[Ed. Note- We start today with a brief update. It is now official- this little website is certified as a source of not a just cutting edge indie music but it also provides a public service to our members.

Yup. That’s right.

At least six other group members here at Cambridge have told rex that they only figured out how to use their towel warmers after reading the post “Help (Not The Beatles Song)” from Wednesday.

In fact, group members Jen and Brad messaged rex immediately and enthusiastically from Ireland 🇮🇪 🍀 stating that we had solved their towel warmer dilemma on the Emerald Isle as well!]

We move today from New Jersey to Japan in a second tip of the cap to new Group member Gary.

I have selected a stalwart Japanese indie outfit for today’s song.

SHONEN KNIFE (pictured above sporting dresses inspired by Dutch 🇳🇱 painter PIET MONDRIAN) have been around since 1981!

[Ed. Note- Research reveals that “Shonen” means “boy”.]

Originating out of Osaka, this trio have been blasting out indie music fusing bubblegum pop with punk (think of them as the sugar- addled, female Asian version of THE RAMONES) for over 20 studio LPs!

Their only continuous member, NAOKO YAMANO, gave up her day job office gig at age 21, and, along with her younger sister and a friend, started this enduring indie outfit.

The band’s first release in North America occurred around 1990. They famously supported NIRVANA on that band’s last tour before the epoch- defining “Nevermind” was released.

They sing in both Japanese and English. Food is a common theme of their songs. “Vamos Taquitos” and “Ramen Rock” are two of my favourite titles.

I am on the train to London to meet up with Kimberly at present. It is our favourite food place so I have to “lean” that way to “serve up” today’s song.

From their 1998 LP “Happy Hour” here is a live take of “Gyoza” along with the studio version on Spotify.

It is interesting how the lyrics reference the history of Japan 🇯🇵 and China 🇨🇳 adding layers of history, flavour and meaning to the song making it not as light and poppy as it seems.

Stop salivating and enjoy.

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/0KknwSO7Ehus8vSTpP6p1k?si=m83VLx9vTzahYVTIk2fNGw

(SONG 1153)

Play Loud Or Perish

July 18, 2025

[Ed. Note- In keeping with our public service initiative, rex has discovered that the band are playing in Ann Arbor, MI on October 3, 2025.]