Just a few recent releases and random songs I uploaded, enjoy. =)
- Haruhi
Thank You - Nell
Korean | Alternative Rock
You can't go wrong with these guys. At times, this song can be quite downtempo - not exactly in a "relaxing" way, I would describe it as being more melancholy. But at other moments, it builds and becomes a lot more expressive. I love the acoustic guitar as well; the accompaniment is light yet colourful and rich.
Sweet Dream (Andante) - Alex
Korean | Pop
A sugar-sweet pop song by Clazziquai's Alex. I absolutely love his warm, smooth voice. The bell-like synths remind me of winter, which is kind of out-of-season I suppose, but other than that slight oddity, Sweet Dream is just that: a sweet, light, and extremely likeable pop tune.
돌아와줘 (Come Back) - Quaint Flow
Korean | R&B
I really don't know much about these guys at all, but Come Back is a really nice, smooth R&B track with deep, velvety vocals and a relaxed, at-ease feel.
선물 (Present)- K.will
Korean | Pop/Ballad
Another great singer, K.will delivers a sweet pop ballad with a cute piano-and-strings arrangement, modernized with rapping and a rock backbeat on the drums. While I like its bright tone, it doesn't have a lot of emotional value for me.
아파 - Queens
Korean | Pop/R&B
I don't know much about Queens either, but they're a new girl group on the k-pop scene. Now, that alone very nearly kept me from trying them out, but they are nothing like the auto-tuned, sugary pop group I was expecting. 아파 is an absolute treat. It's a refreshing pop track with an R&B interface - but their synths are intertwined with acoustic guitar and piano, as well as a rapper actually sounds half-decent! But the big question is: can they sing? While their style is very different from other vocally powerful girl groups, who tend to walk the ballad route, their voices are powerful, rich and soulful. Definitely a group that I'll be looking out for in the future, and a rare find amongst all the cookie-cutter girl groups that have been emerging lately.
Another Boy - Dia
Korean | Pop
Another female singer who I was very surprised with, Dia delivers a vocally powerful pop track with R&B influences. I really love her strong, rich voice and the song itself is catchy. I actually first heard this song when watching the MV [here it is w/ English subs] and found the mp3 later. It saddens me that she isn't really popular, because this as well as her other songs are really good.
하루종일 (Original ver.) - ZE:A
Korean | Pop
While there was a lot of hype around ZE:A, I have to say I was quite disappointed by their debut ... honestly, I couldn't even stand listening to their songs all the way through. They've made some improvement in their second single, though. I really like the piano in this song, although for some reason it reminds me vaguely of Big Bang but not as catchy.
Super Soul - Gil Hak Mi
Korean | Pop/R&B
If I recall correctly, she was the winner of a singing competition in Korea? I think it's called Super Star or something, I'm assuming it's similar to American Idol and the like. Either way, Super Soul ... kind of reminds me of Dia's Another Boy (see above), haha. However, it's got a more rock-ish beat. Hak Mi's voice is full and strong, and the song itself has a really unique sound and feel that I'm not really sure how to describe ... another newcomer to the music scene that's definitely worth a listen.
decay (English version) - Rie fu
Japanese | Acoustic
I love this song. <3 Rie fu's English is flawless (and I love the lyrics), and the backing of acoustic guitar and piano is so pretty. Although I've had this song for a while, I only started listening to it more recently.
Labels: Alex, Dia, Gil Hak Mi, K.will, Nell, Quaint Flow, Queens, Rie Fu, ZE:A
So, a week "late" as Haruhi decided to rotate early. To my regret, this rotation is small (only 6 songs o_O), as I found out I don't have as much songs that have a title with some kind of natural element in it. I actually have a little over 6 songs, but I decided I was not going to put up songs that I've already uploaded. That would kind of defeat the purpose of rotating, ne?
As a little make-up gift though, I've edited my post that contained my third rotation: the first album of Rie Fu. Rather than a link to MU only, I've now also upped each song indivdually to MF, so that those of you who have troubles with MU can still download the entire album here.
Please remember to comment when you download something.
Arashi - Kaze no Mukou e
Japanese - pop
It's a real Arashi pop song; cheerful, upbeat and, well, poppy xD This is one of the songs of which the combination of the vocals of the guys and the instrumentals give me an instant happy <33
Recommended.
Baby Boo - Shimanuzu Tsuki
Japanese - Latinish
I'm bummed out I lost their album due to a computer crash, because I'm a real fan of this band. This song conjures up a gypsy band around a campfire, making music, singing about the moon. I find it actually quite hard to describe, so just listen to it xD Highly recommended.
B'z - OCEAN
Japanese - Ballad
It's a really slow song, with a nostalgic feel to it. I imagine it's about returning to inaka, someone's hometown. Softer parts are alternated with strong parts, enforcing the nostalgic homesickness feeling.
Gackt - Rain
Japanese - ballad
What can I say? It's Gackt, doing a ballad that is alternated with rock (in the chorus I think). Powerful instrumentals complementing Gackt's voice to make for an aching feel and piano to accompany the soft parts. It's love, love, love!
Garnet Crow - Kaze to Rainbow
Japanese - poprock
Sometimes I feel this song is somehow meant as a kind of raindance incantation, other times I just get cheered up by the song. Whether you like pop or VK rock (ok, it's not that VK, but just to make a point xD), I think anyone could like this song.
Tamaki Hiroshi - Kono Kaze ni Notte
Japanese - pop
Somehow I feel this song isn't particularly suited to Tamaki-san's voice, but that could be the influence of Walk the Line that I saw yesterday (watch it! now!). The song is really sweet and uplifting however, with a fairly fast rythm and fun melody. I love the guitar bridge in the middle <3 It is a real "Cheer up!" kind of song.
Labels: Arashi, B'z, Baby Boo, cohost: aranka, Gackt, Garnet Crow, Rie Fu, Tamaki Hiroshi
Large catch up and make up rotation!
Miss You [m-flo loves Melody]
Starstruck - "The Return of the Luvbytes"
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.
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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 4 is up!
Already my fourth rotation, I can hardly believe it (^^) Anyway, this is relaxing #2. It's a collection of songs that I particularly like when I want music during my essay writing or studying. There are 14 songs for your enjoyment!
Please comment or leave a shout when you download a song :D
Gackt - Last Song
Japanese - Ballad
This is one of the slower songs of Gackt, that was not on his Love Letter album. I particularly like the combination of his deep voice combined with the feature role of the piano in this song. If you like Gackt, this might be better to simple relax to rather than doing homework. I find it a little distracting =3
Gackt - Kimi ni Aitakute
Japanese - Ballad
Another song that has Gackt's voice and his piano play the feature role. This one seems a little more romantic, whereas the previous song has a more "lost love mourning" feel to it. Again, this could be distracting, so try to pick a good time for listening ;D
Miyavi - Itoshii Hito
Japanese - Ballad
This is one of Myv's ballad, and one that I really like because of the endearing lyrics. I've always had a thing for guitar ballads and Myv is - as most of us will know - a guitar genius. While the lyrics are sweet and the song really is like a ballad, it has retained that particular Myv feel. Highly recommended.
Miyavi - We love You ~Seki wa kimo wo Aishiteru~
Japanese - Ballad
From Myv's Uta Dokusou album. I actually adore the entire album - guitars all the way baby! - but this has to be one of my favourite songs, because of the lyrics. Also the combination of mostly Myv's voice and his guitar make this a particular good relaxing song.
M-Flo ft. Namie Amuro - Luvotomy
Japanese - Electro poprock
This song is less of a ballad than the previous songs and could actually be considered upbeat. However, I feel that the recurring motifs in the songs are rather soothing, hence it's appearance in this rotation. You probably get by now that I'm a big fan of M-Flo, but I really like the way they have teamed up with Namie Amuro. <3
KAT-TUN - I Like It
Japanese - Ballad
Another of my favourite bands make an appearance. This ballad is from their first album and is a really romantic song, even though the lyrics and title may be somewhat ambiguous (^=^). This song could remind you a little of Arashi, as this is still from their JE's poppy phase.
Arashi - Kotoba Yori Taisetsuna Mono
Japanese - Pop
A song that has a kind of melancholic feel to it, I actually like the version sung by Ueda Tatsuya a little better. I guess the single voice makes it stronger for me. However, the lyrics are great as represented by the title: Something more important than words.
Otsuka Ai - Planetarium
Japanese - Ballad
An insert song for the Hana Yori Dango series (season 1) I cannot help but associate this song with Domyoji and Tsukushi <3 style="font-style: italic;">
Rie Fu - Negaigoto
Japanese - Ballad
This is a typical Rie Fu ballad, although more sad than for example Decay. I really like the PV that goes with this song, which unfortunately is not on Youtube anymore. If I recall correctly, Rie stands still while the world turns around her and she sings about her wish.
Chachamaru - Kagero
Japanese - instrumental
From Chacha's solo album, an instrumental song. It's supposed to be featuring Gackt, but I have yet to discover his voice. It's not my favourite song of the album (which is called Naked actually xD), but it's really soothing.
Fujita Maiko - Anata ga watashi no ...
Japanese - folk
Yes, another song by this amazing singer. As from her previous songs, you can deduce that relaxing music is somewhat of her trademark. This is a song I'd like to fall asleep to, however I have to study (>____<)
Kuraki Mai - Winter Bells
Japanese - pop
Actually, this is a Christmas song, but it's that time of year now, so booyah 8D I think this song is actually rather upbeat, but I love to listen to it, especially when it snows! It makes me feel warm inside and gets me excited for the holidays. Now, if a holiday isn't relaxing, I don't know what is.
SE7EN - Ari no Mama
Japanese - Poprock
Also no ballad, but an extremely likable song. Although that might have to do with the singer. He sounds a bit like K, whom I featured in an earlier rotation, although SE7EN might sing a bit more nasal? I don't know, I'm just impressed by the Japanese of this Korean singer and this very good song.
TegoMass - Miso Soup
Japanese - Ballad
The last song of this rotation was made by a duet from the boyband NEWS. It's a slow song, but with very high cuteness level. It's rather strange that they're singing about food, but hey. When it works, I don't complain! Also, JE's has come up with stranger things (pink pirate suits anyone?)
Well, that's all folks. I hope you enjoy the music. Please leave a comment when downloading or when something is wrong!
Labels: Arashi, Chachamaru, cohost: aranka, Fujita Maiko, Gackt, KAT-TUN, Kuraki Mai, m-flo, miyavi, Otsuka Ai, Rie Fu, Se7en, TegoMass
Hello everyone,
First my apologies of the slight lateness in rotating. I've been killed by the papers I had to write this weekend. Because I am so darn busy, this weekend will feature Rie Fu's first album, as her song Decay from my previous rotation was the top downloaded song.
The album features not only an english version of Decay, but also a classic such as Life is like a boat, that was used as an ending theme for the anime series Bleach. Rather than reviewing every song, I think that how much you liked Decay is a good indicator wether or not you´ll like the album. I for one think that the album´s great and that it´s perfect for listening to while writing your papers, doing other homework or just simple relaxing in those later hours of the evening.
Rie Fu - Rie Fu
Japanese & English / Pop & folk
- "笑って、恵みのもとへ" (Waratte, Megumi no Moto he; Lauging, To the Origin Of Grace)
- "Beautiful Words"
- "Somebody's World"
- "2cm"
- "I So Wanted"
- "Decay"
- "Prayers & Melodies"
- "雨の日が好きって思ってみたい" (Ame no Hi ga Sukitte Omotte Mitai; I Want To Think I Like Rainy Days)
- "Voice" (Album Version)
- "ツキノウエ(Jamming Version)" (Tsuki no Ue; Over the Moon)
- "Shine"
- "Life is Like a Boat"
- "~Interlude~"
- "decay" (English Version)
If there is any trouble with MegaUpload please let me know and I will find another storage space.
Also, comment when you download ;D
Labels: cohost: aranka, Rie Fu
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
