Shawn Despres - The Japan Times

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Shawn Despres

Shawn Despres has been contributing to the Japan Times’ music page since 2005, and he has a passion for writing about the independent music scene in East Asia. He spent several years living in Yokohama and currently resides in Seoul.

For Shawn Despres's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Sep 15, 2006

No Use For A Name

Formed in California by guitarist Tony Sly and drummer Rory Koff, No Use For A Name have been entertaining punks old and new with their infectious, fast-paced anthems since 1987. After releasing two albums on New Red Archives, the band inked a deal with punk heavyweight Fat Wreck Chords in 1993. Owned and operated by NOFX frontman Fat Mike, the indie imprint has put out six full-length studio recordings and a live disc on behalf of the group.

CULTURE / Music

Sep 8, 2006

The Dears "Gang of Losers"

Before Arcade Fire made Montreal's indie scene famous a couple of years ago, The Dears were already attracting attention with their dark, cinematic art-pop. Since debuting in 2000 and achieving moderate success, they have also made fans out of artists -- such as Morrissey -- who had influenced them in the first place.

CULTURE / Music

Sep 1, 2006

Metalchicks "St. Wonder"

Formed in 2000, Metalchicks are comprised of Sugar Yoshinaga from Buffalo Daughter and Yuka Yoshimura, formerly of DMBQ and OOIOO. Their sophomore disc, "St. Wonder," is the soundtrack for the film "Warau Michael."

CULTURE / Music

Aug 25, 2006

Raising the Fawn "The Maginot Line"

Originally a bedroom project for guitarist John Crossingham in the late 1990s, Canada's Raising The Fawn morphed into a full band to match his growing ambitions. Associations with Toronto's Broken Social Scene have brought the trio increased exposure, but their lack of a distinctive pop edge has seen them garner a fraction of the attention of that collective's other offshoots. Their third full-length album, "The Maginot Line" is a more subdued, darker piece of work than its predecessor, its 11 tracks building slowly into elaborate, atmospheric pieces. The stunning, drawn-out "Until It Starts Again" takes time to rise, then quickly falls into silence as the group begins singing a capella before the sounds of hand claps, wood-chopping and mud clomping come in, creating a gorgeous, chilling moment. Patient listeners will relish the restrained beauty offered by "Maginot," one of the best albums out of Canada's flourishing music scene this year.

CULTURE / Music

Jul 28, 2006

Jurassic 5 "Feedback"

"I refuse to bust gats and water down my raps," rhymes Akil on "Where We At," addressing Jurassic 5's detractors. His words will likely fall on deaf ears. Those disappointed by the lack of tired references to cash, drugs and violence of J5's past work won't be embracing their third full-length "Feedback."

CULTURE / Music

Jul 21, 2006

Greg Graffin "Cold As The Clay"

Having spent 26 years (and counting) fronting California punk act Bad Religion, Greg Graffin has earned the right to branch out. "Cold As The Clay" marks his second solo recording, and the first to be credited to his own name. A mix of time-honored and modern Americana, on "Cold As," Graffin, like many rock musicians before him, shows that folk and punk music aren't that far apart.

CULTURE / Music

Jul 7, 2006

Amy Millan "Honey From The Tombs"

Her full-time gig with Canada's Stars and contributions to Broken Social Scene have seen singer/guitarist Amy Millan's popularity rise, making it the perfect time to release a solo album.

CULTURE / Music

Jun 16, 2006

Gnarls Barkley "St. Elsewhere"

"But it wasn't because I didn't know enough. I just knew too much," croons Cee-Lo on "Crazy," the lead single from "St. Elsewhere." The statement speaks volumes about Gnarls Barkley's canny debut. Vocalist Cee-Lo, formerly of Goodie Mob, has penned hits for the likes of P. Diddy. DJ/Producer Dangermouse has worked with Gorillaz and with emcee MF Doom in Danger Doom.

Japan Times

CULTURE / Music

Jun 2, 2006

Former Archer's crooked path

"I'm going be a strange hybrid of Mick Jagger and Johnny Cash, with a touch of Steve Forbert [singer-songwriter best known for his 1980 hit "Romeo's Tune"] and some animated bear whose name I can't remember. Oh yeah, and some hip-hop too -- the kids love that sh*t," jokes Eric Bachmann when asked what the long-term future holds.

CULTURE / Music

May 26, 2006

ROMZ Record 4th Anniversary Tour

Computer geeks, grab your MacBooks and rejoice -- your passion for processors and software will place you among the hippest of the hip next week.

CULTURE / Music

May 12, 2006

Dilated Peoples "20/20"

P. Diddy once rapped "Don't worry if I write rhymes, I write checks." Dilated Peoples' fourth full-length album, "20/20," opens with rapper Evidence countering with the tongue-in-cheek "Don't worry if I write checks, I write rhymes." And like Diddy, Dilated have the means to back up their proclamation. The L.A. trio rose to prominence after forming in the mid-1990s, and, despite signing to a major label, their moderate mainstream success has allowed them to stay at the forefront of underground rap.

CULTURE / Music

Apr 28, 2006

Daisuke Kashiwa "April.#02"

Originally a member of postrock act Yodaka, Hiroshima's Daisuke Kashiwa decided in 2004 to set out on a solo career. After putting out a few limited issue CD-Rs, the 28-year-old musician has now released his first official album, "April.#02."

CULTURE / Music

Apr 21, 2006

Pretty Girls Make Graves "Elan Vital"

Overflowing with fast-paced, addictive post-hardcore anthems, Pretty Girls Make Graves' debut, 2002's "Good Health," had indie rock hipsters frothing at the mouth. The Seattle act followed with 2003's equally impressive "The New Romance." A line-up change saw the band losing a guitarist and adding a keyboardist before this, their third full-length album, "Elan Vital."

CULTURE / Music

Apr 14, 2006

Josh Rouse "Subtitulo" (Nettwerk)

The beauty of Josh Rouse's music is its simplicity. Replete with catchy hooks and melodies, his straightforward arrangements and soft, soulful vocals combine to make some of the most intelligent, adult pop to come out of the United States in recent years.

CULTURE / Music

Mar 31, 2006

Well-known for his production work with Jay-Z, Ludacris and Alicia Keys, Kanye West became a household name with the release of his debut album, 2004's "The College Dropout." The multi-platinum recording exploded out of the gates and the massive cross-over appeal of West's rap anthems netted him 10 Grammy Award nominations in 2005 and established him as a top player in pop music.

CULTURE / Music

Mar 17, 2006

Neko Case "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood"

"Everything's so easy for Pauline," croons Neko Case on the opener of her new album, and the same could be easily said about Case. Since her 1990s debut with Canadian pop-punks Maow, the talented American chanteuse has had little trouble garnering praise for her work with The Corn Sisters, The New Pornographers, and as a solo performer.

Japan Times

Events / Events Outside Tokyo

Mar 17, 2006

Bellydance partywith feast of sound

Tokyo band Tabla Kwaiesa will be injecting the plush Club Heights in Shinjuku with a whole lot of Arabic soul for "Tokyo Ihtifaal," an event taking place March 21. Some of Japan's top bellydancers, including Suran Negishi -- competition winner at Armani's Oriental Festival in Lebanon last year -- and Nicole, will perform with Kwaiesa's collective of Middle Eastern-influenced percussionists. According to the band, ihtifaal means "large party" or "feast" in Arabic. The event is the followup to last October's sold-out show that coincided with Ramadan.

CULTURE / Music

Feb 24, 2006

Likkle Mai "Roots Candy"

As a member of Dry & Heavy, one of Japan's best-known dub-reggae outfits, Likkle Mai shared stages with the likes of Lee "Scratch" Perry and Horace Andy and wowed crowds at festivals such as Britain's WOMAD festival and Fuji Rock. "Roots Candy" -- the Japanese singer's first solo outing -- sees Mai creating her own unique take on the reggae genre.

CULTURE / Music

Feb 10, 2006

Richard Ashcroft "Keys To The World"

After years of toiling on the edge of the mainstream, The Verve finally achieved commercial success in 1997. Unfortunately, their "Bittersweet Symphony" was not meant to last and the British group parted ways in 1999.

CULTURE / Music

Feb 3, 2006

Robert Pollard "From A Compound Eye"

During two decades with Guided By Voices, Robert Pollard became one of the strongest songwriters on the American underground rock scene. With his uncanny knack of turning out pieces of pop perfection, Pollard and his roving cast of backing musicians were lauded by critics and fans who remain baffled that wider commercial success somehow eluded GBV. Although he put the GBV moniker to rest in 2004, Pollard's pen is far from drying up.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

When trying to trace your lineage in Japan, the "koseki" is the most important form of document you'll encounter.

Climbing the branches of a Japanese family tree

By Alex K.T. Martin

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

Prize winner Maki Imoto catches light with glass

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