Like the title suggests, this time there are so many new videos that, I swear, there wasn't a pleasing way of choosing only one Japanese and one Korean. Therefore, I made this super edition with all releases for you *-----* Take your time and enjoy~
2NE1's "I Am The Best":
2PM's "Hands Up":
T-ara's "Roly Poly" (Stage Version only - the Story one is 12min long):
I never doubted some idols' singing capacities. But the variety show "Immortal Song 2", which challenges some of the most talented idols with old Korean hits, took my concepts to a whole new level. Some cases like SHINee's Jonghyun and SISTAR's Hyorin shouldn't be missed and that's why I made this post. It's just amazing. *-*
Jonghyun performing "A Million Roses"
Hyorin <3
"One Way's Back"
Hyorin's amazing interpretation of "A Goose's Dream"
Note that these are just some of my favorite videos from the show. There are many other great artists like IU, Yoseob, Junsu, Yesung and more. I recommend watching all of them ;3
I'm finally back! I hope you didn't forget about this lovely blog <33
Talking about forgotten stuff, today's "Take Notice" post is dedicated to one of those bands you hear once in a drama or anime theme, fall in love with it, but never hear news about it after the debut. It's time for Real Paradis' single "Kaze to Oka no Ballad"~
Used as the ending theme for "Nodame Cantabile Finale", "Kaze to Oka no Ballad" is some kind of magical song. I say that because it just binds you to its melody. I'd never heard about the members of this group nor could find any useful info on the internet. Still, I just felt so attracted by this tune! It's soothing, beautiful and in great harmony with the anime's mood. It's been a year since I first listened to it, but right now I'm listening to it with the same interest and admiration as if it was the first time! Oh, and the off-vocal version in the single is a great addition to the package~
Official PV - even the video is hard to find @-@
After the amazing title song, there's yet another song to listen. "L.M.L." is a typical pop coupling song, though it doesn't hurt the single's greatness. I would call it a perfect "traveling song". It's kinda cool and you won't even notice time passing by while listening to this song. Unfortunately, this group is so underground and mysteriously forgotten that I don't even have a video of the B-side to post here... :(
Real Paradis, what happened to you? Your debut song, which I don't even know if it's really a debut song, is so awesome and brilliant that I can't understand what made you disappear... I hope to hear more about this group someday. (if someone knows anything please tell me!) Remember, if you liked this song, please help the artists by purchasing their music. Maybe if everyone who liked this song had bought the single, Real Paradis would be releasing much more new stuff now! *---*
Just passing by to say that I'm not dead and neither is this blog! It's just that this is my last week of tests and so I'm studying a little more than usual ^^
BUT, on the other hand, that means vacations are coming and many many posts will be written next month so no need to PANIC XD
OK, I was trying to wait for the full "Hot Summer" music video before making this post, but SM isn't being my friend today so I'll just use the teaser. ò.ó
The exist†trace fierce girls are back with an astounding album and lead track. "TRUE" is really cruel and brings back memories from "resonance", which was definitely their best track yet. I just hope they continue this kind of work and forget about some singles released in the past...
Don't worry, I won't make a fanboy party in this part about "Hot Summer". Well, it is a FREAKING AWESOME SONG OMG MY LIFE IS COMPLETE, but SM is keeping the MV for them lol... So I'll just post the teaser here while I go plan my vicious vengeance in case they don't release the full version TODAY. <3
What happens when you gather two extremely beautiful songs in one single? Well, that question has many possible answers. But what if these two songs have the power to amaze you like no other and even make you want to cry? In that case, you have a Kalafina single. And "Lacrimosa" is the perfect package.
Jacket (Keiko version)
As most Kalafina singles, this one is no exception in what concerns the tie-in for the A-side. "Lacrimosa", which gives the single its name, was used as an ending theme for Kuroshitsuji's first season.
The song itself is spectacular. While many might feel that Hikaru was forgotten as she just sings the choir parts, I reckon it was for the best. I mean, the dense atmosphere constructed by both the instruments and Wakana+Keiko vocals is in its best way. If Kajiura were to add Hikaru in the verses, "Lacrimosa" wouldn't be as impacting as the released version. Why? Apart from "Magia" (which really surprised me), Hikaru's voice is usually 'rawer' and not so melodic... Whatever, this song is brilliant lol
Lacrimosa's PV - masquerade beauty
After the main track, we arrive at "Gloria". It's not uncommon in Kalafina's singles, but Kajiura surely delivers prettiness even in this B-side! A tearjerker song, "Gloria" makes up for Hikaru fans with her dominating the verses in great fashion. The chorus, on the other side, brings Wakana and Keiko in such an emotional way, so heartfelt... I love it T^T
Gloria - the glorious coupling song
Dear Yuki Kajiura, how can you be such a flawless composer? Kalafina NEVER disappoints me and this single just blew me against the wall with its musical power. I want the third album now! Pweeeease <3333 Remember, if you liked this single (I bet you did ;3 lol) please help the artists by purchasing their music~
Ooooh this is an interesting week! Secret has come back with another retro concept in "Starlight, Moonlight". The relaxing music and cute music video were enough to grab even my mom's attention lol... It's a very nice song, proving once again that this group never disappoints. Check it out~ ^^
"Starlight, Moonlight" MV - from the label's official channel
Fortunately for us, J-Rock band Versailles unveiled their new album's promotional video almost a whole month before the actual release of the album. "Masquerade" is simply epic like "God Palace" from their major debut. The video is also, in my opinion, the best production of the band. The song is raw, evil and true to Versailles' skills. I can't even wait to hear the other new songs in "Holy Grail".
"Masquerade" PV - mirrored to avoid being taken off
After a whole month since the series ended, the first part of the Original Soundtrack was finally released. Being a Yuki Kajiura creation, it's obviously beautiful. But what's most important is that listening to the songs reminded me of how awesome this anime was. And as a tribute for all the Puella who fought against their own fate, I shall post many incredible images (while I listen once again to the songs *-*). Enjoy~ ^^
All wallpapers taken from the Image Pack found on Puella Magi Wiki~ Remember to view them in full size!
SEIGETSUYA - 10K VISITORS! THANK YOU SO MUCH~ LOVE Y'ALL <333
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"Take Notice" now reaches the realm of movie soundtracks! To debut this new kind of reviewable material, I chose my favorite Korean horror movie's Original Soundtrack (OST). "Janghwa, Hongryeon" (also known as "A Tale of Two Sisters"), recently poorly and loosely adapted to American theaters as "The Uninvited", is a fantastic psychological movie featuring the best in acting, photography and music.
Containing both relaxing and disturbing melodies in the package, this soundtrack matched perfectly with the movie's atmosphere. The main theme, featured in many tracks through small variations, is a masterpiece of instrumental music. The strings ensemble fills the song in a bright yet very emotional way.
"Epilogue" (track 15) - the main theme fully performed
Spectacular arrangements and recordings also help this album shine. Creepy wind instruments or just mysterious ambient noises complete the dark feeling brought by the movie's story.
"Even Near You" (track 04)
If you haven't seen "A Tale of Two Sisters" yet, I deeply recommend you to rent/buy it as soon as possible. It's a horror classic, but with much more than the basic movies out there. It's beautiful in every single way, even in its moments of madness.
"Crying Moon 2" (track 06) - one of the many variations of the main theme
What happened to Blogger these last days? When I tried to enter my account on Monday and Tuesday it said "Not Found"! Just great =__= Now I'm all messed up with my posting days lol... That's no reason to stop working though! In order to catch up with this week's releases, I won't be able to make any long-ass posts like I'd like to. Ja, hajimemashou~ ^^
After the debut of the ninth generation in "Maji Desu Ka Ska!", Morning Musume is back with another single, "Only You". Surprisingly, I got the vibes of old MoMusu in this song. How glad I was when I first heard it! It's catchy, beautiful and full of Riho, hinting at who's going to be built as the new face of the group after Ai-chan's graduation.
In South Korea, many were highly expecting the comeback of veteran idol Jang Woo Hyuk, former member of boy group H.O.T, one of the first extremely successful K-Pop boybands created by Lee Soo Man a long time ago. And I've got to say: This guy didn't forget how to be awesome! Featuring a very impressive choreography, "Time is [L]over" is a also a great dance track to listen to. Check it out and keep an eye on the many veterans coming back this year!
Kim Bo Kyung recently covered 2NE1's "It Hurts" in a university performance. With a faster tempo and the singer's beautiful voice, I actually prefer this version to the original o.o
It's so nice when I'm able to find full photoshoots of clothing brands featuring my idols! This time I got actress Park Min Young's summer spread for "Compagna" to show you. Enjoy~ ^^
You may know her from the ending themes of the Fatal Frame series. You may even not know her! The always underrated singer Tsukiko Amano, who abandoned her old rocker self and came back recently as a more free-style artist, released in 2006 her most brilliant album to date: Catalog. But why is it so brilliant?
First of all, Tsukiko always knew how to make epic songs. You know what I mean if you've played any of the games that use her songs. Not only that: Catalog is actually a best-album. That means exactly what anyone would like to hear, which is that all her masterpieces can be found in a single release. From a revisited disco version of one of her first hits, "Love Dealer", to the Fatal Frame eternally praised themes, this album is excellent from the second it starts to the minute it ends.
"Love Dealer ~2006~" - the Promotional Video!
Amano's powerful vocals fill the album in a great fashion. Creepy and emotional in "Koe", raw and serious in "Ningyou"... You have multiples options to choose from when listening. Whatever you decide, I guarantee that it's going to be an awesome experience in the Tsukiko music world!
"Koe" - Promotional Video (credits to the uploader!)
"Ningyou" - Promotional Video
The climax of her career in my honest opinion, Catalog will surely be always an album to listen from time to time while we hope for her comeback as the incredible rocker she was. Don't get me wrong, I like her new child songs. But I don't LOVE them as I love these oldies. Anyway, I think it's important to respect her decision as an artist, so I'll continue supporting her, although it doesn't mean I don't want new "Chou"s or "Black Guitar + Berry Garden"s...
"Chou" - PV
With a total of 14 tracks, this best-album will surely bring whoever listens to it to this world of beautiful, epic rock created by Tsukiko Amano! Remember: if you liked it, please help the artist by purchasing her music~
Emotion is all over Korea with the arrival of BEAST's first full-length album "Fiction and Fact". The lead track "Fiction" features a very sad story, which can be better understood after watching the music video!
On the other hand, Japan is filled with electronic beat and auto-tuned cuteness. The Perfume trio just released "Laser Beam / Kasuka na Kaori", a double A-sided single. While the full video for "Laser Beam" had to be cancelled after the earthquakes, we are able to watch a short version of it! The other music video was completed and will be soon revealed. Until then, let's also have the short version of it~
Do you know what's even more awesome than watching the live presentations of your favorite idols? Learning how to do their moves and dancing along! Thanks to the wonderful Internet, there are no barriers between the choreography and you since it's possible to find great practice videos of the groups, most of the times even mirrored. Check it out and prepare yourself to dance to some of them in this post~
Bonus Round! Some moves performed by their own choreographers~
With the release of ALI PROJECT's new Lantis best-album "Queendom" quickly approaching, both covers and many promotional images have been revealed. It's usual for this group to be visually awesome, but this time Arika is just divine. They traveled to Austria in order to shoot a medieval-like PV and used the concept to its fullest! *-* (Remember to full-size so as to see the original quality)
Starting again from where I left this week, today's post is about a breathtaking J-Rock album. While the singer may be best known for her seiyuu works, this surprising side of her voicing appeared after her work in Chaos;Head, both in the game and the anime. Creepy, amazing and really raw, this project continued to make success even after the ending of the show, which led Yui Sakakibara to keep on making new songs under the same style, even though she's not using the name of the fictional group due to... well, not being only about Chaos;Head anymore.
Released in 2009, "PHANTASM End Prophecy" is mainly a collection of all the previous singles, featuring just some minor rearrangements. But that's why it is so incredible. If one of the singles alone were enough to make you feel in musical heaven, a full album of these songs was simply THE Album to look out for.
Everything starts with "Mikkyou no Kubikazari", now in the "Black Mass Version". A Kokusyoku Sumire-like intro lets you breath for a moment before the hardcore stuff comes in. When Yui starts singing, those who are used to cute characters she may have given her voice to will certainly be in shock. Yes, it's pure awesomeness indeed. Plus cookies for the Yousei Teikoku kind of interlude and emotional singing.
"Mikkyou no Kubikazari -Black Mass Ver.-" (track 01)
"Shokuzai no Erotica" comes next. After an intro resembling post-apocalyptic movies, the song slowly builds up power. A softer song if compared to the first one, but still a dark tune. Fitting for ending themes, maybe it was really used as one? I never played the Chaos games, so I wouldn't know .___.
Going to number 3, we encounter "Zaika ni Keiyaku no Chi wo". I remember playing this song on StepMania, lol. I reckon it continues the slower flow of the last song. This time, though, it grabbed more my attention with a powerful chorus. It is incredibly catchy, so be careful! xD
"Zaika ni Keiyaku no Chi wo" (track 03)
Prepare yourself for one of the best songs of the album. "Yami ni Hikari wo Sasumono" gathers everything, from the slow tempo, hardcore riffs, emotional vocals, to the gothness from the past songs and makes them rock into one majestic song. Also, add a mad (and unfortunately short) guitar solo to the list.
"Yami ni Hikari wo Sasumono" (track 04)
Following the path of darkness, the singer presents us a slightly different song this time. Deep, cruel and raw, "Haritsuke no Misa -To the distance Ver.-" reminds me of some Visual Kei bands. Definitely a great song, with highlights on Yui's vocals.
"Haruka Naru Idiyona -Heavy Generation Ver.-" is our next stop. Despite the insane solo near the end of the song, it seems a pretty relaxing moment if you take a look back at what already happened. I'll take it as a break time... @-@
Now, at least in my honest opinion, begins the best song of the album. "Allelujah no Fukuin -Extra Solo Ver.-" might be a tad boring in the verses for some people. On the other hand, that's where it shines for me. The ability of creation tension and building up the emotion in this song is just fantastic. The chorus has the most brilliant melody and you can just feel the singer releasing all her feelings on it. After the solo, where Yui sings the chorus first softly and then returns to it in full scale is just...wow.
"Allelujah no Fukuin -Extra Solo Ver.-" (track 07)
Approaching the end Prophecy of the album, "Gradual" is pretty much a review of the first songs. Not that it's a bad thing, but just not overly impressive... Still, much better than some A-sides out there! :P
Closing (NOOOO DDD: ) this supreme collection, "Nageki no Arabesque" uses once more a different formula. It sounds more like a song for fighting games trailers/openings. Don't ask me why I think that, because I actually can't explain it. It's an epic song on its own and certainly an important part of the album.
With a total of 9 tracks, this production is a must to any appreciator of good J-Rock. It has everything needed to impress the listener and to bind you to your computer while it grabs your soul and transforms your being into a goth-goth servant of doom. LOL *-*
Not many releases to choose from this time... At least the ones available are really great! Makes me think about the awesome releases coming soon: May and June are going to be a musically crowded and happy time~ ^^
°C-ute (which is a pain to write down) released their new song "Momoiro Sparkling"! While I prefer the last concept, which was more to the sexy side, this one doesn't disappoint either. Now if they just made a better choreography! How about calling the Koreans to help you? @-@ Sorry, but it's the truth...
"Momoiro Sparkling" - returning to the group's kawaii roots
I have to say, I was surprised by Jay's new song. This is one of the few kinds of music that I usually don't like even if I try to listen many times to it. But for some reason, maybe the cool choreography or the nice music video, my ears accepted "Abandoned" with just some minor problems like that rap part which is done by someone who is not Jay... Well, enjoy it! xD
"Abandoned" Music Video - HD from the official channel *-*
Warning: You may find difficult to live after watching this commercial feature. I am not responsible for any stalking or social problems after the video... LOL! This is over-the-top cuteness~
Inspired by f(x)'s Krystal abs-showcase on the recent "Pinocchio" MV and live performances, I had the idea to please all my readers with an abs special on this corner! This time, everyone's wishes shall be granted, with both girls' and boys' photos. Drool much and enjoy it! *-*
