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So, I just remembered that while postponing my update because of the polls Haruhi put up, I actually completely forgot to update. Thus, I present you with a double update in the same weekend! Rotation 10 is themed Jpop artists, meaning the songs below are classic examples of Jpop music, as well as artists that are mainly associated with producing Jpop. As always, please leave a comment when you download! Otsuka Ai - Sakuranbo Japanese - pop This song belongs in my collection of first ever songs. This was my first Otsuka Ai song and I thought it was amazing! Such a happy, crazy, sweet love song! I've listened to this over and over, and it makes me smile every time. It's a true hyper Ai song. KAT-TUN - No Matter Matter Japanese - pop This song always reminds me of the interlude in which they throw souvenirs into the audience during concerts. It's amazingly happy and it's an enourmous showcase for Yuichi's beatbox skills and Koki's rap. Arashi - Nemuranai Karada Japanese - pop I always feel this song was supposed to be somewhere half way between a sensual song and pop xD Or that it's just some slightly failed attempt at producing a steamy hot summernight song. However, as I love Arashi, I love this song, since they're slightly lower voice complement the trumpets really well. SNoW - On & On Japanese - pop I can't promote this singer enough! She's so amazing, it's a shame she's still in college at the moment. Slightly less upbeat than "I'm No", this song has a lot of symbolism, put to a gorgeous arrangement. Highly recommended. AAA - Q Japanese - pop What can I say? This song is full of that typical AAA energy, with lyrics so fast I'm still amazed at how they did it. It's happy, it's fun, it's fast. It's AAA :D Takacha - Movin' Japanese - pop I got this song from my baby sister actually, when she was momentarily infatuated with the anime Bleach. I can't say I've any other music by this group, but this song sounds amazing. I really, really like it. It's a fun antagonist for Orange Range's OP song. GYM - My Angel Japanese - pop Released as an official single for the Women's Volleyball World Grandprix, Golf, Yamashita and Mike come dangerously close to becoming moe~~ I can truly call this song kawaii (and for someone who despises wrong use of that particular adjective, that says something, ne? xD)! So, so sweet! Kanjani8 - Zukkoke Otokomichi Japanese - pop Well, if this isn't the embodiment of Jpop, I don't know what is. Well, perhaps Arashi. At any rate, this is a classic pop song. Happy, upbeat, and truly JE. Recommended ;D NewS - Sayaendo Japanese - pop Another typical popgroup. This song is least upbeat however than their usual, but no less addicting. It sounds like it's been influenced by 1001 Arabian nights, or perhaps Indian music. I really like this change of pace though, it's one of my favourite songs at the moment. Utada Hikaru - Celebrate Japanese - pop And, it a popthemed rotation, the Queen of Pop. At least the Queen I can stand (I really don't like Ayumi ><;)! Celebrate is a happy song, although it has a little more slow tempo. The soft melodic arrangement matches perfect with the soft vocals by Utada. Recommended. Labels: AAA, Arashi, cohost: aranka, GYM, Kanjani8, KAT-TUN, NewS, Otsuka Ai, SNoW, Takacha, Utada Hikaru 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 Sorry that this rotation was a little late - the jazz band that I play in had a concert on Saturday, so I didn't have much time to update this weekend. Fashion Scans was started roughly October of 2007. It’s November 2008 now, so the site recently passed its one year birthday! ^_^ Rotation 20 is themed then and now, featuring songs that topped the charts in 2007 and ones that are topping the charts now. Korean; 2007: 둘이라서 - Eru (Because it’s the two of us) Ballad | Vol 3 - Eru Returns The ever-popular ballad seems to dominate k-pop charts, although I’ve noticed recently that with the new electronica trend, more upbeat songs are taking the top spots, especially with artists like Big Bang, Wonder Girls, and DBSK. 둘이라서 is a typical Korean ballad - to my ears, it was a bit too generic. IMO, Eru’s second album was better than his third, although his voice is still lovely. Worth a listen if you’re a fan of ballads. 사랑한다 - Lee Seung Chul (Sa Rang Han Da) Ballad | The Secret of Color 2 Another ballad. As opposed to Eru’s deeper, thicker voice, Lee Seung Chul’s vocals are light and melodic. The warm, uplifting arrangement is really what made this song worth listening to. 2008: 어제보다 오늘 더 - Kim Jong Kook (Today More Than Yesterday) Pop/Ballad | Vol. 5 - Here I Am 2008 saw the return of Kim Jong Kook, one of the top male singers in Korea, from his mandatory military service. He’s always been one of my favourite artists. His voice, while high in range, is still thick with emotion. Recommended. 라디오를 켜봐요 - Shin Seung Hoon (Turn on the Radio) Pop/Rock | Radio Wave A veteran k-pop singer known to be the “king of ballads”, has also returned with a mini-album that differs from traditional ballads, featuring an acoustic rock sound. Turn on the Radio starts out as a relaxing, laid-back track featuring a simple piano accompaniment, building suddenly and without much warning into the chorus. I love the contrast in dynamics in this song, but the softer parts were a bit dragged out. Gossip Boy - Younha Pop-Rock | Someday Last year, Younha topped the charts with the song “Comet”. She seems to be enjoying a relative amount of success this year, too, with the release of her album Someday. I love her voice and the style of her music. Gossip Boy is an upbeat rock-influenced track, catchy and fun. Japanese; Songs chosen from the top 100 Oricon Singles of 2007 & from the most recent Top Singles chart of November 2008. 2007: Tabidachi no Uta - Mr.Children Soft Rock | Tabidachi no Uta A laid-back, slow rock ballad. It’s not one of my absolute favourites by them, but worth a listen. Eien ni - KinKi Kids Pop/Ballad | Phi~Universal Love A gorgeous ballad by KinKi Kids. Their vocals are rich and thick with emotion. The accompaniment is kept light throughout the song, even in the chorus, allowing their voices to shine through. Recommended. Daybreak’s Bell - L’arc~en~Ciel Rock | Daybreak’s Bell I haven’t enjoyed Laruku’s newer material much, this is probably the last release by them that I really liked. Daybreak’s Bell has a darker tone and a memorable chorus, hopeful and strong. 2008: 無責任ヒーロー - Kanjani8 (Musekinin Hero) Pop | Musekinin Hero I have to say I don’t like these guys much. They’re fun, but a little too poppy/cheesy for me. A bright, upbeat song filled with trumpet riffs and a jazzy/ska feel. Monochrome no Kiss - SID Rock I think this was done for the opening theme of an anime? While it seems very fitting as an opening theme, I prefer SID’s jazzier side. A solid rock song, but not much more. My Heart Leaps for “C” - Antic Cafe Oshare kei |Koakuma Usagi no Koibumi to Machine Gun Upbeat, electronica-influenced in parts - at first I thought it was bit too overwhelmingly hyper, but it tones down a bit. Eh, it wasn’t exceptional in my opinion - most of my favourite AnCafe songs are actually their ballads - but worth a listen. PROMiSE - MiChi Pop/Rock | PROMiSE She’s a relatively new artist, I think she’s only released one demo EP before this single? Signed to Sony. A simple mix of pop, rock, and electronica. If you’re looking for something experimental this probably won’t suit you, but it’s a decent song. Mandarin; 2007: 離開地球表面 - Mayday Rock | Jump! The World Mayday! <3 All their releases seem to be fairly successful - their latest album, Poetry of the Day After, is also topping charts - in fact, I’ve uploaded a track from it further below. 離開地球表面 is an fast-paced, catchy track. I love the beats in this song - slightly choppy yet never jerky. 青花瓷 - Jay Chou Pop | I’m Busy Jay Chou is another artist who you’ll see twice in this rotation. Is it just me, or have his last two albums (this one & his latest, Capricorn) really gone downhill in quality and consistency? There’s two or three decent songs and the others are either mediocre (more like “fillers”) or just really bad. T_T Anyways, 青花瓷 is a soothing, mellow ballad. Like many of Jay’s songs it features some faint influences of classical Chinese music, but unlike in some of his other songs it’s not quite so overwhelming. I actually thought this song was quite nicely balanced out between classical influences and modern sounds. Super Sunshine - Gary Cao Pop | Super Sunshine I love Gary Cao. <3 This song starts out with a sweet a cappella verse, leading into a light-hearted, feel-good pop song. Despite the cliched lyrics - You are my sunshine, my only sunshine I thought it was nice. 夠不夠 - Khalil Fong (Is it enough?) Pop/R&B | Wonderland Another great artist. A tasteful blend of R&B and pop, Is it enough? allows Khalil Fong’s wonderful vocals to shine through while also having a great beat. It’s not my favourite song by him, but definitely close. 我就是我 - Guang Liang (I Am Who I Am) Pop/Ballad | 不會分離 (Never Apart) A great singer - you might know him from his song Fairytale/Tong Hua which was a huge hit (I think I’ve uploaded it before, too). I Am Who I Am is a lovely ballad - while it lacks the instant impact of Tong Hua, it is a song that I found myself replaying. 2008: Always Online - JJ Lin Pop | Sixology One of my personal favourites from JJ Lin’s latest album. Always Online is fairly slow in tempo with faint R&B influences. It’s a sad song but catchy at the same time. Recommended. 稻香 - Jay Chou Pop | Capricorn This was the closing track of Jay Chou’s Capricorn album, and, IMO, one of the few decent tracks. A peaceful mid-tempo track backed by acoustic guitar 稻香 is light and youthful. 如煙 - Mayday (Ru Yan/Smoke) Rock | Poetry of the Day After A lovely acoustic ballad from Mayday. The vocals are genuine yet laid-back and the thick, blunt bass sound contrasts nicely with the short, separated guitar chords. Labels: Antic Cafe, Eru, Gary Cao, Guang Liang, Jay Chou, JJ Lin, Kanjani8, Khalil Fong, Kim Jong Kook, KinKi Kids, L'arc~en~Ciel, Lee Seung Chul, Mayday, MiChi, Mr.Children, Shin Seung Hoon, SID, Younha |