So it took me a while to get on top of this one, but from what I gather, Japanese art punk trio TsuShiMaMiRe released what I take to be a “best of” collection – Mamire – last week (though, given the usual limitations of Google Translate and the fact that my Japanese is limited to a few dozen kanji, I could be wrong about all of this), touching on much of the band’s 15 years together.
Within the one new track included on Mamire – “Speedy Wonder” – verses fall somewhere on the spectrum between late 1960s Midwestern garage and “Fell In Love With A Girl” era White Stripes while the chorus flirts seductively with what can only be described as punk rock monody, all of which is tied together with a whole-tone (nearly palindromic) under-chorus. Put it all together, especially with the video, and the package feels a little like a Coathangers track (who, by the way, will have a new record out next month). (Don’t for one second think I mean to imply anything by that. After all, TsuShiMaMiRe have been wielding these skills for ages. This comparison is intended for educational purposes only.)
Wow, lots of parentheses up there. Anyway, here’s the video. And one last link to the website. Also Facebook.
The Indie Handbook 
It’s awesome! Mine arrived today – the 20 tracks chosen are an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to check them out. The version of ‘Air Conditioner…’ is a new recording too, which sounds excellent, and the bonus CD in the limited version has some great little remixes, demos and a couple of live tracks from as early as 2000/2001!