These sexy lads in skirts are Arab Strap: one of my all-time favourite bands.
Well it's been a crappy, rainy 10 degree Sunday here in Tokes, which actually was a very good thing because it made staying in bed with my mammoth hangover completely guiltfree. I vaguely remember being dinked on the back of a bike through Kichijoji and getting my heel caught in the spokes, forcing forward motion into a kinda slow sideways crash - not once but twice. The driver was equally as drunk and, well, it was a hilarious ride. But enough of that. I've been checking out the Tokyo Gig Guide which has some GREAT shows listed for the coming months!
First and foremost, my personal GIG OF THE YEAR will be the Arab Strap Ten Years of Tears Farewell tour as it passes through Tokyo. Yes folks, Aiden and Malcolm have decided to call it quits after ten years. They are playing Shibuya O-Nest over 2 dates - Monday, Dec 11 with Primrose, and Sunday, Dec 17th with a band called Ogre You Arsehole who I know nothing about. Tickets are ¥3500/4000. Who's coming with me?
Another gig well worth checking out if you're into really intense soft-loud hardcore will be the Envy show at The Liquid Room on the 12th Dec. I saw these guys last year after Tim-the-punk-rock-pimp told me they were his fave live band in Tokyo. They are definitely one of the most compelling and mesmerizing bands I have ever had the good luck to see live. I can't wait to get my next fix. Mogwai love them so much that they signed them to their label, Rock Action.
My buddies Miaou (Tokyo) and a band from N. Ireland, Tracer AMC, are playing next weekend at O-Nest (such a great venue) (Sat & Sun 25th/26th November) as part of a tour across Japan. I'm excited, Miaou have a new record out and some new material. It seems this tour has a Flickr page accompanying them around the country.
The Album Leaf are back to play The Liquid Room (another excellent venue) on Sat Jan 13th - their show earlier this year was just beautiful.
On the shortlist: The New Pornographers; Deerhoof & IIOII; Calexico & Iron and Wine; Scissor Sisters; Wolfmother; Yo la Tango; Jet; Snow Patrol....
I really must get into the habit of checking out the gig guides more often, I missed out on Kim Hiorthoy and Mogwai recently. Poo. That sucks.
Here's a couple of handy links for showlistings around Tokyo:
The Tokyo Gig Guide (a fantastic resource, have a good look around)
Tokyo Venue Listings (part of the Gig Guide site - very handy indeed, with maps and directions)
SMASH (major promoter)
Creativeman (major promoter)