Full Moon (Live) – Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
The instruments remind me of the old school horror movies with the strings creating a dark and sinister atmosphere. The overall sound of the song reminds me of what it would sound like if you were visiting a haunted house on Halloween – a little creepy but still a lot of fun.

Still Doll – Kanon Wakeshima
Japanese | Pop
Dolls have always creeped me out and this song is creepy in its own way. I mean, the song has Kanon talking to a doll named Alice. The cello and other stringed instruments give this song a dark kind of feeling, kind of like if you were stuck in an abandoned house at night. And it contrasts nicely with Kanon’s voice.

Sakasama No Chou – Snow
Japanese | Pop
This is the opening to “Hell Girl” (Jigoku Shoujo). If you’re into creepy anime with interesting stories, then this might be something to check out tonight. The song has a nice mid-tempo beat and I like the addition of the record scratches (gives it a more contemporary feel) and how it contrasts with the more acoustic feel of the guitar.

Electric Heart – SHINee
Korean | Pop
We’ve now reached the treat side of the mix. The guitar kind of reminds me of Justin Timberlake’s Seniorita but updated for 2010 and with less of an R&B feel. The song isn’t overly memorable (I like “Your Name” and “Lucifer” better) but still a good song to listen to.

Wizard of Oz – Clazziquai Project
Korean | Pop
Okay. So I was trying to go with a bit of a theme… The electric heart of the Tin Man. Oddly enough, when I think of Halloween, it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. The idea of being swept away to a weird place with weird people always seemed like something that could happen on Halloween. For some odd reason, this song got stuck in my head – especially the chorus.

Labels: Amuro Namie, Clazziquai, Contributor; Carmi, Kanon Wakeshima, Shinee, SNoW

A little something that caught my eye.

Sponge Band (스폰지밴드) - THE BEGINNING
Language: Korean
Genre: Pop Rock, Ballad

01. Can't Hear You (안들려): download
02. Should I Hit Them For You? (때려줄까요): download
03. Can't Hear You (안들려) Inst.
04. Should I Hit Them For You? (때려줄까요) Inst.

I have no idea what this band is about or the reasons for their peculiar name, but hey, it's the music that matters right? The first track,안들려 is an upbeat pop rock track, and perhaps a refreshing break from the explosion of auto-tune, though I can't say it's truly original. I do like the bit of energy and the "band" feel. The girls should have a greater part than just a 20 second rap, in my opinion. I thought I was going to hear a mixed-gender group, honestly.

때려줄까요 takes a softer route, a ballad driven by toned down guitars and drums. A bit of strings is mixed in and the girls take part in harmonizing the chorus. Again, nothing too awe-inspiring, but its flows beautifully and ends off in a sweet note.

~* ♣ *~

Here are a couple of random links I uploaded in the past. Thought I'd dump some to add some substance to this post, heh.

▌ Anna Tsuchiya - Rose - One of her most famous for the OP of NANA. I was blown away by this grungy rock song and her whispery voice. Excellent.
download
▌ G.E.M. - Where Did U Go? - If you haven't heard of G.E.M., I suggest you listen to her. A leading voice in Hong Kong, her vocals are so strong and pure. This track is a bit of R&B and acoustic. Recommended.
download
▌ SNoW - NightmaRe - This is an interesting one. Well, she hasn't released anything in the past...whenever, but this is my favorite from her. A tamed rock song, I love the slightly distorted other-worldly background instrumentals.
download

Labels: Anna Tsuchiya, contributor; Lena, G.E.M., SNoW, Sponge Band

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

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

Full Moon (Live) – Namie Amuro
Japanese | Pop
The instruments remind me of the old school horror movies with the strings creating a dark and sinister atmosphere. The overall sound of the song reminds me of what it would sound like if you were visiting a haunted house on Halloween – a little creepy but still a lot of fun.

Still Doll – Kanon Wakeshima
Japanese | Pop
Dolls have always creeped me out and this song is creepy in its own way. I mean, the song has Kanon talking to a doll named Alice. The cello and other stringed instruments give this song a dark kind of feeling, kind of like if you were stuck in an abandoned house at night. And it contrasts nicely with Kanon’s voice.

Sakasama No Chou – Snow
Japanese | Pop
This is the opening to “Hell Girl” (Jigoku Shoujo). If you’re into creepy anime with interesting stories, then this might be something to check out tonight. The song has a nice mid-tempo beat and I like the addition of the record scratches (gives it a more contemporary feel) and how it contrasts with the more acoustic feel of the guitar.

Electric Heart – SHINee
Korean | Pop
We’ve now reached the treat side of the mix. The guitar kind of reminds me of Justin Timberlake’s Seniorita but updated for 2010 and with less of an R&B feel. The song isn’t overly memorable (I like “Your Name” and “Lucifer” better) but still a good song to listen to.

Wizard of Oz – Clazziquai Project
Korean | Pop
Okay. So I was trying to go with a bit of a theme… The electric heart of the Tin Man. Oddly enough, when I think of Halloween, it reminds me of the Wizard of Oz. The idea of being swept away to a weird place with weird people always seemed like something that could happen on Halloween. For some odd reason, this song got stuck in my head – especially the chorus.

Labels: Amuro Namie, Clazziquai, Contributor; Carmi, Kanon Wakeshima, Shinee, SNoW

A little something that caught my eye.

Sponge Band (스폰지밴드) - THE BEGINNING
Language: Korean
Genre: Pop Rock, Ballad

01. Can't Hear You (안들려): download
02. Should I Hit Them For You? (때려줄까요): download
03. Can't Hear You (안들려) Inst.
04. Should I Hit Them For You? (때려줄까요) Inst.

I have no idea what this band is about or the reasons for their peculiar name, but hey, it's the music that matters right? The first track,안들려 is an upbeat pop rock track, and perhaps a refreshing break from the explosion of auto-tune, though I can't say it's truly original. I do like the bit of energy and the "band" feel. The girls should have a greater part than just a 20 second rap, in my opinion. I thought I was going to hear a mixed-gender group, honestly.

때려줄까요 takes a softer route, a ballad driven by toned down guitars and drums. A bit of strings is mixed in and the girls take part in harmonizing the chorus. Again, nothing too awe-inspiring, but its flows beautifully and ends off in a sweet note.

~* ♣ *~

Here are a couple of random links I uploaded in the past. Thought I'd dump some to add some substance to this post, heh.

▌ Anna Tsuchiya - Rose - One of her most famous for the OP of NANA. I was blown away by this grungy rock song and her whispery voice. Excellent.
download
▌ G.E.M. - Where Did U Go? - If you haven't heard of G.E.M., I suggest you listen to her. A leading voice in Hong Kong, her vocals are so strong and pure. This track is a bit of R&B and acoustic. Recommended.
download
▌ SNoW - NightmaRe - This is an interesting one. Well, she hasn't released anything in the past...whenever, but this is my favorite from her. A tamed rock song, I love the slightly distorted other-worldly background instrumentals.
download

Labels: Anna Tsuchiya, contributor; Lena, G.E.M., SNoW, Sponge Band

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

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

Welcome to Fashion Scans, an mp3 rotation that features Korean, Japanese, and Chinese music as well as the occasional English song. Fashion Scans was created in October 2007 and is run by Haruhi with contributions from Carmi.

Please send all affiliate requests to Haruhi. Carmi is currently open to requests.

Files are for sampling purposes only, I am not responsible if you keep them for longer than the 24-48 hours permitted. Please support the artists by purchasing their CDs.

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If you would like to be affiliates, send me an e-mail at ungathering@hotmail.com.

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