For some reason, the new video by Da Pump kept popping up in Youtube's suggestions as I was getting caught up with H!P's recent releases. The still for the video features the title of the song U.S.A. in a big, bold pink outline of Impact font on top of a darkly lit full shot of the guys with their backs turned. "U.S.A., you say? Let's check this out!"
This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen in years, and I love it. Straight-up late-90s Eurobeat music with dance moves to match, and an insanely catchy melody. I have no idea what the lyrics are, as there are apparently no translations online anywhere. They could be running America down, which would be disappointing and make me like it less, but everything about this -- the music, production, melodies, dance moves, outfits, and video (save for some modern video effects)-- is like a time capsule from the turn-of-the-century Japanese pop music world. The fact that it's all done with apparent seriousness -- no one breaks character or cracks a sarcastic smile -- makes it even more fun. I've never been in to boy-groups, but this is so silly and so well done that I can't help give it up for Da Pump here.
I'll leave you with two words as motivation to go check this out: Chinese. Typewriter.