Music's Greatest Mysteries Season 2 Episode 5 Rising Sun, Rhymes and Cher

In Music's Greatest Mysteries season 2 episode 5, titled "Rising Sun, Rhymes and Cher", viewers are taken on a journey into the fascinating world of the Japanese music industry and its impact on the Western music scene. The episode starts by exploring the emergence of the modern Japanese music scene in the 1980s, which was largely defined by the genre known as J-Pop. The episode touches on the distinctive qualities of J-Pop, including its catchy and upbeat melodies and its reliance on heavily choreographed dance routines.

The episode then moves on to explore the influence of Japanese music on the Western music scene, focusing specifically on the rise of hip-hop in the 1990s. Viewers will learn about the impact of the Japanese art of rhyming, known as "chindonya", on the development of hip-hop lyrics and meet some of the pioneering artists who incorporated Japanese language and culture into their music, including Wu-Tang Clan and Nujabes.

The episode takes a fascinating turn as it delves into the dueling Beatles theories surrounding the iconic album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Viewers will learn about the debate over the identity of the "Mr. Kite", referenced in the song Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, with some pointing to a Japanese circus performer by the name of Kite Kazuma as a possible inspiration for the song.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at one of the most enigmatic and memorable performers of all time, Cher. Viewers will learn about the circumstances surrounding her dramatic appearance on a Japanese variety show in the late 1970s, which featured her lip-syncing to a Japanese version of her hit song "Believe". The episode explores the reasons behind Cher's decision to perform on the show and examines the impact of her appearance on the Japanese music scene.

"Rising Sun, Rhymes and Cher" is a gripping and insightful episode that offers a unique perspective on the global cultural exchange that characterizes the music industry. With its mix of historical context and contemporary analysis, this episode will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation of the enduring power of music to connect people across boundaries of language and culture.