Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers' Top 50 Best Songs of 2016 (With Music Videos!)
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Mike (in Tokyo) Rogers' Top 50 Best Songs of 2016 マイク・ロジャースの2016年のトップ５０曲（１から５０の順番リスト！）
These are my favorite songs and/or something from my favorite artists of the year. These are just my favorite 50 as I placed on the weekly Top 3 Video Countdown (http://robot55.jp/?s=top+3). There are also 5 songs included this year from the Cool & Strange Music Countdown too! (http://robot55.jp/?s=cool+%26+strange+music) Now, some of these songs were not released in 2016... But so what? I play alternative and underground stuff so this year was the first time I had heard them and it's my countdown, so there! Also, these songs were chosen by my iTunes software as the Top 50 songs I played from October, 1 2015 until December 20, 2016 (Plus some late entries and other stuff that tickles my fancy!)....
I have placed videos with the songs whenever and where ever possible.
#1) Ginger Wildheart - Do You?
The real story here in 2016 was Ginger Wildheart. Not only did he tour Japan but his music was the most played by any solo artist - by far - on my radio shows this year. "Do You?" has to be one of my favorite songs of all time. I wish there were a proper video for this song... Hey Ginger! When you come to Japan in January, let me make this video for you!
#2) Karma Dealers - Poison Free Malibu.
Karma Dealers were in a dead-heat with #1. We played this song heavily and the lyrics are awesome:
"The Cat woke up in Heaven, and spoke to the Rat.
What are we doing here? Where are we at?
He said, I ate some poison, from a black box, then you ate me, and so did the fox.
We need a Poison free Malibu.
The family was so sad, they put up signs everywhere,
have you seen our loving cat, his name is bear,
little did they know, it was cause of them,
Their house had the black boxes, of poison.
We need a poison free, poison free Malibu"
#3) Kill My Coquette: Post Teenage Angst.
Great song. Great video made by my friend Kansas Bowling. Kansas also made the future horror cult classic movie: B.C. Butcher.
#4) Ginger Wildheart & Courtney Love – Honour.
#5) The Mirror Trap – Piranhas
One of the other big stories for Japan in 2016 was the Mirror Trap from Scotland. They appeared at Summersonic 2016 and their fantastic album (with Japan only extra tracks) is available from Vinyl Junkie Records.
#6) The Privates – Action Woman
My best friend, Ken Nishikawa and Les Deciduous and I had the honor of making this video for one of Japan's legendary rock bands. Rodney Bingenheimer (Rodney on the Roq) also gave this tune some heavy airplay! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlHfjMx31Dw
My best friend, Ken Nishikawa and Les Deciduous and I had the honor of making this video for one of Japan's legendary rock bands. Rodney Bingenheimer (Rodney on the Roq) also gave this tune some heavy airplay! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlHfjMx31Dw
#7) The 50 Kaitenz ザ50回転ズ - Vinyl Change The World
These guys are considered by many to be "Japan's Best Punk Band." They are Japan's three-headed answer to the car crash between the Ramones and the Three Stooges. If you ever get a chance, go see these guys.
#8) Richie Ramone – I Fix This
This year also saw Richie Ramone back on the charts and doing a world tour and appearing in Japan. This is probably the greatest song The Ramones never made. I love this track!
#9) Baby Shakes "Summer Sun"
I was looking through Facebook one day and saw a post about this band. I clicked the link and thought, "I LOVE THIS!" This is one hot rock band!!!!
I was looking through Facebook one day and saw a post about this band. I clicked the link and thought, "I LOVE THIS!" This is one hot rock band!!!!
#10) Walkings – Flying Fly
Next up is one of Japan hottest up-and-coming bands. They are called the Walkings and this is the best song T-Rex never made. These guys are HOT!
#11) Su凸ko D凹koi (Su Ko D Koi) – すっとこどっこい – ｢店長、私バイト辞めます。｣ (Shop Manager! I’m quitting my part-time job!)
One day, I was at a Live House (Club) and these girls were practicing. I played them on the radio and Twitter went crazy. These girls are unusual for Japan as they sing pop but say things quite straight and directly. I hope they do a song in English and ask me to help! Anytime, ladies!!!!!
Mike & Taro’s FREE New Year’s party! Jan 23, 2017 starting at 7 pm at Shibuya Milkyway.
Featuring Su Ko D Koi, The Stephanies, The Pats Pats. Tons of presents and surprises too! Wanna go? It’s free but you need to reserve a ticket! Get a free ticket here: http://bit.ly/2fv2qoe
Mike & Taro とパーティーしましょう！「2017！新年会！」
2017年月1月23日(月)@Shibuya Milkyway OPEN/START 18:30 / 19:15
ADV/DAY Invitation Only 1D¥600
CAST：Su凸ko D凹koi / THE STEPHANIES / THE PATS PATS
TICKET：会場・各バンドweb予約: http://bit.ly/2fv2qoe
お問い合わせ：Shibuya Milkyway 03-6416-3227
※先着限定200人！！
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#12) REWS – Death Yawn
REWS are a London/Belfast based high energy pop rock duo. Great lyrics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTWx9nmMU4w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTWx9nmMU4w
#13) The Stephanies - Baby, I Love You
These girls are really making waves in Japan. They released their debut album in Sept of this year and, since then, have been opening for some of Japan's coolest bands. Wow!
#14) Placebo - Jesus' Son
Thank god! (Pun intended) Placebo graced us this year with what is probably their most positive track ever. Fantastic song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obovwrfkvv4
Thank god! (Pun intended) Placebo graced us this year with what is probably their most positive track ever. Fantastic song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obovwrfkvv4
#15) THE PATS PATS - ドーナツの歌 The Donuts Song
Another great girl's band I found this year were the Pats Pats.... I think I've been playing them every week for 4 months now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqlRybasUD0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqlRybasUD0
#16) Ginger Wildheart – If You Find Yourself In London Town
Ginger Wildheart again hits the charts with a fantastic ballad about being a down and out rock star hopeful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gkHcucD7Gk
Ginger Wildheart again hits the charts with a fantastic ballad about being a down and out rock star hopeful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gkHcucD7Gk
#17) Black Honey – Hello Today.
Black Honey are a quartet from Brighton in England. They opened for the Mirror Trap in Tokyo and also appeared at Summersonic.
Black Honey are a quartet from Brighton in England. They opened for the Mirror Trap in Tokyo and also appeared at Summersonic.
#18) The Spitfires – So Long
The Spitfires are from Watford in England and they have been getting lots of rave reviews and airplay. They were introduced to us by Gabbie and Chris who host the world famous Biscuit Boys radio show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ7AxEM13XQ
The Spitfires are from Watford in England and they have been getting lots of rave reviews and airplay. They were introduced to us by Gabbie and Chris who host the world famous Biscuit Boys radio show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ7AxEM13XQ
#19) Summer Twins – Demons
Here's two girls from Riverside, California (????) that put out one heck of a catchy album this year.
Here's two girls from Riverside, California (????) that put out one heck of a catchy album this year.
#20) Maddy Jane – Drown it Out
I was doing my weekly web surfing and looking for new music when I stumbled upon Maddy Jane. She's from Tazmania and this is fab! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8iSVTjmYn0
#21) Bleached – Wednesday Night Melody
Bleached are a band that I was turned on to by Rodney Bingenheimer! Their album, "Welcome to the Worms" was released April 1, 2016.
#22) Blaas of Glory – Why Can’t This Be Love
A Heavy-Metal marching band from Holland!? Say no more! Love this!
#23) Dog Party - Til You’re Mine
Two sisters from California. Opened for Green Day this year!
#24) Lina Loi - Dip
New Motown-sounding sensation from Los Angeles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqtNIYd7q8k
#25) Lucy’s Crown – Skinn
Lucy's Crown is from Australia and is most likely the most heavily Australian band in the history of my shows.
#26) The Love Me Nots – Don’t Let Him
The Love Me Nots are a hot quartet from Phoenix Arizona. Wish they'd come to Japan. They'd be huge here.
#27) FRANKIE + THE STUDS – High on Yourself
Frankie is Frankie Clarke. She's out of Los Angeles and has the awesome Ronnie Simmons on guitar. Ronnie toured this year with Richie Ramone!
#28) James Brown vs Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Sex Machine
Here's another one from the Cool & Strange music files. How do they do this?
#29) Van T’s – Blood Orange
I had the inkling earlier this year that there's some sort of a rock movement going on in Scotland.... Placebo, The Mirror Trap.... And then... the Van T's confirmed my hunch.
#30) Su凸ko D凹koi – Busu (Ugly)
Next up is another video made by me and Ken Nishikawa. This was released in January of this year! Su Ko D Koi are the only Japanese band to ever have two songs in the Top 50!
#31) Hey! Hello! – Automatic Love
Wow! It's Ginger Wildheart's other band! Wow! I saw them open for the Wildhearts and they were fantastic!
#32) Lola Dutronc – Harley Davidson
Lola Dutronic who had the #1 song on our countdown 4 years ago with "Everybody Loves You When You're Dead" is back with another hot track! Why isn't Lola Dutronic a household name?
#33) Deap Vally – Smile More
Two girls from Los Angeles. Pissed off track. I love it!
#34) Heywood Banks – Toast Song
Gotta love a comedian who plays a toaster. This is hilarious!
#35) The Routes – Meant To Be
One of Japan's best bands. This has to be, hands down, the most played band from Japan in history on the Rodney on the Roq show KROQ Los Angeles.
#36) Ginger Wildheart & Ryan Hamilton – Fuck You Brain
Ginger has had a hand in 5 songs in the Top 50. This is the first time anyone has ever had more than two! Ryan Hamilton is a new kid on the block and has a bunch of hot songs... I expect to be seeing more of Ryan Hamilton back here next year! This song was made to help a charity for those suffering from depression. You can help the charity out here: It's available through Ginger’s Round Records Bandcamp page
(https://roundrecords.bandcamp.com/releases) the three track single is raising money for the Samaritans and aiming to highlight the problems people have with depression.
#37) The Whereabouts – Razor Sharp
The Whereabouts are a four-piece from Kingscourt, Co. Cavan in Ireland....
#38) Hands Off Gretel – My Size
Hands Off Gretel are a 4-piece alternative rock band, formed late 2014 in South Yorkshire, UK.
#39) SUZY BLU – Lone Wolf
Suzy Blu gets lots of airplay on my shows. She has some of the best electro beat driven layered pop songs you'll ever hear!
#40) The Coathangers – Down Down The Coathangers are three girls from Atlanta, Georgia. This song is quite excellent!
#41) Love Zombies - Birthday
This is a group from Los Angeles. My classical music trained wife who graduated from some high-falutin' classical music university heard this song one day and said, "I like this." That NEVER happens!
#42) The Watanabes – Over Romantic
The Watanabes are two brothers who are Japan's answer to Belle & Sebastian. One day, Christopher from the Routes said to me, "I love that band, the Watanabes... If I were in Tokyo, I'd want to be their manager!" Seriously heavy rotation in November and December.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA_APovYaWI
The Watanabes are two brothers who are Japan's answer to Belle & Sebastian. One day, Christopher from the Routes said to me, "I love that band, the Watanabes... If I were in Tokyo, I'd want to be their manager!" Seriously heavy rotation in November and December.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA_APovYaWI
#43) Killmama – Bad Rep
Cool duo, Rob and Sophie, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida making some killer noise.
#44) Mitski – Your Best American Girl
Half Japanese girl living in New York. Might become the very first famous half-Japanese singer. I love this track. She has some other very cool songs too...
#45) Wendy James – Bad Intentions and a Bit of Cruelty
I was reintroduced to Wendy James by Andrea Lynch who describes herself as a "Plugger" over at Blue Soap Music PR and Radio Plugging. Wendy James was the lead vocalist of Transvision Vamp... She has to be one of my favorite stars of all time... There's a movie in there, somewhere about her life.
#46) Louise Distras – Aileen
This girl has been descirbed as the "Best thing to happen to British punk since the Sex Pistols." I concur.
#47) NØISE – Little Lions
Noise is part of Noise project (I think) and they are a New wave, Electronic, Modern Pop outfit from Los Angeles.
#48) Peter118 – ‘Need You More’ ft. Lisa Cox
Peter118 from the UK released this hot track this year and he got married too! See what happens when you become popular!
#49) Spam69 - Fuck You, Fuck Me
Spam69 is called "Spam Rock" in Japan but I guess over in the west, they'll be called "Spam 69." Great band. Loud as hell. Heard a rumor that they were signing to Mystic Records in Los Angeles. This song is funny... NSFW!
#50) Kinoko Hotel - Onedari Strange Love
One of Japan's best girl's bands... They are heading for legendary status.
#51) The Candy Ditches – Death Ray
A band from Yokohama that was introduced to me by Bee Bee Clark of the Japanese Garage rock documentary Garage Rockin' Craze fame. Candy Ditches are from Yokohama.
A band from Yokohama that was introduced to me by Bee Bee Clark of the Japanese Garage rock documentary Garage Rockin' Craze fame. Candy Ditches are from Yokohama.
HONORABLE MENTION: Taffy - Dr. K
Though they didn't release any new music this year, what countdown from Japan would be complete without Taffy? Taffy toured the USA and the UK and has been getting lots of airplay on my show, the BBC and Rodney on the Roq.
taffy - dr. k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clYrx4VaZRc
Dedication! David Bowie - Life On Mars (2016 Mix)
I guess Mick Rock wanted to pay tribute to David Bowie so he remixed this classic Bowie video. This, actually, the song I always play as the last song whenever a radio show of mine gets cancelled.... Thanks for everything. I miss David Bowie... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UipTt-qqZOE
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In many ways, I'm glad 2016 is almost over... But I do thank all these great bands and artists for so many great songs this year. You guys and girls are tops.
Also special thanks to Kona Cindy, Dave McLean, Andy Griffin, Aya Fukuta, Ken Nishikawa, Rodney Bingenheimer (Rodney on the Roq), Kansas Bowling, Ginger Wildheart, Gabbie Cabbie AR, Chris Browne and
Alex Kish. You guys are the only people in the entire music industry who teach me new music that I don't already know about.