Lone Star – Captain Straydum
Japanese| Rock
This is a typical Japanese rock song as far as I can tell but still fun to listen to. It’s got a good beat and I can definitely see the band playing this live to get the crowd hyped up. It made me look forward to the opening sequence of “Ayakashi Ayashi” (definitely happily surprised as I was watching the show and listened to this song instead of the other opening theme, “Ryuusei Miracle” by ikimonogakari).
成功 – Kreva featuring Mummy D
Japanese | Hip-Hop
I found out about this song accidentally as I was mindlessly surfing YouTube and I wondered why Kreva had a video showing clips of “Prison Break”. Turns out, this is was included as part of the promos for its last season over in Japan. It’s got a good beat (not to mention Mummy D), a nice base line, and the chorus’ more orchestral sound conjures up images of the cast running for their lives.
Hit in the USA – Beat Crusaders
English | Rock
Again, another anime opening theme: this time it’s for the show “Beck”. The English is a little off but if you can get past that, it’s a good song. It kind of reminds me of something you might listen to in the morning if you want a rock song to start your day that isn't loud or angsty but fun.
Fly (Small Circle of Friends) – Tsutchie featuring Azumi Riki
Japanese | Hip-Hop
This is my favorite ending theme to the anime “Samurai Champloo”. It’s got a mellow, jazzy vibe to it (love the base and the simple synths) and the raps are quick but still suit the song really well.
Mystic Eyes – Hiroki Wada
Japanese | Pop
Okay. This is more of an indulgence on my part but it’s one of my favorite ending themes ("Escaflowne"). You can definitely hear the nineties sounds coming through, especially in it’s use of “sound effects”, but it's still great to listen to.
Labels: BEAT CRUSADERS, Captain Straydum, Contributor; Carmi, Hiroki Wada, Kreva, Tsutchie
