BEST 2008

[synchrostorm]

In a year of BEST DESTINY and BEST FICTION, here are my BEST of the year:

BEST queer content:  BENNIE K - HI-EXPLOSION with DJ HI-KICK.  Step aside, "TABOO" and "GREEN".  Instead of using queer imagery for scandal or shock value, BENNIE K pulls us deep into an authentic underground club scene where drag queens hold court and a glowing, blue drink

Comments

[dobledorje]

No! Death to Amuro! May she fade back into obscurity where she belongs!

I found tons of songs to like this year but few albums I liked all the way through. NUDY SHOW! was definitely one of the best. It's definitely made me look into her other work. Have you heard her remix album from 2006? It's fantastic!

And the dance music to the mainstream trend has been the best. No wonder so many of my most-played songs this year are in some way club or techno oriented.

[synchrostorm]

Why the Namie hate-on? I'm sure you'll come around eventually. Remember Koda? Although she hardly interests me these days either, "TABOO" aside.

I'm finding Ayaka Hirahara's new album quite pleasant, and glad to see Japan's finally remembered she's still around. Recent albums I didn't care so much for: Tomiko Van (girl is BORing), Emi Hinouchi, Mika Nakashima (except Trust Your Voice and Focus) and capsule (even though the album version of JUMPER is better).

[dobledorje]

I've always hated Amuro and nothing is going to change that, sorry. Not even "Can You Celebrate?" and "Fish" on repeat for three days.

I'm glad DAI is getting back together so we don't have to endure more Van Tomiko albums. I find her voice appealing but her choice of material is dreadful. capsule's album had like 3 strong tracks lumped at the beginning and then fizzled out, so it was disappointing (though I do like "e.d.i.t.").

What do we have to look forward next year? Is Amano going to release more A LUNCH albums? I've never even heard the first one.

[synchrostorm]

Not so much on the horizon yet ... Anna Tsuchiya's new song "GUILTY" has already leaked (and there's a serious shortage of original song/album titles in Japan...) I'm curious to hear Koda's new album only because there are so many new album tracks. And I'm hoping Ayu's CDL will be a blockbuster with all of the alleged obscure songs she's dredging up, although these hints about "Over" and "Angel's Song" don't inspire.

I was just in a coffee shop where they were playing DAISHI DANCE's "I Believe"! Geek-out!!