When I was a college radio DJ, I learned about the No Wave phenomenon of the 1970s and one of the key tracks to the movement was James Chance’s “Contort Yourself”. It’s a jagged, frantic, dissonant-sounding track but somehow, some way still got you to dance even though your brain is probably protesting.
A lot of other genres sprung from the movement, but I think more importantly was the attitude that those artists took towards redefining what it meant to be a musician operating in a popular music industry. Seeing Jun Togawa and Zazen Boys perform live gave me that same dangerous feeling, a reminder of a distant memory of punk communities and underground concerts.
The last half of the show features some of the cooler psychedelia and experimental from East Asia that I’ve listened to recently, including a track from the new Guruguru Brain Wash 2 Compilation.
It all comes to a conclusion with a track from the live recording of the final live performance of the Japanese rock band Fishmans, before their frontman tragically passed away a mere decade after the band was founded. This episode honors the memory of that band as well as James Chance who also recently passed away.
Track Listing
Jun Togawa & Yapoos - "Mushi no Onna" - Ura Tamahime
Number Girl - “IGGY POP FAN CLUB” - OMOIDE IN MY HEAD
James Chance & The Contortions - “Contort Yourself”
bongjeingan - “KISS” - 12 Languages
Pom Poko - “Champion”
Carsick Cars - “Stage Riot” - Aha!
*Break*
Uhuhboo Project - “담요 세상 [World of the Blanket]” - 손익분기점 [Son Ik Boon Gi Jeom]
Sleeping Dogs - “Catch Me… If You Can” - Blunt Razor
GUU - “Split My Body” - Guruguru Brain Wash 2 Compilation
Minami Deutsch - “Grumpy Joe” - Fortune Goodbye
*Break*
Fishmans - “IN THE FLIGHT - Live” - 98.12.28
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