With the advent of the Internet, there has been a jump in availability of international music. To me, the best part of all of this is that it can be used as a tool. I was introduced to J-Rock (Japanese Rock) and Visual Kei by some friends a few years ago. It sparked my interest in Japanese language and more global music, and I'm now using the lyrics as a sort of study guide to the language.
This isn't limited just to J-Rock and Japan, though. It can be used with any language that is written. The Internet has been a great site for dictionaries, basic translators, and basic grammar tools that are essential to learning a language. It would be awesome if more people realized the resources out there!
Listening to music from other nations also gives a clue as to what's big in those nations, be it with a subculture or with the entire nation.
Any thoughts/ good links to world music?
-L.S.
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I listen to Asian music even though I don't understand what they say. I like the music and the way it sounds. There's a contrast in Asian and American music, I might say. American music (talking ballads sort of music here) doesn't have a high climax like Asian music does. Thats just what I notice. I'm not much of a musical person so i don't know how to describe it but thats the best I could do. Visual kei isn't all that good. Some good japanese bands are: Dragonash, Remioromen, K, Glay....
Thanks for the band suggestions!
I've heard of Glay, they're not bad.
http://visualrotation.altervista.org/ is a good site for Japanese Rock and occasional Pop. They rotate about once every 2 weeks, so you can see what you like and what you don't. I wish the lyrics for more of the bands were available on the web. I only understand about a quarter of what's said.
http://www.crysania.com/ has some good translations, as well as http://www.centigrade-j.com/.
I can definitely agree with you on the way the music flows.
Oh thanks. I have some websites that have translation, or just romanization:
www.cherryblossom-garden.com
www.megchan.com
Have you heard of The Back Horn? I've listened to one of their song called "Requim" and its very good. It's th theme song to the movie "Casshern" which you will be familiar with if you watch Japanese or Asian movies.