medorē #28 – A Look Back at My First J-Music Playlist
featuring Ohashi Trio, Suchmos, WANIMA (and more!)
Been doing really well with posting at least one non-Exchange/Rate post for the past three months, so I figured I'd continue the streak (plus, it’s been a minute since I last did a medorē compilation).
For those who are fairly new to my blogging activities, not only did I begin writing back in December of 2016 but I actually started to become more interested in Japanese music throughout the following year or so. Amongst my indulgence in certain anime TV series, especially the one from that little idol multimedia franchise called Love Live, this was a time when I legitimately went out of my way to listen to songs that weren’t featured as a show’s opening or ending theme. While I don’t exactly remember who or what triggered my sudden interest in testing the waters of the Japanese music scene, that decision by a spry sixteen-year-old Al most certainly helped shaped my personal and current taste in music, as well as the existence of the very blog you’re viewing at the moment. Not to sound too… melodramatic or anything but if my curiosity didn’t lead me to so many artists who I consider some of my biggest influences, as well as the reasons for why I started to take on writing/blogging as a serious hobby, there’s a big chance that my life would’ve turned out to be drastically different and I probably wouldn’t even be writing this post right now.
That said, as an idea that I pulled out of literal thin air, I decided to go back and look at the very first Japanese music compilation/playlist I made seven years ago, on my old/personal Spotify account. In fact, it’s been seven years pretty much to the dot, since as you can see in this screenshot, the first song I ever added to this playlist was on September 19th, 2017. And I swear that this was not coordinated or planned; only recently did I open up this ancient vault again and notice the month of when I created this song compilation. Truly a strange-yet-fitting coincidence.
As per usual with how I do medorēs, I’ll be picking out eight tracks from that playlist, and not only is this an opportunity to reminisce and get my unhealthy dose of nostalgia, but I am genuinely curious about what I was initially listening to at the time and whether or not my interest/appreciation for those artists still exists to this day (and also the fact that I have actually never discussed a good handful of the songs on this list before, at least in a proper fashion, so I’m happy to do so now). So that’s what we’re dealing with.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
♫ 「Shinya no Radio」 SHISHAMO
Released: 2013.11.13
Bit of an obvious one, ain’t it.
I do say that but some may be surprised that MUCH more popular songs like “Kimi to Natsu Fes”, “Boku ni Kanojo ga Dekitanda”, and even “Ashitamo” weren’t my first forays into the Kanagawa-rooted, alt-rock trio of SHISHAMO. Can’t really say that it was in my control either, since I did let Spotify do what its best at and suggest some tracks to me at random. But either way, what resulted was a new interest in what would eventually become one of, if not my favorite Japanese rock band *and* artist of all-time.
And even after eleven-or-so years and seven albums later, I truly believe that “Shinya no Radio” and the rest of SHISHAMO’s first studio album still hold up to this day (as shown in this neat video I found where a college light music club band performed this song, as well as “BYE BYE”, last year). Sure, it may sound significantly different compared to what the trio does now, but it’s incredibly fascinating to go back, revisit the roots of the band’s music and appreciate what they were doing during their beginnings; as I do feel like what was heard on this album was very much an extension of their previous release, Sotsugyouseisaku, where Asako, Misaki and then-bassist Matsumoto Aya continued to write & perform songs that had a strong appeal to the age group they themselves were a part of.
This might just be a me thing but one of my favorite aspects about “Shinya no Radio” is how… I guess, ‘dramatic’ it feels compared to a lot of the other songs on SHISHAMO 1. The melody that shown in the intro (and throughout the song) just feels quite intense, especially thanks to Asako’s rougher + distorted guitar playing, as well as possibly due to the lyrics being about someone who starts to feel lonely and have negative thoughts about a relationship they’re in because their partner isn’t calling them on the phone like usual. And it is also interesting to realize/pick out certain details that I didn’t notice before, like how Asako’s vocal harmonizations with herself were actually done really, really well. Because of all of those things, and the fact that this was the very first song I heard from this phenomenal band, it’s a SHISHAMO song that has continued to stick with me for a long time and I totally think it’s one of their most underrated tracks, at least in my opinion.
♫ 「Thread Dance」 Gesu no Kiwami Otome
Released: 2013.12.04
While I did, in fact, give Leap a Gesu album last month for the Exchange/Rate, this is definitely another timely coincidence.
Truly, no joke. Alongside SHISHAMO and Ohashi Trio, Gesu was one of the very first artists that I vibed a ton with, and a lot of my long-time appreciation and love for this band — as well as Kawatani Enon as a musician, artist, and producer — stems from this very song in “Thread Dance”.
Can’t exactly remember what was going through my head when I first listened to this track, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I was, sort of, ‘blown away’ by what I was hearing. The way the piano at the beginning reels you in immediately with that pleasant and catchy melody. How those fast-paced drums and basslines enter in a such a smooth fashion. And of course, that insanely good climactic chorus and just being introduced to Kawatani’s incredibly distinct vocals… even when I listen to this song nowadays, it honestly still gives me goosebumps with how sick it is. Especially since I’m a lot more familiar with the music from Gesu and Kawatani, it’s so cool being able to appreciate this song on a much deeper level; I mean, the fact that I JUST realized there is no electric guitar performance to be heard from the frontman himself, and essentially allowed CHANMARI, Hona Ikoka and Kyujitsu Kacho to go wild and put their insane musical talents on full display… fantastic song, all in all.
♫ 「Daisy」 Ohashi Trio
Released: 2017.02.15
I’ve always been a huge fan of solo singer-songwriters, even before my obsession with Japanese media; listening to people who shaped my younger days like Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, David Choi, and hell, I even went through a brief Ed Sheeran phase at one point. Because of them, I’ve always enjoyed lighter pop/rock music that heavily and beautifully incorporates an acoustic guitar, which is most likely why it didn’t take very long for me to fall in love with Ohashi Trio and his music.
While “Daisy” isn’t my favorite OT release, nor is the album it appears on (titled Blue), looking back and reminding myself that it was my very first Ohashi Trio track actually makes me believe that it’s a solid ‘introduction’ to his music. It really does encapsulate the overall vibe and atmosphere OT likes to express in his music, as you immediately get a taste of his simple and chill composition style, the way he injects a folksy sound with a fantastic banjo performance, as well as being able to hear his deeper and soothing vocals. Just like many of the songs on this list, this certainly was what some would call a ‘gateway track’, especially since Ohashi Trio has had a ginormous impact on a lot of the music I’ve enjoyed for the past few years. He continues to be one of my favorite Japanese artists to this day and no doubt has he also influenced me to check out other similar + great talents like Fujiwara Sakura, Michael Kaneko, Hata Motohiro, Toki Asako and THE CHARM PARK, among others. Plus, I even consider an earlier release of his, PRETAPORTER, to be one of the best Japanese music albums I have personally ever listened to.
In other words… I love this man, he’s awesome.
♫ 「Just once again」 Beverly
Released: 2017.05.31
Whether it’s me reviewing an album or doing one of these song roundups, I always look forward to rave about an artist’s vocals. I think we’ve all had the pleasure of hearing some incredibly talented vocalists within the Japanese musicsphere, and it genuinely is something I appreciate when done well; no matter if it’s male, female, rock, pop, hip-hop, idols, VTubers, whatever.
But jeez, man. Beverly’s singing in “Just once again” actually might be the most beautiful and amazing vocal performance I’ve ever listened to. Everything about this is so, so good but the one highlight that stands out to me is how well Beverly hits those high notes throughout the track, most notably in the chorus. It’s crazy because when you actually watch her sing this song live, it just looks so smooth and effortless, like it comes completely natural to her. Plus, I do appreciate how a piano was the only source of music in this track, and while I don’t want to undermine Kim Seung Jun’s equally-as-beautiful composition here, I enjoyed how it took more of a backseat, in order to really make Beverly’s vocals shine.
And I’ll admit that I’m still not that familiar with Beverly and her music (this is literally the only song I’ve heard from her), but she will forever have my respect for having such a gorgeous voice. And maybe after writing this feature, it’ll get me to listen to some of her other stuff. :)
♫ 「Parade」 LUCKY TAPES
Released: 2016.07.06
LUCKY TAPES is a band that I instantly liked, as they have created music that’s very much in-line with my own, existing tastes. Smooth, low-key, soulful songs with a heavy emphasis on pianos and wind instruments… I’m far from being a ‘jazz-nut’ but I’ve really, really liked LUCKY TAPES’ take on those specific genres and frontman Takahashi Kai has consistently shown that he has a fantastic grasp on making music.
And while I’ve definitely enjoyed the mellower and bluesy type sound shown in their more recent releases, as mentioned when I got Leap to review their 2020 album Blend, I do believe I have a much deeper connection to their earlier stuff. They exerted a much brighter and poppier sound with jazz-infused tracks like “Touch!”, “Gun” and the ever-so-popular “Lady Blues”. But, amongst a solid list of peppy and quick-paced songs on their 2018 release CIGARETTE&ALCOHOL, “Parade” mellows out and really embraces a more chill and relaxing atmosphere. It includes such an interesting variety of instruments, ranging from the usual suspects like some slick guitars and sweet basslines to the slight-yet-very effective usage of a violin, trumpet, sax and trombone. All of these come together to show off a very soft and comforting melody in the verses, while the chorus really takes it up a notch with a grander and very satisfying sound. Add on Takahashi Kai’s signature and unique vocals, and to me, this could very well be one of LUCKY TAPES’ best tracks.
Since then, the group has gone through significant changes, especially with their member lineup, with Takahashi Kensuke and Taguchi Keito leaving the band in 2023 and Takahashi Kai continuing the project on his own. I personally haven’t been following the TAPES that closely, at least as of late, but judging from some of their recent releases, it’s neat that Kai’s still exerting that cool, upbeat R&B/soul/jazz sound.
♫ 「Life Easy」 Suchmos
Released: 2015.04.08
No doubt am I a fan of Suchmos’ most popular hit in “STAY TUNE”, since its overall urban feel and fantastic instrumental combinations (especially that sick bass performance from the late HSU) made for a track that’s smooth, catchy and perfect for a car commercial. But I think it’s interesting to look back and realize that I was exposed to Suchmos’ music through some of their other bangers like “TOBACCO”, “PINKVIBES”, and the one I chose to discuss, “Life Easy” off their debut EP Essence.
Compared to a song like “STAY TUNE”, “Life Easy” just feels a lot more raw and less-produced (which makes sense since this was one of their earliest releases). Not to say that one ‘style’ is better than the other, but I feel like Suchmos does a great job performing these more low-key and slower-paced tracks, and really hones in on the jazzy styles they’ve been influenced by. The combination of those wavy guitars and prominent drums just mix in so well with that more tame piano playing; the latter of which I don’t think feels out-of-place at all. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed listening to YONCE’s deeper register when he sings, and it’s most certainly shown in full display here.
♫ 「Akatsuki no Kodou」 UNCHAIN
Released: 2012.12.05
My experience with UNCHAIN and their music is actually a pretty funny one. While I did discover them through certain songs like “Girl’s Dilemma” and the one we’re talking about here, “Akatsuki no Kodou”, I actually remember them more from a lot of the tracks on their Love & Groove Delivery series of albums. I was absolutely obsessed with bangers like “Robinson”, “Kessen wa Kinyōbi”, “Zenryoku Shonen”, “RIDE ON TIME”, “Marunouchi Sadistic”, with me thinking, ‘dang, this band’s made a ton of fantastic songs’… only to find out years later that these were actually covers.
Keep in mind that I was still fairly new to the Japanese music scene, so I wasn’t at all familiar with the great works from Yamashita Tatsuro, Dreams Come True or Sheena Ringo… it’s a bit embarrassing when I look back, thinking that UNCHAIN actually wrote those songs (especially since they also did perform a handful of English/American hits lol). But honestly, their performances were incredibly convincing and even to this day, I still love listening to UNCHAIN’s unique renditions of those massively well-known pop songs.
“Akatsuki no Kodou”, on the other hand, is an original track from the band and it’s definitely one that I have a lot of fond memories with. There’s so much to take in and notice when going through this song, and it all comes together really well to create an incredibly vibrant song. The raw-sounding acoustic guitar and violins take a lot of the spotlight, while a bunch of cool riffs from the electric guitar does a great job adding another interesting layer to the track. And to top it off, I’ve always loved listening to Tanigawa Masanori’s distinct and awesome vocals, and this song definitely presents them beautifully.
♫ 「CHARM」 WANIMA
Released: 2017.05.17
While I have been a fan of various types and subgenres of rock, punk-focused rock is something I’ve never really dabbled too deep into. I mean, I did have a brief phase where I listened to a bunch of Green Day’s popular tracks but come on… as much as I looped “Holiday” and “Basket Case” for a couple weeks worth, that barely counts.
Still do feel the same way, even today, but listening to WANIMA now-and-then certainly scratches that slight punk rock itch that I have occasionally. I first learned about them a few years after their debut, as I did enjoy some of the tracks off their 2015 album Are You Coming? (which also has an wild and definitely NSFW album cover, lol). 2018 also felt like the time when WANIMA really started to hone in on their popularity following their previous hits, with equally-as-fun and fantastic releases like “SIGNAL”, “Yattemiyou” and “Tomoni”. My personal favorite that still hits to this very day would 100% be “CHARM”.
Love this song. While one could consider this to be more on the pop-punk side of things, I still think it’s a great song within the overall genre and me being someone who generally enjoys brighter-sounding music, it definitely hits all the right notes for me. It’s fast, it’s loud, it’s hype, it’s catchy… I know the vocabulary I’m using here isn’t very creative but “CHARM” honestly feels like a song you’d need to actually listen to for yourself, in order to feel the sheer energy it gives off.
Another thing I appreciate about this track, as I learned while writing this post, is that it’s definitely one that can feel uplifting and give you a boost of confidence. Thanks to the song’s lyricism, the visual/auditory image of WANIMA having a ton of fun while performing and the way KENTA sings with all of his heart, many people in the comments of its music video have said that “CHARM” has got them through rough/bad times and now being a few years older, I can absolutely tell why. The band’s optimism and incredible liveliness feels super infectious, which certainly makes this great song even better.
Aaand that’s all I got for you today!
Pretty darn good selection of songs, not gonna lie. I would give 2017 Al a pat on the back, but to be fair, 99% of the credit has to go to Spotify and their suggestion algorithm; I’ve always praised them for throwing a bunch of cool stuff at me and they are the true MVPs for exposing me to these fantastic songs. I am also surprised that I didn’t add any seiyuu or idol songs to this mix, but I guess I didn’t dive deep into those areas yet. Still, an impressive (and pretty diverse) playlist by yours truly.
Speaking of, if you’d like to listen to all of the songs I just talked about on Spotify, I recreated (nearly) the entire playlist I made back in 2017-2018 so if you’re also interested in seeing what else I bumped at the time, feel free to peruse through it (it’s short but got a lot of solid stuff)!
Think that’s all. I appreciate it if you got to this point of the post, and definitely let me know your thoughts! I’d love to hear which tracks stuck with you, or maybe some of the songs from the first playlist you ever created. I’m all ears!
And not sure if this’ll be the last medorē before the 2024 yearly roundup, but I will try my best to whip up at least one more within the remaining months. Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading!! :D
-al