Well, the World Series is over, and I send out my condolences to all you Philly Phans in the Hall. Speaking for myself, I felt like the Series was a mediocre one; I dunno, it just sort of sat there.
One bright spot for me was the selection of Hideki Matsui as World Series MVP. I like sports that actually have a global reach — sports where when the winning team says “we’re world champions,” the world actually cares. So I was happy when a Japanese dude kicked major, Mr. October-caliber ass and was able to hoist the MVP trophy up high. And I can only imagine how totally ape-shit crazy the sports media in Japan must be going right now.
This got me thinking: rock and roll is certainly an international game. I think we’d all agree that the World Series of Rock trophy basically gets passed back and forth between England and the United States year after year — but there have been valuable contributions from other nations.
But I don’t want to start a “United Nations of Rock” thread here. I want to focus on something a bit more specific. In honor of Hideki Matsui’s achievement, I want to know: Who’s the Most Valuable Japanese Rock Player?
Note: Native-born Americans (or English dudes) with Japanese features or surnames don’t count — sorry, James “William B. Williams” Iha!
Just tell me the answer is *not* Tetsu Yamauchi!
I look forward to your responses.
HVB
Can it be anyone but the guy you wanted included as part of the Holy Trinity of Rock, that Jellyfish/Prince/Jeff Lynne of Japan?
I don’t have the CD handy, but a couple of years ago Townsman dbuskirk burned me a CD of some ’70s Japanese band that sounded like a cross between Deep Purple and Boston. They’re pretty good and unintentionally funny. I’ll pull out their CD when I’m back in the office.
With my small amount of knowledge of the Japanese rock scene, I’ll nominate Shonen Knife, if only for their song (and song title) “Making Plans for Bison.”
Joke’s on you, Mod! The video I posted here features a song *written* by Tamio Okuda!
What joke? I was suggesting that we flip over the cards and just admit that Okuda is the MVJRP:)
What, no votes for Ryuichi Sakamoto? Whatta buncha xenophobes!
Yoko Ono.
How about Yamantaka Eye of The Boredoms?
I was thinking Sakamoto, but then wasn’t sure if he was “rock” enough.
The Mops.
Second on The Mops.
Shinki Chen.
A last name like “Chen” suggests Chinese-ness.
So you’re not going to allow for Jerry Wallace?
i can’t believe no one’s cited sadistic mika band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK0MzYAPicg&feature=related
There are a bunch of ’em, as far as I’m concerned. Definitely The Mops, The Tigers & The Spiders from the 60’s era. More recently, Guitar Wolf, Jackie & the Cedrics, The 5,6,7,8’s (non-Kill Bill material), Shonen Knife (their ’98 album,”Happy Hour” is an incredibly great pop record), Puffy Ami Yumi, & my pick for top MVJRP of all time, The Blue Hearts, a great punky/pop band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCp-9oqWGng
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KIIFYkc4mQ