I haven’t been following much Japanese music other than Hikkie these days, but during a recent trip to Tsutaya an album playing in the store caught my fancy so much I asked for it after listening to just 2 songs. It turns out the copy they were playing was the only one they had in the store – so its a case of pure serendipity I guess. The album is “School Food is Good Food” by a relatively new band who call themselves School Food Punishment. Please don’t ask me why; Japanese bands have the strangest names.
You can listen to 2 sample tracks from the album here. I’m drawn inexplicably to music which triggers my brain to visually create scenarios, a sort of mental mise en scene – which very often create inspiration for my animation projects. Music by Chicane and Clannad, for example, and most recently School Food. I really like that feeling.
By the way, my 2 year old Ipod is dying on me. There’s rumours abound that the 6th generation Ipod will feature a full touchscreen like the Iphone, so let’s see what Steve Jobs say later this year before I make plans to replace my old one.
1
Paul Van Dyk – In Between
Viva La Vida, Liberty Leading the People, and Eugene Delacroix
Utada Hikaru and red camisoles
do as infinity splits
Tourist
July 18th, 2007 at 8:10 am
At first there was Shonen Knife…and then there came “Bump of Chicken”
July 18th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
yeah! heard too! it’s almost like an iphone but without network connectivity, communication capabilities, camera and other applications currently in iPod. Imagine scrolling using a virtual click wheel or browsing using the Cover Flow app. nice!
July 18th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
haha i thought Asian Kungfu Generation was weird.
School Food? On contrary, I enjoyed my school food.
July 18th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
sixth generation? mm…
wonder what Steve has installed for us this time
July 19th, 2007 at 3:18 am
I’m sorry if this is a little off topic from iPod rumors (always welcome) and cool bands with funky/odd names (fun and interesting) but…
…you write beautifully. I’ve been reading back through your posts. Very nice. I wish I had such command of more than one language.
July 19th, 2007 at 5:18 am
Zero and Fartboystinks – Buck-Tick, Kinki Kids, Thee Michelle Gun Elephant, the list goes on. Coincidentally, Asian Kungfu Generation and Bump of Chicken are really popular here, so far as I know.
Jackson and Adrian – I heard there’s going to be a stylus as well. Battery life must be a big challenge if its going to go full touchpanel, but if they got it figured out for Iphone, it shouldn’t be too big a problem I guess.
Eric – Thank you for the kind words, but I really beg to differ ! I urge you to take a look at my friend Subaltern’s blog ( on my blogroll ); now that’s beautiful writing. :]
July 19th, 2007 at 7:17 am
hey yong, thanks for leaving me a not on my blog- great to see what kind of work you do. you must be having sooo much fun in japan- i am jealous. your ipod comment got me excited and my ipod is about 2 and a half years old- so you’ve inspired me to wait..
July 19th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Hello Tessar, thanks for dropping by. Your illustration pieces that they showcased on startdrawing.org really caught my eye, I look forward to seeing more of your work on your blog soon. :]
August 31st, 2007 at 5:14 am
I found your blog whilst looking for SFP stuff via google (Heard them randomly on myspace) And i’ve been trying to find the CD ever since!
August 31st, 2007 at 10:25 am
Hey Sam, glad you found it ! Some great music isn’t it ? :]