t-kimura VS tetsuya komuro

[ratbag]

So I recently posted my opinion about globe's "lights" album, and I thought it would be good to compare takashi kimura and tetsuya komuro.

I've had a listen to a couple of the groups komoro's worked with (globe, TRF) and I don't see why everyone (at least on this forum) makes such a big deal out of this guy.
On the other hand, everything t-kimura does, I've enjoyed. (favorite blue, move, orbitribe)
T-Kimura wins! (flawless victory)

Opinions?

[molotov889]

Well, first of all, Komuro has been involved in a lot more than that. He's called the grandfather of J-pop for a reason. Look into the beginnings of many Avex artists (especially solo females), and you'll see Komuro was there. (Namie Amuro, TRF, Globe, Ami Suzuki, Hitomi, Nami Tamaki, Olivia, TM Network, etc, etc, etc...)

You should also take a look at his solo stuff. Especially his trance instrumentals, like what's on Piano Wind ~TK Ambient Collection~. He's also been invited to work on numerous world-calss projects like the world cup theme song one year (forget which).

Now, as far as who's better, it's all going to be a matter of personal preference. I actually like Komuro better, and mostly because of Globe. Yes, Kimura can be just as diverse as Komuro, but something about Komuro's music speaks more directly to me. Kimura's work is more... intangible. Almost too big, too unexpected to be real. And I do like that a lot. But Komuro can move me more when I listen to his music. I don't really want to suggest anymore Globe to you since you didn't like Lights, but really, everytime I've gotten a Globe CD, it's an experience that doesnt replicate with other albums.

I will admit, though, that I haven't liked what I've heard so far from his really early years. I guess probably right after he got out of school and he was just getting started. I don't have much of that and I haven't heard much more, but I think there's probably almost a generational gap there between my tastes and that style.

[Variable]

I've always called the Globe/Move rivalry the J-Pop equivilent of the Pepsi/Coke rivalry. In my mind, Move is Coke, the first, the originator. And Globe is the Choice of a New Generation.

[molotov889]

Eh?

But Globe was actually first, and they have Komuro, like the original mega-producer of Japan (or at least of Avex). Your analogy seems a bit backwards.

I personally think it's more of what age group each band appeals to. Move has always sounded younger in my mind. I think their lyrics reflect that as well, especially in the subject matter that's prevalent in their songs.

[Variable]

That's true, but I heard Move first.

[ratbag]

Yeah, I've heard move first as well.
By the way... does anyone get annoyed by Keiko?'s voice??? .. cause I sure do!! ... I still think Van Tomiko has the best voice in that j-pop category.

[molotov889]

When you say that j-pop category, do you mean lead female vocalist in a group? If so, I think I like Keiko and Lisa. But just oput of any female vocalists, it would be Misia, Mika Nakashima, and Nobuchika Eri. They have the best voices imo.

Of course, to me, Keiko's voice never gets annoying. Tomiko Van's ok, too, but she's not very unique if you ask me.

[ratbag]

It doesn't matter to me if she sounds unique or not, but I haven't heard of any j-pop singer who has a better voice than her (at a live concert) And yeah im talkin about a band, not solo artists, etc.

[molotov889]

Maybe I used the wrong word- to me, Tomiko Van's voice doesn't really "stand out from the crowd." I agree- just being unique isn't enough to make me like a singer, but the voice does have to be memorable an distinct.