トップ > Good MUSIC！ > Good MUSIC！ - 人気ブログ(Blog)検索結果詳細 (2008年11月20日 1時)

Album Cover:

What can I really say about this album cover, other than that I totally love this album cover. Considering how provocative it is, it’s something I really didn’t expect from an electronic album, especially from capsule. It’s always fun just showing this cover to my friends, and they just start freaking out, thinking that I’m listening to something very dirty. Surprisingly, even though this album cover is very simple, I like that little white line design that still reminds us this is from capsule and not someone else. Just curious though, whose are they?

Shame that I can’t find any scans, so I’m just going to be putting some screencaps from their Sugarless GiRL video.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

Starting off the album is Welcome To My World, a very short 15 second introduction to the rest of the album. I really don’t get why the hell she’s saying “Do you think about me? I guess you know, in heaven in with, welcome to my world”, but it’s pretty cool and I can freak out my friends with this.

I always like it when there are really cool transitions, such as from Welcome To My World to starry sky. Even now, I still enjoy listening to this song, despite the fact that it’s 5 minutes long, only a few vocals, and it’s mainly instrumental. However, I think that’s what makes this song a good listen. The variety of beats used in song, along with only a few catchy lines is what really makes this song strong. That, plus those awesome electric guitar solos.

Even though I didn’t enjoy it at first, I’m surprised that I also have started to love the other B-side, REALiTY. The occasional sinister sound going on, combined with yet another addicting beat going on makes this another good listen. However, the best thing about this song would have to be the male vocals here, which sound a bit sexy (strangely enough). Seriously, I’m begging for a male Tek artist. D;

And now, we come to the pinnacle of the album, which is very funny considering it’s only track 4 on the album. Sugarless GiRL is the song that definitely got me into capsule in the first place. Compared to most of their other work, Sugarless Girl is much more similar to the works that Nakata has produced such as Perfume or MEG. And I think that it’s a style that they really should try to take on more. Sugarless Girl has reached an amazing 110 plays on my iTunes thanks to how catchy it is, how Toshiko is the main vocalist (as it should be) and how she has much different voice compared to other artists in this genre.

And finally, we come to the first new track on the album! I’ve always noticed that I end up loving the song that comes right after the track I already enjoy because I end up being forced to listen to it, Catch My Breath is no different. Sadly, Toshiko is not the main vocalists, but the 3 different stock voices used are pretty damn cool. I absolutely love the line “it’s nice, to know, that you were there, thanks for acting like you cared, I can hardly catch my breath” . This may take some time to grow on you however.

Following Catch My Breath is Spider and honestly, I’m starting to get a bit more confused as these intros all start to sound. Luckily, it’s short, and I’m happy to say that Toshiko is yet again the main vocalist for this track. Her voice is as always, nice, thick, and rough, and is the main reason why I listen to this song. That, along with the fact that the song isn’t too insanely catchy (but still catchy).

I sometimes wonder why I ever called capsule a failure at all. MUZiC is most likely considering one of those “failures” by capsule, and I kinda have to agree with them. The song is insanely simple and there isn’t that much going on here for the 4 minutes. There are some slowly added synths, but nothing too much. Yet at the same time, I love how catchy and addictive it is.

Kay, someone explain to me WHY capsule actually needs an interlude like Melting Point considering how short this album is (and how it really doesn’t relate to the next track). Surprisingly though, all this interlude is is a piano. Yes, a very simple piano. However, as nice as it is, it’s painfully dull, and way too long.

Now depending on your tastes, you’re either going to dislike or enjoy the Sound Of Silence. But either way, it’s something I really didn’t expect from capsule at all. It’s a cutesy anime styled song and everything about this song just makes it sound like the ending to some really annoying cute anime. The biggest “anime” thing about this sign are the stock vocals that are very girlish and cute. It may be repetitive, but I can’t help but make this another guilty pleasure of mines. This song has also made me think about things. Is silence considered a sound? Does silence have a sound? It all leads back to the whole “if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there, does it make a sound?” question.

Ending the album for all owners of the physical copy is Secret Paradise. For one thing, I really like the opening because of those “cowbell” like beats going around. But what makes this song another good one is that Toshiko is the main vocalist here again. Even though Toshiko may not be the best singer, I really don’t understand what Selryam (from Vitamin Drop) means when he says that the singing really ruined this song. Personally, I really enjoy the sound of her voice her, and I actually like her warping like how MEG does it. (or at least, it sounds like she’s warping).

For all you guys who decided to download the album from iTunes, you get treated to an extra track called Star Sniper. Sadly, the instrumental here isn’t as infectious here as compared to the other tracks on the album, but it does get pretty cool when the music starts to make a dramatic change to something that sounds like they got high off drugs. The only issue I have with this track are those annoying stock vocals that are constantly whispering in what Selryam says is French (corrected, it’s apparently Spanish). Just SING IT DAMNIT. D:< That, and it’s too long.

Overall:

I remember when I first listened to this album and read some reviews on it. I was really hesitant on listening to it. And when I did listen to it, I was getting ready to give this album a really bad review. However, after constant listening to this album, I have made a conclusion. Sugarless GiRL isn’t an album that you can just pick up, listen to, and automatically fall in love with it. You can’t just listen to the thirty seconds or so of it to make a proper judgment of it. This isn’t like other albums you may have listened to. In order to really enjoy the music, you need to be willing to actually listen o the album fully, and not just a few tracks. In addition to this, you need to have a liking for infectious dance beats and not worry so much about vocals. If you have one of the qualities I have mentioned, I’m sure you are going to enjoy this album, just like how I did. I highly recommend it for people looking for a different kind of Tek music.

Overall Rating:

4 out of 5

      

Apparently, it seems that the Wiki.theppn is dead at the moment. And the group is having a hard time getting it to work again:

http://www.intlwota.com/2008/11/news-wikitheppn-down-for-good/

God damnit.

D:<

How will I ever get into new artists? Or get more release dates?

What am I going to do now since I really want to know which single by Arashi was the one used in Hana Yori Dango?

T_T

      

Tracklist
1. GALAXY BOY
2. China Discotica
3. Colorful Tokyo Sounds NO.9
4. Darling Wondering Staring
5. HEART LINE ALIVE
6. China Discotica (Substance Remix)
7. ファンタジー・キャンディー (lit. Fantasy Candy)
8a. ハイバッシュ (Original ver.) (lit. High Bash)[Regular Edition]
8b. ハイバッシュ (YAKENOHARA ver.) (lit. High Bash) [Limited Edition]
9. Swallowtail D.A.N.C.E (Cherryboy Function ver.)
10. Beep Count Fantastic (feat. Terukado)
11. イエロー・スーパーカー (lit. Yellow Supercar)
12. Happiness Land
13. STAR FRUITS SURF RIDER [Regular Edition Bonus]
14. Rock’n Roll Is Dead [Regular Edition Bonus]
15. ROMANTIC ROPE [Regular Edition Bonus]
16. Darling Wondering Staring (PLASTIC FANTASTIC remix) [Regular Edition Bonus]
17. L0ne1yBoy L0ne1yGirl [HMV Bonus Track]
18. YAKENOHARA MEGAMIX (Hidden Track) [Limited Edition Bonus]

COPY is Aira Mitsuki’s debut album, and was released on the 3rd of September, 2008.

(Information taken from Selryams site since Wiki.theppn hates us all)

Album Cover:

Really, I had a difficult time choosing which one to use, so I’ll just say that I really like both. Her outfits, the colors, those awesome, that car, the next. I honestly can’t say anything bad about the album covers since it’s really the kind of “tek cover” I’ve been looking for. It’s a shame that I can’t find any album scans, since I’m sure they rock too. So for this review, I’m going to be using screencaps from Airas music video for Galaxy Boy.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

Starting off the album is one of my all time favorite tracks from the album. Galaxy Boy is the perfect opening and was also used as the albums main promotional track, and for very good reason. I think that Galaxy Boy is a perfect way to show off Aira’s techno flare. You just gotta love how futuristic this song is. The verses consists of some really cool dissonant synth (that is, it sounds like it’s very far away but slowly coming towards you) while the chorus is while, energetic. However, I think what you gotta love about this song is Aira’s vocals. Sure, they’re not “OMG ALAN AMAZING” but I like the different kind of vocoder they added to her voice, along with her unique way of pronunciation that makes me want to sing along to this song constantly. The high pitched synth in the bridge was also pretty cool, but I think something like an electric violin or guitar would have made it more chaotic.

Up next is a string of Aira’s singles, starting off with China Discotica. Honestly, I still have no idea what the hell a China Discotica is (I keep thinking of Hard Gay but that’s Japan), and I still really don’t get the Plastic Fantastic line. But considering that this is the very first song I heard from Aira, I can’t help but love it’s randomness. That, and it’s music video. (You just gotta love that man in a panda suit)

Following after is Aira’s debut single Colorful Tokyo Sounds NO. 9. For one thing, I still think this title is unnecessarily fun and I still really don’t get it (along with the titles for her other singles). But anyway, I think this was an okay way for Aira to debut. Sure it’s a nice tek song, and she makes those five and a half minutes fly by very quickly, but you can really tell that she’s heavily influenced from Perfume, from the loungey synth, to the disco synth.

And ending this string of singles is Darling Wonderling Staring. Sure, to most of you guys, I’m sure that this has gotta be one of the most painful songs to listen to, with Aira failing to even reach her notes, and the constant stuttering of the guitar. However, I don’t know why, but I just can’t help but enjoy this song. It’s shown me that there is such a thing as an “emotional J-tek ballad”. And as Jamie from Tranzilla said it, “if a robot were to have emotions this would be how they would sound like”.

Yay! Finally a new song on the album. For Heart Line Alive, I highly suggest you listen to them with a pair of headphones or earphones, since I absolutely love the intro. It sounds like the music is traveling from one ear to the other. Heart Line Alive is Airas try at yet another mid tempo song, and she definitely gets it. I love the contrast between the upbeat “WOWOWEEE” music and her relaxed vocals, along with (what I think) are some slightly dynamic changes. Also, I liked how they used another vocoder on her voice. She also sang in a higher voice, and we get to see her reach some higher notes. Sure, it’s not “OMG AMAZING”, but I enjoy them anyway. Those five and half minutes just fly by. Oh, and you just GOTTA love that woodwind that appears during the bridge. Totally unexpected.

Alright so this was a really weird decision that was made. I really don’t get why they placed the substance remix of China Discotica on this album, or at least, right inside the album. They should have placed it as a bonus track since it doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the album. But anyway, I have started to like this remix more and more, so I can put up with it. Still, if you really liked the randomness of the original, you really won’t like this for a while.

After that rather subdued song, I’m happy to see that things are immediately coming back to life with Fantasy Candy. Aira seems to be using the same higher pitched vocoder like in Heart Line Alive (along with singing in a higher voice that makes her sound a bit like a really cute chipmunk). However, unlike Heart Line Alive, both the music and vocals are very energetic and catchy. Surprisingly, what I really liked in this song was the “ahs” that happened during the chorus.

Alright, so this is where the discography gets confusing for you guys. However, I really don’t care, and I really don’t want to bother with it, so I’m not going to talk about if. But to cool things down, we have the original version of High Bash, another try by Aira for something mid tempo. And surprisingly, it works, VERY well. I really like the contrast between the upbeat music, and her half vocals. Oh, and I really like the vocoder that they gave to her voice, just not really sure if it’s different from others. Her voice just makes this song really really cute and adorable, and the piano that was occasionally added on. The bridge was also cool as things sounded like we were listening to a really old radio. I swear Aira does an amazing job with her mid tempo songs.

Following is the Yakenohara version of High Bash. Now, I’m still a bit shaky on this. I really do like the more upbeat and heavier music, but I’m not a big fan of Airas vocals, which are much harder to hear. Yet at the same time, I like it. GAH. Kay, final decision, if you liked the original, you’ll like this too.

I’m sure that by now, you guys are wondering if Aira ever does some hardcore songs like Capsule does. And yet, Aira does, and Swallow Tail DANCE (the cherryboy function) is your answer. For one thing, I really like the introduction with the hardcore synth and Aira gasping. For the most part, the song really is repetitive, but it’s really heavy compared to everything else she done. The song is insanely catchy and can get stuck in your head easily. I also really like the vocoder that they used on her voice this time, as it gives her voice a glossy feel to it. There are also some cool parts where her voice actually starts to freak me out, in addition to some other freaky voice singing.

Following the hardcore ness of Swallow Tail DANCE, we are treated to Beep Count Fantastic. Now you see, as much as I really wanted to like this song, I just can’t. Basically, it’s really just an instrumental. And while the music is cool, the attempt at sounding hardcore just makes everything sound like a bundle of ear splitting, head aching synth. People of really hardcore stuff might enjoy this. In fact, this song may grow on me too.

After that hardcore ness, I’m happy to be exposed to another high on sugar song called Yellow Supercar. Just like the title implies, the song makes little to no sense (the chorus is basically Yellow Supercar over and over), but you just can’t help but like it. The vocals never seem to stop, and the music is really relentless and refuses to stop on us. Although I really like the occasional speed changes. Such as the beginning where it sounds like music you’d hear at some gay dance club. XD

Since we’re almost coming to the end of the album, it’s nice to get a bit relaxed with Happiness Land. I swear to god, Aira is a MASTERMIND when it comes to her mid tempo songs. Just like all of her other midtempos, since song is a really good relaxer while still being really catchy. The nice thing about this song are those catchy beats in the arrangement that gives the song a bit more “umph” to it.

Ewww. D: What the hell is Star Fruits Surf Rider doing here? Aside from the pretty little synth, and the use of an acoustic guitar, since song isn’t that good. Well actually, I’ll admit it’s kinda good, just not as good as everything else Aira Mitsuki has done.

I never really saw this coming. I have never heard the original Rock N Roll Is Dead, but all I know is that it’s some sort of rock song, which I never really imagined Aira EVER doing. And surprisingly, they do it really well. The extremely synth that tries to sound like an electric guitar is plain amazing, and the song is extremely chaotic in it’s arrangement. Aira barely sings in this song, but the chaotic atmosphere of this is really worth a listen, and this definitely wins for her most “hardcore” song.

After that awesome song, I’m kinda disappointed that they just didn’t end it right there. I actually kinda forgot about Aira’s song Romantic Rope. It’s not as exciting as everything else because of how laid back it is, but I like how she stuffs to many words into a short amount of time. Whos thinking techno rap?

And to (kinda) end it all is the Plastic Fantastic Remix of Darling Wonderling Staring. Sure, they synth is nice, but I really don’t get why they made this remix. It’s really nothing like the original, and not something I care too much about.

Promotional Video

Ah, the many things about the PV for Galaxy Boy. Honestly, I’m having a really hard time choosing which PV from Aira I like more. But anyway, the PV for Galaxy Boy is something you most likely (didn’t) expect. For one thing, I really like how she is using the outfit she wore on the cover. Then, there’s all those bright techno colors, and of course, you gotta love the “cheap” look it has to it (who knew I could enjoy low budget?). However, the biggest thing about the music video is how Aira is actually 2D. Absolutely loved it. Kinda creepy, but so damn cool, and works with the Tek theme. That little laser fight scene between the multiple Airas was amusing too. XD

Overall:

I remember when I was coming to the end of my “strings” phase (although it’s still kinda going), I was craving some techno (because my classical crossover stuff was pretty much half techno). However, I didn’t want Perfume, I didn’t want MEG, and I didn’t want Capsule. I didn’t really want anything produced by Nakata, and then I came upon Aira Mitsuki (thanks to Selryam). I was a bit hesitant on trying her music because she wasn’t Nakata produced, but I wanted to try something new. And dear lord I’m very happy that I did try her out. Even though Aira may show a lot of resemblance to other J-tek artists, don’t most do in the first place anyway? However, even though Aira is similar to other J-tek artists, at least she and her producers are good at what she’s doing, and this album is proof of that. Aira (and her producers) seem to have a talent with making mid tempo Tek songs, and making them really catchy and easily memorable. Combine this with the fact that she does well in hardcore and even upbeat songs, along with what I think is one of the best “images” for a J-tek artist, along with her unique “spit lisp” pronounciation, and you now have an artist that I see will appeal to a lot of people. It’s a shame that this album didn’t do so well on the charts. Hopefully, she will get her big hit one day, and become just as popular as Perfume. Highly recommended.

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

      

Tracklist

1. Suna no Oshiro (砂のお城; Sand Castle)
2. skip turn step♪
3. Suna no Oshiro (instrumental ver.) (砂のお城)
4. skip turn step♪ (instrumental ver.)
5. Suna no Oshiro ~Orgel version~ (砂のお城 ~オルゴール・ヴァージョン~)

“Suna no Oshiro” is the second single released by Wakeshima Kanon. Much like her debut single, this single is produced by Mana, a former member of the Malice Mizer. The title track is going to be use as the ending theme song to the anime, Vampire Knight Guilty. First Pressing comes with a special movie and a personal message from Kanon. (WHICH I COULD HAVE GOTTEN IF MY PARENTS GOT IT FOR ME T_T). The single was released on November 12, 2008. No sales info yet since its too early to determine.

Album Cover:

Damnit, I had a hard time choosing which album cover to use because both were so similar, but I had to stick with this. Compared to her still doll cover, this cover is a HELL LOT better. I like the color theme going on, that hourglass on the table, Kanon Wakeshimas pose (she’s gorgeous <3 ) and that sexy cello in the background. <3 I just don’t think they needed that text.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

After MONTHS of constantly checking up on a-nation and Wiki.theppn to see Kanon Wakeshimas new single, I am glad to say that the long was definitely worth it. While still doll was slow and eerie, Suna No Oshiro takes it to the next level, and Kanon provides us with an awesome fast paced and even creepier song. Here, Kanon just shows us how well she can sing (because she was rather weak in still doll). I just LOVE how she starts off singing in a whisper like way that sounds like she’s about to die, until she shows off some of her strongest vocals during the chorus. Of course, there’s one thing that you cannot forget about this song, the SEXY CELLO. The cello line played in the background is much faster and more interesting than the backing used in still doll (and it’s also a lot crispier). And of course, you just gotta love the sudden cello solo Kanon does with relative ease. It’s cool how well fast and well done she plays in the high thumb positions. The only thing against I have against this song is that the cello solo part in this song seems to be even shorter than the one in still doll. However, this was an excellent song to show off her awesome and dramatic vocals.

OMG OMG OMG. Just when I thought things couldn’t get better, they do. Skip turn step is something completely different from that I though Kanon would EVER DO. It’s actually a POP song. Yes, it’s upbeat happy, and Kanons vocals are much more “cuter” while still being stronger, and there is even a drumset here. However, what really did this song for me was the classical backing that blended very well with the rest of the song. I swear I gotta find the sheet music for this because I love the violins playing in the background. It makes you think of that Beauty And The Beast area in Kingdom Hearts 2. Surprisingly, there is also a bit of cello playing around the last minute of the song, although it’s not too audible, which is a bit sad. But still, this was totally unexpected from Kanon. YAY FOR HER!!! Still, I can’t help but feel like this is going to end up like that Aural Vampire song where everything screws up and the song scares the crap outta me.

While there is also an instrumentals for both songs, there is also an orgel version of Suna No Oshiro. As expected, it’s just as eerie as the original. I can’t explain it. I’m guessing it’s because of cutesy it sounds while at the same time managing this sinister feel to it.

The Promotional Video:

Yup, the promotional video doesn’t disappoint either. Here, we have Kanon wearing yet again a gorgeous gothic Lolita outfit, and her hair is strangely much better here. However, I think the one part that I think we ALL like in this video is the cello solo, where Kanon FINALLY decides to play her acoustic cello standing up. She’s amazing when she plays it, and I can’t help but get this feeling of wanting to steal my friends cello and play around with it, even though it’s too small for me. The only kicks I have with this PV is how dark everything is (which makes it difficult for me to see Kanon play) and those scenes where Kanon is laying down on the sand trying to be dramatic. It’s kinda funny to watch really. Although overall, it’s not as passive as still doll was.

Overall Rating

5.5!!!!!! out of 5

      

So when I’m not blogging over here, listening to Jpop or J-tek, worrying about my hair, playing Ragnarrok Online, staring at pictures of cute Asian dudes, or waiting FOR KANON WAKESHIMAS GOD DAMN SINGLE TO LEAK SO I CAN DOWNLOAD IT BEFORE I START GOING INTO A MENTAL BREAK DOWN, I’m sure you guys are most likely not wondering what the hell I do with my time.

So I figured, why not share somethings going on?

Above are two videos of dancing. At the moment, I’m part of this group Fresh Impact, a group that advocates being drug free, alcohol free, all that shizz (I’d rather waste that music on CDs or food anyway). The videos above are our performances during this Music With A Messsage assembly that we had. We worked for about 2 months learning choreography.

We danced to Can We Chill (by Ne-Yo), Love In This Club (by Usher?), a Pepsi Commercial Song, and Forever (by Chris Brown).

Yes, I’m sure by now you’re all thinking OMG, GOODY WITH AMERICAN MUSIC?! Yeah.

>.>

When it comes to dancing, you gotta admit that a lot of American songs here have some good beats going. Especially Can We Chill (surprisingly).

I learned the Can We Chill, Love In This Club, and Forever. Sadly, I only did Can We Chill, the Intro for Love In This Club, and the half end of Forever (our choreographer kinda made it like that for certain reasons).

But hey, at least I danced. (even though I screwed up badly during the “handswipe thing” of Can We Chill). I’m the dude somewhere in the back wearing a black shirt and white vest. Not a white shirt and black vest, because that’s Aaron, who dances a hell lot better than me.

=D

Oh, and here’s another video from another angle:

kay, I’m gonna back and stalk A-nation and google for the single. And maybe work on posting a video of me playing my violin in better conditions.

OH HEY, HERE YOU GO GUYS:

The first is the first take, the second is with both takes (lets just say youtube hates me) It’s me playing Samba by Bond. The main parts at least.

      

No, this isn’t going to be like one of those drama shows you see on TV where the person who has had a life of crime decides to change his ways or something.

I’ve just noticed that all I have listened to is J-Tek at the moment. There’s only so much J-tek one person can take (except for Selryam who can’t shut up about them).

So of course, I think it’s time to get back to reviewing some regular pop artists. But don’t worry, I’ll still be reviewing all those J-Tek albums eventually.

So the following people will make a “comeback” to the blog in some way.

Kanon Wakeshima (as if she was ever away anyway, can’t wait for the new single)

Emi Hinouchi

NEWS (sorry, they’re just too cute to not listen to)

BoA (after months of ignoring her after one single review)

Yuna Ito

Mai Kuraki

Ayaka

Utada Hikaru (I’m hoping for her English album soon)

alan

Angela Aki

And you know what? LETS HAVE MORE FUN AND TORTURE MY REGULAR READERS TOO

Morning Musume

C-ute

Berryz Koubou

Muahahahahahaha

Course, it’s not all gonna happen at once, since my head would most likely explode. I just felt like making this post to inform everyone that I decided not to give up on them.

XD

That, and I’m making this post to fill in some space until I can download Kanon’s single.

      

Tracklist

1. can’t stop the DISCO
2. climb up to the top
3. SUPER MUSIC MAKER (SA’08S/A mix)

“can’t stop the DISCO” is Suzuki Ami’s 15th single released with avex trax, but 30th single overall. It is also her third in to be produced by Nakata Yasutaka. The title track was used in Mister Donuts (ミスタードーナツ) commercials which featured Suzuki herself. It was released on September 24, 2008. It reached #17 on the Oricon Charts and has sold 4,655 copies.

Album Cover:

I had a really hard time choosing which cover of the single to use, but after a bit of debating in my head, I just had to choose this. The main reason being that it’s GOD DAMN HOT. Her pose, her fierce face, those black tights…everything about her is smoking hot in this cover. I did like the other though, but she just didn’t look as interesting or “into it” like how she is here. The one problem here though is that text on the left. Do you need that? The big DISCO kinda gives us the idea what single this is.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

So at first, I found can’t stop the DISCO to be a big step down from her awesome single ONE. But after taking a listen to it a bit more, DISCO really isn’t a step down from ONE, it’s just something that’s different. I’m sure that by now we all know that Ami has a very deep voice compared to other tek artists, but only now has she been able to really show off her voice. While this single may not be as active or energetic as her other singles, her vocals are the biggest plus here. Her voice is amazingly thick, sticky, and sexy. Combine that with some nice vocoders and you’ve got yourself here some awesome ear sex. Also, the song is insanely catchy because of how repetitive it is. The only slight problem I have here is the strange transition from verses to chorus, although vice versa it’s fine.

Can’t stop the DISCO transitions perfectly right into climb up to the top which I thought was a pretty cool thing to add. While I’m sure others didn’t like this song at all, personally, I really like it. Compared to disco, its much more energetic and I just like the way she just kinda “screams” “climb up to the top”. It’s catchy, motivating, and the “destructive synth” is also interesting. It’s also cool how about 2 minutes before the end, the song takes on a much happier upbeat insane feel to it.

Ah Super Music Maker. It was the one song that actually got me in love with Ami Suzuk in the first place. I loved the original because of how electronic and catchy it was. Luckily, the SA’08S/A mix of Super Music Maker just makes it even better. For one thing, those high pitched synth in the beginning are just plain awesome. Compared to the original, this remix has more of a casual lounge feel to it (think Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow by Perfume but slower), and it’s also much less cluttered compared to the original. While I did like the original version, there are times where it was a bit too overbearing, and this remix solves that problem. I also like how it seems that Ami’s vocals are not as vocoded, and the background vocals going “yeah” more often. Oh, and you gotta love it when that high pitched synth comes in at 3 minutes or so into the song.

The Promotional Video:

Sadly, the music video isn’t as good as her previous ones. Basically, there are three very low budget scenes. One with her wearing the outfit you see on the cover against a horrid yellow background (there is even a time where theres some really ugly text there that has the name of the song on it). Another scene with her wearing a white dress against a cheap silver background with some fan blowing on it . And a third scene with her wearing a hoodie and suffering from the flat A-nation hair that does not suit her face at all. However, there is one good thing about this video. In the yellow scenes (which appears the most), Ami is AMAZINGLY HOT. Seriously, she’s just plain hot and sexy, which I think is what really sets her apart from other J-tek artists.

Overall Rating

5 out of 5

      

Hey everyone! Just wanted to make the announcement that Stereo Love has now made over 30,000 Views!. I just wanted to give thanks to the following people:

Thanks Selryam for chatting with me constantly, making me make an MSN even though I never did, and getting me into the techno groove.

Thanks Raid for commenting my blog when you can, and for making me see the world in a much dirtier light. I’d also like to thank you for making my habit of looking at mens crotches worst.

Thanks Meg and Tsuki for giving me the “obsession” idea that has really helped my blog reach this many views.

Thanks Lex for getting me to start this blog.

And thanks to everyone else who helped me get many views. Thank you guys for coming to my blog.

Now of course, I haven’t done this in a long time,so I think it’s time. Lemme do an Obsession Post!

My Dream Collaborations

So this should be self explainable. To celebrate the 30,000 view mark here, I have decided to a post about my dream collaborations with the artists I listen to. That means that these most likely never will happen, but if they WERE to happen, I could “melt into a pile of goo” as Raid himself said about Shuta shirtless. Yeah, I know this really isn’t original, but I have really lacked any inspiration lately. Maybe later I’ll think of interesting to write about.

Kanon Wakeshima & Bond

What can I say? Can you believe how freakin EPIC this kind of collaboration would be? I mean, you’d be combining the person who inspired me to take up violin, and the group that I aspire to one day be as amazing (I’m looking at you Haylie Ecker). There wouldn’t just be one cellist, but TWO cellists. Finally, something more bass friendly could be created with the additional cello (Gay-Yee Westeroff and Kanon Wakeshima playing together would be godly). And this would also be a really interesting foreign collaboration considering that Kanon and Bond both come from completely several worlds and have some very dramatic differences images. Kanon goes for the errie gothic Lolita style, while the Bond girls for the mainstream sexy style, but it would still be pretty cool. I can see it now, all 5 of the girls in gothic Lolita outfits playing their instruments to one freaky scary song. GAH I WANT IT TO HAPPEN. I’d like to see them make some kind of new song. However, I’d also really like to see them play together Victory, Explosive, and Fuego (all by Bond). The bass was never that strong and I always had a hard time figuring out when Gay-yee was actually playing, so it’d be nice to finally hear the bass get some love in their pieces. Especially in that cello solo during the bridge that could hardly be heard, even in their live performances.

Bond & eScala

Now THIS kind of collaboration, I think is entirely possible, even though Bond has never really done an official recorded collaboration (playing with other people doesn’t really count for me unless they’re doing a completely new song and they have some part in it). But anyway, both Bond and eScala have a very similar style to their image and their music. Each group has 4 very attractive girls who excel at playing with electric string instruments. Now, I actually have NO idea what they hell they could play together, but with 4 violins, 2 violas, and 2 cellos, imagine all the amazing harmony and melodic stuff they could do together! In fact, due to their large size, I don’t even think they would really need to play along to some sort of beat like how both groups tend to depend on. There’d be tons going on anyway.

Emiri Miyamoto & Kanon Wakeshima

So I’m sure you guys have noticed a trend huh? I’m pretty much going with all string instrumentalists right now, but don’t worry, I’ll get to the regular artists soon enough. But anyway, now this would also prove to be an interesting combo. A gorgeous classical violinist, and a gorgeous (albeit creepy) classical cellists

together. For some reason, it makes me think of me and my friend who happens to play the cello. Now, I’m not exactly sure what they hell they could play, but I think it’d be nice to see them “duel” each other with an orchestra backing both of them up (like how Emily normally is). It would be in a way, like a “rehearsed duel” similar to Duel from Bond. I dunno, that’s all I can think of right now. Then again, considering Kanon also sings, there are a bunch of things they can do together.

KOKIA & Emiri Miyamoto & Kanon Wakeshima

Yay! A threesome. This is another one that seems to be interesting. We all know that KOKIA is amazing at singing and she has like 6 different singing voices. However, the one I’m most interested in her using would be her opera voice. It’d be cool to have KOKIA and Kanon singing together (with Kokia in opera mode) with Kanon on cello and Emiri on violin. Who knows what they could possibly do? They could do one awesome classical piece.

Vanilla Mood & Bond

Ah another one that I just REALLY WISH could happen. Basically, this one would really add a ton of new sounds into the mix. Sure, Bond is an electric string quartet, but we need to realize there are other instruments out there, and Vanilla Mood would bring about that realization. Overall, the group would have 3 violins, 1 viola, 2 cellos, a flute, and a piano. It would be like the Bond and eScala collaboration, but there would be so much variations in the sound. Not sure what they can do, but it’d be nice to see them try out Palladio. We all know Bond has done a cover of it with Palladio, but I haven’t seen many do it with a flute and a piano too. And of course, remember that Keiko (pianist) sings too, so who knows what else they could do? <3 The only other issue I see here is how the two images clash together so badly.

KOKIA & alan

Psh, you guys though Kokia and Stephanie would be cool? What about Kokia and alan? You’d be combining the two girls who I see have possibly the most powerful vocals. Kokia has her amazing opera notes (even having the ability to hold a note for 30 seconds) and alan has got those EPIC mountain notes. Combine them together, you can have possibly the most EPIC ballad

of all time. I really want to hear something like a “duel” between the two to see who can sing the most epicly. Also, I’d like to se Kokia cover a song by alan.

KOKIA & Ayaka

Okay, so maybe not as vocally epic as Kokia and alan together, but Ayaka still as an amazing deep voice with her. Considering that Ayaka is so good at making emotional ballads (I still kinda cry when I listen to Mikazuki and Jewelry Day), I think they’d be a perfect match to make some kind of emotional ballad that I’m not going to listen to anyway because I don’t want to cry.

Ayaka & K & Angela Aki

Wooohoo! Finally, a guy in the mix! The main reason why I chose this kind of collaboration is because both of them are amazing at singing emotional songs (just take a look at the songs on K’s first album and almost anything from Angela). However, there’d be big mix in here. SCREW MUSIC. I’d like to see all of them sing in acapella. However, a little piano from Angela would be nice. I’m sure they’d make some kind of ballad I wouldn’t listen to either because of how sad it is or something.

Kanon Wakeshima & Emiri Miyamoto & Hitomi Shimatani

This one should be enough for you guys to guess. If you guys don’t heres why. The main reason why I fell in love with Hitomi Shimatani was her “crossover” concept that she was going with, and with Kanon on cello and Emiri on violin, I think they could make a really cool classical crossover song together. Maybe something a bit different though, since Hitomi is so good in trying out so many genres. I’m thinking something jazzy. Oh and you know what? Add Sarina Suno to the mix too.

Koda Kumi & Britney Spears & (maybe Maki Goto?)

Hell, why not? You’d be combining the sexiest girls of Japan with the woman found naked half the time in America. Both Koda and Britney have sexy images and their music videos tend to have them doing possibly the most outrageous things (remember Taboo and Womanizer?). I think this is a combination that is really possible. Koda has already done a collaboration with Fergie, so who knows? Man, I’m sure they song the make would be played at gay dance clubs all the time. <3 Plus, these two girls dancing together would be AMAZING. The addition of Maki Goto would just make things more interesting, considering that Maki has recently gone full on sexy on us. What would be even more interesting though is that Maki Goto was the one that beat Koda Kumi during the Morning Musume audition. I can see some fierce things going on here with Maki.

Perfume & Aira Mitsuki

One combination that I’m pretty sure both me AND SELRYAM REALLY WANT TO HAPPEN. Aira Mitsuki tends to be known as the girl who is just copying Perfume, just with a twist. So I think it’d be cool if they could collaborate and make something together. Perfume already has a really cute image, and it would be nice to combine that with Airas more futuristic image, sound, and interesting form of pronunciation. And hey, if this were to happen, I’m sure Aira Mitsuki would get a ton of attention that she really needs. This combination also means that I get a chance to see Aira try and dance with Perfume.

MEG & Ami Suzuki

Basically, you’d be combining one of Nakata’s used to be failures with the previously blacklisted artist. I’m not sure how well this collaboration would go, but I think it could work in a way. Ami Suzuki has quite a nice deep voice and she has a much more mature sound to her, and MEG also does better at doing mature styles (just listen to her album STEP). So I’m not exactly sure what they could do, but you never know.

Hey!Say!Jump! & Morning Musume

I’m sure I’m most likely going to get killed by my regular viewers for this. Hell, I’ve NEVER heard a single thing by HSJ, but considering that both groups consists of pedolicious singers, who knows what kind of cute pedolicous stuff they could create together? Of course, the guys of HSJ would do nothing even remotely “guy like” with the girls of MM because all Asian men (especially those that are part of boybands) are gay. I’m thinking their video would involve rainbows, ponies, and odd dancing in a garden.

Utada Hikaru & Capsule

I’m sure that this may be a surprise to you guys, considering that both of these guys live in two different worlds. I’ve noticed that Utada has a lot of synth driven songs, so I’d like to see some kind of synth driven song done with both Utada and Capsule. NOT JUST NAKATA, but Toshiko too. Even though Toshiko isn’t that great of a singer, she could do backup vocals. But the thing I really want to see her is just to see Utada do some electro pop and RnB combination. That, and I’d like to hear Utada with distorted vocals, and doing crazy wacky stuff like Capsule does (especially in their JUMPER video).

Utada Hikaru & Angela Aki

Both these women have amazing voices with them. Utada has an emotional voice, and Angela Aki also has the ability to sing emotionally, play the video, and has she the most amazing vibrato I have ever heard. Combining these two girls is just asking for emotional overload. Plus, I’d like to Angela sing some RnB too.

DBSK or Super Junior or NEWS or any boyband out there & Nakata

Another weird choice of mines. Really, I’m not sure how this works, but I just REALLY want to see hot all male techno pop group. We already have Perfume for the girls, but what about a hot all asian male techno pop group?

Then again, that was my plan for the future, minus the “hot” part and inserting the violin into it.

So I guess that’s about it for now. Hopefully, this has led you guys to thinking about what you want to see yourself, and I hope you guys enjoyed reading this.

Again, thanks for the 30,000 views!

      

Tracklisting:

1. HEART
2. NATALIE <FM16 MIX>
3. HEART <PARTY MIX>

HEART is MEG’s twelfth single, and third single on Universal Music Japan. HEART was used as Dariya Cosmetic’s PALTY CM song. It was released on May 7, 2005. It reached #26 on the Oricon Charts and has sold 3,416 copies.

Album Cover:

Ah the covers for MEGs material has always disturbed, and honestly, I’m really disturbed with this single. She LOOKS like a little kid, but at the same time, she’s trying to go for some perverted stripper tease look. It makes me really uncomfortable to look at this cover, it’s like Morning Musume in bikinis, just not as bad.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

Now this is IT. HEART was definitely the song that got me to start liking MEG. While MEG’s voice was extremely funky in the way it was presented in MAGIC, that issue seems to go away, and her voice is much more bearable here. Her voice doesn’t have all those shifts going on. And overall, the song is just really cute and enjoyable. It’s simple, but insanely catchy, and is worth a little dance. I remember listening to this song during summer school, so the song has a bit of summery happy feel to me, and it’s also quite relaxing. I even like those notes she holds that gives the song a bit more to it. Amazingly, this song has reached 94 plays on my iTunes.

The b-side on this single is called Natalie <FM16 MIX>. Now, I have never heard the original, but I think this song is average. It feels really average and kinda empty. Some of the synth is interesting, but it’s just really dull. As I’ve said before, techno remixes aren’t the best, and I’m sure the original wasn’t that good either.

As I’ve said before, techno remixes don’t really work that well, but the Part Mix of Heart isn’t actually all the bad. It adds extra synth to the mix, and makes it more upbeat. It’s not as good as the original, but it’s pretty close.

The Promotional Video:

Now, the music video is also an almost above average kind of treat. The video is very simple, with cute little scenes of a not as pedolicious MEG singing along and moving around a bit. However, what made the video so cute was the old retro house setting, and the cute little multi colored baby chicks. <3 What bothered me though was how she always seemed to have food in front of her face, but she never ate it. Not a fan of the dog though.

Overall Rating:

3.5 out of 5

      

Tracklisting:

Side A

1. Starry sky

Side B

1. Reality
2. Sugarless GIRL

Starry sky is capsules seventh 12″ analog single. All tracks can also be found on their album “Sugarless GiRL. It was released on December 13, 2006.

Album Cover:

I’ve never been to extremely fond of Capsules covers, and this is no exception. It’s really dull and boring. Seriously, a blue background with the title of the single on it? I could have done this in 5 minutes with Paint.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

Starry Sky makes a sudden introduction with some pretty heavy and “grungy” synth which I actually quite like. The song surprises me even more when a rough electric guitar comes in with a robotic voice saying “welcome to my world”. It gets even better when the more synth comes in and you can’t help but start rocking your head or tapping your feet to this song. It may be a minute and a half, but it feels short. As soon as Toshiko comes in though, I just fall in love with the song even more. Toshiko has a much deeper and rougher voice compared to most other techno pop artists, and in combination with a slightly rough vocoder makes her sound very unique and interesting to listen to. Overall, this song was quite a surprise, and it’s really worth a listen. You gotta love that electric guitar too.

Now on to the B-sides. REALiTY starts off with this cool “mischievous” sound that you often hear in dramatic scenes in movies, and then some awesome funky disco like synth comes in. Now this is where you get to here Nakata make use of stock vocals more, and it actually kinda works in this song. The man singing in this song makes it sound pretty cool, and gives it a different sound. However, while the song is interesting, and the synth is addicting, the song tends to drag on, and I’d like to actually hear Toshiko sing more.

Kay, so this is what really bothered me. Can someone explain to me WHY they made Sugarless GiRL a B-side? Seriously. Sugarless Girl is the REASON WHY I decided to try out their Sugarless Girl album. This song is definitely not B-side material, it’s A-side stuff. Compared to most of Capsules works, Sugarless Girl is more reminiscent of the stuff of Perfume, and I actually think they should delve more into it. For once, Toshiko is actually the main vocalist of the song, and there is no unneeded stock audio going around. The song is insanely catchy, and the fact that Toshiko has a much deeper rougher voice compared to other J-tek acts makes this song even more amazing. Even though the first half of the song is the same as the other half, I don’t really care. It’s catchy, and the most memorable song on the album itself, and in this single. I always seem to find myself singing along to this song because of how simple the melody of this song is, and how…thick and sticky Toshikos voice is. Also, the use of an acoustic guitar in this song was pure genius.

The Promotional Video:

Luckily, there was no music video for Starry Sky, but instead, Sugarless GiRL, which I think was appropriate. The music video is actually painfully simple at some parts (there are parts where there is actually a black and white Windows screensaver being used). However, I loved how they displayed the vocalist Toshiko. I loved how they used those bars that you see on stereos when music is being played to display Toshiko so it looks like certain parts of her are coming up and down. Plus, Toshiko is really pretty, despite looking like a pig/cat at times. The only thing I really don’t like about this video are the short creepy shots of insomniac Nakata.

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

      

Really sorry guys about that Halloween post.

>.>

Sorry for causing massive lag and maybe crashing your browser.

So sorry guys, I’m gonna have to figure out how to put it up.

Here. How about I do this?

Heres the link:

http://s59.photobucket.com/albums/g284/Blackmager101/Halloween%2008-09/

Man, all the work for nothing.

      

After having a very successful thread on Gaia talking about my schools insane costume contest, I decided that I’m going to add it to my blog.

Basically, at my school, we like to have a lot of fun dressing up. Tomorrow is going to be the costume contest, and things are freakin INSANE here, and I love it. I’m planning to take plenty of good pictures.

So tomorrow, expect to see how awesome my school is with Halloween.

>:D

I’m not going to dress up, but next year, I hope to. Planning to become a Bard. You know, cape, feathered hat, god damn sexy (hopefully) electric violin.

I guarantee though, that there are going to be plenty of guys cross dressing. The guys fruiter than me always do it, and I’ve only seen one moment when that guy was actually good looking as a girl.

      

Tracklist

1. ONE
2. A token of love
3. ONE (Instrumental)
4. A token of love (FM88 mix)

This is Ami Suzukis 29^th single and was released on July 2, 2008. It reached #17 on the Oricon Charts and has sold 6,683 copies. This is her second single to be produced by the god Yasutaka Nakata.

Album Cover:

I really had a hard time choosing which cover to use for this review, but I decided to choose this own because overall, it was slightly better. The colors are amazing, her dress is hypnotizing, and best of all, her HAIR is freakin amazing for some odd reason. I dunno why, but I just like how volumized it looks, and it shows a much younger innocent side of her. I did like her other cover, because she suddenly becomes smoking hot, but I didn’t like her facial expression.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

After taking a listen to FREE FREE and SUPER MUSIC MAKER from Ami Suzuki, I was definitely itching for more Nakata produced work. It seems true that Nakata turns EVERYTHING into gold, that is ignoring his own work (for the most part). At first, I thought ONE was extremely dull and basically FREE FREE in the proper octave with Ami’s voice. However, after taking a good listen to it, I have fallen in love with this single, and it just goes to show how magical Nakata is. Basically, it is true that ONE is basically FREE FREE in a lower octave, but that what makes it so good. In FREE FREE, Ami’s voice was a bit TOO distorted because it sounded absolutely nothing like her. In ONE, her voice is distorted, but you can still here her nice lower pitched voice. Compared to most other techno pop artists, Ami can actually SING PROPERLY which is a big plus and he isn’t as monotone. Of course, the highlight of this song is the chorus where there is a sudden burst of energy. I don’t know why, but the song is freakin catchy too.

I was having a hard time trying to get myself to listen to A Token Of Love because I was already really hooked on ONE. When I did listen to it though, I realized that it really wasn’t as high energy as ONE. I found it dull at first, but giving it a proper listen made me appreciate the catchy dance beats. Plus, there are some pretty cool parts where it sounds like Amis voice is “warped” and there’s some pretty cool synth, notably, the “you and me” line. The song is a bit too long though, clocking in at 6 minutes.

The FM88 remix of Token Of Love is really no different from the original. There’s just some extra synth going on. But it’s shorter, so that’s a plus. Too bad that extra synth ruined the “you and me” line.

The Promotional Video:

One word: HOT. The video is freakin hot. The colors are mesmerizing, and I absolutely love that black and white outfit she wore with glitter. The biggest plus though is that she’s actually hot because she doesn’t look a pedophiles dream like she was in PBUS and FREE FREE. However, I don’t really think the moves she was doing can’t really be called “dancing”. But who cares when it’s that hot?

Overall Rating:

5 out of 5

      

Tracklisting:

1. Darling Wondering Staring
2. STAR FRUITS SURF RIDER
3. Darling Wondering Staring (PLASTIC FANTASTIC remix)
4. STAR FRUITS SURF RIDER (digital mp-3 mastering ver.)
5. Darling Wondering Staring (instrumental)

Darling Wondering Staring / STAR FRUITS SURF RIDER is Aira Mitsuki’s third single, first double A-side single, and a Tower Records exclusive release. It was released on May 7, 2008, was released in extremely limited quantities and is considered an independent release from her label, D-topia. It reached #1 on Tower Records’s store chart and sold out.

“STAR FRUITS SURF RIDER” is a cover of the 1998 song by Cornelius.

Album Cover:

Compared to Airas other covers, this cover is much more laid back and minimalistic while still at the same time taking on a wacky techno-pop feel to it, and I’m guessing it’s because it was an indies single. I’ve actually started to like this album cover, despite the lack of Aira on it. I actually enjoyed the simple design so much I decided to remake it as banner for Selryam. Since I couldn’t find a big HQ pic of it, I had to make the same shapes and colors, and layer them all together. Too bad Selryam didn’t like it, but that just gives me an excuse to use it myself now. XD The only issue I had with this cover was how the text got blurred out because of the yellow.

The Digital Stuff You Listen To:

I remember when I first listened to Darling Wonderling Staring. Those piano sounds I heard in the beginning were freakin AMAZING. Then suddenly, when Aira started singing, I just cringed and didn’t want to listen to it. Aira’s singing is painfully messy, and the vocal distortions did not help at all. However, after multiple listens to song, I LOVE it now. The fact that Aira fails at singing, properly doesn’t bother me anymore, and I actually enjoy listening to her style of singing. The vocal distortions used on her voice while she actually tried to sing just made things more interesting, and her funky pronunciation added to that. However, I think there’s one thing that really makes this song really stand out is that’s it’s a ballad. Yes, a techno pop ballad. I always thought Perfume got it with Macaroni, however, Aira and her producers definitely got it right by making it an EMOTIONAL ballad. Kay, maybe not emotional, but at least Aira sounds like she’s interested in her music. I’m going to agree with what Tranquilla (from Tranzilla) said. If a robot could sing a sweet love ballad, this is pretty close to what it would be.

Oh, and did I mention that Darling Wonderling Staring used some distorted acoustic guitars? Because the other song here, Star Fruits Surf Rider makes use of it too. Now, this song is apparently a cover of the same song from some unknown guy named Cornelius. Now, just like DWS, Star Fruits Rider has some pretty fascinating dazzling synth going on. Too bad that’s pretty much the only thing that makes this a song, since other than that, there’s nothing interesting about it.

I never really understood that whole Plastic Fantastic line from China Discotica, but apparently, the decided to use it as a remix. As I’ve said before, remixes on techno songs tend to fail, and the Plastic Fantastic Remix of Darling Wonderling Staring is no exception. Basically, the song is a really long instrumental and there’s little to no actual singing going on. The music is nice, but it gets tiring after a while.

The Promotional Video:

Sadly, there was no promotional video for this, I’m guessing it’s because it was an indies single. Too bad, because they could have done a lot with Darling Wonderling Staring.

Overall Rating:

3.8 out of 5