Let's get something straight: I don't purchase import CDs. Why? Because I'm not that kind of a music fan. If I can't find your music online, in my local record store, or from a friend, then I won't be listening to your album any time soon.

Unless, that is, you're Tokyo Jihen (English translation: Tokyo Incidents).

I first discovered this band in 2004, on a now-defunct mp3 blog called Red Lotus. The blogger posted a live version of "Marounochi Sadistic", a jazz-driven, tumbling track off their debut full-length album MUZAI MORATORIUM.  Listen here:

1. "Marounochi Sadistic" (Live) - Tokyo Jihen 

The track left me wanting more, so I shelled out $23 for their debut single to be shipped from Japan. Three weeks later, my CD arrived, at which point I became an unofficial U.S. promoter for the band and a one-woman hype machine. And here I am to hype some more.

Tokyo Jihen is the creation of its lead singer and solo artist Shiina Ringo (also spelled Sheena, Shina and Shena). Ringo is masterful songwriter, and sits among J-Pop's performing elite. Her semi-autobiographical lyrics on the band's debut album tell of life in Tokyo as a young, aspiring musician. Combine these lyrics with TJ's frenetic, yet controlled, melodies, and one begins to feel the whisper of something bigger. What that is, I don't know...but I like it.

1.  "Gunjou Biyori" - Tokyo Jihen

2. "Faces" - Tokyo Jihen (bonus)

The tracks presented here are from 2004. As of 2006, the band was still cranking out singles. Here's a track of the full length: