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Tokyo No Records Brings Sounds of the Japanese Underground |
Group Sounds refers to genre of Japanese rock music that developed under the influence of The Beatles, The Ventures, and other rock acts of the mid to late 1960s. The most well known bands of that era were The Tigers, The Tempters, The Spiders, The Golden Cups, The Mops, The Blue Comets, The Funnies, The Wild Ones, The Happenings Four and others.
In September of 2007, Eric Bresler launched his independent Philadelphia-based record label Tokyo No Records. Aiming to promote throwback genres of Japanese music to an American audience, the emergent label has released four domestic CDs and organized tours for some of Japan's well-known Group Sounds revival acts.
In October of 2007, we reviewed The Captains concert at the International House of Philadelphia. This show was a part of TNR's first promotion -- The Captains' "Last Group Sounds", a 10 track CD released in conjunction with their first US tour. Those who missed the show might want to read our account of their affectionate rocking of Philadelphia.
More recently, TNR has been working with Thee 50's High Teens to put out their first American release in conjunction with a tour. This four piece band of garage rockin' lady vampires, currently one of the largest draws in the Japanese indie scene, can now take the English-speaking world by storm thanks to the good handiwork of TNR. Visit the TNR Twitter page to see more of their east coast tour.
Want to know what else is happening with Tokyo No Records and the other endeavors of Eric Bresler?
We've got the various projects of past and present outlined for you below:
Tokyo No Records
www.tokyonorecords.com
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The Captains
Last Group Sounds
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Various Artists
The Time Was Then Is Now |
Thee 50's High Teens
Punch De Beat |
The Captains
I Love GS |
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Four electric ninja from Japan carry on the late '60s Group Sounds tradition. More...
Released September 2007 in conjunction with the "Last Group Sounds U.S. Tour".
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Seven contemporary Japanese artists each contribute one original song and one cover of a classic Japanese rock song. Plus bonus tracks. More...
Release date 9/30/08.
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Four heartbroken Japanese vampire cuties attack with '60s styled garage rock. More...
Release date 9/9/08 in conjunction with the "Punch De Beat U.S. Tour".
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The modern GS champions return with 10 covers of their favorite Group Sounds songs. Thrill to the new sounds of old! More...
Love GS on-liner notes
Release date 10/22/08.
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Founded by Eric Bressler in August 2005, Tokyo no Radio is the website dedicated to the sale and promotion of underground Japanese music to English-speaking audiences. Featuring a slick, easy to navigate interface and a secure shopping cart hosted by Paypal, TnR sells Japanese music of all genres: from hard rock to country, ska to noise. TnR is dedicated to fulfilling the demand for Japanese musicians whose presence is virtually non-existant in record stores outside of their native country.
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Otaku Unite! is a feature-length documentary on the history of Japanese animation fandom in the United States. Directed, produced and edited by Eric Bressler,
OU! has been screened publicly on over thirty occasions throughout the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. Notable screenings include the Philadelphia Film Festival (4/04), Anime Expo (7/04), and San Diego's Comic-Con International Film Festival (8/04).
OU! was released on DVD throughout North America on March 7, 2006 courtesy of anime pioneers Central Park Media. It has since been screened on television around the world and has been subtitled in both Japanese and Russian. Visit the official Otaku Unite! website. |
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