Salyu's New Album, Merkmal, Due in November

According to the official website and translation from Salyu community on livejournal:

Salyu will be releasing a best album titled "Merkmal" on November 26th. There'll be two limited edition versions: one featuring a live DVD recording of her concert at Motion Blue Yokohama on September 17th, and the other featuring a second CD with her collab work (Valon, to U, & Mirror). The limited editions also come with a ticket reserve for her 2009 Merkmal tour.

CD Only: 3,000yen (TFCC-86281)
w/ Live DVD: 3,800yen (TFCC-86282)
2CD: 3,800yen (TFCC-86283)

Setlist of Motion Blue Yokohama show:
01. ARABESQUE
02. 光りの束 (hikari no taba)
03. name
04. 双曲線 (soukyokusen)
05. 体温 (taion)
06. 夜の海 遠い出会いに (yoru no umi tooi deai ni)
07. Landmark
08. be there
09. 砂 (suna)
10. VALON-1
11. to U
12. WHEREABOUTS ~for Anthony~

 It is a little odd that she's already releasing a 'Best of' after a mere two albums (or 3, if we count Lily Chou-Chou.) This is probably more appropriately called 'The B-sides'... And what's up with the sudden fascination with foreign--and GERMAN, not in the least--words? Merkmal is simply German for 'feature'. *scratches head*

Still very excited about this though, this being the first official live recording of anything from her...? and I totally look forward to some brand new material, too. It's been some time since the last album now, Missy Salyu! ;)

KOKIA: The Voice (2008)

Today I feel it in my fingers to type this review on the latest album by Kokia: The Voice.

A big thank you to Zhu for introducing me to this amazing artist.
Her voice is so versatile and soul rendering and very capable at traversing various different genres. One moment full bodied and strong like that of a survivor, the next moment sweet, and innocent like that of a child.

The songs in this album are as vesatile as she is.

A couple of wonderful ballads in the compilation like Everlasting and Gomen ne, and some unorthodox pieces such as Follow the Nightingale and Song of Pocchong where I believe she came up with her own words for lyrics. Word on the web has been that if you manage to catch these words and write them backwards they are actual japanese words in Romanji. However, there has yet to be substantial evidence for that.

The lyrics to her songs are as hauntingly striking, particularly those of Everlasting which never fails to put me in a pensive mood. Everlasting is to me a stellar demonstration of her operatic prowess. The first time I heard it I thought it was actually Sarah Brightman. The timbre, the high notes even the song structure are similar to that of Brightman's. Though I must say that I think Kokia's voice is less jarring on the nerves and more fullsome and heart rendering.

Every moment I can feel you.
Wish You feel the same way.
If I show my secret garden you can touch to eternity.
It fill me in with scent rose.
everlasting memory.
Glow my life, you give me a heart to love.
What I feel please stay forever.

Someday I know it may fade away
Still we ask for forever.
find our sign in this music.
everlastig memory.
only my love, truly given eternal life.
what I hold, keep breathing forever.

Love, where to come.
Love, ever lasting.
The world is Saturated with light of love.

Glow my life, you give me a heart to love.
What I feel please stay forever.
only my love, truly given eternal life.
what I hold, keep breathing forever.

Someday I know it may fade away
Still we ask for forever.

~Everlasting - Kokia: The Voice ~

Nani mo kamo hoshi ni natte is like a balladic J-poppish song with it's lyrics belting out angst and hope through her melancholic velvety tones. Hope it does make it to the top of the charts. Perhaps if the winds of change blow and render those mindless J-pop screamers mute. I am just kidding of course. I too have my favourite J-poppers too. The following is an english translation of the lyrics of the songs. From what I understand of nihon go it appears to looks quite accurate.

Hatred, conflict, suffering, even if we hurt each other

If we look at the same sky after we were born again,

It will probably be only a blink of a bright moment

Where, instead of people being sacrified, justice that goes on with happiness

Alone, a life on a single person, if that life belonged to the one you love

Please imagine, as though it's your own pain

Everything turns into a star and passed on to the future

Everyone is someone's one day only

Justified events, that adults had sought reasons and let them pass

Though i was there, looking, the moment i turned a blind eye, i went down

Please imagine, as though it's your own pain

To regret every time you lose something, and shed tears for my short comings

The tears shed, as many as the number of stars, trying not waste them

Only an emptiness cuts the sky, and tears my heart

When everything turns into a star, would it all be forgotten?

Please look at the person beside you

Coincidence that you cannot simply call them a stranger

It's too far into the time to smile back anymore

I don't need love that seeks something in return

Please imagine, as though it's your own pain

Everything turns into a star and passed on to the future

Everyone is someone's one and only

~Nanimo kamo ga hoshi ni natte - Kokia: The Voice ~

Odayaka na shizukesa is a truly interesting piece. Utilising intersting interplay between voice, instrumentation and synchronization. Kokia's masterful utilisation of her elements makes her appear to mimic Tori Amos with her piano playing and powerful voice. The calmess of the quiet is truely appreciated through her use of velvety tones on the saxaphone, and the plaintiveness enhanced with the gradual build up of instrumentation with the final die cast with the use of a string orchestra and other worldly vocalization and all this gradually decreases in numbers and the thickness of the music thins out towards the end to a plaintive long held note and a quiet plea for quietness. A true musical experience.

The first song of the album, Gomen ne seals the deal from the start. Each time she hits the chorus it makes you want to tell her that she's forgiven for whatever she is apologizing for. Every time you hear the words Gomen ne you can feel the sting of regret and pain. It's a feeling one and all can bear witness to whenever there's something or someone for which ( or whom ) we feel regret for and the pangs that come along with it.

It's strange that Kokia would choose to open her album with an apology. An act of humility or is there a deeper meaning to this album. For what it's worth, there is no need for apology or humility for this album. Just listening to this work of art is explanation enough.

(Edit: download link here. =p)

4 new Love Psychedelico live clips

Just found these...=)


Your Song (Budokan '07! One of the commentors to the tubie says the DVD will be released in June, fingers crossed..)


Freedom


Right Now


Everybody needs somebody. In my opinion this song is one of the best to be played live, arrangement or vocal part-wise...almost better than the studio version!

And another old clip of "Everybody needs somebody" from Budokan first time round..good old times =p

Cao Fang - Live in Spring EP

Frankly I'm not a fan myself, but since we seem to get quite some responses to the previous posts, here's another one for all the Cao Fang (曹方) fans out there--a new EP called 住在春天, or Live in Spring, and you may download it here.

@Shrota: if you visit here again, please leave your email so that you can get notified when the previous album is uploaded.

Musicians are linguists

…and probably have to be, if they are to be widely recognized? It is hardly surprising the whole world is eager to release pop music in English and, for certain romantic styles, French/Spanish too. Market rules. Not that I am complaining at all, though sometimes I do wish to hear a Swedish indie pop band sing in Swedish for once. ;-)

For the day I'm recommending three indie pop bands (I vow to take a break from twee soon) hailing from Japan, Brazil and China, who sings (exclusively?) in a language other than their own.

First up, mondialito. A two-piece Japanese band established in 2002, they are closer in style to their Swedish counterparts than their indie pop compatriots (ref. the more experimental and quirkier Spangle Call Lilli Line). Fueoka Toshiya's gentle guitar picking coupled with the airy vocals of Junko who sings in French with a lovely accent gives their sound an all too dreamy feel. A perfectly melodious and quiet companion to bedtime reading (or whatever you see fit!)

Download mondialito - cher mon amoureux. (Link valid for 14 days.) If YSI asks you to sign up I guess you'll have to, but it's fast really.

Summer time is almost over (though not much difference here in the tropics, *pity self*) a little late for an album named 'Summertime' perhaps? Well, only if you are the kind that fails to be moved by happy beats and jangly guitars--what kind of miserable are you then? ;-) Well I really like this band, its easy and bright-as-Brazilian-sunbeam sound and soft vocal...(the album was released two summers ago actually...I'm forever late.) wonder why they call themselves Pale Sunday?--a reference to Gloomy Sunday, I suppose not? Click on the album cover to read a better review.

Download Pale Sunday - Summertime. (Link valid for 14 days.)

Last but definitely not least, a strong 2002 debut album comprising of 10 English tracks, composed and performed by the very talented Tian Yuan (田原) with band Hopscotch（跳房子) released when she was still in high school. I still feel awed thinking that this girl is of my age, from my hometown (a frustrated megacity in central China) have soared up all like a strong, lone bird and already left such an awesome trail behind (and still much under-appreciated). But that's another story. This trip-hop and punk rock(? or so they claim) influenced album is unabashedly experimental, (sometimes I cringe a little at the monologues) sharp like a freshly cut lemon yet sports a sophistication and stuns even without considering the age and language and debut factors. A great shame I hunted it down only now!

Download Hopscotch - A wishful way. (Link valid for 14 days.)

----------------
Now playing: 彭靖惠 - 呆瓜
via FoxyTunes

LOVE PSYCHEDELICO - new PV - Rain

O me gawd they did it, they just released the first PV to the new album! (Getting instant gastric ulcer on hearing news..) But people, keep your expectation normal, and by 'normal' I mean down...I dunno, me I felt a little disappointed. The tune was an odd piece, the opening even felt discordant somehow, although it got better towards the second half...Repeated listening needed, maybe? I still can't wait for the new album.

On a side note, this PV is probably the most expensive addition (if they didn't take the footages out of some documentary) to the line up of LP's always cheaply produced and ill-or-laughably-directed PVs (with few recent exceptions). BUT--no Kumi or Naoki for the entire thing?! The only animate things a bird and two goats kangaroos!? (some mammals, thank you! Oh wait, did they go to Australia by any chance?) It was as if we had seen too much of them lately or ever and would rather prefer some refreshing shots of nature. Victor records, have mercy on our hearts...

In other hearsay news, it is posted on last.fm forum that there will be a new compilation album due for release soon in the U.S., meant as the introduction to the American audience. Hmmm..

KOKIA

I just started listening to KOKIA. There're 2 or 3 tracks in Red Garden OST that caught my notice and I tried other songs. Her voice is classically trained, perfect control and tuning. Her singing style is a strange blend of opera, folk and pop ('opera' being her strength and highlight).

Basic info from Wiki.theppn

KOKIA is a Japanese singer-songwriter hailing from Tokyo. She is mostly associated with games and anime soundtracks; having appeared in eight different game/anime soundtracks to date. KOKIA has an extremely talented voice - she even held a long-tone Opera note for a little over 29 seconds on national TV once. She is most well-known in Hong Kong and Taiwan for her song Arigatou..., which became so popular it was even covered by star Sammi Cheng. Her biggest hit in Japan was the single The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss, which reached #15 on Oricon charts.

External Links
Official web (old)
Official web (new)
Happii KOKIA (fansite in Eng & French) - very resourceful!

Some live clips from youtube,
She always performs barefoot! It seems she has a large fan base in France.

[Live] KOKIA - Bataclan 2007 part 1/2


[Live] KOKIA - Bataclan 2007 part 2/2


[Live] KOKIA - Arigato (in France)


KOKIA - Aishiteirukara
This one makes me a bit nostalgic.Coz I sure heard it when I was a kid,on radio!lol.

Spangle Call Lilli Line

Profile
Spangle Call Lilli Line are (from left to right) :
Ken Fujita (guitar), Kiyoaki Sasahara (guitar) & Kana Otsubo (vocal, keyboard)

Links
Official website >> Lilliline.com
Fansite >> SCLL @Keikaku.net
Interview >> Interview by Japan Live (in Eng)
last FM. entry >> here

My selection, download here
3 tracks included: Nano, Veek, piano

Spangle Call Lilli Line (SCLL for short) is another independent Japanese band I discovered while searching for artists similar to Love Psychedelico. In fact, they resemble little to LP although both are tagged 'Rock'. You can read from the above two links. The interview is especially helpful, at least for me, in understanding their style which comes to be what it is, amorphously abstract and experimental. Imagine three art students coming together to make music, assuming (without openly questioning) each other's music taste to be decent and mildly compatible. Without an ounce of knowledge as which direction to go, no concept, no predefined genres, they started experimenting instinctively in a way not too far from playing with clay and happy with the final shape be it a jar or a mug.

I'm not saying they're not serious musicians (although all of them have 2nd jobs other than making music). Most of the songs were composed by the vocalist Kana Otsubo whose voice is similar to 'Lily Chou Chou' (Salyu), wispy and soft. My impression is that Otsubo relies on fragments of images to lead a tune. Even the lyrics are fragmented and make little sense even to native Japanese, according to the interview. As a result their music is most impressionistic and spontaneous, like filtering out your memories as if pulling thought threads and knitting them into a loose drawing. You don't care much about stanza. Flowing stream doesn't have a structure and you just drift along with their melody. The arrangement tends to be minimalistic and repetitive, but melodious.

Discography (a summary)
+Album+
since (2006.10.25) - best collection
FOR INSTALLATION (2005.6.29)
Trace (2005.4.20)
or (2003.6.11)
Nanae (2002.11.10)
Spangle call Lilli line (2001.3.25)

+Single+
Nano (2003.4.12)

+DVD+
68 SCLL

I haven't sampled enough songs to pass further comments. My current favourite is 'Veek', 'Piano' and 'Nano'. Veek is my fav of fav. The entry music reminds me of the ending tune used in 'Paranoia Agent' (White Hill - Maromi's theme), that string pluckering sound mixed with electronica whistle foreshadows a free atmosphere. I was listening to it at midnight, walking alone on an empty street damp from a day's snow. Neon lights repaint everything. White snow, black asphalt, green shrubs, they all give up their colours for the night. And listening to Veek while watching the fading of a day is utterly comforting. I love Kana's voice.

Here're some tubies you can watch (not much to SEE, so just listen)

Nano


U-lite

Aoi Teshima

For general information, refer
Aoi Teshima @Wiki.theppn
Aoi Teshima Official Website (Japanese)

Here are 3 sample tracks I selected, download here
1. Therru no Uta (Song of Therru)
2. Ryuu (Dragon)
3. Kishi wo Hanareru Hi (The day I left the shore)


Aoi Teshima (手嶌葵), a low profile singer famous for her hit single 'Therru no Uta', the theme song of Ghibli animation 'Gedo Senki' directed by Goro Miyazaki, recently released her 2nd album 'Haru no Kashuu'. There isn't much information on the net about this singer and I doubt there ever will be given she's neither rock nor mainstream pop, in fact nothing that'll make her a central figure in the commerical world. Teshima is in essence a shy and humble choir girl whose unobtrusive voice soothes your senses and reminds you of our love for nature, for the pure and for love itself.

The first song I heard is none other than 'Therru no Uta'. It's a simple folk song with minimal arrangement, a wise choice as the prose style lyrics delivered in a pure voice deserve more attention and its gentle sadness is distilled in the silence of melody. There is a small universe and vibrant dimension in her voice, which is like a string that quavers at the end of each note, sending out ripples spreading into a far more spacious world than the sky the eagle roams (as what's depicted in the song). It's a strangely comfortable voice that doesn't put stress on any particular syllable but elevates your imagination and evokes images of peace. For 'Therru no Uta', I see ruins of a lost generation resting silently under eagle's wings and a grassland swinging with low clouds.

Her second album 'Haru no Kasshu' is the exact same skin as her debut album 'Gedo Senki Kasshu', which includes ballads and folk songs. Technically speaking you'd wonder what's so special about her as a singer per se? There're probably thousands of choir girls like her who just don't have the chance and luck to be chosen by Suzuki (producer of Ghibli). But there she is singing what she likes, touching many heartstrings with her humbleness and genuine love for nature. You can't hate her. Grins =D (What kinda review is this -.-!! Sorry but you'll have to buy it.)


DISCOGRAPHY
Singles: Therru no Uta (06 June 07)
Albums: Gedo Senki Kashuu (06 July 12) & Haru no Kashuu (06 Feb 07)



Live performance of Kishi wo Hanareru Hi (The day I left the shore)

Love Psychedelico singles review (in Chinese)

Randomly read some pretty interesting review (and background information) of two LP singles, don't agree entirely, but am a keeping a copy here. Translation? Maybe later..

8th single - My Last Fight (Nov '03)

1. My Last Fight
2. Fleeing Star
3. Dreamer

　撰文：小野田雄 (Yu Onoda)
　　LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 究竟是什麼？ 對於 2003 年的 Kumi 和 Naoki 兩人來說，這是一個十分重要的問題。他們在 2002 年舉辦了兩場日本全國巡迴演出，讓大家共同目睹他們正以現場樂團的形式持續成長茁壯著，而他們的樂風也在這時發生了變化。他們似乎是想要將重心轉移至現場演出上，並採取一種更直接的途徑，但這樣的嘗試最後卻無疾而終。最後，完成初夏的三場演出之後，他們與主流音樂巿場正式決裂，為的是要回答這個問題：「LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 究竟是什麼？」
　　因此，讓我們仔細想想，LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 一直以來究竟是何種類型的團體。他們過去發表的音樂屬於搖滾樂團類型，然而他們並不是樂團，而是二重唱。此外，就算他們走的是搖滾樂團路線，有時他們的音樂卻是數位音樂，常在一個以抽象概念為基礎的音軌上進行繁複的迭床架屋工作。為了在自己的音樂中呈現這樣的創意和影像，他們必須讓自己的心智保持在無壓力的狀態，值此同時，他們對自我的認知也開始逐漸模糊。
　　然而，經過一再反覆的試誤過程，Kumi 和 Naoki 終於在『My last fight』一曲中找到了「LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 究竟是什麼」這個問題的答案。 他們成功地讓自己原本的虛擬影像更加真實，並為自己的音樂注入了更多的深度、色彩以及獨特的樂句組合。他們的音樂足以和畢卡索或 Jackson Pollock 的繪畫相提並論。強調旋律的樂曲輕柔地搖晃著聆聽者的感受，而不斷重覆的舞曲節奏則刺激著聆聽者的感官和精神。 這首歌已儼然成為 LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 的全新身份表徵。 據我所知，這張單曲專輯的製作過程為他們帶來了無比的樂趣，而這首歌則是在相當放鬆、毫無壓力的情況下製作完成的。最重要的是，這三首歌將在您的心中縈繞不已，並讓您得以窺見 LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 的靈魂深處。

9th single - Fantastic World (Dec '04)

1.Fantastic World
2.Romance

這張單曲專輯的發行時間距離 LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 發行第二張專輯『LOVE PSYCHEDELIC ORCHESTRA』已有兩年又兩個月之久。 這時他們重新返回原點，並終於推出第三張專輯『LOVE PSYCHEDELICO III』。 我們在 2004 年年初訪問 Kumi 和 Naoki 時，他們顯得十分積極且充滿能量，因此我當時就有預感，他們將在 2004 年有一番特別的作為。
　　
　　他們在 2 月份參與了 [Zoku Naniwa Sullivan Show] 的演出，並於 7 月份與新成立的伴奏樂團參加了在橫濱和大阪舉辦的 [Rock Odyssey] 演出。新成立的伴奏樂團成員包括來自 DR. STRANGE LOVE 的 Susumu Osada 和 Takamune Negishi、來自 CORNELIUS 的鼓手 Yuko Araki，以及鍵盤手崛江博久。 同時，他們也在和另一個伴奏樂團 (與來自 GREAT 3 的高桑圭/白根賢一、來自 SKETCH SHOW 的權藤知彥、以及鍵盤手崛江博久共同組成) 為即將於 10 月份展開的巡迴演出進行綵排。 雖然他們如此積極，新專輯和單曲的錄製情況卻不盡如人意。他們一心想要創作出一種只屬於自己的音樂，卻從未訂下發行日期，因為他們想要在一個能讓他們能對成品感到完全滿意的環境中進行錄製工作。因此，在沒有預訂發行日期的情況下，新單曲的發行也就顯得遙遙無期 － 一切全取決於錄音室內的錄製情況。然而，他們終究還是完成了這首創作，這也是為什麼現在我們手中可以握有這張最新單曲專輯 － 『fantastic world』。 他們大約花了 1 個月的時間寫出主打歌，並趁著演出和綵排的空檔完成錄製工作。 他們似乎是在極為放鬆的情況下完成了這首歌的錄製工作，並將他們對音樂的熱情化為現實。我相信他們是在嘗試結合第二張專輯中的「訊息」以及第三張專輯中富有創意的流行樂句，以找出一種能夠傳達「愛」的方式。苦澀的真實感以及如夢似幻的甜美感受共存於這首單曲中，傳達出一種更寬廣的人類大愛；而『romance』一曲則較偏重個人的愛情。將這兩種元素巧妙地結合在一起，並完成這兩首歌的創作，對他們而言是一大挑戰 － 雖然這是他們第一次在如此緊湊的時程下完成的作品。 主打歌具有 LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 慣有的細膩和華麗感。 開頭的吉他樂句停止之後，Kumi 的歌聲便和原聲吉他一同響起。他們的音樂所喚起的情感帶有豐富的色彩和溫度變化。 另一首曲式簡單的歌則是在描述一段悲傷的愛情故事。每個人對每首歌的印象或有不同，以上只是我個人的觀點。 這是 LOVE PSYCHEDELICO 一張和諧、平衡的作品。我不確定哥倫布是否真的說過「地球是圓的」這句話，但這張單曲專輯倒真的是圓的，而它那一再循環的流行樂風確實能夠放諸四海皆準。

Salyu - Tobira

Since Jady came up with THE 'Salyu' tag, I feel overwhelmed and obliged to see its growth. Tobira is the new single to be released on 17th Jan and also the eponymous song on Salyu's new album. Compared to 'Landmark' which also seemed to define the overall message and tone for her album, Tobira is in my opinion more energetic and outwardly radiant. Getting in the bright forecast of 2007 eh? The PV features an Eskimo-like Salyu wobbling in penguin gaits and even teasing our beloved Takashi Kobayashi who (by a tremendous amount of effort) pretended to be oblivious to her malign ticklings. The video was shot in faded monotone against a dazzling expanse of sky. No further comments on the song itself except to say it's brilliant. Love the shoutings. The chorus is refreshing and uplifting.

Spitz (スピッツ)

[ I have spent so much time on the previous post (and my debut post in this blog too!) and blogspot let me down again. never mind let's start again.]

Spitz - The band was founded in 1987. Looking at their birth years you will see that they have all become old cok-cok already by now. but still as great as any other young boy bands. (argh.. can't remember what I've written before)

official website: http://spitz.r-s.co.jp/


Can't find their info on the English Wikipedia. Let's look at the Japan wiki search results:

スピッツ （SPITZ） は、日本のロックバンドである。1987年に結成。
『ロビンソン』や『チェリー』『空も飛べるはず』などの多くのヒット曲を持つ。また、2006年度オリコン好きなアーティストランキングには2位に選ばれ、男女を問わず、子供から大人までの広い年代層に愛されるアーティストに成長した。

メンバー
草野マサムネ（くさの まさむね、本名：草野正宗 1967年12月21日 -）ボーカル、ギター、ソングライター
福岡市出身 福岡県立城南高等学校・武蔵野美術大学基礎デザイン学科卒業
三輪テツヤ（みわ てつや、本名：三輪徹也 1967年5月17日 -）ギター
静岡県藤枝市出身 藤枝明誠高等学校・文化服装学院卒業
田村明浩（たむら あきひろ、本名：同じ 1967年5月31日 -）ベース（リーダー）
静岡県藤枝市出身 静岡県立藤枝東高等学校卒業・東京造形大学中退
崎山龍男（さきやま たつお、本名：同じ 1967年10月25日 -）ドラムス
栃木県佐野市出身 栃木県立佐野高等学校・文化服装学院卒業

概要
バンド名の由来は、ドイツ語で「尖っている」「辛らつな」という意味を持つ「spitz」（最初期はチーターズだった）。これは結成当初、パンク・ロックバンドであったことを物語る。草野の好きだった「s」に「p」が続く語呂をつかった単語（「special」や「crispy」など）を、草野が辞書片手に探したとも言われる。昭和時代に人気があった「キャンキャンと無駄によく吼える」愛玩犬種日本スピッツもバンドイメージに合ったらしい。
スピッツのファンクラブ名「spitzbergen（スピッツベルゲン）」は、北極海に実在するノルウェーの島の名前「spitsbergen」からとられた。
メンバー全員が美術系学校に在籍経験を持つ。草野と田村は東京造形大で同級生（草野は後に東京造形大を退学、武蔵野美大に編入学する）、また、田村と三輪は中学校の同級生である。
草野のボーカルは温かく優しい印象を与え、一般的に癒し系ポップスとされるが、ファンの一部では「奇跡の魔法」とされる、表裏あるバンドでもある。実際、シングルリリースされていないアルバム収録曲やカップリング曲には、一般的にスピッツらしいと認識されているポップス色の濃い作品でなく、個性の強い作品が点在する。草野の言葉を借りれば、スピッツは「ロックフリーク」であり、彼らのアイデンティティはあくまでもロックバンドらしい。表は真面目な優等生、裏は妄想炸裂の天邪鬼少年と言ったところである。こうした彼らの原点はデビューアルバム『スピッツ』に色濃く表れている。
ヒット曲を量産する正当なメジャーバンドとされる事には常に抗う。メンバーはあくまでも時代の流れに対抗した「『邪道』でいたい」と語っており、草野はインタビューで「自分たちの音楽を『王道ポップス』なんて言われると『それは絶対に違う』」と語る。
ライブは基本的に、コンサートホール以上の会場では、単独公演を行なわないことをポリシーとしている。これは、シングル「ロビンソン」でブレイクした後のコンサートツアーで、草野自身が「武道館では、ライブをやる気が無い。」とステージで公表した為。尚、本人はこの発言について、「やりたくないとは言ったけど、今はやりたくないだけであって、今後一切やらない、とは言ってない。」との発言もしているので、機会があればアリーナ以上の会場でも公演を行なうかもしれない。

ディスコグラフィー

[編集] シングル
『ヒバリのこころ／ビー玉』（1991.3.25 PODH-1033）
『夏の魔物／ニノウデの世界』（1991.6.25 PODH-1044）
『魔女旅に出る／鳥になって』（1991.10.25 PODH-1058）
『惑星のかけら／マーメイド』（1992.8.26 PODH-1088）
『日なたの窓に憧れて／コスモス』（1992.11.26 PODH-1099）
『裸のままで／心の底から』（1993.7.25 PODH-1155）
『君が思い出になる前に／夏が終わる』（1993.10.25 PODH-1170）
『空も飛べるはず／ベビーフェイス』（1994.4.25 PODH-1196）
『青い車／猫になりたい』（1994.7.20 PODH-1210）
『スパイダー／恋は夕暮れ』（1994.10.26 PODH-1227）
『ロビンソン／俺のすべて』（1995.4.5 PODH-1243）
『涙がキラリ☆／ルナルナ』（1995.7.7 PODH-1265）
『チェリー／バニーガール』（1996.4.10 PODH-1305）
『渚／旅人』（1996.9.9 PODH-1320）
『スカーレット／うめぼし（Live Version）』（1997.1.29 PODH-1335）
『夢じゃない／君だけを』（1997.4.23 PODH-1355）
『運命の人／仲良し』（1997.11.27 PODH-1387）
『冷たい頬／謝々!』（1998.3.18 PODH-1410）
『楓／スピカ』（1998.7.7 PODH-1424）
『流れ星／エトランゼ（TANAYAMIX）／愛のしるし（Live）』（1999.4.28 PODH-1477）
『ホタル／ムーンライト／春夏ロケット』（2000.4.26 POCH-1934）
『メモリーズ／放浪カモメはどこまでも』（2000.6.21 POCH-1962）
『遥か／船乗り』（2001.5.16 UPCH-5055）
『夢追い虫／大宮サンセット』（2001.10.11 UPCH-5070）
『さわって・変わって／ガーベラ／放浪カモメはどこまでも（Live）／稲穂』（2001.12.12 UPCH-5075）
『ハネモノ／SUGINAMI MELODY』（2002.8.7 UPCH-5110）
『水色の街／孫悟空』（2002.8.7 UPCH-5111）
『スターゲイザー／三日月ロック その3』（2004.1.21 UPCH-5230）
『正夢／リコリス』（2004.11.10 UPCH-5277）
『春の歌／テクテク』（2005.4.20 UPCH-5305）
『魔法のコトバ／シャララ』（2006.7.12 UPCH-5405）


Spitz is the band that laced so perfectly the many theme songs of the Anime "Honey & Clover" , including 『魚』, 『ハチミツ』, 『多摩川』, 『夜を駆ける』 and 『スピカ』etc, among which 『魚』is my favourite, and 『夜を駆ける』has a very unique and nice background chorus too. Get the tracts from me if you want =)
The vocalist and guitarist, Kusano Masamune, (草野マサムネ), has such a great voice that allures you whenever you tune in to your favourite Honey & Clover OST.

This is their newly released single in July 2006 (well, maybe not that new), which is said to be a theme song of Honey & Clover as well.

Salyu

Yes, my first post under the new pinkie sky! First of all, a round of claps for zhu's return haha! Although ukulele's again back to me + jady duo state as it originally started to be, I'm pretty happy with the current layout and contents ^^. (I hope blogger can consider EMOTICONS and a few remotely artistically inclined templates.)



Salyu Salyu! Did I write a post on Salyu before? The wikipedia entry is here, too brief to be informative but I can't add any more details as Salyu is indeed a mystery, a real Lily chou chou walking right out of the movie. Since all of the songs (and most lyrics) are single-handedly composed and written by Takeshi Kobayashi, a well-known composer in Japan for producing brilliant soundtracks for Shunji Iwai's movies, Salyu is a materialization of Kobayashi's ideal of music, a mix of new age, pop and acoustic. Salyu's 'angelic' voice (as most people like to describe it although I think it's more draggy, semi opera and maternal) lifts you high above ground into an imaginary world of wuthering winds (like 'Kaze ni noru fune') or a conundrum of still air, of emptiness. Scary or blissful depending on the situation. Most of her songs have a strong healing power which is reminiscent of Lily chou chou and we all love her for that =D (emoticons please!) We also love her wacky wardrobe and big loving smiles, and how she distorts her facial muscles to the extent we see an over-representation of mouth and too little of eyes! Yes, not to forget her chubbiness!!

Among her singles released so far, my favourites are VALON, Kaze ni noru fune, to U and Platform. All her PVs are superb! I wonder if it's the same director.

Some clips from youtube

Landmark - from 2006 live 'close to you'


VALON1 Live Countdown (lovely makeup!)


Me and Jady's mutual favourite - Kaze ni noru fune


Platform live (First appearance on Music Fighter)


To U - ap Bank fest

Aoi Teshima - Gedo Senki Kashu

>> photo from Ghibli World>> http://www.ghibliworld.com/
Left: Director Goro Miyazaki | Right center: Aoi Teshima

I can't remember when's the last time I wrote a review. Maybe I should just write down random stuff before the urge completely evaporates. While the album is on its way to yours and yours email box, here's a lil' appetiser.


(photo from Ghibli World>> http://www.ghibliworld.com/)

I wrote something about it in my animation blog so maybe Jeremy knows. Aoi Teshima is a new star born out of the upcoming Ghibli film 'Gedo Senki'(Tales of Earthsea, premier July 29th in Japan). The theme song of the movie, titled 'Teru no Uta'(Teru's song) is an instant hit. Extensive publicity helps of course but what truly captures thousands of fans is Aoi Teshima, this 18 year old's soothing voice. The director of the movie, Goro Miyazaki, pinpointed her to perform the theme song after listening to her demo tape. There's loneliness in that voice, a loneliness which only belongs to the youth. (director's quote) The lyrics are beautiful. I don't understand Japanese but at least I can tell they rhyme and it's perfect for an epic story like Gedo Senki. The songbook album that came out July 12th contains 10 tracks, all of them lullaby-ish ballads. If you enjoy 'Teru no uta'(track #9), you'll sure love the rest as well. Track #2 'Ryuu' (Dragon) is one of my favourites. It's a nice switch after my eardrums got stuck to rock n roll all week. It's summer and this album is like a cool breeze. Btw, Miyazaki already started preparations on his next film. According to the producer Suzuki, Miyazaki just wouldn't let his son surpass him. Wait and see. (Honestly I pity the rest of Ghibli staff. C'mon this's not all about Miyazaki business... I want to see more varieties! Goro draws exactly the same as his dad. This's impossible!) Back to the album. Enjoy!

>> Download link:Aoi Teshima - Gedo Senki Kashu (July 12, 2006)

ゲド戦記歌集 (Gedo Senki Kashu)
Artist: 手嶌葵 (Aoi Teshima)
Date : 2006.07.12

1. 数え唄 (Kazoe Uta)
2. 竜 (Ryuu | Dragon)
3. 黄昏 (Tasogare | Twilight)
4. 別の人 (Betsuno nin | Another man)
5. 旅人 (Tabibito | Traveller)
6. ナナカマド (Nanakamado)
7. 空の終点 (Sora no Shuuten | The end of sky )
8. 春の夜に (Haru no yoru ni | Spring Night)
9. テルーの唄 (Teru no Uta)
10. 時の歌 (Toki no Uta)

------------------

Aoi Teshima Profile



Official Website >> Aoi Teshima
Kanji: 手嶌葵
(Singer, Voice actress)

B-day: 1987.6.21
Height: 174cm
Hobbies: Ballet, reading

------------------

Finally, the lyrics to 'Teru no Uta' (Kanji, Romaji, plus English & Chinese translations. Any more request? Guess not.)



テルーの唄

yuuyami semaru kumo no ue / 夕闇迫る　雲の上
itsumo ichiwa de tondeiru / いつも一羽で　飛んでいる
taka wa kitto kanashikarou / 鷹はきっと　悲しかろう

oto mo todaeta kaze no naka / 音も途絶えた　風の中
sora wo tsukanda sono tsubasa / 空をつかんだ　その翼
yasumerukoto wa dekinakute / 休めることは　できなくて

kokoro wo nani ni tatoeyou / 心を何に　たとえよう
taka no youna kono kokoro / 鷹のような　この心
kokoro wo nani ni tatoeyou / 心を何に　たとえよう
sora wo mauyouna kanashisawo / 空を舞うような　悲しさを

hitokage taeta no no michiwo / 人影絶えた　野の道を
watashi to tomoni ayunderu / 私と共に　歩んでる
anata mo kitto samishikarou / あなたもきっと　さみしかろう

mushi no sasayaku sougen wo / 虫のささやく　草原を
tomoni michi yuku hitodakedo / 共に道行く　人だけど
taete mono iu kotomonaku / 絶えてもの言う　こともなく

kokoro wo nani ni tatoeyou / 心を何に　たとえよう
hitori michi yuku kono kokoro / ひとり道ゆく　この心
kokoro wo nani ni tatoeyou / 心を何に　たとえよう
hitoribocchi no samishisawo / ひとりぼっちの　さみしさを

--- oOo ---

English Translation : Song of Teru

Over the cloud in the dusk
the hawk is flying always alone
He must surely be sad

All sounds are ceased in the wind
Holding on tight to the sky
he can't rest his wings

How do I express my mind
my mind like the hawk
How do I express my mind
my sadness that flies in the sky

The rain falls gently on the ground
Always hiding there behind the rock, a secret blooming
That little flower, is surely bitter

All colours fade in the rain
Who will ever stop by to appreiciate
its faint pink petals?

How do I express my mind
my heart, like that flower
How do I express my mind
the bitterness that sways in the rain

On this empty path
you who walk beside me
must surely be lonely

Insects are chirping in the grass
But we who walk together
have not spoken a sound

How do I express my mind
my mind that walks all alone
How do I express my mind
my loneliness that travels alone

--- oOo ---

中文翻译：特鹿之歌

夕阳彩云之间
总有一双翅膀 在那里徘徊
那头鹰 一定很悲伤吧

迎着风 听不到一丝声音
这双翅膀 紧紧地抓住天空
一刻都不能休憩

要将心比作什么？
好似那鹰一般的 这颗心
要将心比作什么？
那飘舞在空中的悲伤

雨淅淅沥沥地下
躲在岩石背后 总是静静的绽放
那朵小小的花 一定很苦恼吧

在雨中 所有的颜色都变得朦胧
又有谁会来欣赏
它淡粉色的花瓣呢？

要将心比作什么？
好似那花一般的 这颗心
要将心比作什么？
在雨中摇摆的苦恼

在这无人的 野外小路
和我一起的你
也一定 很寂寞吧

连虫子都在草丛中低吟
同行的人 却一声不吭

要将心比作什么？
形单影只的 这颗心
要将心比作什么？
孤单一人的那份寂寞

Radical champs

just my two cents worth of the new radical wimps album that has been circulating around.

Wat can i say...

their really quite radical in their ways...in terms of vocals, instrumentalization and song genres.

Why?

Vocals....Noda yojiro...vocals and guitar. have u not heard him? I still can't give an apt description of his vocal quality. It's nasal and plaintive at times, but the next moment it can be a caterwauling rock concert like squall. and he transits between the various range of timbre and pitches rather successfully without any glitches. But to be honest i prefer it when he sings more ballad like songs such as kome no senshokuta. Some songs that really exemplify this versatility - Hekkushun and Tonde hi ni Nairu natsu. Of the two the one that has made it to my favourite list is Hekkushun. Get a taste of his really quite perfect english in that one as well as a rather interesting transition between choir boy simpering to angst ridden rock brat from 3.19 onwards.
Instrumentalization .... the guitar plays a vital role in their entire get up. To be honest its in their more ballady and soulful songs that u get a taste of the slightly more brillantly orchestrated pieces. or maybe its just because it their rowdier and more rock songs i can't get a grip of the variety. Anyhows...listen to Hotaru, and pay attention to the solo around 3.19 ( seems like the interesting stuff occurs at this point ne?) the accompaniment to that is a xylophone of sorts. Why do I point that out? Well, to be honest, to me it's kinda rare hearing a xylophone in such a prominent role. Anyone who's played a xylophone noes wats bitches they can be. Hitting the right note, getting the right amount of wrist action and being on time is quite somehting, and to put it with a solo voice as solo acompaniment is a risky action which at the same time demonstrates the percussionist skill... unlesss....it's all done with a synthesizer...which ain't too hard to imagine in this day and age. oh welll...but it's still an interesting combi.

Another song that shows a nice blend of orchestration would be Saigo no uta ( my fave! ) that's where they employ the usage of orchestral strings along with a blend of rock faves, electric guitar drums... good going, that brought an extra pizzazz to the ballad.


Song genres .... Just listen to the album. Rock, pop, rap, R&B, soul, ballads....perfect cocktail for someone who has as short an attention span as moi.


Saigo no uta....

Lyrics: Noda Youjirou Music: Noda Youjirou

Modora nai kinou-tachi hontou ni ne
Arigato ne sabishii naa
Mada minu ashita-tachi ima iku ne
Yoroshiku ne ureshii naa

Kanawa nai negai-tachi hontou ni ne
Gomen ne itsuka kitto
Kanaerareta omoi-tachi arigato ne
Korekara mo zutto tomo ni

Chiisa na kodou furueru tabi
Omou no wa boku ga anata wo mamoru kara

Ima boku ga ikite iru toiu koto wa
Ima boku ga shiawase da toiu koto
Ima boku ga waratte nai toshite mo
Ima boku ga ikite iru sore dakede
Shiawase da toiu koto

Deae nai inochi-tachi kimi no fun mo
Boku wa kitto ganbaru yo
Kawashita kono yakusoku-tachi hanasa nai yo
Wasure nai yo yakusoku shiyou

Itsuka kono yo no dare mo ga ieru no ka na
“Boku wa mou nanimo nozomi wa shinai kara”
Chiisa na yume wo tsugi kara tsugi ni
Egaite wa sutete iku no wa
Hontou wa mou kore ijou nani mo ira nai kara

Ima boku ga ikite iru toiu koto wa
Ima boku ga shiawase da toiu koto
Ima boku no me ni namida ukandemo
Ima boku ga ikite iru sore dakede
Shiawase da toiu koto

Afureru inochi-tachi ikite iru
Boku ga iru ureshii naa
Kiete itta inochi-tachi itsuka wa ne
Boku mo iku ne sono hi made

Ima boku ga ikite iru toiu koto wa
Ima boku ga shiawase da toiu koto

Ima boku ga ikite iru toiu koto wa
Ima boku ga shiawase da toiu koto
Ima boku ga waratte nai toshite mo
Ima boku ga ikite iru soredakede
Shiawase da toiu koto
Ikite iru soredakede
Shiawase da toiu koto

Cao Fang

i believe you guys have all received Cao Fang's album sent by Zhu, who was asking me to write something for the newly emerged singer in China mainland. i hope her songs will leave a good impression to ppl who has never listened to Chinese pop before.

(to zhu: it's hard to write an original review... i should just put the Chinese review into google translate and get the English text...)

initially i didn't have a high expectation for her. since i'm already used to the old, traditional styles of most mainland Chinese songs. however her production came to me as a shock. she has adopted a very unique folk-song style lacked by most of her counterparts, and her voice is so natually integrated into her songs. this album "Encounter Me" is her second one so far, released 2 years after her first album, "Black Perfume". i like two of her songs in "Encounter Me" best, "Straw Man" and "Wind Blows over Rainy Days". her monologs in the front part of the songs have characterized Cao Fang's unique singing style well.

---

zhu:
Added Discography translations. I suck at translations. Bear with me.


Debut Album (2003) - 黑色香水 | Black Perfume
1. 黑色香水 | Black perfume
2. 春花秋开 | Spring flowers blooming in autumn
3. 失陪 | Excuse me
4. 透明对白 | Transparent dialogue
5. 橘子汁 | Orange juice
6. 基诺山 | Jinuo Mountain
7. Two weeks holiday
8. Garbled account
9. So cool
10. 落单 | Loly (lost + lonley)
11. 小病人 | Little patient
12. 别样生活 | Another kind of life


2nd Album (2005) - 遇见我 (Encounter Me)
1. 遇见我 | Encouter me
2. 神秘礼物 | Mysterious gift
3. 风吹过的下雨天 | Wind blowing over rainy day
4. 城市稻草人 | City scarecrow
5. ICY是淑女 | ICY is a lady
6. TROUBLE
7. I don't care anyway
8. 秋凉 | Autumn chill
9. 在夏天 | In summer
10. 落单.续 | Loly . c'td
11. 孤单的独白 | Lonely monologue

Icy's fansite: http://www.icyfans.com/forum/index.php

March releases

Ok I'm back editing this post. I'll send the albums to our yahoogroup to avoid posting links on this blog.

1. Rie Fu - 2nd Album - Rose Album (2006.3.24)

-> track listing
-> official site

My rating: 8 out of 10

Rie Fu's back with her 2nd album, which isn't VERY different from the major style of her debut, but you can feel the influence of the Carpenters on her musical conceptions more strongly, especially in the 2nd and 3rd track - 5minutes & funny dream (rather humourous and romantic). Other tracks such as 'Tiny Tiny Melody' and 'I Wanna Go To a Place' still mirror the melodious and gentle recipe from her debut hit 'Life's like a boat'. Overall, this's an authentic Rie Fu album with new ideas coming into play.

2. Tomiko Van Debut - Farewell (2006.3.29)

-> official listing

My rating: 7 out of 10

On second thought, I shouldn't be so harsh so I changed the rating from 6 to 7. Still personally, I'm rather disappointed, not with Tomiko's vocal performance, but with the music itself. Nagao DAI wrote all the songs and he's the one who in a sense defined Do As Infinity, who brought out the wild spontaneity in Tomiko's voice and pushed it to full potential. Now DAI's disbanded and Tomiko started her solo career. It's a tough ride. It's almost impossible to ask fans to dissociate Tomiko from shadows of DAI and that's why comparisons between the DAI Tomiko and the current Tomiko are inevitable. I'm sure Tomiko herself won't like this to happen so I'm trying to be impartial and judge her as if I know her for the first time. And I soon realize, casting away the past of DAI and looking at Tomiko again as a new-comer, she doesn't stand out much from average Jpop singers. The songs are mostly mellow ballads which are pleasant sounding but just as easy to forget. Nevertheless, I recommend 'Farewell' and 'Hold me...'.

ET's comments (since she's here, and listening, and humming) : good mix of vocal techiques employed in Tomiko Van's work as opposed to previous Jpop greats like Ayumi Hamasaki and Utada Hikaru who essentialy employ the same techniques to achieve good effects. In addition, little spice can do no harm. - quoted verbatum from ET-sama (who's lying on the temporarily made Japanese-style futon like bed, half dreamy, half dead...)


3. Love Psychedelico - 2nd Album - Live Psychedelico (2006.3.22)


My rating: 9 out of 10

NICE NICE NICE. You know Love Psychedelico performs GREAT alive!! I especially like 'Wasting', 'Neverland' and 'Mind across the universe', all of them with moody sophisticated acoustic guitar introductions.

Ah, I'm done ^^

GARNET CROW: Flying Gone

MSN chat
Me: Jady, am I allowed to...
Me: post a new entry?
J: on?
Me: GARNET CROW
J: NO
Me: Whhhy not?
J: YOU ALREADY HAVE A BLOODY SITE DEDICATED TO GARNET CROW!
...
(anyway in the end I get a 300words max permission ^^ from Jady)

I probably know the general response from the rest of ukulele since I've been ranting about GC like forever. The last time I attempt to promoto GC to ET-sama, 50% of the tracks I sent over received a 'fail!' evaluation. Well, the thing about GC's music is, it's almost 'never' catchy and pleasant to ear on first listening. Plus, the lead vocal, Yuri Nakamura's voice is rather special. Unlike typical (or stereotypical) female Japanese singers who have high-pitched squeaky voices, hers is very alto and neutral sounding. I'm not sure how that will affect listeners' choices but as far as I know, GC has a well balanced ratio of male vs female fans.

I'm just going to recommend one song. (Tears, if only you know how difficult it is to pick the RIGHT song to recommend. The wrong choice can easily lose a potential fan) It's their 6th maxi single - flying, which is chosen as the theme song for playstation game 'tales of eternia'. I was dozing off on my desk last night (with earphones on and music playing), but when I heard the chorus of this song, I was almost instantly awake. The elation and excitement was really incredible no matter how many times I hear it. The opening beats have a strong sense of urgency and everything seems calm for a while, until you hear this sudden take-off, as if holding your breath before a blood boiling bungee jump. This song is about the turning wheel of fate, about destinies, uncertainty and assurance. So be patient and give it a try! If you want to know more about GC, you might as well visit my fansite ^^ (advert time here), which I assure you is 100 times more comprehensive than Wikipedia entry.

I actually tailor picked a couple of GC songs (3 tracks in each genre) . Choose whichever you prefer:
-> soft rock & hip-hop
-> soothing & melancholic
-> happy, high & jazzy
-> my personal favourites

Flying
-> YSI link (I've also included a live concert version of this song)
-> Also Flying's c/w song 'cried a little' (a very sad song)



Composed by Yuri Nakamura
Lyrics by AZUKI Nana
Arranged by Hirohito Furui
English translations from Ryuichi's GC soundscope, modified by me

季節きせつはずれのbeach side
(the out of season beachside)
夜よるに隠かくれた
(your face hidden in the dark)
君きみの横顔よこがおは何なにをみつめてるの？
(what are you looking at?)

人ひとは誰だれもが皆みな
(everybody...)
何なにかを背負せおってる
(is carrying something)
だけど　ふとよぎる不安ふあん
(the anxiety that suddenly crosses my mind)
消けせやしないよ
(won't be erased so easily)

僕ぼくらは何一なにひとつ
(we, for the sake of something,)
知しることない未来みらいの為ために
(for an unknown future)
手てに入いれたり投なげ出だしたりして
(cast off what's held in our hands)
儚はかなく誘さそう行方ゆくえめざして
(and it leads you on to a foreign path)

flying gone
夢見ゆめみる様ように　墜おちてゆくの
(falling as if dreaming)
君きみの中なかへ
(into your embrace)
恐おそれないで傷きずついたら
(without fear, if i get hurt)
きっと　切せつない優やさしさを抱だいている
(I'm sure a bitter gentleness will envelop me)

flying fall down
羽はばたきながら　墜おちてゆくの
(flapping my wings, falling)
君きみの傍そばへ
(to your side)
何なにも　ナイ　明日あすがくる瞬間ときは
(before the coming of that empty instance in the future)
君きみに出会であえた奇跡きせき胸むねの中なか
(I'll hold to my heart this miracle that I've met you)
ネムラセテ...
(and fall into a deep slumber)

君きみを信しんじる程ほどに　ねぇ
(the trust i've placed in you)
傷きずは深ふかくて...
(is as deep as my wounds have been)
私わたし以外いがいのもの　すべて
(how i wish that everything, except my own presence)
消けし去さりたいよ
(could be erased without a trace)

気きづいた時ときには　もう
(by the time I realized it)
ただ走はしり続つづけることに
(there was no other choice but to go on)
安やすらぎさえ感かんじていたなんて...
(strange that I even felt peace)
イミジキアスヲ　飛とび越こえてゆけ
(together, let's cross this imaginery space)

flying fall down
旅立たびだつならば
(if we are to set out on a journey)
朝あさも昼ひるも夜よるもなくて
(no matter if it's morning, noon or night)
君きみのめぐる輪廻りんねの果はてへ
(to that place where your endless cycle of reincarnation ends)
二度にどと帰かえらぬ(三途の川)かわのほとりまで
(to the River of Styx where there's no return)
飛とび出だすの
(let's fly)

flying gone
もつれてゆくよ
(getting tangled up forever)
君きみの　アイ life すべて求もとめ
(I want your love, life and everything)
you and me
もう別べつの生活ひを灯ともす
(starting a new life)
君きみのいない明日あしたなんていらなくても...
(I don't want a tomorrow without your presence)

flying fall down
羽はばたきながら　墜おちてゆくの
(flapping my wings, falling)
君きみの傍そばへ
(to your side)
何なにも　ナイ　明日あすがくる瞬間ときは
(before the coming of that empty instance in the future)
君きみに出会であえた奇跡きせき胸むねの中なか
(I'll hold to my heart this miracle that I've met you)
ネムラセテ...
(and fall into a deep slumber)

cowboy bebop the real folk blues

Once upon a time, in New York City in 1941... at this club open to all comers to play, night after night, at a club named "Minston's Play House" in Harlem, they play jazz sessions competing with each other. Young jazz men with a new sense are gathering. At last they created a new genre itself. They are sick and tired of the conventional fixed style jazz. They're eager to play jazz more freely as they wish then... in 2071 in the universe... The bounty hunters, who are gathering in the spaceship "BEBOP", will play freely without fear of risky things. They must create new dreams and films by breaking traditional styles. The work, which becomes a new genre itself, will be called... COWBOY BEBOP


Haha don't grimace! (I know Jady's gonna, probably) Here comes the wonderful wonderful music from Cowboy Bebop, an all time classic! This's a LONG post so be warned! I know I'm spoiling the review even before I start, by simply shouting 'this's great great great great music' a thousand times and more. You'll HAVE to agree with me! (audience: what a horrible tyranny...)

First of all, who's the 'cowboy' and what is 'bebop'? (inmitating Jady's previous post 'what is Bossa and who is Ono?') The director of the anime series, Shinichiro Watanabe, is well known for his unconventional idosyncratic style typified by a bold concoction of cross-culture out-of-time-frame kick ass genres. 'Cowboy Bebop' is set in the cosmo world of 2071, where a group of 'cowboys', or your old-fashioned bounty hunters travel in space claiming bounties for a living. As for bebop, it's a newly defined music genre which starts to gain popularity in the closely knit cosmic community, and the leading band 'Seatbelts' dominates the music chart. There you have an odd mix of out of fashion cowboys misplaced in the far future where a new genre of jazz rules the universe.

Take a step back and poke your nose behind scenes. All these fanciful 'artifacts' are masterminds of one talented genius - Yoko Kanno, one of the most influential and in my opinion the single most versatile composer in the Japanese entertainment biz (correction: mostly anime, and some movie scores). She and her band 'Seatbelts' (the band's real name as well as a fictional name in Cowboy Bebop the anime), wrote and performed all of the soundtracks. One side note, 'The Seatbelts' was a 'temporary band' assembled for cowboy bebop and they were not active outside the realm. It was mentioned in the fictional setting that during live performances by the band, one has to wear seatbelts for security reasons and that's where the name comes from :p The style is mostly jazz, with nice little intermissions of samba, classical and techno.




Album Overview
1. OST 1
2. OST 2 - No Disc
3. OST 3 - BLUE
4. Maxi CD - Vitaminless
5. Movie Mini Album - Ask DNA
6. Movie OST - Future Blues
7. The Remixes - Music for Freelance
8. Tank! THE BEST!
9. CD Box Set - Limited Edition

For detailed information, vist
>> Emily's CB Page
>> The Real Folk Blues

It's impossible to talk about every single track there is so I've picked two albums for your reference: Tank! THE BEST! and Limited Edition CD Box Set (5CD) which basically covers everything...

Disclaimer: The album shared here is for evaluation only. Please purchase their original CD to show your support :P



COWBOY BEBOP Tank! THE BEST! --> YSI link (~128mb)
Victor Entertainment
Release Date: December 22, 2004

Track 01: Tank! (TV stretch)
Track 02: What Planet is This?
Track 03: Cosmic Dare (Pretty With A Pistol)
Track 04: Diamonds *
Track 05: Don't Bother None (TV Edit)
Track 06: PIANO BLACK
Track 07: Mushroom Hunting
Track 08: No Reply
Track 09: Blue
Track 10: Einstein Groovin' *
Track 11: Pearls *
Track 12: Gotta Knock a Little Harder

* = new track recording, not used in the anime

This album is a collection of best cowboy bebop music released so far (whose choice lol? I think they're all pretty cool!) but you get a wide range of selections featured here, from the representative of style 'Tank!' which's an upbeat swirl of jamming jazz, to the naughty pop flavoured 'Cosmic Dare', or a newly recorded track 'Pearls' featuring Ilaria Graziano whose voice is deeply moving and gentle. 'Blue', 'No Reply' and 'Gotta Knock a Little Harder' (the ending song of Cowboy Bebop movie) are performed by Mai Yamane, one of Yoko Kanno's frequently associated vocalists. 'Blue' is the track used in the last episode of CB anime: The badly wounded Spike wobbled down the staircase, he lifted his hand to the sky and with the last mocking smile on his face, said 'Bang!', and fell. A short intermission of silence, then the music started to float above, higher and higher. It was a poignant scene which I found personally very memorable and touching. Even if you know nothing about the plot or where the music's used, the track alone is enough to draw you in. 'Gotta knock a little harder' is penned by the talented lyricist Tim Jensen, who wrote many lyrics for Yoko Kanno's projects. I highly recommend this track if you love a bit of spice and good hard rock. Mai Yamane's voice could be very misleading but I assure you, it's 'SHE'. 'Mushroom Hunting' and 'What planet is this?' are truly jolly songs and they sure lighten up the mood of the whole album. Overall this's a FANTASTIC album.




COWBOY BEBOP CD BOX SET LIMITED EDITION ---> YSI link (~241mb)
Victor Entertainment,
Released: June 21, 2002

If only I could have THIS!!! Ultimate collection! (I vow to get it when I have enough money. Make a mental note. Not sure if it'll be out of production by then sobz)

There're 5 CDs enclosed that come with a beautiful booklet. For complete track listings, you can refer to Emily's Cowboy Bebop Music page. Disc 1-3 contain original recordings interspersed by selected dialogue clips from the anime (really fun to listen to if you're familar with the anime). Dsic 4 is a collection of live performance audios while Dsic 5 is a mini CD that's otherwise titled '8cm' (3 super cute tracks).

Here're the vocalists frequentenly featured in CB music (some already mentioned in 'TANK BEST' review). I've also recommended 1 or 2 tracks entitled to each artist. Link leads to artist's profile/lyrics. In the bracket is the disc number where you can locate that track.

Carla Vallet : Adieu (CD3-20)
Mai Yamane: The Real Folk Blues (CD4-08),
Steve Conte: Words that we couldn't say (CD2-19), Call me call me (CD4-06)
Gabriella Robin: Green Bird (CD1-31), Cats on Mars (CD2-2)
Raj Ramayya: Ask DNA (CD4-10)

Equally brilliant are the instrumental tracks and I highly recommend Yoko Kanno's live piano solo (CD4-9), which's a jazz hodgepodge of CB melodies nicely arranged with strong improvisional flavours. Ah, scrolling back... I'm such a lunatic. Somehow I feel I still haven't spoken enough. Well, CB music might not be your cup of tea if you're not into Jazz. Honestly speaking, I wasn't into Jazz at first and I found CB music really odd but you'll be surprised how 'adaptive' you can be lol.

Finally some fun stuff
-> which Cowboy Bebop song are you?

Mine - Cat on mars



and Jady's - Blue


My roommate's - Adieu

Bossa Nova & Ono Lisa

Alright, pick of the moment (see sidebar) issue—Bossa Nova and Ono Lisa. What and who? See the wikipedia links for details, I’ll just say a short word on each—

Bossa nova was derived from samba, and was very much influenced by jazz. It became massively popular in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America. It also enjoyed major international success during brief periods of popularity such as after the release of the film Black Orpheus in 1959 and with Stan Getz's recordings in the 1960s. Bossa nova repertoire consists predominantly of songs, while the instrumental music similar to it is generally called samba-jazz. Perhaps the best known bossa nova song is Antonio Carlos Jobim's The Girl from Ipanema (A Garota de Ipanema), which is widely known in both its original Portuguese and in English translation—which is also the autoplay item you hear in our current ukuradio right now. =)

And as for Ms Ono (小野リサ, Ono Risa)—she is probably the best bossa nova artist in Japan right now. Born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1962, she moved with her family to Tokyo at 10. From then on she spent half of every year in Japan, and half in Brazil. She is a native speaker of Portuguese and Japanese, and has released albums in Portuguese, Spanish, French, English and Italian. Her first album, Catupiry, was released in 1989—she was 27 then—after which she released about one album a year. She became internationally more recognized in recent years, when her passion and talent in bossa nova was remarked upon by Brazilian jazz artists, including the author of Girl from Ipanema. Her characteristic warm, gentle voice blends the light-hearted joyousness of Latino music and the dreamy feel of cool jazz, soothing and delighting lovers of this genre.

I'll upload her As Time Goes By album as soon as yousendit begins working on my computer again, check back soon. =d
***
Update: YSI is down for the moment, so I am using MegaUpload which doesn't seem to have an expiry date somewhere..here is the download link to the album, which I shall take down in a week's time. If you missed it, request and I'll send it personally to you again. Enjoy~ =)
***
Update: as zhu has pointed out, this is more likely a compilation of sorts than a formal release. But that's minor, which means we are just without an album cover for this one, lol.

Track list to As Time Goes By

1 RED BLOUSE
2 BEIJO PARTIDO
3 MOON RIVER
4 SO DANCE SAMBA
5 Samba De Verao
6 o barquinho
7 PALPITE INFELIZ
8 MOONLIGHT SERENADE
9 TEA FOR TWO
10 AS TIME GOES BY
11 ANGEL`S EYES
12 I WISH YOU LOVE
13 BE WITH ME
14 PRETTY WORLD
15 YESTERDAY