It's nice that I got to see Noodles last time, since I am a fan. But I'd be completely moot about a second time. The problem is that they need Junko back :(((

Between the two times I've seen them (last year and 06), I've probably seen all the FLCL songs, but damnit I'm not gonna complain. Yes, it would be nice for them to play other material. Of course I'd fucking love to see Bokura no Hare Susei and That House instead of Sleepy Head and Beautiful Morning With You. But the FLCL stuff still includes some of their best music. We've known for a long time what their US setlist habits are. I'm not going to be disatisfied by the fact that they keep coming to the US. Just ask someone who lives in Europe or elsewhere.

tl;dr: If they were to come and play Comic Sonic, 2-3 Horn Again songs, 9-10 FLCL songs - and maybe even Swanky Street - and you're unhappy, fly to Japan to see them.

Really, the main point of contention should be longer setlists, therefore adding more spots for different songs. If they can play 22-25 songs on a fairly regular basis in Japan, one would hope they could pull it off here in the US.

Yeah. Hell, even just playing 18-20 songs gives them ample opportunity to hit a lot of FLCL stuff, a handful of new songs, and then another couple things.

In their defense though, they turn around their US tours pretty quick - And believe me, flying to the other side of the world jet lags you like all hell. So it could very well be harder for them to actually play that long here.

In terms of what they may play, I took a peek at their Horn Again Tour setlists, and it seems like they've played pretty much the entire album. So that's a total crap shoot. I'd love to hear Emerald City, and would probably be excited to hear about half of the songs on the album >_> But I can already hear Sawao saying THIS SONG, DOGGIE HOWL

isn't it enough to see them live? let them do what they want/can. If you want to get them a longer set, contact the venue not them. It's really the venue's deal not the band's. Every band would rather have a longer set, but the venue puts together the set and tells the band how long they get. As far as El Corazon knows, this is just some japanese band that wants to play in america, they don't know the kinda fan base they have here.

[quote="Crescent"]It's nice that I got to see Noodles last time, since I am a fan. But I'd be completely moot about a second time. The problem is that they need Junko back (([/quote]

That [i]is[/i] a problem, but the real issue with that set (I think we saw the same one) was that it was... a shitty set. They hardly hit any of their best material, though they did play an [i]ancient[/i] cover they did of Tsumannai, which was a treat.

[quote]isn't it enough to see them live?[/quote]

I have. Twice. And I'm saying I won't [i]go way out of my way like I did the last two times[/i] because I've already seen this show. The possibility that they'd play a bunch of awesome tracks that aren't from FLCL would make it a lot more tempting, but we all know what they'll play: the same songs as last year except substituting the newest material for last year's new material.

[quote="Jomei"]That [i]is[/i] a problem, but the real issue with that set (I think we saw the same one) was that it was... a shitty set. They hardly hit any of their best material, though they did play an [i]ancient[/i] cover they did of Tsumannai, which was a treat. [/quote]
Ah. I didn't realize; I don't know their post-Junko material all too well, and am pretty sure I'm probably missing their most recent releases.

And I do certainly understand any apathy from those who have to spend money to travel and see them. In that regard, I definitely know I'm lucky that I live all of 15-20 minutes from where they always play in San Francisco.

[quote="Crescent"][quote="Jomei"]That [i]is[/i] a problem, but the real issue with that set (I think we saw the same one) was that it was... a shitty set. They hardly hit any of their best material, though they did play an [i]ancient[/i] cover they did of Tsumannai, which was a treat. [/quote]
Ah. I didn't realize; I don't know their post-Junko material all too well, and am pretty sure I'm probably missing their most recent releases.

And I do certainly understand any apathy from those who have to spend money to travel and see them. In that regard, I definitely know I'm lucky that I live all of 15-20 minutes from where they always play in San Francisco.[/quote]

Yeah, I'd definitely go if I were in your shoes. It's a fun show.

But yeah, Noodles just didn't select their better post-Junko material. Why not more songs off Ivy? Or Cover Me Shakespeare? It was a disappointing set yet still great to see them.

Fingers crossed for NYC on 9/16. It's the only thing that makes sense unless they shaft us and only do the West coast again.

Haha, yeah. I did notice the possibility that they might end up playing a 9/16 show here. NYC would definitely have the best chance of catching it. If they start in Seattle on the 9th, and then play in California, it might just pan out.

>_> But, as you say, assuming they don't only play the west coast. But last year they were dragging along another two Delicious Label bands in addition to Noodles, and then Jun's visa issues were thrown on top of that. I guess there are also other factors at play - if they want to play a Chicago show or get spun into an east coast anime convention or some other reason to leave the west coast would probably help odds of a NYC show. Since also to be considered... somebody doesn't like to fly, right? Manabe?

[quote="Camio"]:|

isn't it enough to see them live? let them do what they want/can. If you want to get them a longer set, contact the venue not them. It's really the venue's deal not the band's. Every band would rather have a longer set, but the venue puts together the set and tells the band how long they get. As far as El Corazon knows, this is just some japanese band that wants to play in america, they don't know the kinda fan base they have here.[/quote]

I'm pretty sure this isn't the problem. Slim's have no problem with giving the pillows extra leeway because they have performed at their place several times each time selling out all ticket sales. I'm sure they are good friends with the band and are always willing to cooperate in any way possible. I really think its Sawao who does the set list, he decides what to dish out. You have to understand that American fans (the majority at least) are not worth the long set list. Just give them what they want to hear most like FLCL songs and some good old ROSS and they will be happy. But over the years we have shown them how much we've grown as fans by presenting amazing covers through youtube, and after shows we greet them with knowledgeable Japanese, as well as a solid album collection for them to sign.

It's Satou who dislikes the flights. Old bastard.


jk... we you Satou!

Just chiming in to say TBH I was kind of skeptical of the whole "visa issues" excuse because as someone who travels back and forth between the US and Japan all the time knows, you don't need a visa to travel back and forth between the US and Japan...

Thanks Tidus. I was [i]thinking[/i] Satou, but I recall he has a soft spot for Hawaii, so that didn't seem to work out lol. And even though Satou looks it and Manabe doesn't, isn't Manabe older? ;o

Well, Zorahk, passport issues. I don't remember if we ever heard exactly what it was. But there are ways, even for someone who's traveled between the two countries before - like mistakenly ending up on a US no-fly list.

[quote="Crescent"]Thanks Tidus. I was [i]thinking[/i] Satou, but I recall he has a soft spot for Hawaii, so that didn't seem to work out lol. And even though Satou looks it and Manabe doesn't, isn't Manabe older? ;o[/quote]

Manabe is 48. Sato is like 44 and Sawao is 42.

So, yeah. I wouldn't break the bank if you've already seen them play, but if you care at all about seeing them play again, go while you still can.

[quote="zorahk"]Just chiming in to say TBH I was kind of skeptical of the whole "visa issues" excuse because as someone who travels back and forth between the US and Japan all the time knows, you don't need a visa to travel back and forth between the US and Japan...[/quote]

Yes, for some countries we have visa exemption agreements for individuals traveling as tourists, staying for short periods. But because the pillows would actually be working by playing shows while they are here, I believe they need a temporary worker visa that has to be arranged for in advance. Unless they're not getting paid, but even with the exemption, there's some new thing where you have to register online ahead of time, among other requirements.

WTB more show dates already.