“Change” (2011)

Two bands of brothers (that is, 2 brothers in each band, from 2 far-off hemispheres), got together for a 3rd time to create this catchy song. The one band is the alt pop/rock band Monkey Majik, led by the 2 Plant brothers from eastern Canada, and the other is the “Tsugaru-shamisen” playing Yoshida Brothers, from northern Japan.

Driving Change

While “Change” is essentially a pop-rock tune in the Western tradition, the setting of the vid on Japanese streets, the “Noh” masks, and the spirited “shamisen” playing all work together to give it an international flavor.

On Japan’s Oricon weekly music charts, “Change” reached #52. The song was also used in a Honda commercial, as well as on a TV news show. _{(Image source)}

Monkey Majik

Monkey Majik is a rock band based in Sendai, Japan. The band is essentially led by the 2 founding members, brothers Maynard and Blaise Plant.

Beyond Gold

In the early Naughties, the band played regular gigs in and around Sendai, and released an EP and 2 full-length albums.

In 2006, their 3rd album sold close to 100,000 copies during its initial pressing. Their subsequent recordings have gone gold, and one even went platinum.

Monkey Majik has collaborated with the Yoshida Brothers on 2 singles.

Good Will

In 2009, Monkey Majik members were named Canadian-Japanese Goodwill Ambassadors, on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Canada–Japan Friendship. _{(Image source)}

Yoshida Brothers (吉田兄弟)

Ryoichiro and Kenichi Yoshida – aka The Yoshida Brothers – play the “Tsugaru shamisen,” a traditional Japanes stringed instrument from Aomori, in northern Japan. Compared to the standard Japanese shamisen, the “Tsugaru shamisen” is a larger and more robust instrument.

Parellel Lives

Like Monkey Majik, the Yoshida Brothers started performing around the turn of the millennium. Their first album sold over 100,000 copies, and they have since gone on to further acclaim in Japan, and onwards to international renown.

Apart from their vigorous performances with Monkey Majik, the Yoshida Brothers have also incorporated synthesizers and drums into their music. On their traditional instruments, they have even done a cover of a Radiohead song. _{(Image source)}

You had your wishes but you threw them away

It made you happy yeah for more than one day

But now you're lost and cannot figure a way

To get out of this lie that comforts you

And you know that I would lie to comfort you

Renew your wishes get on out of this fray

You'll never change if you keep running away

A little time, you need to figure a way

'Cause you know it doesn't lie in front of you

And you know it doesn't lie in front of you

I need a change

'Cause it's all gone wrong for me

Somebody else to lead me now

I need a change

'Cause it's all gone wrong for me

Somebody else to lead me now

(I want) Somebody else to lead me now

(I said) Somebody else to lead me now

Brothers on the top. pressing all the melodies

Never can stop. 'cause it's a necessity

You like the way the northern brothers

They make ya dance

I think we're changing the sound of sweet romance

Time to party, 12 本の腕 (Juni-hon no ude)

Everybody

Everybody wants to get started

Takatantan!!! Sweet sound of the shamisen

Tsugaru style, if you know where they're coming from

Wouldn't it be nice if the whole world got along

Even on a small scale, change is possible

We keep saying these things

Don't even know what they mean

As if we had never seen

The other end of the street

Start travelling, communicating, educating

Sing them your song

You'd be surprised how many people wanna hear what you're saying

Apples are red

But taste the same as green, WOOO!!

I need a change

'Cause it's all gone wrong for me

(I want) Somebody else to lead me now

I need a change

'Cause it's all gone wrong for me

(I want) Somebody else to lead me now

I need a change

'Cause it's all gone wrong for me

(I want) Somebody else to lead me now

I need a change

'Cause it's all gone wrong for me

(I want) Somebody else to lead me now

(I want) Somebody else to lead me now

(I said) Somebody else to lead me now

_{Lyrics by Maynard Plant / Blaise Plant, courtesy of – Genius.com

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Generasia.com}

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”