Japanese Music Extremities Trivia Quiz

Answer: Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)

"Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)" is actually the last track on the Flaming Lips album "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots". For the making of this album The Flaming Lips were partially inspired by Boredoms drummer Yoshimi P-We.

In the early '90s Boredoms formed a unique bond with kindred spirits Sonic Youth. Because of this alliance Nirvana got in touch with the Japanese noisemongers as well and took them on tour in 1993 as support act. Most of Nirvana's audience didn't quite get it, but Kurt Cobain was a massive fan. During a gig in Buffalo, NY, he even let Boredoms singer Yamatsuka Eye take over the vocals during a rendition of their anthem, "Smells Like Teen Spirit".

Answer: Nirvana

Nirvana never covered Shonen Knife songs, but they did take them on tour as support act for nine concerts in 1991 and six in 1993.

For their part Shonen Knife covered songs by Ramones, The Kinks, The Beatles, The Monkees, Runaways and The Carpenters.

They had a special love affair with the band Redd Kross, who more or less introduced them in America. First they wrote a song about them, called "Shonen Knife". Shonen Knife retaliated by writing the song "Redd Kross". Redd Kross also convinced everyone they knew to contribute to the Gasatanka records album "Every Band Has a Shonen Knife Who Loves Them". It's a tribute album with 23 songs covered by Redd Kross, Freaks, 3 O'Clock, Frightwig, Government Issue, L7, White Flag, The Pussywillows, Big Dipper, Christmas, Pat Ruthensmear, Krave, Chemical People, Sonic Youth, Lunachicks, Mr. T Experience, Project Jenny, Disco Dave Landry, Death Of Samantha, Das Damen, Wendy Horowitz, Phil Blumel, and another band with a naughty name.

Answer: False

Ruins probably make a little bit too much noise to be allowed to go anywhere near Stonehenge.

The duo Ruins formed in 1985. They were supposed to be a trio, but when the guitar player failed to show up, they decided it was an omen and remained a duo of bass and drums. Drummer/vocalist Yoshida Tatsuya is now the only remaining original member.

Answer: Woo Hoo

Even though The 5.6.7.8's and Shonen Knife have got a lot in common, it would be wrong to describe them as similar bands. OK, they both consist of three girls playing rock'n'roll, but whereas Shonen Knife are always very cute and rather nice, the 5.6.7.8's have got a nastier edge.

They're more influenced by 50's delinquent rock and imagery and you won't find them singing songs about how they're trying to cheer up a sad bison in the zoo. And there's a lot more screaming involved as well.

Answer: Thurston Moore

They also worked with Japanese noisemaster Merzbow, calling themselves Merz-Banana.

Answer: Hello!

One of the members was studying the Chinese language when they started the band, so they took the Mandarin Chinese greeting as their name. They seem to be obsessed by colours, calling themselves Blue Yukari, Red Ariko and Green Reo, with each member wearing only those same colours on stage.

Answer: 50

Masami Akita, as Merzbow is known to his mother, not only released 50 cds in one big haul, the box also contained a book, a CD-ROM, a medallion, a T-shirt, a poster, postcards and stickers. It took him three years to compile the selection of 'greatest hits' and unreleased material included on the cds.

It's supposed to be a quite varied listen, highlighting the diversity of his music. But as only a 1000 copies exist, chances that we'll ever come across it are slim.

Answer: It's the sound frogs make.

Ipecac label boss Mike Patton said the following about them: "eX-Girl are a beautiful example of information overload. Jagged 3 part vocal harmonies, adventurous arrangements, and songs that hook you like the sucker that you are. Take all of these treats, wrap it in an ultra-bright technicolor live show with surreal homemade costumes, and you've got the sensation of being strapped in on an out-of-control carnival ride that will leave you standing in line waiting for another turn."

Answer: "Like a Virgin" (Madonna)

The name Gerogerigegege is comprised of the Japanese words for "vomit" (gero) and "diarrhea" (geri) with some laughter (gegege) tacked on. Band leader, cross dresser and onstage masturbator Juntaro Yamanouchi used to perform in gay S&M clubs before embarking on his entertaining noisetrip.

Answer: Melvins

'Boris' is the opening track on the Melvins' 1991 album "Bullhead", where they discarded their earlier hardcore influences and went for 'slow' in a major way. Banzai, etc!