This is the end of the line. Time to get off. Maybe we'll see each other again some other day. Don't go away just yet, though! I have one last gift for you! I promised a special surprise for Friday, a musical talent that would rock your socks off to the moon and back. Are you ready for this? Countdown in 3...

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Yoshida Brothers

Who are the Yoshida Brothers? Even if you've never heard of these guys, I guarantee you are familiar with at least one of their songs. I'll give you a hint: "Wii would like to play!" Yes, their song "Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)" was featured in the award-winning Wii commercials that aired for a good year following the console's launch.

The Yoshida Brothers play the shamisen, that banjo-like instrument that you typically associate with traditional Japanese music. The specific genre they specialize in is known as Tsugaru-jamisen, a style originating in northern Honshu that is played on thicker strings than is typical on a shamisen. They play with a speed and deftness that one would expect from a hard rocker, so it's no wonder how the brothers have rapidly grown in popularity and achieved success in international markets despite their young age.

These guys are just flat-out badass. They incorporate a lot of contemporary sounds into their work such as electric guitars and synthesizers, producing music that is greater than the sum of its parts. It just beats you upside the head! They are so versatile! One moment it's soothing and theraputic, the next moment it's like friggin' Ninja Gaiden up in this piece! Dude!

"Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)"

This is the song from the "Wii would like to play!" commercials. Note that this is a remix of the original.



"Kodo"

And here's the unplugged original. Even without the extra instruments, you can hear that rocker's edge!



"Storm"

Bam.



"Rising"

HOLY SHIT!



"Nabbed"

Last year, Disney released Nightmare Revisited, a cover album of The Nightmare Before Christmas featuring artists like Marilyn Manson and KoRn. The Yoshida Brothers handled the cover of "Nabbed."



"Morricone"

Shut up and listen.



"Cherry Blossoms in Winter"

Beautiful finish. Viewtiful, even.



If you are interested in joining the ranks of the dTunes crew and sharing your favorite jams with the community, read this and drop RonBurgandy an email. He's always looking for fresh meat!

Also, do any of you still check out the old dTunes archive? If so, let Ron know because he'll have to replace a few of the videos that no longer work.

Thanks for tuning in! Peace out!


[ m e g a S t r y k e ]