Osaka Popstar (Ramones, Misfits, Black Flag, Richard Hell/Voidoids) set release for May

Osaka Popstar, a band which features Marky Ramone (the Ramones), Jerry Only (the Misfits), Dez Cadena (Black Flag) and Ivan Julian (Richard Hell & the Voidoids) as well as Misfits collaborator John Cafiero on vocals, has announced a May 23rd release date for their upcoming self-titled debut via Misfits/Rykodisc.

Cafiero describes the lineup as "my own personal Punk Rock And Roll Hall of Fame" and includes tracks like "I Live Off You," "Astro Boy," "Monsters," "Love Comes In Spurts" and "Shaolin Monkeys," among others. The first single, "Wicked World" was written by indie folk music icon Daniel Johnston, who also contributes vocals on a fervent cow-punk version of the traditional bluegrass lament "Man of Constant Sorrow."

The album will be packaged with a bonus DVD highlighted by a music video for "Wicked World" animated by Japanese designer Mari-Chan. Also featured on the DVD is the exclusive music video for "Insects," directed by commercial guru Joel Veitch (known for his Quiznos "Spongemonkeys" TV ads as well as his own UK Channel 4 program "Rather Good Videos").

Cafiero also assembled a number of well-regarded visual artists including original Topps bubble-gum card guru John Pound (Wacky Packs artist and creator of the Garbage Pail Kids), Space Monkeys designer and urban legend Dalek, Batman and Justice League wizard Butch Lukic.

You can check out a rough mix of "Wicked World" on the band's myspace page.