Before I get to this saga, let me just mention that we at Fujirockers.org have been brainstorming about how to drive more traffic to this blog, so without further ado, let me toss out a few popular key words: Sri Lanka, Obama, lesbian gang bang.

Now, what would I have people otherwise interested in Sri Lanka, Barack Obama or lesbian gang bangs know about Noel Gallagher, the lead singer of the British band Oasis? Only this: For playing a Tibetan Freedom Concert in 1997 he says he barely remembers, Oasis was banned from playing April concerts in Beijing and Shanghai earlier this year. It may be possible that they and dozens of other huge rock bands - including Radiohead, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to name a few - will never be able to play China. Here's the entire history:

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5:30 AM

Mass Of The Fermenting Dregs. My vision of a rock band with that moniker and the reality are two completely different things. On Planet Japan, though, it’s a typically everyday and strange band name that doesn’t seem to raise any eyebrows.

What they are not: A bunch of mid-20s males, struggling to learn their instruments, trashed on stage and off, burning through bass/guitar/drum players in some sort of alcoholic narcoleptic haze.

What they are: A melodic-sounding indie J-Rock trio fronted by two intelligent and entertaining young women from Kobe.

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4:18 PM

Pink Floyd has approved. Thom Yorke touts them onstage. Who knew a rasta cover band could pull this off with such panache? Take a deep breath (hold it!) and meet the Easy Star All Stars.

Links and more info after the jump:

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12:14 AM

Let’s face it, rock’n’roll is basically a bunch of garbage. It’s noisy, means nothing, and quickly fades into obscurity. Into this context, I introduce The Virgins, a band who will probably sell a million albums and live/breathe/die the “I don’t give a f&*# attitude ” about everything aside from getting laid or paid.

This self titled debut from the NYC band basically sucks because it has no original riffs or creativity. But, and I am talking about a big BUT here… The Virgins manage the mean trick of creating some of the summer’s best jams...

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12:47 PM

Speed freaks, hippies, and ravers all love Gong. Well, at least that was case ten years ago in Taipei when Gong was played at just about every outdoor jam or pre-dawn party. One guy wickedly recalled this scene as: “Demerol, wearing a dress, and flying on my motorcycle listening to Gong.”

While Gong’s popularity is not where it once was, many believe these early Gong parties were a precursor to Taipei's fledgling rave scene.....

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12:43 AM

According to Fuji Rock's official English site, regular ticket sales for the festival will begin on Saturday, June 6.

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12:33 AM

There aren't many Australian acts at Fuji Rock this year. The inclusion of a Melbourne music stalwart makes up for all that. You may not know his name, as he has always stayed somewhat in the shadows, much like his music.

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12:58 PM

Takkyu Ishino is all over the board in electronic music, from chirpy pop to minimalism to the sort of dirty repetitive trance you're supposed to space out to on a beach in Thailand. But I first noticed him for his pop music, which is usual for me since I don't like to space out on beaches in Thailand. This one, Stereo Nights, is great electronic pop like Four Tet filtered through some J-Pop light goofiness/kitsch.

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11:18 AM

Blink-182 just released their tour dates. Apparently Weezer and F.O.B. are only playing with the punk trio for some of the shows. Fuji Rock is NOT one of them. If any one is interested in reading more about Blink-182's reunion concerts and seeing the confirmed gigs click here.

Shawn

4:23 AM

Juana Molina was a TV star in Buenos Aires. Then she dropped out and recorded music for years. Her backing band in Naeba this year includes at least 30 or 40 backing vocalists...all her.

I will be there.

Links and more info after the jump:

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1:50 AM