At 08:55 AM 3/20/00 -0500, Chernesky, Mark wrote:
>Heading off to Tokyo for some business and would appreciate any tips for
>record stores, clubs, etc.
Mark,
I'm jealous! Take me with you.
Ok, seriously. If you want a really cool record store, check out Bonjour
records (www.bonjour.co.jp) which is near Ebisu Station. It's near
Daikanyama I believe. This record store is focused on stuff that I know AJ
listmembers would love. When I was there, they were heavily promoting the
Bossa Tres Japan (?)- that compilation on Yellow. The downstairs selection
is downtempo, deep house, all Brazilian/Latin tinged. The upstairs is more
world-music. The prices are steep, in comparison to US domestic releases
but fine in comparison to imports.
The Virgin and HMV stores in Tokyo have MUCH better selection than any that
I've found in the US (LA or NYC at least) so consider them as well. You
basically want to spend a day in Shibuya (or as much time as you have
available) with someone who knows the area (someone who shops for music
around there.) There's upwards of 8-10 various record/CD stores in and
around Shibuya, everything from small niche places to large chain
stores. Kinda like Melrose in LA or downtown NYC.
In terms of clubs, consider Yellow (I think UFO has residencies there- I
went to the record release party for "Bon Voyage" there and had a blast),
Blue, and a few others. If you can get to a well-stocked newsstand, try
and track down the Tokyo Time Out- which is in English and usually has a
few club listings in the back.
Hope this helps!
Gen
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