Videos of the Week 8/9/09

The Pillows "Ameagari ni Mita Maboroshi"


Starting of this week's post, here's a new video from everybody's favorite, The Pillows! I can't really say too much about the video, as it's a pretty standard performance video. But the song is ok and has some nice bits sprinkled in here and there. I personally like their more upbeat, rockin' songs, but just about everything they do is pretty great.

OK, enough with the serious stuff. Hit the jump for a few more videos in a decidedly more wacky vein.



Shonen Knife "Super Group"


Just in case you missed this Shonen Knife video that I posted recently in the listing of their upcoming US tour, here it is again! It's a super fun video that can be watched over and over. What's up with the bears and tigers fighting in the background??? I can't wait to see them live!

"Teaching Techno"


OK, I admit, this one is just weird. Back when I was looking for YMO videos, I found this one. It cuts up their live Soul Train appearance to the beat of a techno track. It's just plain old awesome.

"Stereo"


Here's another one from the same artist, this time featuring a bunch of old-school Japanese tech videos and some hot disco action. Something about it just mesmerizing. Probably the hard-hitting techno track. I could easily post all of this person's stuff, so just check out their channel.

The Orion Experience "Nippon Ga Dai Suki"


Here's a non-Japanese video that's all in Japanese, so I suppose the point is moot. Anyway, it's super awesome! The band The Orion Experience is called in to fight a giant pink monster. It's amazingly colorful and fun. I love the shot of the guy protecting his hot-dog from the monster. The song sounds like it could easily be on the next Puffy Ami-Yumi record. These guys really hit the mark. Great job!

October/November 2009 Calendar - Shonen Knife - US Tour

October 16 - November 18
Shonen Knife
US Tour

10-16 Fri - New York, NY - Santos Party House
10-17 Sat - Ithaca, NY - Cornell University
10-18 Sun - Toronto, Canada - Horseshoe Tavern
10-19 Mon - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
10-20 Tue - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
10-21 Wed - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
10-23 Fri - Missoula, MT - The Badlander
10-24 Sat - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
10-25 Sun - Vancouver, Canada - Biltmore Cabaret
10-26 Mon - Bellingham, WA - The Nightlight
10-27 Tue - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
10-29 Thu - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop *
10-30 Fri - San Jose - Blank Club *
10-31 Sat - Visalia, CA - The Cellar Door *

11-01 Sun - Oakland, CA - Uptown *
11-02 Mon - Los Angeles, CA - Echo *
11-03 Tue - San Diego, CA - Casbah *
11-04 Wed - Tucson, AZ - Plush
11-06 Fri - San Antonio, TX - Sam's Burger Joint
11-07 Sat - Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fun Festival
11-08 Sun - Houston, TX - Numbers Nightclub
11-10 Tue - Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon ^
11-11 Wed - Memphis, TN - Hi Tone ^
11-12 Thu - Atlanta, GA - E.A.R.L. ^
11-13 Fri - Richmond, VA - Plaza Bowl ^
11-14 Sat - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwells ^
11-15 Sun - Allston, MA - Great Scotts ^
11-16 Mon - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church ^
11-17 Tue - Brookyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl ^%
11-18 Wed - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place ^

* with Ty Segall
^ with JEFF the Brotherhood
% with Golden Triangle

Source: Official Site (Thanks to DiveToBlue for the tip!)

Shonen Knife

Shonen Knife are one of those bands that it feels strange to even have to mention. They were, for a time, one of the most popular Japanese bands in the world outside of Japan. They made a big splash during the grunge period in the '90s, being played right alongside bands like Nirvana and The Breeders. Their songs are very simple, catchy and very cute and fun, proving that, even twenty five years after their formation, that good songs are good songs forever.

BUT SHONEN KNIFE RELEASES AT CDJAPAN AND AMAZON