Japanese Craziness: YMCK

The Tokyo-based blog, PingMag should be a regular stop for anyone interested in Japanese design and culture. A recent entry on the band YMCK seemed to tie in nicely with our current Japanese obsession over here at ALL-POP.com. Check out PingMag for more background about the band, plus an interview.

YMCK's sound is based entirely on 8-bit video game-style music from the 70s and 80s. Yep, you heard me right. The idea totally rules - no question about that - but when it comes to the execution of the idea, y'know, the actual songs themselves... well, I'll be the first to admit that the songs can be a bit challenging to listen to. But then I've always thought the video game music of that era was kind of irritating.



On the other hand, this song "Starlight" from their third, most recent album, Family Genesis definitely works, impressively transcending it's source reference to be a wonderful song in its own right. The video is great too.



I'm into this tune ("Panic Racer 005" - from their second album Family Racing) mostly for the video. What a great take on the classic old school racing game. And don't forget the song's absolutely red hot jazzy 8-bit synth solo. Too funny.

Other thoughts: it's funny how sounds that were at one time associated with state of the art game tech now seem raw, almost like cheap old guitars and analog distortion pedals that you might find secondhand at a pawn shop. Also, the interview on PingMag mentions that they tour and play live - imagine going to see them and hearing these tunes 10 times as loud. Head banging to video game music... sign me up! Or not? Not sure.

More links:
YMCK's Official Web site
YMCK's Myspace site

It's a Beautiful Day

As you've probably noticed, we're really excited about the Japanese stuff we've got in stock. Which do we love more: Mexican or Japanese pop culture and kitsch? Please don't make us choose! Thank you.



Sticking with our Japanese theme, here's a video by a great Tokyo group from the 90's, Pizzicato 5. The song's called "It's a Beautiful Day." Enjoy.

Merci Chateau Bizarre

We just got a very nice review on the delightfully deviant shopping compendium Chateau Bizarre. Follow proprietress Ms. Lilah Wild as she leads you around on a guided tour of the more esoteric stores on the web. Thanks Ms. Wild, we're honored to be included!

And just in case you're wondering, yes, the All-Pop executive team, creative dept and shipping dept (i.e. Jen and I) have been back from vacation for awhile now and the store is operating at regular cruising speeds.

Next week we'll get back to our regular blogging schedule. And look for new products in early April!

We're On Vacation!

Yep, it's true - for the next week or so, ALL-POP upper management, the creative dept., and the shipping dept. (i.e. Jen and I) will officially be on vacation.

The good news? You can still place orders, just like always.

The bad news? Orders won't be shipped until Monday, Mar. 3rd.

See you soon, and thanks for your business!

Kwazy About Kawaii! Part 4

Check out this Panda Ball Memo Pad! Too kawaii!

And that's not the last of our latest kawaii goods imported from Japan. For sticker fans we've got Snow Bunny stickers, Animals and Clovers stickers, Squirrel and Bunny stickers, Smile Friends stickers and the inexpensive and adorable Kittens stationery set.

All of it cute, and all of it is in stock waiting just for you to give them a home :-).

Kwazy About Kawaii! Part 3

Hello Smile Pocket stickers! 73 just 2 cute little die cut stickers are waiting for you to stick them wherever so that they can spread their goodwill all over the world! Get yours today! :-)

Vampira R.I.P.

We know this isn't exactly breaking news, but Jen and I just wanted to mention that Maila Nurmi, the actress who created the classic horror film character "Vampira" died recently on January 10, 2008, here in Los Angeles. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.

Maybe you first learned about her by seeing Lisa Marie play Vampira in Tim Burton's Ed Wood. Or maybe you found out about her by learning that she was the inspiration for "Elvira," a bad 80's knock-off of Vampira. At any rate, it doesn't seem like she ever really got the recognition she deserved considering that she was the original Gothmother for so many, whether they realize it or not.

Here's a collection of interesting Vampira/Nurmi-related links:

Maila Nurmi's website: Vampiras Attic

Gotta include her wikipedia page, so here you go.



A nice montage of stills set to "Vampira" by the Misfits.



This clip appears to be an excerpt from a really interesting interview with Nurmi about how she developed the Vampira character and what the character means...



A sweet, touching montage of some Vampira scenes.

"Two inch nails
Micro waist
With a pale white feline face
Inclination eyebrows to there
Mistress to the horror kid..."

Vampira, we love you!