Classic J-pop duet Wink was not only among the top selling groups of the time, their sound has had a strong impact on the state of Japanese pop music today. The group formed in 1988 after a magazine-sponsored beauty contest in which Sachiko Suzuki won the grand prize and Shoko Aida was a runner- up.
Wink's sound is infectious, and features a notable influence from Western dance pop of the era, compared to the more mellow sounds of most Jpop at the time of their debut. Their image also stood out significantly from other idol groups - notable for their solemn appearances, fashion choices, and simple dance moves.
Many of their hit singles were covers of Western songs (but with rewritten lyrics in Japanese), from artists such as Kylie Minogue ("Turn It Into Love"), Moulin Rouge ("Boys Don't Cry"), and The Rubettes ("Sugar Baby Love"). Some of their adaptations of these songs have become classic enough in turn to be covered by acts such as W and Puffy AmiYumi.
By the mid-1990s, Jpop trends were changing. In an effort to appeal to this new market, they released a Eurobeat-inspired single, "Jive Into the Night", although it only reached #92 on the Oricon charts. In 1996, after their final single "Angel Love Story", the duo disbanded. Both Sachiko and Shoko have gone on to release solo albums, in addition to appearing as TV personalities.
On December 30, 2008, they temporarily reunited for an appearance at the Japan Record Awards, though did not give a clear answer as to whether or not a long-term comeback was in the works.
愛が止まらない("Ai ga Tomaranai" - translates to Love is Neverending) ~Turn it Into Love~
夜にはぐれて ("Yoru ni Hagurete" - translates to "Stray in the night") ~Where were you last night~
Sexy Music
涙を見せないで ("Namida wo Misenaide" - translates to "don't show tears") ~Boys Don't Cry~
淋しい熱帯魚("Samishii Nettaigyo", translates to "lonely tropical fish")
New Moonに逢いましょう ("New Moon ni Aimashou" - translates to "Let's meet under the new moon")
Jive Into the Night
きっと熱いくちびる ("Kitto Atsui Kuchibiru" - translates to "surely hot lips") ~remain~
Japanese darkwave/visual kei band Velvet Eden was founded in 1998 by vocalist Dada (the longest remaining and most influential band member) and keyboardist Kalm. Two years later, Kalm left the band and was subsequently replaced by two different generations of new members, although the debut lineup had the most distinct sound and image.
The band's ethereal sound, often compared to Depeche Mode, is accompanied by Dada's deep-pitched and frequently distorted vocals, along with hypnotic performance. Their song lyrics are based on a series of stories created by Dada, often from the point of view of one or more characters (which include a fortune teller, spiders, and a prostitute named Alice, among others). His explanation of these stories can be found translated to English here: http://www.lerman.biz/asagao/velvet_eden/storyline.php
The band ended in 2002 when Dada, said to be displeased with the more rock-styled direction in which their music had been turning, suddenly didn't show up to a live gig. No official statement was ever released. Other members took turns on vocals for a few shows, before renaming the band to The Velvet (which has also disappeared without official comment).
In addition to his work with Velvet Eden, Dada is also known for an earlier brief stint with the band Pride of Mind, in which he was credited as Yusuke Gotoh (which may or may not be his real name). He has contributed artwork to Dir en Grey, and is also widely recognized as a drag fetish/fashion model. Kalm has also been involved with several projects - most notably, composing for Kaya of Schwarz Stein (a duet which Hora, a member of Velvet Eden's second lineup, had gone on to) and other artists - some of his new work can be found on his official Myspace.
「異形姫」 ("Igyou Hime", translates to "Deformed Princess")
"Maze"
「サーカス病」("Circus Byou", translates to "circus illness")
「人形娼館」 ("Ningyou Shoukan", translates to "Doll Brothel")
VOTE TO APPROVE REFERENDUM 71! PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS!
I saw a long line of bigots lining the streets today, and it really made me sick. Don't let this turn into another Proposition H8! Please repost this link and spread the word, this issue isn't getting nearly the attention it needs to.
