Sonic Mania 2005
Feb 5-6th

Creativeman’s annual Japan midwinter rockathon dawns upon us this month in the form of Sonic Mania 2005.

The two-day event began relatively modestly as a dj-based techno party wedged in the middle of the SummerSonic festival. However both last year’s and this year’s rosters unabashedly skew top-heavy with guitar rock and its extended stylistic family.

Each day features nine acts performing roughly 40-minute sets, the first of which kicks off at noon. Based on a tight performing schedule which covers both Tokyo and Osaka, the fest has performers shuttle between the two cities on alternate days so that each city ends up with essentially the same bill of acts.

Saturday — Erudite shock metal rocker Marilyn Manson holds down the headlining spot on opening day, doubtlessly liberated from fears of Christian Right picketing and indecency charges that accompany many of his stateside appearances. Despite what most may know, love or hate about Manson’s notorious antics or contrived iconography (Satanism, drugs, anti-establishmentaria-nism, sex) the fact is, the band’s popularity has steadily grown on the strength of undeniably strong songwriting and consistent showmanship.

2003’s The Golden Age of Grotesque was one of that year’s top 10 albums with fans and critics alike, and even detractors are now begrudgingly acknowledging the legitimacy of the self-proclaimed ‘Antichrist Superstar.’ Expect glam metal in all its splendor.

Naruto-theme making Japanese hometown favorites Asian Kung Fu Generation leads in. Appearing earlier are (starting from noon): Nine Black Alps, Dogs Die in Hot Cars, Steriogram, Kings of Leon, The Mars Volta, and Kasabian.

Sunday — In the midst of a seemingly never ending world tour of in-stores, meet-and-greets and concerts, relentless Maryland pop-rock quintet Good Charlotte headlines day two.

Their recently (October 2004) released, slightly experimental sophomore album (The Chronicles of Life & Death) in tow, the multi-platinum young band, led by twin brothers Joel (vocals) and Benji (guitar) Madden, will flex their stadium-readiness to the unrestrained delight of their Japanese faithful.

While the extent to which the newer, perhaps less catchy material may disrupt the expectations of their fairly mainstream fan base, at the very least, the fact that the new album’s lead track features lyrics in Japanese bodes well for sing-along potential, if and when GC elect to whip it out.

And with their chart toppers Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, The Anthem and Say Anything, still in the arsenal, the chances of disappointment are very, very low.

Velvet Revolver does the lead-in honors. Appearing earlier(starting from noon), The Departure, Goldie Lookin Chain, Sparta, Kottonmouth Kings, Boom Boom Satellites, Juno Reactor, all take their turns on the stage.

Intex Osaka, hall 5
12:00 • ¥10,000 (1 day) / ¥18,000 (2 days)
Tel: 06-6233-8888

Take 6
Feb 7-9

While 2002’s Grammy-nominated Beautiful World wasn’t Take 6’s most audacious creative effort, focused as it was on remakes of
well-known pop and soul tunes of the past, it seemed to tastefully punctuate their 10-album career, seamlessly bridging the styles, eras and sensibilities the way the group itself has continued to do both live and in studio, since their awe-inspiring 1990 debut.

Steadfastly a gospel group at heart, Take 6’s staying power and worldwide appeal is nevertheless owed not to their Christian message, but rather to their overwhelming vocal talent, harmonic ingenuity and good old fashioned charisma, which understandably puts them in the elite company of must-see-live groups. Given that most vocal groups are lucky to last 3 years, the fact that, fifteen years in, Take 6 is still touring steadily (and regularly in Japan), should not be taken for granted, and fans of soul, R&B, pop, jazz, gospel, and just down home good sangin’, need to check these southern boys out while they’re still

Osaka Blue Note
18:30 / 21:30 • ¥10,000 / ¥12,600
Tel: 06-6342-7722

Manic Street Preachers
Feb 12

Formed in 1986, Welsh anti-establishment alt rock outfit the Manic Street Preachers were one of the most successful UK bands of the 90s, with their achievements made even more noteworthy by their ability to overcome personal tragedy.

The band suffered the loss of their co-manager, publicist and close friend Philip Hall to cancer in 1993. This was closely followed by the tragic downward spiral of depression and alcoholism of guitarist and key member Richey Edwards, who mysteriously disappeared in 1995 (his whereabouts remain unknown even today).

Nevertheless, as a threesome, the group has forged ahead remarkably, losing none of their ability to provoke or inspire
along the way. Despite being known for their unapologetically
left-leaning politics, frequently macabre lyrics as well as recurring break-up rumors, MSP have won hearts and souls with their steadfast commitment to great songwriting and soul-stirring live shows.

The past decade or so has seen them delivering increasi-ngly impassioned and inspired songwriting and performances to a legion of fans no longer limited to the UK The acclaimed 1996 double platinum album Everything Must Go, (which yielded top ten hits Everything Must Go, Kevin Carter and Australia), 1998’s This is My Truth Tell Me Yours (which included the No. 1 UK hit
If You Tolerate This, Your Children Will Be Next), 2001’s imagina-tive and lush Know Your Enemy, and their current and sophisti-cated Lifeblood make it clear that MSP are defiantly here to stay, and with much more yet to say. The band consists of James Dean Bradfield (vocals, guitar), Nicky Wire (bass), and Sean Moore (drums).

The Manic Street Preachers continue to name Richey Edwards (rhythm guitar) in their lineup every time they introduce themselves during live performances. Check out the raging rock veterans this month at Zepp Osaka.

Zepp Osaka
18:00 • ¥7,000
Tel: 06-6362-7301

Live Listings February

2/1 & 2/2
Malta @ Osaka Blue Note. 18:30/ 21:30. ¥5,500/¥7,500.
Tel: 06-6342-7722. Jazz
2/2
Extreme The Dojo Vol. 11: Converge, Mastdon @ Club Quattro. 18:00. ¥5,000. Tel: 06-6535-5569. Various
2/2 & 2/3
Tower of Power @ Osaka Blue Note
18:30/21:30 ¥7,400/¥9,400
Tel: 06-6342-7722 Funk
2/3
Brian Wilson @ Osaka Kosei Nenkin Kaikan Dai Hall. 19:00. ¥10,500. Tel: 0570-02-9999. Rock
2/3
Rasmus @ Big Cat. 19:00. ¥6,000 Tel: 06-6341-4506. Rock
2/5
Rage @ Club Quattro. 18:00. ¥6,800 Tel: 06-6535-5569. Rock
2/7
My Chemical Romance @ Club Quattro. 19:00. ¥6,000.
Tel: 06-6281-8181 Rock
2/9
Extreme The Dojo Vol.12: Hatebreed, Shadows Fall @ Club Quattro 18:00 ¥6,000 Tel: 06-6535-5569 Various
2/9
The Chemical Brothers @ Zepp Osaka. 19:30. ¥6,800.
Tel: 06-6535-5569. Electronic
2/10
Dream Evil @ Club Quattro. 19:00. ¥6,500. Tel: 06-6281-8181. Hard Rock
2/10
Toki Asako @ Osaka Blue Note.
18:30/21:30. ¥4,000/¥6,000. Tel: 06-6342-7722. Jazz
2/11
Sonata Arctica @ Namba Hatch.
17:00. ¥6,300. 0570-02-9999. Metal
2/13
Anti-Flag @ Club Quattro. 18:00 ¥4,500. Tel: 06-6281-8181. Rock
2/14
Ana Johnsson @ Club Quattro
19:00. ¥5,800 Tel: 06-6535-5569. Pop
2/15
The Delgados @ Club Quattro. 19:00 ¥5,500. Tel: 06-6281-8181. Rock
2/16
Every Little Thing @ Festival Hall
18:30. ¥5,800 Tel: 0570-06-3054. Pop
2/17
Eliane @ Osaka Blue Note. 18:30/ 21:30. ¥5,400/¥7,400. Tel: 06-6342-7722. Jazz
2/17
Olivier Latry @ Izumi Hall. 19:00 ¥4,000. Tel: 06-6944-1188. Classical
2/18 & 19
Brad Mehldau Trio @ Osaka Blue Note. 18:30/21:30. ¥5,400/¥7,400
Tel: 06-6342-7722. Jazz
2/20
Gontiti @ NHK Osaka Hall. 17:00. ¥6,500. 06-6233-8888.
Fusion Guitar
2/21
Staatskapelle Berlin @ The Symphony Hall. 19:00. ¥10,000-¥22,000. Tel: 06-6345-2751.
Classical
2/22
Madball @ Fandango. ¥5,000.
Tel: 06-6535-5569. Rock
2/24
Dirty Dozen Brass Band @ Taku Taku 19:00. ¥6,000. Tel: 06-6535-5569 Rock/Pop/Jazz
2/24
LCD Soundsystem @ Club Quattro
18:00. ¥5,800. Tel: 06-6281-8181. Dance
2/26
Scissor Sisters @ Club Quattro. 18:00 ¥5,500 Tel: 06-6281-8181. Rock
2/28
Sfkuank/Black Bottom Brass Band @ Osaka Blue Note. 18:30/21:30 ¥4,300/¥6,300 Tel: 06-6342-7722 Jazz

LIVE Section compiled by HWJ