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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A necessary first step, but hopefully more steps will follow,
By
This review is from: Nippon Pop (Paperback)
This is an necessary but flawed intro to Japanese popular music, from a writer who in BILLBOARD magazine introduced me to such jpop stars as UA and COSA NOSTRA. Coverages runs the gamut from old school (e.g., Pink Lady), through the likes of Seiko Matsuda and Shonen Knife, and all the way up to Pizzicato Five and Namie Amuro. McClure offers some history and quite a few capsule overviews of artists in this colorful, photo-heavy book.Yet there are a few problems to be aware of. For one, the book has dated quickly. A number of major stars surfaced soon after this book's publication date (i.e., Misia, Hikaru Utada, and Ayumi Hamasaki). Secondly, not to plug my favorites, but I was disappointed that the vital Japanese acid jazz scene--Monday Michiru, Mondo Grosso, etc.--is nowhere to be found. And thirdly, some of the artist overviews are too brief (for example, UA gets several photos, but only one short paragraph of coverage--not sufficient to tell the reader WHY her music is acclaimed). Although I like the graphics, I wonder if a more informative set-up would be to organize the material in an alphabetical, encyclopedia-like format, with more consistently substantive biographical and discographical information. Also, maybe having several writers participate would ease the burden on McClure and allow coverage of a wider variety of jpop artists. Still, thanks are due to the author for getting the ball rolling with NIPPON POP.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Survey of the J Pop World,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Nippon Pop (Paperback)
With the growing interest in Japanese pop artists among English speaking people, this book has come at the right time. Not meant for someone only interested in one or two genres, or in what is fleetingly popular, McClure focuses on a wide range of styles and introduces you to the important movers and creators who have shown their lasting worth. There are a few interesting oversights, but only two complaints of substance. First, a lot of space is used up by graphic design which could have been used to give more information. We need data on these people more than we need photos. Second, a CD sampler of their music would have clinched his arguement that Japan is producing some of the most original contemporary music around today. Still, this is well worth a look by readers with a wide interest or willing to have their taste expanded.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Japanese music Industry,
By Breshiki (Kansas) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Nippon Pop (Paperback)
Don't let the name "Nippon Pop" fool you! This book covers just about every style of Japanese music from pop, rock, country, techno, and more!
It mainly features reviews and information about bands, however it has a lot of information about the Japanese clubs, censorships, culture, fashion, Indies, and more! Some of the bands that are featured in this book are: X Japan, Globe, B'z, Luna Sea, Shonen Knife, Guitar Wolf, and much much more! If you want to learn more about the Japanese music industry or see a lot of really good bands, This book it the perfect source!
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