I am sitting here trying to think of something clever to say about the experimental pop act Polysics but my mind is blank.
It would be all too easy to say they are the modern day Japanese version of Devo…just look at their outfits. Truth is they are Devo but mixed with some Daft Punk and even some of the more experimental Kraftwerk.
The Japanese new wave, electronic, punk rock act has actually been around since 1997 and started “in the spirit of Devo” according to Hyroyuki Hayashi, the band’s vocalist / guitarist. They even wear Devo-like jump suits with the letter “P” on them. The foursome recently released their tenth album entitled Absolute Polysics on MySpace Records (US Release).
I have only heard a sample of songs but I can tell you that they are a ton of fun and an absolute riot to listen to even if I can not understand all of their lyrics. For you people who like your music weird and of the wall, this is the band for you. To support my statement, both Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips and Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo have raved about Absolute Polysics. That right there proves there is something special about this band.
Next month (Feb 12th) Polysics are making a stop at Musica in Akron, OH and I think it is safe to say that it will be a show not to miss. I myself plan on being there and you should too!
I am not shocked anymore when someone tells me about something I was not aware of. There is just so much out there on the internets that I really need to rely on other people to point out the awesome to me. With that said I would like to talk about an amazing website that my pal Josh pointed out to me called If You Make It. More importantly I really want to talk about The Pink Couch Sessions.
No this is not porno...well not that I know of.
If You Make It is a website started by a music loving guy named Dave Garwacke who used to throw house shows in his basement but never really cataloged it. Realizing that there was no proof ever recorded Garwacke decided he wanted to start recording shows again but this time recording them on site for the world to see. Seeing how he was surrounded with a circle of musical friends it was not a problem to start over and once he moved to Brooklyn he was able to start where he left off, but this time with cameras.
After spending time recording shows and festivals Garwacke decided to start “The Pink Couch Sessions”. These sessions were recorded in his very own home on, you guessed it, a pink couch (as well as a few on the road). The result is an impressive intimate collection of broken down acoustic performances by many bands, some known and others soon to be known. Some of the songs are even available for free download too!
Josh recently emailed me a link to a Pink Couch Session featuring a band I really like called Bridge & Tunnel. I have been a huge fan of Bridge & Tunnel since the day the CD arrived at my front door and sadly missed a chance to see them live when they played a free house show at the Soggy Dog in Lakewood, OH. Josh was there and from what he told me I missed one hell of a show. Even if I missed it I am thrilled he sent me this link because now I know of If You Make It and am positive that it will be a weekly if not daily stop on my internet browsing habits. There is just so much music caught behind the camera for me to even fully discuss. It would be best if you just checked it out for yourself.
I have spent some time watching performances on the pink couch by many bands I really dig tonight as well as have been introduced to a few I really want to look in to more. Here are a few I liked including the Bridge & Tunnel session Josh emailed me…thanks Josh.
I am just in a punk rock mood tonight it seems… I guess that means music video time! Here are some music videos recently I checked out hovering around the punk genre… Enjoy!
First up is some live footage from a cover band called Filler a Minor Threat cover band that only played once to my knowledge. The band that night was made up of some pretty heavy hitters in the punk world including Zach Blair (Rise Against, Only Crime), Luke Abbey (Gorilla Biscuits), Mike Herrera (MxPx, Tumbledown), and Rob Marchant (Riverboat Gamblers), and featuring vocals by Frank Carter (Gallows) and Sam Ghanbar (Complete Control).
This video was taken at Red 7 in Austin, TX at SXSW. Reason #78621654 why I wish Austin was the city I lived in…
About a week ago A Wilhelm Scream dropped the very entertaining video for their song “Fun Time” that appears on their most recent self-titled EP. I am really hoping for a full length release in 2010 buy these guys…
I am sitting here trying to think of something clever to say about the experimental pop act Polysics but my mind is blank.
