HALF-HIATUS
January 19, 2010 at 5:08 am | In !announcements | Leave a CommentYou probably all saw this coming since I didn’t update much during winter break, but I’m going on a half hiatus à la Lost Wing. Meaning I won’t be dead, but I’ll update very rarely.
Reasons being:
1) Academic obligations – my first and a half years in university has been pretty much BS. I need to get my GPA up so I can declare the major I have in mind, and this semester has rather difficult classes.
2) Health issues - need to take time to exercise and sleep more, since I am rather sickly.
3) Voice acting - quite a serious hobby of mine, and I owe at least four different fandub productions lines.
4) Other distractions – as much as I love blogging, I have a lot of other random fun things that have captured my attention. I’ve gotten back into cosplay, and I just started playing BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger. Hoo, boy…
ALL FUTURE POSTS WILL APPEAR UNDER THIS ONE UNTIL HIATUS IS OVER.
~ Yoruko
{single} Hikita Kaori – Egao no Wake
February 1, 2010 at 2:44 pm | In Hikita Kaori, Kajiura Yuki, Music | Leave a Comment
Hikita Kaori – Egao no Wake
引田香織 – 笑顔の訳
(released October 25th, 2006)
1. 笑顔の訳 [Egao no Wake]
2. 笑顔の訳 (karaoke)
Hikita Kaori’s 2nd single. This song is Shounen Onmyouji’s opening, and is composed by Kajiura Yuki.
I was seriously not expecting Hikita to pull off a song like Egao no Wake – compared to her debut, it’s a lot more rockish and hard-hitting. I will admit that some of her belting on the higher notes in the chorus felt a bit forced, but I loved her overall energy. I think she did a much better job on the verse, keeping that sense of tension in her voice without overdoing it. Egao no Wake’s melody is not particularly catchy, but still rather addicting. Trust Kajiura Yuki to pull another one on us, I loved Kajiura’s mix of electronica (this is how you do beats properly in anison!) and the hint of traditional Japanese elements. I’m not too fond of the guitar solo though, it’s a bit generic. However, the part with Hikita singing the chorus and the Kajiuran choir harmonizing was gorgeous.
Overall Grade: A-
{single} Inoue Marina – energy
December 12, 2009 at 10:33 pm | In Inoue Marina, Music | Leave a Comment
Inoue Marina – energy
井上 麻里奈 – energy
(released December 21st, 2005)
1. energy
2. Way
3. energy (original karaoke)
4. Way (original karaoke)
Inoue Marina’s 2nd single. Both songs were featured in the anime Ginban Kaleidoscope, in which Inoue Marina also provides the speaking voice of Honjou Mika. energy is used as the ending theme, while Way was an insert song.
When I first heard energy in Ginban, I was surprised that to find out it was sung by Inoue Marina (she sounds totally different in Houseki). The arrangement is simple as well – repeated guitar chords and a beat. I liked the use of short, punctuated, string lines during the chorus instead of a dramatic sweeping one. I think I enjoyed Inoue’s voice the most in this – her clear diction, her clean melodic voice, and the emotion and energy (pun intended) she put into this. I have a thing for songs that make the accompaniment back off near the end, and the singer sings the chorus melody in a softer, more expressive voice before singing it again with more power, and Inoue was beautiful in that part. energy is soothing yet lonely at the same time – there’s a sense of serenity and solitude with undertones of yearning.
I really didn’t like Way at first due to the intro with those backing vocals and the melody doesn’t really seem to go anywhere. Way is faster-paced and a lot happier than energy. It’s a good thing the accompaniment is still rather simple in this one, I was afraid it would get messy. It’s mainly a fun song, but Inoue really impressed me with her vocal technique and versatility in this track. She uses a fuller, more mature voice (reminds me of a lighter Shimatani Hitomi in some bits) and transitions from a solid chest voice belt to the lighter head voice register with ease. Overall, I still find Way a bit dull song-wise, but I keep listening to it just to hear Inoue’s voice.
Overall Grade: B+
Fall 2009 Anime First Impressions
December 11, 2009 at 1:30 am | In Anime & Manga | Leave a CommentAlright, since I’m having a minor panic attack due to the fact my compsci final exam is tomorrow, I decided to finish up this post as well to get the jitters out of my system.
A very belated impressions post, but enjoy anyways! :)
Also forgive the cheesy song title puns for the “good – okay – bad” categories I divided the series up into…
{single} Okina Reika & Hikita Kaori – Tsuki no Curse/Michiyuki
December 11, 2009 at 12:39 am | In Hikita Kaori, Kajiura Yuki, Music, Okina Reika | 2 Comments
Okina Reika & Hikita Kaori – Tsuki no Curse/Michiyuki
翁鈴佳 & 引田香織 – 月の呪縛（カース)/みちゆき
(released May 25th, 2005)
1. 月の呪縛（カース) [Tsuki no Curse]
2. みちゆき [Michiyuki]
3. 月の呪縛（カース) (karaoke)
4. みちゆき (karaoke)
Okina Reika’s first (and only) single and Hikita Kaori’s debut single. Both songs were used in the anime Loveless (Tsuki no Curse as the opening, Michiyuki as the ending) and both were composed by Kajiura Yuki.
I’m not making fun of Okina Reika when I say she’s a one-hit wonder since she literally hasn’t done anything else. Tsuki no Curse opens with Okina singing slowly, then the guitars rev up and the song really starts. The melody is catchy, and while I found Okina’s belting a bit too nasal for my liking upon first listen, it’s grown on me and I can’t imagine anyone else singing it. I think the best parts of the song take place near the end – the bridge section with all the Kajiuran backing vocals taking the spotlight (I liked them throughout the entire song, actually), the guitar solo, then Okina coming back with subdued accompaniment before the final chorus. I also like the lyrics Kajiura wrote – they’re beautiful in a dark, isolated way (they almost seem to be from Soubi’s perspective). My favorite part (translated) is “in a world without words, we speak of love”.
Hikita Kaori’s Michiyuki is a gentle ballad, with lyrics (again by Kajiura) about finding love in a cruel world (they fit the nature of Soubi and Ritsuka’s relationship very well). They’ve got even more impact than Tsuki no Curse’s due to the Hikita’s vocal delivery. She doesn’t have a very powerful or distinct voice, but it’s warm and soothing and covers the dynamics in the song well. I love the lilt she does during the chorus peak the most – it almost sounds like she’s crying, but oh so quietly…Arrangement-wise, I prefer the piano and strings in this to the guitars in the A-side, and I’m glad that the echoes and choir vocals aren’t overdone here. Michiyuki also ends beautifully – Kajiura’s opted to wind the song down and use the verse melody, then the song’s string intro, and finally only piano at the end – the song closes as it has opened, giving the listener the impression of a dream.
Overall Grade: A
{single} HIMEKA – Hatenaki Michi
December 11, 2009 at 12:13 am | In HIMEKA, Music | Leave a Comment
HIMEKA – Hatenaki Michi
HIMEKA – 果てなき道
(released November 25th, 2009)
1. 果てなき道 [Hatenaki Michi]
2. 空は教えてくれる [Sora wa Oshiete kureru]
3. 果てなき道 ~Instrumental~
4. 空は教えてくれる ~Instrumental~
5. 果てなき道 ~Anime Edit~
HIMEKA’s 2nd single. The A-side is the ending theme to the anime series Tegami Bachi (also known as Letter Bee). The coupling track is also an original song.
I loved Hatenaki Michi from the moment I watched the first episode of Tegami Bachi, and my love for the song has grown even more in the full version. Now THIS is the HIMEKA I’ve been waiting for – the vocals are strong and full (her belting is wonderful, and her head voice peak notes are gorgeous), and this song is full of passion. I love the arrangement as well – the piano, guitar, strings, and harp (!!! yes, Yoruko is a sucker for harp) give this track a beautiful wintry feel. The part before the final chorus makes me think of a snowy mountain path and a starlit sky, but maybe that’s because I’m so used to the Tegami Bachi ED sequence. Hatenaki Michi is catchy, emotional, and memorable…and much more epic than Asu e no Kizuna.
Believe it or not, Sora wa Oshiete kureru sounds even more anison than Hatenaki Michi. Good piano intro, leading into the vocals. HIMEKA’s vocals are a bit more aggressive here, and the song is more rockish than the A-side. It even sounds like something that Mizuki Nana would sing (perhaps we can hope for an Animelo duet someday?). However, while HIMEKA gives a strong performance, the song itself is a bit weak – the melody is nice, but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Also, I have a sneaking suspicion that HIMEKA might have been autotuned in this (her voice sounds a bit too polished in some parts).
The limited edition of the single comes with the Anime Edit of Hatenaki Michi. There’s not a big deal to say about it, except it’s a wonderful cut. I like how it starts directly with “aimai ni…” instead of having the whole build up to it, but I still prefer the full version to it, since this one feels faster-paced and has less contrast. Overall, this single is a step up from her debut. Keep up the good work, HIMEKA – we’re cheering you on, no matter what you go through!
Favorite Track: Hatenaki Michi
Overall Grade: A
Okay, I lied.
November 30, 2009 at 12:40 pm | In !announcements, music batch alert! | 1 CommentYou know what Yoruko should do when she’s stressed to the snapping point with exams, projects, and finals coming up? Procrastinate more by doing reviews!
Actually, I find writing reviews rather therapeutic, and they get me going on other things that need amounts of writing (like…homework-related stuff). So I’ll be reviewing (albeit very slowly) into the exam rush as well~
Despite the fact I need to finish (or even just continue) a lot of the categories I started with, here are the artists I will be adding to the blog :)
Hikita Kaori
One of the most underrated singers in the anison industry. I loved her warm, simple, clear voice from the first song I ever heard of her (Negai from Tales of Symphonia). Back then, I thought she was one of those one-hit singers due to lack of material, but now with a few singles and a complete album under her belt, she’s on her way. I fell in love with her all over again recently, and I’ll start with her debut song Michiyuki.
Suara
Another anison singer who specialized in ballads, but has proven that she can carry upbeat songs as well. Her warm voice reminds me of DCT’s vocalist Yoshida Miwa at times. I got into her via my failed attempt to watch White Album (thank god it was Suara and not Hirano Aya for the ED!), and I’ll review her from her debut album Amane Uta.
Mizuki Nana
…and I realized, despite the fact that I profess myself to be a big Mizuki Nana fan, I never got around to actually reviewing her! She has quite the large discography and while I want to be ambitious and cover it all, I’ll probably start from her debut and perhaps jump around a bit. We’ll see~
And now, for a change of pace, I’ll go to the other side of the globe…
Vienna Teng
Been to a live, met her and talked to her, looped her songs when I’m studying or going through a tough time…been there, done that. Only I haven’t reviewed her yet! Vienna Teng is my ultimate music role model in many aspects, so it’s time to officially add her to this blog. I’ll start with her first album Waking Hour.
Imogen Heap
Everything about this woman is quirky, from the way she approaches her music to her lyrics to her distinctive hairstyles in lives – I love it. Heap’s probably the most artsy musician I listen to. I’ll start with her first album, iMegaphone.
Hannah Montana
I repeat, Hannah Montana. NOT Miley Cyrus. I don’t care if Hannah isn’t a real singer but a cheesy manufactured pop idol within a TV show, I like her songs because they remind me what it was like to be a girly 10-year-old again, listening to cute Disney pop on the radio (well, in my gen, it was Hilary Duff). I might get to Miley’s solo stuff later on, but this category as a whole is very low priority.
That’s it folks!
Now off to finish overdue stuff and cram-study! 0rz ||
~ Yoruko
{single} Nakajima Megumi as Ranka Lee – Seikan Hikou
November 30, 2009 at 11:48 am | In Kanno Yoko, Music, Nakajima Megumi | Leave a Comment
Nakajima Megumi as Ranka – Seikan Hikou
ランカ・リー=中島 愛 – 星間飛行
(released June 25th, 2008)
1. 星間飛行 [Seikan Hikou]
2. ねこ日記 [Neko Nikki]
3. 愛・おぼえていますか -デカルチャーエディションsize- [Ai Oboete Imasu ka? -Deculture Edition size-]
4. 私の彼はパイロット -MISS MACROSS 2059- [Watashi no Kare wa Pilot -MISS MACROSS 2059-]
5. 星間飛行 -without Ranka-
6. 愛・おぼえていますか -デカルチャーエディションsize without Ranka-
Nakajima Megumi’s debut single, although it’s more of a character single since she’s singing as Ranka Lee. Kanno Yoko composed the first two vocal tracks, and was involved in the arrangement of the other two.
Oh yes, the “kira~!” song that’s almost a viral meme – Seikan Hikou is a cute poppy number performed as an insert song. The guitar intro with Nakajima’s vocalizing is rather infectious. Nakajima’s vocal performance continues to impress me, she’s not only got a good voice, but she does a wonderful job making the song so Ranka-esque. She injects just the right amount of moe that it makes me want to give Ranka a little hug or glomp. The instrumentals fit this song perfectly too, guitar, bells, and just a touch of strings – I’m also impressed with Kanno Yoko’s ability to churn out stuff like this. The entire song makes me want to get up and dance!
Neko Nikki - Used as a special ending song, the song’s about a young girl (Ranka) talking about how things like swings and watches and even cats have a diary of their own. And that if her own lips had a diary, they would record the amount of times she called her beloved person’s name. The melody and arrangement (dominated by a clean, repeated piano line) are both rather simple. Despite Nakajima’s wonderful performance on Seikan Hikou, it’s in songs like this that really let her voice shine. Neko Nikki is just so serene and innocent – I especially liked the “7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1″ countdown parts, where Ranka is counting down to meeting someone (presumably Alto?).
Here we have the Deculture Edition size of Ai Oboete Imasu ka? (which was played as the ending theme during the Macross Frontier pilot episode). It’s a cover of arguably the greatest classic in Macross history. Nakajima’s voice is more suited to this song (I wasn’t too fond of the original due to the fact that Iijima Mari’s voice was too thin and nasal for my liking). Kanno’s arrangement of this is probably the most minimalistic I’ve heard from her so far – not that I mind it too much, but the ’squirming’ synths got on my nerves a bit. It was much better during the chorus, with the backing vocals and more instrumentals.
And there’s another Macross classic cover – Watashi no Kare wa Pilot. It was an insert song in the episode where Ranka sang it for the Miss Macross 2059 contest. Nakajima’s cutesy side is back (I love it when she sings the “kyun kyun” parts!), and again, I prefer her rendition to Iijima Mari’s original. I like the arrangement of this one better too. The biggest problem I have with this is that there is only a short version – Nakajima only sang one verse and one chorus. Hopefully the later soundtracks will have an extended cut.
Favorite Track: Neko Nikki
Overall Grade: A-
{single} Shikata Akiko – Katayoku no Tori
November 30, 2009 at 11:19 am | In Music, Shikata Akiko | Leave a Comment
Shikata Akiko – Katayoku no Tori
志方あきこ – 片翼の鳥
(released August 19th, 2009)
1. 片翼の鳥 [Katayoku no Tori]
2. VII
3. 片翼の鳥 -instrumental-
4. VII -instrumental-
Shikata Akiko’s first single on a major label. The title track is opening theme for the anime adaptation of Umineko no Naku Koro ni. I suppose this is her entrance to the anison world – she’s quite prolific in the doujin music and game music circles.
If I had to sum up Katayoku no Tori in one word, it would be majestic. The Italian choir entrance already set the song up for something epic, and I was holding my breath to see if it would hold through. Shikata Akiko exceeded my expections in more than one ways than one. Shikata’s singing style is very unique and can even border on ‘wailing’ in some cases, but it really suits the nature of this song. I loved her mysteriously floaty manner during the verses, and her crying out in the breathtaking choruses. The layered backing vocals are used tastefully and don’t overpower the song. As for the instrumentals, they aren’t anywhere near the focus for the song, but I loved the bells before the final chorus, and the tambourine keeping the beat in other parts of the song. The chorus is even catchy – this song wins on so many accounts!
VII reminded me a bit of Wakeshima Kanon’s work due to the orgel and cello in the beginning. Shikata’s vocals sound like a more playful, sinister version of KOKIA. VII is rather slow for just about first 2 min, then the music changes and the pace picks up. I liked the contrasting moods in this track – the first section reminded me of a girl singing alone to herself while dancing with her dolls (why am I thinking about Ushiromiya Maria?) and the second part makes me picture some occult summoning ritual with a big banquet and it’s creepy when Shikata sings “Saa, asobimashou!” (“come, let’s play!”) VII ends on a very spooky note, with the sound of a winding pocket watch (or doll/puppet joints moving), an orgel that seems to be slowly breaking down and going out of tune, and some footsteps.
Overall Grade: A+
Hiatus again.
November 16, 2009 at 12:41 am | In !announcements | Leave a CommentDue to my rather poor health and the fact that my academics are suffering as a result, I will not be posting again until mid-December (or whenever my winter break is).
I might pop in with a random filler post/life update here and then, though.
Here’s a look at what’s to come:
- Music reviews: I’ve been horribly inconsistent in the past, but I’ve gotten a bit better. No new artists to add this time, probably just doing some category fill (meaning reviewing more works by the artists I’ve already touched on) – perhaps more from my 15 favorite seiyuu singers…
- Anime reviews: I’ll still do my Fall 2009 impressions post but it’ll probably end up getting combined with the Winter 2010 lineup…
- Seiyuu: can’t guarantee any spotlights yet but I do have a few I’d like to rant about…oh, actually, I might do a detailed review of the special DVD prologue of the Loveless seiyuu.
~Yoruko
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