of the songs, however: https://youtu.be/EoXkPraTWYc

Really cool of them to make a video for such a relaxed track. Might be my favorite from the EP.

https://youtu.be/1z4RosaB-UQ

https://youtu.be/2MiQonPvlVM

A 2018 K-Pop song channeling 70s/80s Japanese City Pop, a sound that's been popular mainly because of early-mid 2010s internet culture. I like it, although I do feel that the song and video a bit too on the nose, but I guess that was to be expected.

There was a b-side to this release, but it's currently not being put out because of some potential copyright issues with claims of it sounding too similar to Night Tempo's remix of the Mariya Takeuchi's "Plastic Love."

I like this one. I've listened to Plastic Love (but not the remix) but I need to take a deeper dive into this City Pop subgenre.

Came out last week.

Nice, laid back song with a great video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKHbqm-D62Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAdQyx88k7E

I think I prefer Oh Hyuk singing in Korean much more than in English, but I really liked "Graduation" on my first couple of listens so far.

It's not out yet and it was mentioned a little further up but I thought I would create a subpost here since there are some videos out now.

This song features French band MOODOÏD who I was not previously familiar with. Apparently they have a project coming out this month also that features Suiyoubi no Campanella on one song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ83B8L2w7M

This looks to be a preview video for the song. Not sure if there will be a fill version or not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TBB-K6Sk0U

First single and video from the album. I really like this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxSb9Cwnuao

This just came out today. Haven't listened to it yet but there's an album preview here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AdrNDr9GOc

They've definitely gone full pop at this point which is a shame because I really prefer their earlier stuff.

I know I complained about them going full pop but I'm not offended by this. I would listen to this more than anything that was on their last album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLKpN9w_o70

The standout track from my first two listens to the album. I agree that their songwriting can be a little boring and not go anywhere, which is kind of a shame because that first single I heard from them ever was a very catchy song.

and liked it, but I had no idea this was coming out. I'm not really opposed to poppy-sounding stuff if it's just done well (like how "Chronostatis" is probably my favorite Kinoko Teikoku song), so I'm curious how this will be.

I didn't know about it. Gonna take a listen on bandcamp.

https://tamtam.bandcamp.com/releases

Agreed on the popiness. I actually still bought their last album but I got bored with it quickly. Too many of the songs didn't seem to go anywhere. I'll still give the new album a chance though based on the single.

https://youtu.be/HR3DcUMLeN0

These guys are known for some of Bruno Mar's biggest singles ("That's What I Like," "24K Magic," "Finesse"). Neat video talking a little bit about working with k-pop artists/labels and the actual beat itself. And "Bad Boy" is already one of my favorite songs ever. The beat itself is great, but there's also just so many little things that are done on the song that are just executed perfectly; a perfect pop song to my ears.

I've never really been a fan of the group as I felt like their sound had a Westernized sound that I wasn't really looking for in K-Pop, and things like the changeups in their instrumentals always felt kind of tacky. I'm kind of enjoying their latest single, however: https://youtu.be/IHNzOHi8sJs

That climax at the end reminds me of something from Gang Gang Dance, which is probably why it works for me. The rapping also works, and the beat is pretty clean but heavy-hitting, although it does sounds kind of standard for Teddy.

Taeyeon continuing to make what seems to be music she actually wants to create for her solo career (as opposed to the bubblegum hits when she was the leader of SNSD). Vocal effects at the beginning are very Imogen Heap-y, but the song settles into a groovy R&B song with a very nice bassline, and her vocals sound great during the bridge.

https://youtu.be/im1UUY8dQIk

I'd love for her to make some more R&B-styled songs like "Sweet Love" (https://youtu.be/YHGA_yVAeB0) or "Lonely Night" (https://youtu.be/yLeZ0ZH9dIU) from her debut solo album last year, but this is good too.

There's a new EP by CRCK/LCKS coming out on 7/11. Here's the preview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t-HIJ9aPHQ

really liking some of the previews here.

single (No Goodbye): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv1Q7pxU-CU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBuuVlA-2qs

This is from their latest album, Dapper, which was released in May. I stumbled upon this and saw that it had the EGO-WRAPPIN' feature so I was immediately interested in hearing it. This is not what I would expect from either of them (more so Soil & "Pimp") but I like it a lot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPSiNUjsjqs

I haven't listened to a Soil & "Pimp" Sessions album since Magnetic Soil which came out seven years ago (how did that happen) but I might have to check this one out.

https://youtu.be/rRgTMs_bGuI

Red Velvet's Japanese debut single. After promoting their velvet-y (R&B) releases from Perfect Velvet, the group returns with a red (colorful pop) single for their Japanese debut. Japanese idol pop in general is pretty generic and bland to me, and Japanese songs by Korean groups are usually just as bad, but I think they came through here.

The song is very reminiscent of one of their previous singles, "Rookie," and both sport a really catchy and prominent bassline. The "hashtag" lyric is a little campy and meme-y, but I don't mind it. Aside from the bassline, I also really love the bridge with Yeri's "suuugar rush" and how Joy's distinct honey-ish vocals come in, and Seulgi's delivery of "kimi to futaridake no himitsudakara..." is great; they always do a great job of vocal sequencing.

Overall a really solid Japanese (and red) track.

we just put this out a few days ago. and it's a free DL!

see here: https://goo.gl/EvHBL4

here's the official blurb:

Our 2nd compilation featuring local beat-makers in Asia is here!

Hailing from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Tokyo, & Beijing, half are locals and half are expats, and all bring something fresh to the table. The album features everything from Cantonese tech to acid jungle to liquid rollers to rude halftime and more. First released on a limited run of 100 CDs, it's also FREE DL for all junglist massive. Just like all the other releases, 1/3 of profits go to the needy.

Special thanks to all the artists & fans worldwide!

Stay in tune here: www.mettasonic.com

this is neat. "Dialetics," "Ousia," and "Ternary" were probably my favorite tracks on the first couple of listens.

One my second listen right now, so I'm still forming my opinions/thoughts. It's kind of a subdued-sounding record, though, so I can see people thinking it's boring, but I liked most of what I heard.

It's out.

https://youtu.be/k_epnF4YjQo

Utada and Suiyoubi both dropped pretty low-key albums yesterday/today, and I'm really enjoying both.

Their supporting run of CHON ended and they added an extra, headlining show to their tour before a festival appearance and it just happens to be within driving distance of me. Six hour round trip but I already know it'll be well worth it, even if I didn't have a day off tomorrow.

Hopefully you get a longer set from it.

Six hour round trips are no joke, but I'll do it for overseas acts because you'll never when or if they're ever coming back. When I was in grad school I did take a 5-6 hour round trip to Chicago to see Boris perform Flood in its entirety. I also recently went to see Red Velvet in Chicago back in April this year, and that was a lot of fun.

https://youtu.be/YA_QoIh78eA

An unexpectedly jazzy track for this solo song from Yuju. She's one of the strongest vocalists in k-pop, and Suran has a pretty unique vocal color for k-pop, and the combination works well here. I especially am appreciating the drums on here.

She's got that singing and rap style that's reminiscent of the likes of Seiko Oomori and daoko, and the songs she's doing it over are a mix of rock and electronic styles. It's sort of a logical progression in the alt-J-Pop scene that I've been expecting for a while now, and she does it pretty well.

https://youtu.be/BVf41DSaLe0
https://youtu.be/r4dbMAegGJU
https://youtu.be/12zrVL1llh4

https://youtu.be/cCYBraZWmYs

A really simple but beautiful duet between Yang Dail and Wendy of Red Velvet. I kind of can't get over how great her voice is on this song.

Full release of their Japanese debut EP/mini-album. We previously early access to the lead single "#Cookie Jar" (https://youtu.be/rRgTMs_bGuI) and another track, "'Cause It's You." I understand why they went with "#Cookie Jar;" it's catchy but maintained a K-Pop sound for their Japanese debut. However, although it's a really good song, it didn't feel that new to me given its similarities to "Rookie."

"Aitai-tai," however, is an electro-pop song that sounds very Japanese in the vein of something that would be from Nakata (more Perfume than Kyary), but honestly it sounds better than anything Nakata has done these last few years.

Aitai-tai: https://youtu.be/Hr7F8aLEXXM

There are also Japanese versions of their Red title tracks, "Dumb Dumb," "Russian Roulette," and "Red Flavor." The transition to Japanese sounds a little odd at parts, but I think that's also just attributable to me being so familiar with the original versions.

https://youtu.be/Y9UdrctkzbQ

Had no idea this was coming out. Interested to see what you think, dagu, given your earliest post this year of their older records.

Preview of the album is here (https://youtu.be/XUKlsge6Z9U),and the album comes out later this week. Already sounds like it's going to be great.

Group consisting of HyunA + Hui and EDawn from Pentagon. The hook is a little repetitive vocally, although there's some nice instrumentation going on underneath, and the verses and the pre-chorus are so good. There's also that Grandmaster Flash sample throughout. Hui's vocals are so smooth, but I wish there was just a bit more of HyunA, although she's great every time she's on. Probably not as catchy/good compared to their single last year, "365 Fresh," but I've had this on repeat the last couple of days.

https://youtu.be/oT8eXpXymmA

Pretty unknown group, but this is one of my favorite songs this year. Consists of various artists from their label, Planetarium Records, and I'm going to have dig deeper to hear more from these guys. I'm especially interested in the guy who goes by villain.

https://youtu.be/2ATLk13JBoI

a single off one of their albums this year: https://youtu.be/Z86puYqLGA0
the members' individual tracks are pretty solid, but it's definitely these group tracks that i'm feeling the most.

Red Velvet is back with their summer mini album. As expect it's more of their poppy "red" sound than velvet. I'm honestly pretty disappointed with the title track, so I won't even link it here. There are some really nice songs/ideas on some of the songs, however.

"Blue Lemonade" is easily my favorite with its house/R&B influences: https://youtu.be/A8TfRW_S5j8

Also enjoying "With You" with its steel drums and some space for the girls to sing a bit: https://youtu.be/VPu3XQ6k6RA

And there's also a bonus track, which is a full English version of "Bad Boy." The original Korean version is one of my favorite songs ever, but this version is actually quite solid. It's easily the best English-version of a Korean track ever, although it's not like it had much competition: https://youtu.be/zy1xWmqqpKA

not surprised they went with a cuter song for the title track (Hi High) as the Korean public tends to prefer that sound/style. It's really catchy, and I really like the manipulated vocal samples, and the high note during the bridge is pretty great. I mentioned in an earlier post that Chuu was probably going to be the lead vocalist, and I was certainly on the mark. I think the best tracks are in the second half of the album, at least on initial listen. Their pre-release single (favOriTe) was also really good, and it reminds me a bit of Amerie and Beyonce's stuff a little while back.

Stylish: https://youtu.be/qINmZQwpLx4

Perfect Love: https://youtu.be/LD-ReqnmyPg

열기 (Yeolgi): https://youtu.be/G3fP00DN5bE

Hi High (main single): https://youtu.be/846cjX0ZTrk

favOriTe (pre-release single): https://youtu.be/AFJPFfnzZ7w

EP was just released today. Two instrumental tracks and two with vocals.

Their newest single, and it's much better than their debut track.
https://youtu.be/OKNXn2qCEws

Jay Park's latest single reminds me more of his earlier work than what he's been putting out the last couple of years (both his Korean releases and the stuff he put out after getting signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation), which is probably why I'm liking it so much.

https://youtu.be/WxF7fmt3Ems

I've been enjoying this song quite a bit since its release, and I probably like this version with Nicki's verse more.

IDOL (feat. Nicki Minaj): https://youtu.be/K1scjjbfNsk

I'm also liking the new solo songs they included for this compilation/repackage album.

Love: https://youtu.be/6lMo517PIzk

Just Dance: https://youtu.be/IiW1kEJDBDQ

See Saw: https://youtu.be/BEIwwuQY_Cg

Definitely back to being more straight up rock than the previous record. A lot of tracks didn't leave much of an impression, but I am really enjoying "Thanatos" a lot.

singles:
https://youtu.be/bdOGh2q4184
https://youtu.be/Ay7etoJxj4U

Finally listened to this album. They sound like a completely different band from their early mini albums. This really just didn't hold my attention. I thought this album got better as it went along though because I REALLY didn't care for the first two songs.

The guys from Planetarium are definitely getting a bit more attention recently (especially Villain), and they put out a new single/video. Don't know how big they can get given that they're not really in that pop idol space and more along the lines of a R&B/hip-hop crew with their music/style. Wasn't sure about the major use of auto-tune at first, but I've had this on repeat the last couple of days.

https://youtu.be/gXPG3B8ABIg

Not sure how that happened, but I accidentally linked someone's reaction to the song rather than the real thing:
https://youtu.be/zp8nrsZUeto

He's one of the members of offonoff (definitely recommend checking out their album boy.), and his album/ep came out last week. Singles below:

Freedom: https://youtu.be/9AoAMcC44fk
Sunflower: https://youtu.be/DQKZD0GlARY

I am way behind in listening to stuff in this post and music in general. Hyukoh is on tour right now and came through Houston. I'm lucky I bought my tickets a couple of months ago because it sold out.

https://youtu.be/KR5CtMLuiqQ

SM Entertainment's has a project called SM Station that usually releases stuff that might not appear on artists' typical projects, and this is a collaboration with artists from other labels. Seulgi is from SM's Red Velvet, and the other 3 artists are from other groups/labels (SinB of GFriend, Soyeon from G-IDLE, and Chung Ha who is solo).

just put out an EP of new jungle from Japan...

soundcloud link: https://goo.gl/HxMGJM
bandcamp link: https://goo.gl/XXJL4U

it opened up the latest Rupture podcast on RinseFM so i think that says something!

blurb:

Hailing from Tokyo, maidable started his musical journey in high school as a drummer. Soon after he fell in love with the sounds of the UK underground and started making beats. Combining elements of jungle, halftime, and footwork, his music is marked by organic breakbeats, prominent synths, ninja drum edits, & evolving melodic soul. This jungle soldier has released on Rubik Records, Living, AlphaVersion, Subdued...and now helps further define the sound of Mettāsonic drum and bass.

This release is also a tribute to Good Looking Records, in particular the Earth album, which was our introduction to DNB. And this music reminds us of that.

100% of any label profits go to the needy <3

-----------------------------

my music: www.soundcloud.com/jessewarren
my mixes: www.mixcloud.com/jessewarren
my label: www.fb.com/mettamuzik

Special episode from the ReactToTheK YouTube Channel (Classical Musicians React to K-Pop). The guy is a really talented guitarist, and he talks about his experience producing and some backstory behind various tracks.

Part 1: https://youtu.be/yTOcHYSd51c
Part 2: https://youtu.be/MBYHvg4MT_E

https://youtu.be/pqOsNreMlBU

EP is called ESCAPE.

Some Red Velvet fan did some detective work using just a teaser that had silhouettes of the artists just a week or so ago and figured out that it was going to be John and Wendy, and it was recently revealed/confirmed to be true. Song comes out in a little over a week. Here's an article from Vogue on it.

https://www.vogue.com/article/john-legend-red-velvet-wendy-duet-written-in-the-stars-behind-the-scenes-diary

New EP by Zion.T features Seulgi of Red Velvet and Oh Hyuk of Hyuokoh

Hello Tutorial feat. Seulgi (single): https://youtu.be/nqMYG2Riq54

Ideal: https://youtu.be/Av41wxoNW9w

Sleep Talk feat. Oh Hyuk: https://youtu.be/Bp18hEEPajs

A nice little acoustic guitar ballad. Wasn't sure when I first heard their vocal timbres together, but I've come to like it after a few listens. She had another duet earlier this year that I posted above ("One Summer") that is also an acoustic ballad that eventually builds into some more prominent drums, but the feel between these two songs is pretty different.
https://youtu.be/H4a-5BdZ5ck

https://youtu.be/BNYEafliTCs

Black Pearl: https://youtu.be/8WQxoL6shHo

Curve: https://youtu.be/hnu-Z4VzxdQ

Siren (single): https://youtu.be/TNWMZIf7eSg

The song is actually from their self-titled debut EP from a couple of years ago.

Here's the music video (short version):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqzYc7VeY5k

Have we completely given up on DAOKO yet? I like this one though.

Apparently this is the main theme from Dragalia Lost and it will also be on her upcoming album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvwc7KT-I3U

>Have we completely given up on DAOKO yet? I like this one
>though.
>
>Apparently this is the main theme from Dragalia Lost and it
>will also be on her upcoming album.
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvwc7KT-I3U

It's one of her best songs that I've heard the past few years. The hook doesn't do that much for me vocally, but I do like the instrumentation there. In terms of rapping and just having a great voice, she's undoubtedly still the best and most capable, but she's also making the least enjoyable music compared to her peers, at least for me.

Made it about five tracks in and had to move on to something else. I'll probably finish it at some point but that single was the first track and so far it seems like an outlier. Too bad.

https://youtu.be/5wiuevj4vjU

ghost is dead was one my favorite albums of 2015, so I was really excited to see this released earlier in the week. it's apparently a release for their 20th anniversary, and I read somewhere that they may have an album planned for early 2019. the guest male vocalist here is koji nakamura formerly of SUPERCAR.

EXO's The War is one of the best k-pop records ever, in my opinion, so I was pretty excited for this new one. The title track is really interesting in terms of composition and is sort of all over the place but in a good way. My favorite track is probably "With You," however.

With You: https://youtu.be/bPSdlAqvWGM

Ooh La La: https://youtu.be/VJUUed9WMBg

Tempo: https://youtu.be/iwd8N6K-sLk

I've held off on posting this one for awhile simply because I've thought it sounded too much like Grizzly Bear, and I still feel that way about quite a few tracks. With that said, it really is a nice album that I recommend checking out.

https://youtu.be/W750EAMapXg

The band returns with a new vocalist. Chiaki was one of my favorite j-rock singers this past decade or so, and I wasn't sure how much I'd like a new singer for the band, but this track is pretty good and one of their better songs from the last few years.

https://youtu.be/boG1NpRoi44

One of their better releases over this past year. The single is definitely more of what I'm into than their last couple that have been chasing trends. I am also really loving "Better Than I Thought."

Wind Flower: https://youtu.be/H8NCOA2bK6k

Better Than I Thought: https://youtu.be/jl3HrM_5ItA?t=720

"Bad Boy" from earlier this year is still my favorite song this year (and honestly one of my favorites of all time), and there's really no connection between "RBB" and the aforementioned track aside from the naming decision. It's a very uptempo track with a ton of things going on, so it sounds pretty messy on initial listens. I watched a performance that made me appreciate the song a bit more. It's growing on me, but I'll probably never truly love it the way I love the other songs in their discography. As usual, however, the b-sides on this are pretty great. "So Good" and "Butterflies" are some of their strongest tracks, and I really love the throwback R&B sound on Taste. A better mini-album than Summer Magic from a few months back, but The Perfect Red Velvet (repackage album) is still their little magnum opus.

So Good: https://youtu.be/OqTm8nOkLC8

Butterflies: https://youtu.be/RWWiKJQkAy4

Taste: https://youtu.be/ubOKdWQYyls

RBB: https://youtu.be/IWJUPY-2EIM

actually posting this while on vacation in Japan right now. new album Jan 9th, 2019, called Dreams Never End.

https://youtu.be/j7BQRPSOIeA

album tracklist:

01. red
02. lay low
03. so as not to
04. still three
05. touei
06. sai
07. toss out it
08. give each other space
09. mio
10. tesla

therefore

Never read anything from this site before. I think I found this on the Suiyoubi no Campanella Reddit since they have Galapagos listed at number five. At the very least it has some names that I'm not familiar with so I have some new music to check out.

https://overblown.co.uk/top-10-japanese-albums-of-2018/

1. Haru Nemuri – 春と修羅 (Noise Pop, Indie Pop)
2. Yuragi – Still Dreaming, Still Deafening (Shoegaze, Post-Rock)
3. Maison Book Girl – Yume (J-Pop, Art Pop, Field Recordings)
4. Sigh – Heir To Despair (Avant-Garde Metal, Progressive Metal)
5. Wednesday Campanella – ガラパゴス (Galapagos) (Art Pop, Hip-House, Tropical House)
6. Shinichi Atobe – Heat (Deep House, Outsider House)
7. Shuta Hasunuma & U-Zhaan – 2 Tone (Ambient Pop, Indie Pop)
8. Snail’s House – Snö/Ordinary Songs 4/L’été (Downtempo, Bitpop)
9. Keiji Haino + SUMAC – American Dollar Bill – Keep Looking Sideways, You’re Too Hideous to Look at Face On (Noise Rock, Experimental Rock)
10. Ichiko Aoba – qp (Contemporary Folk, Singer/Songwriter)

I've been looking forward to this. As I've mentioned before in this thread, I am really enjoying the hip-hop and r&b sounds coming from Korea right now, and PENOMECO is one of the most promising artists at the moment. I really dig the rap-singing, and the beat and this hook with Crush are so good.

No.5 (feat. Crush): https://youtu.be/TJmF25EMdoQ

I just found out about this group a few weeks ago, first time I liked what I heard but didn't pay attention to the name, the this week I came 'cross this song again while on tumblr and played it a few times.

"Color Me": https://youtu.be/IUfaCX2v0LY

I need to listen to the album "Lucky" later on this week, I see there is a lank to the full album on tubeyou as well.

because you mentioned hearing some R&B-ish K-Pop song but didn't catch the name, and in that thread I thought it might have been Red Velvet. Then "Color Me" played on one of my playlists the other day, and then I thought of you again and figured this might have been it. And I posted it on my Tumblr a few days ago, so that might be the post you're talking about.

Aside from "Color Me," "Metronome" is another good song on the album. I have no idea why they went with "La La La" for the single when they had these two tracks.

.

.