Most of you probably are unaware of the wonder of Puffy AmiYumi. I'm only hip to them due to the long-term ranting of Deano. For the uninitiated, they're a cultural phenomenon in Japan that I can't really even do justice. They're a "band" in the same manner in which the Monkees were a band. Known simply as Puffy in their native land, they're two women who were found via a mid-'90s talent search. Their marketing machine in Japan even puts those little Olsen trolls to shame. Their sound is pure jangly fun (their recent releases have been produced by Andy Strumer, formerly of Jellyfish) and glorius J-Pop. I really adore them.
They've recently been making inroads in this country, too. Last month they played a hugely sold-out show here at Webster Hall. Their latest release had a song in disturbingly cute English. Their forthcoming US release is almost entirely in English (mind melting samples here) The crowning glory? Their anime show is about to be carried by Cartoon Network. I'm not sure what niche they're going for but it just might work.
Posted by mikewolf at November 09, 2004 10:15 PMSigh; my girls, all grown up. One of them even had a baby. The fast-turnover which defines J-Pop and shibuya-kei makes it hard for any band to stay on top for very long. But boy, in their prime, they were so monster! huge!
It looks like the USoA might give them a shot at extending the ride. Good for the girls, whose biggest hit had a lyric about diarrhea!
Posted by: deano on November 12, 2004 12:37 PM