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Large catch up and make up rotation! As I’m sure you’ve all noticed, I’ve missed out on a couple of rotations. I apologise profusely, it’s a horrible way to start out the new year. I have a few good excuses, but I won’t bore you with them, as the music is the most important thing here. In this ginormous post I bring you two complete albums and two full feature rotations =D The albums were picked on my personal taste and on the incredible amount of downloads my uploaded M-Flo songs have had. The other songs were picked on starting with the letter A and song titles with the word summer/natsu. Please leave a comment when you download a song. Album one: Astromantic by M-Flo This is the album on which the song Vanessa is featured and is the first album in the M-Flo loves … series. This is a favourite of mine, as the album is comprised of music that has a loungy feel to it, but at the same time it’s upbeat and lively. Vanessa is my absolute favourite of this album, as it combines that nice ‘50s jazz music with their main hiphop theme. Other styles featured on this album are pop, electronic and R’n’B. The Third Impact Miss You [m-flo loves Melody] Vanessa [m-flo loves Bloodest Saxophone] Way U Move [m-flo loves Dragon Ash] Get On! [m-flo loves Crystal Kay] Astrosexy [m-flo loves Chemistry The Love Bug [m-flo loves BoA] Life Is Beautifuls [m-flo loves Double & Toku] Cosmic Night Run [m-flo loves Crazy Ken Band] Reeewind! [m-flo loves Crystal Kay] Uchu No Ouou Album two: ZUSHI by Kimaguren Songs by this duo were originally featured by Haruhi, but I found them so good I thought I’d upload the entire album. This duo released their first single, Omoi omoi, in late spring or early summer of 2007. This album ranked number one in the last week of July ’08 in the Oricon Charts. The entire album is sweet, breezy and uplifting. 2.LIFE 9. P.S. 10.Omoi Omoi 12.Dame Otoko 13. LIFE ( Smart Sports ver.) STUDIO APARTMENT Remix 14. LOVE CALL(Kimagure ShortEdit)/RYTHEM with キマグレン Rotation #7: Starting letter A Otsuka Ai – Amairo Parasol Japanese – Pop A rather mellow single by this usually hyper artist. It sounds very much like the A side of the single on which it was released – Amaenbo, although this is probably more upbeat. I think it’s a quite good alternative to her usually hyper music. Arashi – Asu ni Mukatte Hoeru Japanese – Pop A typical Arashi single – upbeat, happy and poppy. It reminds me a little of Kitto Daijoubu, although this song doesn’t feature Sho’s rapping. It’s also a bit electronic, perhaps more so than their other songs. I really like it though. Happy desu~ <3 ALvino – ARCADIA Japanese – Poprock An electronic song, yet with ALvino characteristics. I really like it, mainly because it seems to step outside the regular rock which ALvino produces a lot. Ayaka – Ai mo Uso mo Shinjitsu Japanese – Poprock Featuring her strong voice, this song sounds a little darker than most of the songs on her second album. I don’t think the song is as powerful as CLAP&LOVE, but it’s still a really good song. B’z – Ai no Bakudan Japanese – Rock I think this was my very first B’z song. I can’t even count the times I’ve listened to it. It really is rock music like you’d expect from this amazing musical duo. Upbeat rock, definitely comes recommended.Chachamaru – As Japanese – Rock Perhaps not the first thing you’d think about when you think of Chachamaru, the song is slow and a little mysterious. Near what sounds to me like the chorus, the music becomes really strong, while the rest sounds like a relaxing ballad. Recommended. Gackt – Another world Japanese – Poprock An upbeat, happy song by this amazing artist with his characteristic beginning. To me it’s the ultimate fusion between rock and pop. Listening to this song brings me instant happiness. Kanjani8 – Ano kotoba ni Japanese – Pop Another typical JE boyband with a typical sweet boyband song. Although in this case I don’t think that’s a bad thing, it works for Kanjani8. It always brings a smile to my face. KAT-TUN – Andarusia ni Akogarete (Live) Japanese – Pop I think is from their first concert, and I think the fusion between some characteristics from Spanish music works really good with the rest of the song, which is basically the typical KAT-TUN poprock mix. One of my favourite concert only songs. Kobukuro – Aoku Yasashiku Japanese – Ballad The minimal volume of the accompanying instruments gives this songs almost an a capella feel, showcasing the harmony of the vocals. To me, the harmony between the vocals and the instruments is the main charm of this song. Miyavi – Ashita, Genki ni Naare Japanse – Pop I LOVE this song! It’s so sweet, especially compared to some of Myv’s earlier songs. “Spring wind, breathin’ in a breeze” evokes that perfect late spring/early summer day, where the whole world just bathes in the sunlight and all is well. Rie Fu – Ame no Hi ga Sukitte Omotte Mitai Japanese – Ballad Singing of a rainy day, little bells invoke that feeling of the first raindrops on forest leaves on in late spring. This song seems influenced by classical music, with a piano and strings as main accompaniment. SiD – and boyfriend Japanese – punk Happy happy! This one of the more upbeat songs done by SiD, although it’s nowhere near the hyperness of Smile. Staying within that typical SiD style, I think this song can be put up there with some of the upbeat An Café songs, and other sweet punk like LoveScreamParty by SuG. Southern All Stars – Ai wa hana no you ni (Olé!) Japanese – Pop/Salsa I couldn’t stop smiling the first time I heard this song. Japanese people attempting Spanish, quite successfully actually, is really entertaining. However, I think they’ve succeeded in giving this song that Mediterranean feel. It’s a real summer song~
Rotation #8: Summer themed Japanese – Ballad A sweet ballad with a summery feel to it, with a typical Arashi sound. This song does feature Sho’s rapping ;D “Natsu no namae oshiete..” Japanese – pop Rather than their usual hiphop, this song is a really poppy song. It gives you a bit that late night at a tropical island feeling, just hanging out near or on the beach, having a good time. Korean – pop Starting out a little sad the song gradually changes to a happy song about the summer, or a summer love. I think, I don’t speak Korean xD It’s sweet and summery and it has DBSK. Win, right? Japanese – hiphop Rap with a summer sauce. Later it’s a sugary sweet voice prolonging the feeling of a summer night with a potential fling. It really feels like that summer loving. Comes highly recommended. Japanese – punk After starting off like a ballad, the song soon becomes upbeat with a punk edge. It’s slower and a bit softer than most SiD songs, but I like it. Unlike the other songs in this part of the rotation, it has no particular summery feel, but it’s a good song nonetheless. Southern All Stars – Oh Summer Queen Japanese – pop The B side of the single I am your Singer, a B side I particularly like. This song has more of a party mood, where the boy dares the girl to come closer etc., rather than a summer feeling. I think this is a cool song. “One two three, now baby come on..” Japanese – ballad A soft song by a very good singer. It’s a good song to listen to with a glass of wine in your hand, sitting on the porch and reading a book. A soft breeze to boot and the night is perfect. That’s what I’d do anyway x) Japanese – pop Poppy, upbeat, happy. One of the oldest songs in my music collection, it makes me a bit nostalgic :’) It’s just a good fun song, for a little instant happiness. **************** Yes, I ran low on inspiration how to describe songs in this rotation. So shoot me ;D Also, feel free to request any songs and please leave a comment. Labels: ALvino, Arashi, Ayaka, B'z, Chachamaru, cohost: aranka, D-51, Gackt, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, Kimaguren, Kobukuro, m-flo, miyavi, Otsuka Ai, Rie Fu, SID, Southern All Stars, Suga Shikao, WaT [rotation 2] unknown artists
Saturday, November 8, 2008 posted at 12:45 PM
Hello everyone! A new weekend, a new rotation by me. Yay~ This week's rotation's is all about artists that are relatively unknown, but can totally rock your socks. So please give 'em a try. Leave a comment or a shout when you download :3 Akeboshi - Wind Japanese / Pop Many of you probably know this song, as it is one of the many theme songs for the anime Naruto. However, Akeboshi as an artist is still relatively unknown. My personal hook is his unusual voice and for this song his impeccable English. ALvino - Bitter Smile Japanese / Poprock ALvino is becoming more popular nowadays, but they are still a rare find on most rotations. While their style isn't something you'd deduct automatically if you watch at their previous bands, this song is quite catchy and frivolous despite the title. Anyband - TPL (Talk, Play, Love) Korean, English / Pop, hiphop Used for a Samsung commercial, I'm absolutely in love with this song. The PV features a kind of Orson Welles Big Brother society, with Boa, Xiah Junsu (DBSK/TVXQ), Tablo and Jin Bora rebelling against it. Boa and Xiah do most of the vocals, song vs rap, complemented by tremendous guitar and piano play. So maybe they aren't so not-so-famous (>.>) (<.<) (>.>) ayaka - Power of Music Japanese / Pop I featured this artist before, but I like her music so much I'm featuring her again! This too is an empowering song, where her voice is a perfect match to the instrumentals. It's very different and yet quite the same as CLAP&LOVE, so if you like that you'll probably dig this too. Fujita Maiko - Ima Demo Anata Ga Japanese / Pop, folk Now this lady is incredible hard to find among the interwebz. Vocally, she's the Japanese Mariah Carey. Only a thousand times better. This is a very soft song, featuring her exquisite voice. The instrumentals are very soft, leaving the keyrole to her vocals. Kobukuro - Tsubomi Japanese / Poprock I accidentally found this artist in a duet with singer ayaka. Intruiged, I found some of his own work and got hooked. Depeding on the feel of the song, he "changes" his vocals, although his never loses his unique sound. This song is one of his ballads. Nice Hashimoto - Imashika Japanese/ Pop, Electronic Also an artist I hardly see appear on rotations. I particularly like the upbeat, yet loungy feel that his songs have (the ones I have managed to find..). This song features an attempt (?) at rap, although I think it's actually a little to melodious to be actual rap. Still a good song. Rie Fu - Decay Japanese / Pop, folk Mainly known from her featured song 'Life is like a Boat' (a Bleach ED), she's produced four albums, which have been very successful, as far as I can tell. Yet, as with ALvino, she's hardly ever featured on main rotations. This is one of my favourite songs by Rie. Rimi Natsukawa - Sayounara, Arigatou Japanese / folk This is a singer I've heard even less about, except for a few occasional appearances when I first got into Jmusic. Perhaps it's the mellow and folk feel her songs tend to have that's keeping her from breaking with the general (foreign) public? I have no idea, but I do know this is a lovely song, perfect as a background music for e.g. homework. SNoW - I'm no English / Pop This artist is really unknown as far as I'm aware. She's produced only album, but is currently attending college in the USA, so we can't really blame her now, can we? She has a unique sound, both instrumental and vocally. Her English is impeccable and I adore the lyrics. I'm no statue of liberty, no Joan of Arc, no Marilyn Monroe. Tamaki Hiroshi - Odorou yo Japanese / Pop A song by Chiaki-senpai himself! As if it wasn't enough that he's quite the actor and is very easy on the eyes, Tamaki-san also sings! He has a full, darkish voice which I personally really like. It suits the upbeat, yet perhaps nostalgic feel perfectly. *swoons*.. Labels: Akeboshi, ALvino, Anyband, Ayaka, cohost: aranka, Kobukuro, Nice Hashimoto, Rie Fu, Rimi Natsukawa, SNoW, Tamaki Hiroshi rotation 19 [a touch of colour]
Friday, October 24, 2008 posted at 4:43 PM
Rotation 19 is a touch of colour, featuring song names that contain colours. Along with the new rotation is a new layout, featuring Lee Jun Ki. Also, we have a new cohost, Aranka, who will probably be introducing herself soon. =) 22 songs this rotation, definitely one of the larger rotations I've done. Please remember to leave a comment or rating. Red Soul - AAA Japanese | Pop AAA's style varies so much, I never know what to expect from them. Red Soul is rock-influenced and upbeat. It sounds like something out of a video game or anime. A fun listen, but not exceptional. Red Hot - ELLEGARDEN ![]() English | Alt Rock This is the original version, not the remastered one. I love ELLEGARDEN's unique sound and style, it killed me to hear that they were going on "hiatus". Although they're a Japanese group, this song is in English. Takeshi's voice is raw and powerful. 醉赤壁 (Drunk Red Cliff) - JJ Lin ![]() Mandarin | Ballad This track is from JJ Lin's new album, Sixology. The intro incorporates traditional Chinese instruments, which make small appearances throughout the song. A nice ballad, not overloaded with influences of classical Chinese music yet touching on them all the same. Red Room - Lolita23q Japanese | Rock One of my favourite VK groups. Red Room doesn't waste any time, jumping right into a noisy, fast-paced rock number. It's a little repetitive, but I enjoyed it. Mirage in Blue - Chemistry ![]() Japanese | Pop/R&B A sweet, poppy song, accompanied with acoustic guitar. The sparse accompaniment allows their vocals to shine through. Recommended. BLUE VACATION - BOØWY Japanese | Rock '90's rock just has that ... feel to it. Haha, not really my kind of thing, but it's fun as an occasional listen. Blue & Green Waves - DE DE MOUSE Japanese | Electronica I'm loving the variety of genres this theme allows. DE DE MOUSE has an experimental, fresh sound. It's an acquired taste, but give them a shot if you're a fan of electronica. Blue Doors Ahead - F.I.R. Mandarin & English | Pop This is probably the only time you'll see me upload F.I.R., I'm not a huge fan of them. A downtempo jazz track, Blue Doors Ahead is relaxing and strong vocally, but not overly memorable. Blues - Jam Hsiao Mandarin | Rock An underrated but up and rising star in the C-pop industry, Jam Hsiao's style varies from pop to ballad to, as is the case with Blues, rock. It sounds better when you listen to it with the rest of the album, where it stands out more against the ballad/pop tracks. But, a good song nonetheless. Deep Blue - Vidoll Japanese | Rock Eh, I'm kind of iffy on Vidoll. Some of their songs I love, others, not so much. Deep Blue is kind of in-between, I thought it was decent but not great. The bass-heavy accompaniment kind of drones out the already whisper-y vocals. Green Apple - Ynot? ![]() Korean | Rock This rotation is pretty low on Korean songs, I noticed. A light-hearted rock song reminiscent of summer. I quite like this group. Green Rivers - Pia ![]() Korean | Rock Ballad Pia is probably one of the more well-known K-rock groups. Green Rivers is a strong rock ballad. It sounded a little bland to me at first listen, but it's starting to grow on me. Green Requiem - Joe Hisaishi Instrumental | Piano A relaxing piano piece. If you like Yiruma, you'll probably like Joe Hisaishi. Yellow Beauty - LM.C ![]() Japanese | Rock Typical LM.C, jumps at you right from the start. It dies down a bit, showing impressive changes in tempo and mood. Recommended. Yellow Butterfly - Fly to the Sky Korean | R&B/Ballad I love this duo. Yellow Butterfly varies - at times a sweet acoustic ballad with a sparse guitar accompaniment, at others an almost upbeat R&B song. Beautiful vocal work, as usual. Not my favourite song by them, but it's pretty good. Purple Rain - Shin Hye Sung Korean | Ballad Pretty typical ballad, HyeSung's voice is beautiful and strong in parts but can barely be heard in others. Purple Apple - the pillows Japanese | Alt Rock From the pillows' latest album, PIED PIPER, Purple Apple is typical to the pillows' style - quirky and fresh. I love the bass line and bright guitar chords. Orange Evolution - ALvino Japanese | Rock I don't remember where I first heard of these guys, but I love them. They're a rock group but not VK, their sound is a little more mainstream. The chorus is genuine and memorable, although overall I wouldn't say this is one of their best songs. Orange Dream - Antic Cafe ![]() Japanese | Oshare kei It's been so long since I heard a slower track from anCafe. It does build more and more, but differs from their usual fare in that it's much more serious in tone. Their sound has matured a lot. I love the piano accompaniment in this song. IMO, a very impressive track. Orange - BRIGHT Japanese | Pop I'm not a fan of girl-groups, but I like BRIGHT for their great vocal work. A breezy R&B song, Orange features beautiful harmonizing. The melody and composition of the song itself isn't the most memorable though. Orange Parade - Ichigo69 Japanese | Rock More upbeat, in your face rock. Personally it was a little too messy for me, I found the bass of the song to be lacking - there was no real foundation, although it does even out a little. The slightly off-key vocals and random squeals from the guitar are kind off-putting. Part of the song sound almost ... fast-forwarded. O_o Definitely interesting, but I found it too jarring. ORANGE GRADATION - Imitation PoPs Uchuu Sentai NOIZ Japanese | Rock I love this band. The song has a nice intro and vocals, it's upbeat and energetic but not overwhelming. Note: Ichigo69 and Imitation PoPs Uchuu Sentai NOIZ are not tagged in this entry because Blogspot will only let me add 20 tags per post. Labels: AAA, ALvino, Antic Cafe, BOØWY, BRIGHT, Chemistry, DE DE MOUSE, ELLEGARDEN, F.I.R., Fly to the Sky, Jam Hsiao, JJ Lin, Joe Hisaishi, Lolita23q, Pia, Shin Hye Sung, the pillows, Vidoll, Ynot? |