During those countless hours lost wandering around Amazon.com (don’t deny it; if my nonagenarian grandmother does it, so do you), you’ve doubtlessly noticed that Japanese album releases always sport an extra track or two. This is because, at Ą3000 a pop (a.k.a. $30USD, Ł15, or 4 sheep NZ), CDs aren’t entertainment in Japan—they’re an investment.
I know, I know, there’s an obvious solution, but holster that iPod, buckaroo. iTunes’ oriental incarnation only debuted within the past year, and the catalogue is hardly comparable with the Western one. Not to mention I just hate MP3s. Call it self-righteous, but do you realize, when listening to Loveless on those li’l white ear buds, it effectively nullifies two of the three years Kevin Shields spent laboring over that album?
Besides, we’ve something better to sate our aural appetites in the Far East, an amenity unique to Nippon that would make the RIAA apopleptic… CD rental stores. I’m not talking about the crusty collection of useless paraphernalia found at the local library, either. With unparalleled completist fervor and obsessive-compulsive attention to subgenre distinctions, these stores can’t help but expand your musical education exponentially. I’ve lost whole days perusing shelves that evolved gracefully from avant-toy-pop to psychedelic folk, post-rock to IDM, bossa nova to Memphis soul. And any one of these blessed albums can be mine for a full week at a mere Ą200 apiece.
This all does little good for everyone outside of Japan. Fear not, for I enjoy free entertainment as much as the next guy sporting a studio tan. So in the spirit of camaraderie with my fellow summer shut-ins, here are some of the better internet radio sites I’ve come across.
DrugMusic.com
Don’t be put off by the clunky pothead handle. This roughly-diurnal webcast boasts a stunning array of psychedelic, noise, garage, and experimental artists. If you ever wanted to hear the Brian Jonestown Massacre, 13th Floor Elevators, Spacemen 3, Can, the Afghan Whigs, Scratch Acid, and the Flaming Lips in a single hour, this is the rabbit-hole to fall into.
Negativland.com’s Radio’s Worst Nightmare
Less a coherent broadcast than an FM-band freakshow, this site is perfect for pillaging samples. Between the vintage collection of commercials and disastrous DJ audition tapes, it also guarantees a good laugh.
The official Sonic Youth site Mixtape
The fifth edition of the official band mixtape features several songs from their brand-new release, Rather Ripped, along with classic cuts by everyone’s favourite instrument-abusing underground idols.
Zoe’s Radio Show
She’s fifteen years old and has better taste than you. Get over it.
Weirdsville.com
For those who like their tunes willfully obtuse with a hint of humour, this seven-year veteran webcast sees fit to force Martin Denny, Throbbing Gristle, the Fugs, Amon Düul, and the Shaggs under the same umbrella. (WARNING: RealPlayer only)