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! *---*
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~
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
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~
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 *-*
This is the first time I'll be recommending a single instead of an album. Before you say it's unfair because a single is too small for a weekly post, there's a special reason for my decision. I haven't made a post about KOKIA yet, but she's one of the most talented and beautifully unusual singers I've ever heard. And this single, in my opinion, has the best song of her entire (and long) musical career.
Released in the first day of 2006, "Ai no Melody / Chouwa Oto (With Reflection)", as the title suggests, is a double side-A single. Featuring both the opening and ending themes of "Origin: Spirits of the Past", the CD is full of KOKIA's unique style. From codified lyrics to unexpected harmonization, the tunes bind you to their mystic feel.
Starting off with "Ai no Melody", it's a melody where the singer remains in a safe zone through most of the song. By the middle of it, nothing really special shows up despite being a beautiful listening. That's when KOKIA begins to mix multiple layers of her voice in order to create an exotic (and certainly impressive) mood, which would be in its full power only in the next song. In a way, "Ai no Melody" doesn't stand out from her typical songs. But it's still worth trying out as a preparation for the coming brilliancy.
"Ai no Melody" Promotional Video
Following the opening, we now enter the ending theme's area. "Chouwa no Oto (With Reflection)" is actually a rearrangement and re-recording of "Chouwa no Oto", a 2002 song. I don't even know how to precisely explain this song to you, because there's so much happening at the same time. Actually, it begins with a calm piano introduction. Then, KOKIA enters very emotionally, already establishing the song's mood.
We go through a roller-coaster of information, from Japanese lyrics, going through codified numbers (which actually make sense, just check it on Google xD), to what I would call "the full version" of what the singer did in "Ai no Melody": layers and layers of her own vocals dominating the scene, creating a diversified harmony and magical, almost ethereal feel to the music. Nothing in this world is similar to this. KOKIA set the bar really high for anyone who tries to go exotic after "Chouwa Oto (With Reflection)".
"Chouwa Oto (With Reflection)"
Bonus live and epic version of the song, proving that she isn't kidding about being awesome:
many thanks to the uploader ^^
Well, I know that this isn't the kind of music that everyone would like. Still, I hope that you liked it! KOKIA is definitely an inspiration not only for me, but also for many others. Remember: if you liked this single, please support the artist by purchasing their music! Her discography is huge and incredible, so don't miss the chance to know more about KOKIA~ ^^
Last week, while searching for some old BoA music videos, I accidentally found a young girl singer named Kang Min Kyung. She was so pretty that I decided to search her songs on YouTube. Later, I found out that she was actually part of a ballad duo called Davichi. Now, how could I not know them for so long? I mean, I had heard their name due to them being under the same agency as T-ara and SeeYa, but... Why did I ignore them? This is THE ballad group. As an example of their superior quality, I'm going to review this album, which is my current favorite: "Davichi in Wonderland"
The album's cover
Starting off with the lead track "8282", the girls give us a fresh experience. The beginning seems like a typical sad song, but then it takes an unexpected turn when a fast chorus comes in. The song then is established as a mix of ballads with pop tunes. A mainstream track indeed.
While "8282" was chosen as the lead track for obvious reason, which were correctly assumed since it turned out to be a hit in South Korea, I reckon the song is just the opening act of a much better album to come. The next song, "사고쳤어요 (Sagochyeosseoyo)", presents a smooth atmosphere. This scenario favors an impressive showcase of the duo's voices. It kinda reminds me of Korean dramas soundtracks. Maybe it was featured in one?
After a more emotive moment, "My Man" (track 03) brings a fun feeling along with a catchy melody. This track even has its own music video, featuring some great engrish sentences... lol
I want to congratulate whoever chose the order of the songs in the album. It balances upbeat and sad songs extremely well. And the next tune isn't an exception to this sentimental roller-coaster. "사랑이 우습니 (Sarangi Ooseumni)" is your usual K-Pop ballad. But that doesn't take the credits of Davichi for making it so great even when it's generic.
The climax of "Davichi in Wonderland", at least in my opinion, happens in the fifth track "오르골 (Orgel)". A beautifully executed, dark melody accompanied by piano, strings and the superb vocals from the girls create a perfect symphony of emotions. Highlight for the vocal solo followed by an instrumental solo just a little after the middle of the song.
Closing the package, "Crazy Woman" features label-mate SeeYa. While the song does have a SeeYa feeling all over it, it doesn't overshadow Davichi's style and continues the album all-kill status. A pretty song.
"Davichi in Wonderland" is just a small, yet brilliant demonstration of the group's incredible talent. Their discography has many more awesome songs and I definitely recommend you to check it out! As always, if you liked the album, please support the artist by purchasing their music!
PS: Well, as you probably noticed, I was really inspired to write this post, which actually made me took a little longer to complete it. In the end, it came out as a nice review... Maybe the "Take Notice" should become more like this. Time is my enemy though xD
This week, a debuting boy group, B1A4, draw the attention for their good looks and promising vocals. I thought "Ok, I'll give them a chance to impress me". I was definitely afraid of what would come, especially considering the hordes of crappy rookies showing up lately just to get some cash off the idol-craze. But wow: talk about fresh air in the industry! B1A4 is a gem among many disposable groups.
"Let's Fly" mini-album cover
With their first mini-album "Let's Fly", these boys were able to showcase an unusual style. Away from the electronic, auto-tuned beat, B1A4 chose a more refreshing sound. Like a sweeter C.N Blue, the new group captures the listeners with clear vocals and fun tracks.
"O.K." Music Video - the lead track
Not excessively cute, not wanting to sound like American rappers. B1A4 found their own style, which is extremely important for their future in the K-Pop industry.
In my opinion, all songs in the mini are great even after multiple repeats. That's why I hope they'll continue this way, because it's what makes them different from most -generic- idols.
Well, yeah, Pony Canyon removed the songs posted on Youtube... So here's a dancing waifu for ya~ ^^
Remember: if you liked this album, please help the artists by purchasing their music!
Last December, Yousei Teikoku released their third best-album under Lantis: gothic lolita agitator. Including singles from "Gekkou no Chigiri" to "rebellion anthem", it's an important production of their newest era, which I consider to have begun with "Baptize", the first single to officially showcase the other band members (bassist and drummer).
"rebellion anthem" (track 10) - the most recent single
Despite the surprising presence of "Gekkou no Chigiri" (I LOVE this song), which had already been included in the last best-album Gothic Lolita Doctrine with "Simulacra", this third release includes two brand new songs plus unreleased theme songs (Asgard and keep existing) from the latest "fortissimo" video game. Just for the record, the new song "gothic lolita agitator" is 9:20 long o.o...
"Gekkou no Chigiri" (track 06) - a perfect, beautiful ballad
"Asgard" (track 01) - unreleased single
As usual, this Yousei Teikoku album is full of amazing rock songs with a few electronic touches. Even the B-sides in here are all great, proving that this band isn't like many others that only care about the A-side and make shitty songs just to fill the rest of the single. "still alive" is the best example of how a coupling song should be!
"still alive" (track 02) - feel this awesome beat! *-*
gothic lolita agitator was worth the long wait. A perfect mix of all typical sounds from the band, it certainly pleases fans while being able to capture new listeners. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is into J-Rock. Yousei Teikoku got it right once again and is yet to disappoint me~
My Favorite Tracks:
Gekkou no Chigiri (月光の契り)
rebellion anthem
still alive
Baptize
PS: thanks to schwarzerism on YouTube for uploading all the album ^^
Most people get to know SHINee through the "Lucifer" album these days. In the end, many don't even care about the existence of a first album. My mission today is to show you a little of this great album called "The SHINee World", the group's first full-length album.
I refuse to use that horrible green "version A" cover -.-'
Actually, if you aren't familiar with this album, maybe it's just due to its name. You see, "The SHINee World" is actually the album where "Love Like Oxygen" comes from. Also, it was later repackaged as "A.Mi.Go", which I reckon is pretty well-known too (I love it by the way :P).
Anyway, the title track of the first released version is already a fantastic start. With a strong beat, it includes a surprise feature: parts of the promoted tracks lyrics like "Noona Neomu Yeppeo" and "Love Like Oxygen" can be heard on it. Cool, right?
"The SHINee World (doo-bop)" - track 01
Most of the album's new songs are ballads or cuter songs, much different than what we can find in "Lucifer". It seems that their R&B-focused period didn't last long. Shame on you, S.M.!(says the guy who bought Hello after falling in love with it lol) Well, we can't really blame them, can we? After all, they're just following the musical trends. At least they came up with their own fashion trend. Wait, was that something good?
*remembers the colorful pants*
...Damn D:
"Y Si Fuera Ella" (track 09) - such a different, yet beautiful K-Pop song~
And let's not forget the amazing promoted tracks. "Noona Neomu Yeppeo (Replay)" and "Love Like Oxygen" (plus "A.Mi.Go" from the repackaged version) are catchy, superb songs. Add the lord-of-epicness dancing to that and you'll have a typical, yet always magnificent music video. I don't even have words to express how much I love these songs~ *0*
"Love Like Oxygen" Music Video (dance version) - "The SHINee World"s main track
I could spend another week talking about how awesome they are and continue using adjectives like "superb", "incredible", "fascinating", "zomfg", "epic", "omgperfectomg", "amazing", BUT it's better to finish this post before I lose control over its size. ^-^
Remember: if you liked the album, please support the group by purchasing their music! (I already bought "Hello". Which one should be next?...mmmm *takes all* :D)
I shall not make an April Fools' Day joke here, don't worry! Actually, I'm not making one only because I'm so tired of being tricked today...lol ~Anyway, today I want to show you a very special group with gloriously beautiful music: love solfege. In this post, however, I'll focus only on their "Futari no Watashi" album, leaving the full explanation for their future J-Artist post.
"Futari no Watashi" jacket - a beautiful artwork for a flawless album
Since it's the first time this group is discussed in this blog, I think it's fair to quickly introduce them. love solfege is a fairly unknown Japanese group, focused mostly on indie, circle releases. But the quality of the melodies and vocalists is just supernatural. I found them due to my eternal love to ALI PROJECT, which led me in a search for more classically and goth influenced Japanese groups.
"Futari no Watashi" is a 2007 album, and one of the very few released with a mainstream label. Not that the indie ones are worse, which is inconceivable, but "Futari no Watashi" simply gathers more of my favorite songs.
Including songs in Japanese, English, Italian and Russian (did I miss any?), Love Solfege is also composed of many different vocalists, changing from on to another according to the music genre. It's really hard (almost impossible) to find translated lyrics, but I reckon the song is enough to deliver the intended message.
"echoes 〜鏡のオルゴール〜" (track 10)
This album is, like many others from them, a masterpiece. These songs have an ability to take you into another world, full of lolitas and mysterious, noble scenarios. Don't lose the chance to know this spectacular, awesome, beautiful, perfect, underrated and incredibly talented group! *0*
Well, I don't think I need more than two words to express my thoughts on IU's newest repackaged album: fucking awesome.
First of all, the main track "Good Day" (refer her K-Artist post) from the first release of "Real" was the song that turned the whole K-Pop world's eyes to this young girl. An unquestionable genius singer, IU impressed everyone not only with her vocal range at the end of the song, but with the album's entire quality.
"No, Not This" (Track 01) - the mini's intro
Even after a perfectly composed mini-album like "Real", it seemed that IU would have one more time to shine, continuing her deserved fame. The repackaged version, entitled "Real+", was released after the end of "Good Day" promotions and featured two new, brilliant tracks. "The Story Only I Didn't Know", chosen as the lead track, presented a melancholic image of the girl with a heartbreaking background scenario.
"The Story Only I Didn't Know" (Track 01 of repackaged version) Music Video
However, the most surprising song of the album and probably one of the most beautiful, different and mysterious songs I've ever seen in the K-Pop business was "Cruel Fairy Tale", the coupling song of "Real+". With a Kanon Wakeshima feeling and a dark, fairytale aura, this song is basically a magical trip to Wonderland, creepy style.
"Cruel Fairy Tale" (Track 02 of repackaged version)
I don't know if I made it clear enough, so let me just say it again: This album is absolutely spectacular. I wouldn't miss the chance to fully hear it if I were you. If you like it, please remember to help IU's empire by purchasing her music!
I've always loved supercell, a Japanese pop band. Actually, the reasons I haven't made a post for them yet are due to the lack of videos on YouTube and because of their complex career history. Anyway, the group has just released a new album and it's superb.
"Today Is A Beautiful Day" contains the band's most recent singles like "Utakata Hanabi" and "Perfect Day" plus many new songs. Varying from the usual piano ballads, which are always amazingly composed, to surprising rock tunes, this album is a perfect listening to both hardcore and new fans.
Following them since their "Sayonara Memories" single, I must say that I was eagerly expecting this release. Even with so much hype, it still impressed me a lot. The vocals are just lovely.
星が瞬くこんな夜に (Track 09)
ロックンロールなんですの (Track 06)
If you liked this album (I certainly did *0* lol), please support supercell by buying their music~
I'm going to be really sincere here. I can't imagine anyone saying that DBSK isn't extremely awesome in singing and dancing. There's no way someone would be THAT stupid. But if that happens for an oscure reason and a poor DBSK-less person tries to convince you otherwise, just put the Mirotic album on your music player and dare him/her to repeat such blasfemy.
"Mirotic - The Forth Album"s cover
Released in 2008, the last album of five-member DBSK is full of different emotions, ranging from heart-breaking ballads such as "Love In The Ice" (track 12) to electronic songs with a strong beat like "HEY! (Don't Bring Me Down)" (track 05) or the title track "Mirotic" (track 01).
"Mirotic"s Music Video
The album actually has one more promoted track, "Wrong Number" (track 02), which presents awesome rapping by Yunho and Jaejoong and smooth dance moves. There are also songs with exotic feelings like "Nagwon" (track 08) and dancing tunes: "Crazy Love" (track 04) and "Are You A Good Girl" (track 09). All with astounding harmonizations and vocal solos!
Live version of "Crazy Love"
Not listening to this album is like saying you don't want a better life. The only thing that might make you sad is the fact that the fifth album "Keep Your Head Down" is not nearly as awesome as this one due to obvious reasons (-3 including the best two members).
Live version of "Love In The Ice" - it's also the Japanese version but WHO CARES, it's their best performance
