I finally got down into scanning the official pamphlet!!! You can use them in any way you want, but please give its due credit to yours truly. I've spent alot of effort scanning it, so comments will be a must!!! (I am that mean. XD)
Ah, this is not the reason why I have not updated for so long (and I didn't even do my weekly JROCK segment!!!). It's just that I have become very lazy and want to spend every minute watching a movie/drama/anime. I love life as it is right now.
The past week has been uneventful, except for the cousins KBox gathering that I'm sure everyone of us enjoyed alot. Time has been spent at home watching.... er.... Bleach. Or being dragged outside by my Dad. In conclusion, I'm really rotting my ass off.
University applications have caused me much distress. My relatives are all asking me what I'm going to do. Seriously, I don't know. And I don't think I will know in the near future. Everything is still much of a blur to me. I love fashion but I have lost my passion. (The Fall/Winter 2008 fashion week in London just started though.) I love to draw, but there isn't much motivation for me these days. I love to write, but I love money more. That saying, I know being a journalist won't feed me much. Now that I have to submit my portfolio (which is barely done) by 21st February, I don't know if I still want to study. AH, NUS, JUST ACCEPT ME LAH!!!
Since that's all my life has been about the past week, nothing interesting has happened. I need a boyfriend. XD
Green is my coincedental colour, that's why.
When I first read their biography, I saw how similar F.I.R (a chinese band) is to the brilliant green. Like how two members in the group are a couple, and how one of the guys is like the 'Sensei' or 'Leader'. I can say that music-wise, they are different. the brilliant green has a very Western feel, and they tend to sing alot in English. Western-music lovers can give this band a try and get to listen what the JROCK scene is like.
I will not delve upon their debut days, you can always read that somewhere else. We are more interested in the music, aren't we not? The band members have their own solo projects, such as the vocalist Kawase Tomoko as Tommy heavenly6 or Tommy february6. (I've heard her stuff. Well, I prefer them in a group.) the brilliant green is that sort of band that works well together. If you ignore the fact that they are Japanese, their stuff really sounds un-Japanese, like ELLEGARDEN.
From left to right: Matsui Ryo (Gu.), Kawase Tomoko (Vo.), and Okuda Shunsaku (Ba.)
Bye Bye Mr. Mug
goodbye and good luck
There will be love there -Ai no Aru Basho- (There will be love there −愛のある場所−)
Love Again, a drama, used this as the theme song. And they gained alot of popularity, bringing them straight to the top position in Oricon.
Tsumetai Hana (冷たい花)
Sono Speed de (そのスピードで)
Nagai Tameiki no You ni (長いため息のように)
Ai no♥Ai no Hosi (愛の♥愛の星)
CALL MY NAME
Hoho, this is a very cute song!!
Hello Another Way -Sorezore no Basho- (Hello Another Way −それぞれの場所−)
angel song -Eve no Kane- (angel song −イヴの鐘−)
It was after this song, that they started to work on their solo projects and there was a short hiatus.
Forever to me ~Owari Naki Kanashimi~ (Forever to me 〜終わりなき悲しみ〜)
After which, they reunited again after two months. However, their popularity began to drop significantly. Their WINTER ALBUM that was released after that didn't do very well either.
Rainy days never stays
I'M SO SORRY BABY
They went on another hiatus after this.
Stand by me
Their comeback: the brilliant green at its best!!
Enemy
I personally like this song. It sounds much more JROCK than the rest.
Ash Like Snow
This is their latest release for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam '00. I think Tomoko is very cute. Not just her voice, she looks very cute in the motorbike thing!
the brilliant green is going to release their complete singles album on the 20th Feb 2008. That's soon, isn't it?
Four days of pineapple tarts, almond cookies, bak kwa and my favourite, red packets filled with money, money, money. This Chinese New Year had been fun and its always a joy to get together with your relatives. Thank goodness there isn't much consumption of high calorie content, or I'll burst out of my dress.
Since everyone is out, leaving me and YingHua at home, we had to do the housework. My hands were ruined in the process with skin peels and chipped nails - they are not meant for manual chores. I'm such a princess. *slaps forehead*
Shock of the year: I'm actually watching Bleach. NO, XINHUA, HOW CAN YOU SUCCUMB TO MAINSTREAM ANIME!!??? Well, I played the Playstation game and watched a few episodes with my cousins, and that induced me into it. I feel ashamed to even admit it. Ignore this paragraph, you do not know XinHua watches Bleach!! You do not!
Attack of the Dolls.
I don't really have the mood to update today. My grandmother just came home from the hospital and she can't walk at all. Her bones are too weak to carry her weight. She will have to rely on the wheelchair for now. I was talking to her just now, not so much of comfort for she has accepted the fact that her body has always been weak. She was just saying how she will have to rely on us even more. And I will help her, no matter what. Strangely, I don't feel sad because I know she'll get better no matter what the doctor said. But I'm worried. Very.
If the following words seem as though they were written from an alien, please do not be alarmed. I'm just... getting my thoughts straight. I won't write much... too disturbed.
Dolly is that kind of band that you know of but never listen to. Well, in my case, I know that they exist, yet I never made an effort to listen to their stuff. And now that I've gone through listening to their whole discography, let's just say they have entered my 'do-listen-to-regularly' playlist. I'm not a big fan of the vocalist (too bland) but the instrumentals are note-worthy.
This band has quite a short history. It goes like this: five people decided to make music, they created a band and started playing lives, went official in 2005, drummer left, new person came in, make singles, make album, vocalist hospitalised, vocalist discharged, live tour resumed, etc. The cycle for almost every other band is about the same, much less for Dolly.
From top left to bottom right: Mitsu (Vo.), Masa (Gu.), Yuina (Gu.), Hachi (Ba.), and Tsuguki (Dr.)
Pumpkin carriage parade
2 ripped sweets
Cynical Closet (シニカル クロゼット)
Tricolore Opera - Ussetsu Drop (トリコロールオペラ 鬱雪ドロップ)
Tricolore Opera - Shinshoku Rosetta (トリコロールオペラ 浸食ロゼッタ)
Tricolore Opera - Suisai Palette (トリコロールオペラ 水彩パレット)
Karumezon (カルメゾ・)
jewel's dRIP Their first full album.
Mitsu is channelling his inner Wataru/Ruki.
Closet Letter (クロゼットレター) This was released recently on 8th February 2008.
My mind is still in a mess. I apologise for the lack of whatever-review. I'm off.
These are the album and DVD releases for 2008. As usual, I'll keep updating this list for the rest of the year. Just click on the link on the side section for further updates. As for Livejournal, I can't really do anything about the side bar, I'm nuts at html. You can always check my other blog.
Do take note that I only listen to these bands/singers, so you can't expect Morning Musume or Leah Dizon on the list.
January
w-inds. Single Collection "BEST ELEVEN" - w-inds.
GUILTY - 莠ﾆ鬢｢､讀ﾟ
Core - Kagrra,
APPLE CHING｡PO-PO EPISODE II SHIBUYA - AX FINAL - kannivalism (DVD)
ﾕ賺ﾄ､ﾎﾒｰﾍ - LUNA SEA
PROGLUTION - UVERworld
L･ﾙ･ｹ･ﾈ - L
T - 翻ｷｽﾉﾆ
AFTER THE MELODY ENDS - SPLAY
February
V6 LIVE TOUR 2007 Voyager｣ｭジ､ﾈジ､鬢ﾎ､｢､ｷ､ｿ､ﾘ｣ｭ - V6 (DVD)
BLACK LIST - Acid Black Cherry
ﾎｴｶｨ - OLIVIA
sugar - TOKIO
complete single collection '97-'08 - the brilliant green
the brilliant green Music Video Collection '98-'09 - the brilliant green (DVD)
･ｻ･･ﾁ･皈･ｿ･･ﾞ･ｭ･｢ｩ`･ﾈ - ･ｷ･ﾉ
WISH - ﾒﾁﾌﾙﾓﾉﾄﾎ
楼翻･ｷ･･ﾕ･ｩ･ﾋｩ`｡｡｡ｫthe Five Stars Night｡ｫ｣ﾀBUDOUKAN｣ｨﾍﾈｫﾓ霈sﾏﾞｶｨｱP｣ｩ - ･ﾊ･､･ﾈ･皈｢ (DVD)
NAMIE AMURO PLAY TOUR 2007 - ｰｲﾊﾒﾄﾎﾃﾀ須 (DVD)
March
･ｩ`･･ﾉ｡｡･ｩ`･･ﾉ｡｡･ｩ`･･ﾉ - ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Locks - GARNET CROW
･ｨ･ｹ･ｱｩ`･ﾗ - Kra
ﾎｴｶｨ - kannivalism
ayumi hamasaki ASIA TOUR 2007 ｡ｫTour of Secret｡ｫ "LIVE+DOCUMENTARY" - 莠ﾆ鬢｢､讀ﾟ (DVD)
TACKEY&TSUBASA PREMIUM LIVE DVD ｡ｫ5th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL PACKAGE｡ｫ - ･ｿ･ﾃ･ｭｩ`｣ｦﾒ (DVD)
HEART STATION - ﾓｶ猯･ﾒ･ｫ･
ﾑﾅ｣ｭTHIS IZ THE JAPANESE KABUKI ROCK｣ｭ - ﾑﾅ｣ｭmiyavi｣ｭ
翻ｷｽﾉﾆ HISTORY IN JAPAN VOL.3 - 翻ｷｽﾉﾆ
ﾓｳﾏﾗﾆｷｼｯ｣ｴ紙ｨC ASIAN KING-FU GENERATION (DVD)
LUNA SEA GOD BLESS YOU｡ｫOne Night Dejavu｡ｫTOKYO DOME 2007.12.24 - LUNA SEA (DVD)
ﾖｾｶ - ･爭ﾃ･ｯ
ayu-mi-x 6 ｣ｭGOLD｣ｭ - 莠ﾆ鬢｢､讀ﾟ
ayu-mi-x 6 ｣ｭSILVER｣ｭ - 莠ﾆ鬢｢､讀ﾟ
April
Are you ready? 2007 ､ﾞ､ｿ･ﾏｩ`･ﾈ､ﾋｻ､､ﾄ､ｱ､｣｡in OKINAWA - L'Arc｡ｫen｡ｫCiel (DVD)
楼ｻ ROCK CAFE ｣ｨ△｣ｩ - ･｢･･ﾆ･｣･ﾃ･ｯ｣ｭ銕ｬiｵ凜ｭ
ﾎｴｶｨｨC J
May
SIDNAD Vol. 2｡ｫCLIPS ONE｡ｫ - ･ｷ･ﾉ(DVD)
I've updated the singles list as well, and you can watch the latest videos there. Enjoy!
Due to the frenzy preparation of the Chinese New Year celebration, I barely have time to rest. (And I just came home from the market carrying bags, a lot of bags of grocery for the reunion dinner on Wednesday. Steamboat!) It doesn't end today, for I am not done with clothes shopping. Here's what I've got left: one pair of high heels, one knee length cardigan, one cute coat, more accessories. No pants this year, I hate wearing pants.
Bad news: I can't seem to find my examination results slip for my first semester of Year 2. How to apply for University now???!!! I have to ransack my room next week, and if it's really gone from this face of earth, I will have to pay for a new transcript. Shit.
Then again, it's not like I know what I want in life.
I'm utterly confused.
Thank Bou.
I have put back on doing a segment on AN CAFE for very long, but since their latest single is already out, I've decided this week will be of a certain toothy monkey, a cute bassist, a blond girl-guy and some other random I-don't-even-remember-them people.
AN CAFE, Antique Cafe, or even Antic Cafe is an Oshare band (I think they are the best example of what Oshare is) with originally four members. Miku, Kanon and Bou were the first three to form the band and they started playing without an official drummer. It was only in 2003 that Teruki joined in.
Look at AN CAFE this way: two gay-like people and two sane/not gay persons. There is some sort of balance. Individually, they are all very weird and outstanding in terms of looks. You can easily point out who is who. For example, most people would wonder if Bou (the guy that looks like a girl because he's always in skirts and has two blonde ponytails) is a male or female. Let's rest this case: he has a dick. Not that I've seen it, but I'm telling you that Bou is no woman. If you don't believe me, then go kidnap him and pull down his pants... or skirt. The main point is: everyone in there is recognisable.
Poor thing though, when Bou decided to leave the band the moment their second album was released. Alot of cafekkos (that's what fans of AN CAFE are called) around the world were devastated and there were many reasons that explained his departure. The most popular one being because he didn't want to be a girl. (Huh, you mean he's forced into it? I doubt so.)
So came the new generation, very-bland-and-looks-like-he-should-be-in-Johnny's Takuya replaced Bou and they too welcomed Yuuki the, erm, twin of DJ-OZMA keyboardist. There have been camps who prefer the old AN CAFE and the ones who have embraced the new five-member band. Well, for me, I'm still waiting for this new generation to impress me. Everything is all about Miku now, isn't it? (WHERE'S MY KANON!?)
This was written on their official Myspace (yes, with all the CAPS):
THEY PLAY DANCEABLE ROCK MUSIC WITH HARAJUKU VIBE. THEIR UNIQUE DANCEABLE ROCK SOUND AND LIFE-SIZED LYRICS ARE EXTREMELY POPULAR AMONG YOUNG KIDS IN JAPAN. AN CAFE IS WIDELY ACCEPTED NOT JUST BY VISUAL-KEI FANS BUT ALSO BY THE J-POP FANS. ATTRACTING THEM WITH POP SOUNDS, ENTERTAINING LIVE SET AND FURTHER MORE WITH THEIR UNIQUE CHARACTERS.
I didn't know their target market was the kids. But this really sums up what AN CAFE really is. Although they have now become mainstream, I guess it will take me a few more singles before I really warm up to the new sound. Not very new... just missing Bou, I guess?
From top left to bottom right: Miku (Vo.), Takuya (Gu.), Kanon (Ba.), Yuuki (Key.), and Teruki (Dr.)\
Candyholic (キャンデーホリック) I can't find the PV for this. Just to let you know, they hit the second spot in Oricon indies chart, which was quite a feat for a debute band.
√69
The old Miku reminds me of the old Mao. Although this video may not seem so fluffy as their later releases, you can still hear the catchiness of the song and Miku is still as gay.
Look at Teruki!!! SO SCARY!!
Komou Cosmos (孤妄)
Amedama Rock (飴玉ロック) This EP is just a grouping of their first two singles with two additional tracks. Might as well buy this one, eh?
Karakuri Hitei (カラクリ否定)
Wagamama Koushinkyoku (我侭行進曲). I think its funny how every AN CAFE video has close to 200 comments debating whether Bou is a male or female. Is it that hard to differentiate?
Tekesuta Kousen (テケスタ光線)
Hohoho!! This is a very very cute PV!! I love how all their PVs have a story going on! It might not have a Hollywood concept but its really really cute! The word 'tekesuta' doesn't really exist. It's actually Miku who loves forming new words or changing existing ones. The above 'slang' is actually 'tasukete' (save me). Another popular word that Miku has 'invented' was NYAPPY, which means happy. For example, NYAPPY birthday instead of the usual happy birthday. It sounds really silly, but it's cute in a way!
Escapism (エスカピズム)
Miku reads PORN! Ah, who doesn't. I feel like I'm leaving Kanon out, but I like him alot, as much as Aki. They are two hottest bassists in the Visual scene. Like Aki, Kanon is one word: sexy. Unless you can't recognise Kanon, he is the most goodlooking one and always on the left side of the screen when the band is playing. The one with the hot lip piercing and sexy eyes.
Merrymaking (メリメイキング)
There might be a spelling error in this PV. It writes 'Rord of the M.B.K.T' but I think they meant Lord. I can see why AN CAFE is so popular. They are just so cute!!!
Shikisai Moment (色彩モーメント)
10's Collection March (10's コレクション マァチ)
I know Maple Gunman's PV was only released in their second album but no harm! This is the full version of the video. It's one of my favourite song from AN CAFE. It's really addictive and it catches hold of you quick. My sister and I even know the hand signs! *blush* Did I tell you that Kanon looks so huggable!!!??? SO CUTE!!!!
BondS ~kizuna~ (BondS 〜絆〜)
You all should watch the short movie of this single. KANON IS SO SO SO CUTE!!!! It's stupid how they gave Teruki the silliest role. He has so little lines, maybe that's because he sounds like he's on helium 24/7. Serious, his voice is like that of a chipmunk. You just ca't match the voice to the face. He scares me.
Smile Ichiban Ii Onna (スマイル一番 イイ♀)
Another cute song! I love this era... every one of their songs were easy to listen and they really bring out the essence of Oshare. Do watch this, because this is really the funniest and cutest video!! Just ignore the spastic look of Miku's at the end.
Snow Scene (スノーシーン)
It's really always about Miku. Unless he's the best actor they've got.
Magnya Carta (マグニャカルタ)
This was probably Bou's last picture with the whole band, and his prettiest picture as well. They had a last concert together, and it was a tear jerker. I'm not so big a fan of Bou, but the thought of him leaving is saddening. I can't imagine any one leaving GLAY!! I'll kill myself when that happens!
Kakusei Heroism ~THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"~ (覚醒ヒロイズム 〜THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"〜) Ah, this is when the new Generation comes in. Alot of people were expecting someone of substance or character (AN CAFE is after all filled with eccentrics), but a young Takuya (he's my age) was the replacement. Not that he's lousy, it's just that he has very big shoes to fill in. Although there's funnyman Yuuki, the gay balance has been overturned. Miku is still the only gay one in the group. And it's annoying the shit out of me.
This was used in the anime Darker than Black (I love that show!) and the publicity have finally got them a top 10 spot in the Oricon Major chart.
Ryuusei Rocket (流星ロケット)
Takuya should really practise his moves at home. He has improved but he seems really shy! I love Kanon.... he's as sexy as ever.
Cherry Saku Yuki!! (Cherry咲く勇気!!)
When I first saw this yesterday, this was what I thought: ".................................." Speechless. The song, overall, was not bad and the video looks alright. BUT 3/4 OF CAMERA TIME BELONGS TO MIKU!! Even the random girl has more screen time than Kanon!!! HOW CAN IT BE!!!??? Anyway, this single will be released on the 27th of February.
Gokutama ROCK CAFE (極魂ROCK CAFE) Their third album will be out on the 8th of April. It features songs from Kakusei Heroism, Ryuusei Rocket and Cherry Saku Yuki!!. Two versions will be released, one with a DVD and one without.
Notice one thing? Miku never closes his mouth. XD
That was fast! Now that I'm done, let me finish reading The Other Boleyn Girl. I can't wait for the movie! It starrs Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana!! I love love love Natalie Portman, she's my favourite young actress. The other is Anne Hathaway. Even though the character she plays is so scheming and evil, I still love that character.... because of Natalie Portman!
The other hot bassist (the first being JIRO, and Mrs. JIRO would agree.)
It's one birthday after another.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AKI-KUN!!!!!!
I just had to post the above picture becuase I love Aki Porn. *blush*
That aside......
I can't stop staring at his exposed nipple.
Anyway, let's wish Aki a wonderful (and sexy) 27th birthday!!!
You hardly find bassists that are as hot as him, and who plays the bass, and dance and makes love with his eyes at the same time.
My God, he's so hot.
You can watch any video of him and swoon forever. I like how he thinks his piercings are the sexiest part of him. And that in real life, despite his bad boy look, he's super polite and kind.
Aaaaahhhhhh, Aki.......
May SID hit #1 with the new album!! And may you be as sexy as always!!!
Now, anyone willing to help me buy SID's new album???
Before I start raving about the man I love, let me say this:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIN!!!
This is because I treasure my friends more than GLAY. Shocking, but true.
I hope you liked the present Sexy Friends gave you!! (We must eat with the shiny long forks!!!)
You are the oldest now, being 20. Poly may be over, but I know Sexy Friends will always stick together. Even if you are going to be in Japan, I'm sure we'll still keep in touch! Stay happy and not so pretty, later cannot find good boyfriend. XD
Alright, I shall now fangirl.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HISA-CHAN!!!!!!!!!!!
(Gah, so hot.)
OMG, I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS MAN. I THINK I CAN CRY NOW.
You know how depressing it is that I'm sitting here wishing the love of my life happy birthday on a blog than on a card, or in person. (which is ridiculous because I'll never see him)
AND I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET HIM A PRESENT. I'M SO DISAPPOINTED WITH MYSELF.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME? HOW CAN I NOT GIVE HISA-CHAN ANYTHING?
(Well, I bought alot of GLAY stuff, so he should receive loads of cash from it.)
Although I know he has no idea who I am, I'm still satisfied to know that I AM A GLAY FAN. And that's very important.
Maybe one day, I can go for a GLAY live and I'll wear a T-shirt that screams:
"MARRY ME, HISASHI!!!"
or
"TAKE ME HOME, HISASHI!!!!"
I'll kill myself and die in peace if he justs give me a hug. *squeal*
I just hope he would stop hiding his face behind his hair or some hat. And he should sleep more. Or ask JIRO what skincare to use.
He's aging quite badly. XD
But I still love him. Even if his hair turns silver, and he has wrinkles all over his face, he's still HISASHI.
As promised, I will do two bands to make up for my (not very much missed) absence last week. Since I have much more time now, updating will be much easier. (I think you can see how much I've updated this weekend. XD) And maybe you guys will get annoyed about my multiple postings after a day or two. Thank goodness, Singapore doesn't have island wide GPS system.
I have absolutely no idea what this means: Lovely Mocochang.
Well, that's what LM.C actually stands for. I remember how LM.C first debut and everyone knew of them. Other than the fact that the two members were either from a famous band or was linked to someone famous, they had very good publicity. Maybe it's because they are under Pony Canyon (record label), that's why there is so much buzz about them.
The band was actually formed by maya (miyavi's ex-support guitarist) and a few others in 2003, but little much was known of them then. Aiji (ex-PIERROT) was asked to be a support guitarist, which he did for a while. But when PIERROT disbanded, Aiji joined LM.C permanently. I1 was only in 2006, that LM.C officially debut with the dou Aiji and maya, relying on a few other support members (not very important, so I won't write down their names. But if you are curious, you can always check wikipedia.)
LM.C's music isn't your typical rock, with a mixure of rock, techno, electronic and sometimes, sung in rapvocals. Think of them as a japanese Limp Biskit, but less noisy. Basically, their songs sound really strange but catchy. (Your head will spin with 'Locku, lock, lock the LM.C!!' They pronouce it that way, what.)
Let me tell you what my Grandma thinks of the way they look. I was watching their interview on MTV Taiwan and she was sitting beside me. When the camera was on maya, she laughed loudly and said, "Hou Yok Shin!!" (So ugly!! in Cantonese.) And she couldn't stop laughing and commenting how the Japanese are crazy to dress up in that way. She probably thinks all Japanese dress like that now. XD
They have been really active since the day they debut, appearing on plenty of magazines and releasing singles (and one mini-album) consistently. Let's take a look at their discography now!!
From left to right: maya (Vo.) and Aiji (Gu.)
Trailers【Gold】
Trailers【Silver】 These both singles were released on the same day, with six different songs. 'Rock the LM.C' being the title song for Gold, and 'little Fat Man boy' for Silver.
Rock the LM.C
little Fat Man boy
OH MY JULIET
maya, like miyavi, is not very much of a singer. But he has alot of energy and personality to be on stage. And I'm sure he should be a very good guitarist.
They wore this costume.... for forever....
Glitter Loud Box By far, this release has the weirdest stuff I've ever heard. They are not music, but of sounds. I won't even consider it as noise.... thay are just sounds!! You can preview to their first mini album here:
BOYS & GIRLS
I like this song alot!! (Though my Dad begs to differ, he's screaming, "SO NOISY!!" Parents.) I think it's cool how they were able to infuse Cannon In D into it, without overusing the classic number. (You know how some people just ruin classical music.)
LM.C in the ghetto.
LIAR LIAR/Sentimental PIGgy Romance
LIAR LIAR
OMG, Sentimenal PIGgy Romance has the cutest story ever! It's basically about a Pig that fell in love with the lion (or the lion's butt, that's what I think) and how she chases after him. Which is ridiculous, because pigs don't love lions and they definately can't fly (which this one did). But the only thing that was realistic is the lion's hungry-looking face. The pig does look round and delicious. Pork, anyone?
Wellingtons....
Bell the Cat
My favourite single so far! maya walks like a diva in this PV!! They looked like they had alot of fun producing this video!
Somehow, no band can go wrong with the Scottish checks.... unless they wear it from head to toe..
They will be releasing their next single 'John' on the 20th of February, so keep a look out for that!
UVERworld is greatness.................... until all their songs start to sound the same.
One thing I love about UVERworld is how they are so different from other bands. No, they look like the average guy down the street but their music just blows you away. It's as if they just love mashing all kinds of music together. Their experimenting of music just sets them apart from the many other Rock bands in Japan. Especially TAKUYA∞'s unique voice, you can't seem to match his vocals to anyone else's face....... or even his own face, for that matter.
However, they are so different that they began to sound alike.... song after song. You would think, "Hey, you sure this is the new single? Or was this from their previous album?" And then, boredom starts to seep in. Maybe there's a limit to their creativity. They still stay as one of my favourite Japanese bands though, because I believe they would go beyond where they are now musically. Besides, as much as they always sound the same, their songs are always a great listen.
They have quite a detailed history before they officially debut under gr8! Records as UVERworld (before that, they were known as Sound Goku Road). It was the single and opening song of the anime Blood+, 'Colors of the Heart' that caught my attention (and their best-est single, to me). They are still one of my favourite bands from Japan, because I believe that they would go beyond where they are now - musically. Maybe its time for them to not only produce songs that keeps them apart from other bands, but also songs that differ from one another.
From left to right: Nobuto (Ba.), Katsuya (Gu.), TATSUYA∞ (Vo.), Akira (Gu.), and Shintarou (Dr.)
D-technoLife
This song was used as an opening song for the anime BLEACH. And alot of people watch that never-ending series...
CHANCE!
BLEACH knows how to leech UVERworld, not only using their debut song as an opening theme, CHANCE! was used for the game version.
just Melody
Timeless UVERworld's first album!
Colors of the Heart
YOU MUST LISTEN TO THIS SONG. MUST. MUST!!!
SHAMROCK
SHAMROCK wasn't that bad, I actually thought it was a good follow-up song after Colors of the Heart. It's full of energy (all their songs do) and TAKUYA∞'s beat boxing really stands out!
Kimi no Suki na uta (君の好きなうた)
A UVERworld ballad. A song that will be on repeat.
BUGRIGHT I think their second album showed how popular UVERworld is, because they managed to hit the top spot on the Oricon charts. After all, they have never hit #1 although they have been in the top ten, or even top five, positions for each of their releases. One of my favourite albums for the last year!
Zero no Kotae (ゼロの"・
endscape
They probably went into a new direction with endscape. Some say that they sound too 'Pop-ish' but I just think it's UVERworld experimenting with other genres. TAKUYA's voice seems to capture most of the attention, but you listen carefully, the instrumentals are very well played.
Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~ (シャカビーチ~Laka Laka La~)
UVERworld with a touch of Salsa!! This summer hit is perfect for beach parties! Is it me, or TAKUYA looks... gay (or is it pervertic) here? There were many rumours circulating that some (or all) members of UVERworld are gay. Fans have written letters to ask them of their sexuality. Why, gays not allowed to make music? Seriously, even if any of them is gay, I don't see why it should affect them. They make great music, that should be what people should be focusing on.
UkiyoCROSSING (浮世CROSSING)
Not a personal favourite... but not altogether dissapointing.
PROGLUTION Their latest and third album includes many of their past singles such as UkiyoCROSSING and Shaka Beach ~Laka Laka La~. If you listen to the whole album, you won't be able to tell if the previous song is over, and it's the next song you are listening to. I've listened to it again, this time on shuffle (that means other bands play in between) and realised I was able to appreciate each song better. Roots is like another endscape, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. This album is not amazng, but neither is it a let down. After constant listening, it became very much pleasant to the ear. It can't beat their first two albums though.
Listen to this album here:
UVERworld will continue to be one of Japan's biggest band (they can't beat GLAY though XD). I think they really stand out not only in Japan, but also worldwide. So far, no other bands sound like UVERworld. But this band has been inspiring many other aspiring musicians, so I won't be surprised if there are new bands that sound like UVERworld. Then again, nothing can beat originality.
End of my long long JROCK segment!! Now....... do what ah?
My GLAY shrine is constantly growing, and my wallet is simultaneously becoming emptier. Anyway, I went on a rampage and bought (some) of their official HIGH COMMUNICATIONS TOUR goods. I have scanned the clear folders first. I'll get around to scanning the book, that is if I decide whether to ruin the book or not.
Credits go to my lovely scanner and GLAY, of course. Comments are not a neccessity, but would be lovely. (Or rather a motivation for me to scan the book. Maybe even the 2008 calendar as well. XD)
Ah, I can't believe I didn't send a birthday shoutout to him when I was updating yesterday.
The end of Internship has occupied most of my mind that I didn't think much of anything else.
Anyway, Sho is from my favourite boyband ARASHI (yes, I know I'm too old for boy bands) and to me, he is perfect husband material.
That is if you like your men to be chauvinistic pigs. Because Sho seems like that kind of guy who likes to be in control. And he sorta have a bad temper.
But when he's happy, HE'S SUPER SWEET AND NICE. Did I tell you he's very very very smart?
Happy Birthday, Sho!! May ARASHI become Asia's number one boyband and not let Dong Bang Shin Ki take over.
Which is odd, because the next person who's celebrating his birthday today is....
Jae Joong from Dong Bang Shin Ki.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAE JOONG!!!
I don't love you as much as I used to. And I'm ashamed to even think you're hot.
But you are very hot. That's why I have this love-hate relationship going on.
Everytime I see him, I can't help but fangirl. It goes like this:
"*squeal* OMG, HE'S SO HOT. I HATE HIM. I DON'T LIKE YOU. GO AWAY!!! WHY IS HE SO HOT!!! WHY!!!!????"
I sound a little sick in the mind eh?
Oh well, Happy Birthday Jae Joong, I only have one wish for you.
