Rediscovered: Big In Japan

Not to be confused with the Liverpool band of the same name, Big In Japan released two full-lengths and  a posthumous EP, calling it a day in 2006. While their Honest Don's (remember that label?) debut, Destroy The New Rock was lined with more grit and pop-punk crunch, the band's 2004 full-length Who Really Needs A Heart Anyway? was a straight-up homage to skinny-tied power-pop akin to bands like The Knack and The Records.

More words and streaming music after the jump.

Big In Japan - Trial and Error

Zac Damon's vocal delivery is shockingly similar to Elvis Costello, and his croons fit this style of heart-broken power-pop like a glove. And the band assembled around him was a force to be reckoned with, and "Trial and Error" is a great example. Listen to those distinct drum parts that give the song a bouncy quality. And those whoas in the background are a nice touch.

If you don't believe or can't decipher those lyrics, here's a taste that will tug at your heartstrings. 'If you want me to stay I don't want to go/If you think I should leave, but you're hanging on - if you're hanging on I'm never letting go'. AWW!

By the by, you can listen to Who Really Needs A Heart Anyway? for free over at last.fm.