Kyu Sakamoto

Kyu Sakamoto was popular in the early 60's even having international success with his Japanese love song, "Ue o muite arukō." When it was brought over to the UK, they changed the name to "Sukiyaki." The new title had nothing to do with the song but sukiyaki is delicious and it was easier for the non-japanese speakers to pronounce. I would have called it, "A China Chong Chong." That's catchier and that's what all that gobbledy gook sounds sounds like to me. That was like three kinds of offensive if you look closely. *bows and hits gong*

Below you can check out his hit song, "Sukiyaki" and a couple more. He definitely sounds like a product of his times. He has some Four Seasons vocal styling going on and you can even see some older swing sensibilities in the backing music and phrasing. He is an interesting study of cultural appropriation and a melding of styles.



Kyu Sakamoto- Sukiyaki


Kyu Sakamoto- Good Timing


Kyu Sakamoto- Hige No Uti


Kyu Sakamoto- Mo Hitori No Boku

Eye Candy

Mike Giant & Derick Montez get busy at Ameoba on Haight.  Giant is a legend and Derick is super skilled, but I can't help but feel bad for all the people they just went over.  I guess it's better than getting buffed or painted over by a toy.  Might as well get wiped out by a legend right?

"Amoeba" | Mike Giant & Derick Montez from Justin Gallagher on Vimeo.

The Morning Benders, who I just saw last Saturday have a newish video for their song "All Day Day Light."  It was a great show, they sounded amazing and it was a nice set, just some complaints not related to the band's performance.  A much better writer did a review of the show and you can check that out at her site located here.

The Morning Benders - "All Day Day Light" from Jack Ferry on Vimeo.

I thought this was entertaining.  I also make jewelry out of found hair and practice the ancient art of fire dancing, so take from that what you will.


Flying Lotus - Kill Your Co-Workers from Warp Records on Vimeo.

Nice beat on this one.  Talib always flows nice, on beat or off beat and it's not a bad video from Reflection Eternal with their song, "Long Hot Summer."



El Mac puts in some work in Vietnam to a nice track.  Does anyone know who that's by?  Does it say somewhere in the video and I spaced for that part?


This is scary as shit. Why would you do such a thing Japan?