This could not have been more perfect. I ran across this photo while browsing Flickr and immediately looked up Peelander-Z on Youtube. Thank God they’re as amazing as their name. They’re a Japanese punk band based in NYC with a wickedly weird take on the genre.

MP3: Peelander Z – S.T.E.A.K.
MP3: Peelander Z – Rocket Gold Star
I want Peelander-Z to play my wedding. Nothing will ensure a happy marriage so much as hearing a Japanese punk scream out “How you like cook you steak?!” over riffs that would make the Ramones and the Cramps soil their pants. It’s like refined energy manifested in faux-fashionista power rangers outfits.

Peelander-Z on Myspace

This is a perfect time to point out that Both Sides of the Mouth did a mix called Japanic!, in which they highlighted several Japanese artists. I couldn’t remember the name of my favorite Shonen Knife song when Brad asked me for input, so here it is to make up for my memory lapse!

MP3: Shonen Knife – Riding On The Rocket