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Ellegarden: The Rise and Fall of a Japanese Rock Band

Ellegarden – Pepperoni Quattro (CD) w/ obi

Japanese rock group Ellegarden was established in Ichikawa, Chiba, in 1998. Guitarist Shinichi Ubukata, bassist Yuichi Takada, and drummer Hirotaka Takahashi made up the band in addition to vocalist and guitarist Takeshi Hosomi.

Ellegarden quickly rose to prominence as one of the top rock bands in Japan as a result of their upbeat live shows and catchy, melodic songs. Between 2003 and 2006, they put out four studio albums, all of which received positive reviews from the media.

Ellegarden announced that they would be taking a break in 2008. The band members attributed their breakup to creative differences. But in 2010 they came back together for a run of live performances. They have since put out two new albums, Brave New World from 2013 and Free World from 2018.

One of the most significant Japanese rock groups of the 2000s is Ellegarden. They have served as an inspiration to a new generation of Japanese rock bands, and their music is still loved by listeners all over the world.

The Early Years.

Takeshi Hosomi, Shinichi Ubukata, Yuichi Takada, and Hirotaka Takahashi created Ellegarden in 1998. When the four musicians first met, they were all just beginning their adolescences.
Their shared passion for rock music helped them quickly become friends.

The band initially performed at modest events in Ichikawa, where they were born and raised. They gained popularity quickly, and they soon started performing at events across Japan.

Goodmorning, Ellegarden’s self-titled debut album, was released in 2003. The band’s debut album was a critical and commercial success that contributed to its emergence as one of Japan’s most promising up-and-coming rock bands.

The Breakthrough.

In 2004, Pepperoni Quattro, the second album by Ellegarden, was made available. The band’s position as one of the biggest rock bands in Japan was cemented by the album, which was even more popular than their debut.

The album contained the number-one singles “Sakura” and “Space Craft.”. The songs both had enormous success in Japan and spread awareness of Ellegarden’s music.

The Hiatus.

Don’t Trust Anyone But Us, the third album by Ellegarden, was released in 2006. Although it was a commercial and critical success, the album would be their last for a while.

Ellegarden made a break from music announcement in 2008. The band members attributed their breakup to disagreements over their creative vision.

For Ellegarden fans, the break was a huge letdown. The group was among the most well-known rock bands in Japan, and a new generation of musicians were influenced by their music.

The Reunion.

2010 saw the reunion of Ellegarden for a run of live performances. The concerts were a huge success and proved that the band’s popularity had not decreased in the time since their break.

Brave New World, the fourth album from Ellegarden, was released in 2013. The band’s re-establishment as one of the most significant rock bands in Japan was made possible by the album’s critical and commercial success.

Since their reunion, the band has kept up its touring and music production. Free World, their fifth album, was made available in 2018.

The Legacy.

One of the most significant Japanese rock groups of the 2000s is Ellegarden. They have influenced a new generation of musicians, and listeners all over the world still enjoy their music.

The band left behind a legacy of creativity, vigor, and passion. They were a band that constantly experimented, pushing the limits of rock music.

The band Ellegarden will be remembered for their music, live performances, and upbeat demeanor. They are a band that has significantly influenced Japanese rock music, and they will serve as an example for musicians for a long time to come.

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Ken Yokoyama: The Punk Rock Icon

Ken Yokoyama - Sentimental Trash (CD) w/ obi

Ken Yokoyama is a Japanese punk rock musician, singer, songwriter, and record label owner. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Hi-Standard, as well as his solo career.

Yokoyama was born in Tokyo, Japan, on July 7, 1969. He began playing guitar at the age of 13, and he formed his first band, The Kids, in 1986. The Kids disbanded in 1989, and Yokoyama formed Hi-Standard in 1991.

Hi-Standard has released 12 studio albums, 3 live albums, and 1 compilation album. The band has toured extensively throughout Japan and the United States, and they have played at major festivals such as Lollapalooza and Reading and Leeds.

In addition to his work with Hi-Standard, Yokoyama has also released several solo albums. His solo debut album, Ken Yokoyama, was released in 2000. He has since released 5 more solo albums, the most recent being “Free” in 2021.

Yokoyama is also the founder of the punk rock record label, Pizza of Death Records. The label has released albums by a number of Japanese punk rock bands, including Hi-Standard, BRAHMAN, and 10-FEET.

Yokoyama is a respected figure in the Japanese punk rock scene. He is known for his energetic live performances and his powerful vocals. He is also a talented songwriter, and his songs often deal with social and political issues.

Yokoyama is a passionate advocate for punk rock music. He believes that punk rock can be a force for positive change in the world. He has said that punk rock is “about fighting for what you believe in, even if it’s against the odds.”

Yokoyama is a true icon of Japanese punk rock music. He has been inspiring fans for over 30 years, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Here are some of the things that make Ken Yokoyama a unique and inspiring figure:

  • His passion for punk rock music. Yokoyama is a true believer in the power of punk rock to change the world. He has said that punk rock is “about fighting for what you believe in, even if it’s against the odds.”
  • His energetic live performances. Yokoyama is known for his high-energy live shows. He is a charismatic performer who knows how to get the crowd excited.
  • His powerful vocals. Yokoyama has a powerful voice that is perfect for punk rock music. He can belt out lyrics with conviction and passion.
  • His songwriting skills. Yokoyama is a talented songwriter who writes songs that are both catchy and meaningful. His songs often deal with social and political issues, but they are always relatable and easy to sing along to.

Ken Yokoyama is a true icon of Japanese punk rock music. He has been inspiring fans for over 30 years, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He is a passionate advocate for punk rock music, and he believes that punk rock can be a force for positive change in the world.