LolliGurls – Big Bang, 2NE1 and Katy Perry
Korean | Pop
I thought that this would be an appropriate summer mix since it Katy Perry’s instrumental gives Lollipop more of a beat and it makes it seem more lively. There were times when I thought that they sounded a little off key, but I think the person who remixed the song had to change the pitch in some parts to make it go along with the background. Overall, I think this is one of the best mashes I’ve heard in a while.
Hello – Namie Amuro vs A. Skillz & Krafty Kuts
Japanese/English | Pop/Hip Hop
When I first heard this remix I was really into it for a while. The mix is flawless in terms of its transitions and it all seems to flow really well and the two songs don’t compete for “air time” so to speak. Rather, they seem to compliment each other.
Again It’s You – 2pm vs. Super Junior
Korean | Pop
I think this is a decent mix of the two songs since both their tempos are fairly similar. However, I do think the transitions between the two songs can be a bit jarring at times (can’t really comment on if the words would make sense, sorry!) since during the chorus it can get a bit loud and sometimes I feel like the words get almost cut off.
Juju Lets Go – JUJU vs. M-Flo & Yoshika
Japanese| Pop
It isn’t very common to find a slow-ish mash up since most mash ups are geared towards making songs more upbeat. I think this song’s transitions are pretty good and both m-flo and Yoshika’s vocals go really well with the background since their song is more of a slow tempo song.
Mister Abracadabra – Brown Eyed Girls vs. Kara
Korean | Pop
I was debating whether or not to post another remix of Abracadabra but since most of the song (or at least the part that I like more) is Kara’s Mister. I think the two songs blended well but there are times when the overlap can be a bit much on your ears if you’re not used to hearing two different songs put together with one on the left and the other on the right.
Labels: 2PM, Amuro Namie, Big Bang, Brown Eyed Girls, Contributor; Carmi, Juju, KARA, m-flo, Super Junior, Yoshika
Again, my apologies on being MIA! As an aside, if you have any requests, please either leave a comment or email me at carhithiel@gmail.com
Maybe in Love – Super Junior (Kyuhyun, Yesung & Ryeowook) feat. Park Sae Byul
Korean | Pop
I absolutely love this remake. Their melodies are great and the girl’s voice is nice and sweet. It’s a nice song with the instruments really complimenting the vocals.
We Belong Together – Big Bang feat. Park Bom
Korean | Pop
I always kind of liked this song but kind of also ignored it (don’t know why). I do like the energy they project in the song and the remix overall. The techno beats really do give the song extra punch but do emphasize the parts that they didn’t really sing/rap. Still a fun song though.
Abracadabra (Live Fractal Remix) – Brown Eyed Girls
Korean | Pop
It’s a really good remix…but I do wish their vocals were more complete and consistent. I think the remix is comparable to the original and catchy in its own way. I do like the way that they had decided to remix the song – still keeping it upbeat and not overplaying the techno aspect.
Universe – BoA feat. Verbal & Crystal Kay
Japanese| Pop
Normally I’m a fan of all three (although BoA less than the other two) so I was expecting more from this collaboration. Their vocals are okay and the balance with the background is okay but I was kind of hoping they would mix more of the crowd’s interactions in. As an aside, if you don’t want to hear their talking, just stop the song after the 4:20 mark.
Purple Line – DBSK
Japanese | Pop
I like the rock kind of feel it has with the guitars playing riffs all throughout the song. The deeper and louder drums also add to that kind of feel. I also like the break/interlude in the middle of the song (better if you watch the concert vid though). Overall, a nice song from the boys.
Labels: Big Bang, BoA, Brown Eyed Girls, Contributor; Carmi, Crystal Kay, m-flo, Super Junior, Tohoshinki
Change My World (Steven Chen Drum Cover) – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
Oddly enough, I didn’t even know this song existed (okay, I ignored it when it first came out for some strange reason) until I heard this drum cover and I was doing “research” for this post. Steven’s rendition is quite close to the original but I do like the extra punch he gives to the song.
Balloons (Live Percussion Version) – Tohoshinki
Korean| Pop/Rock
This is actually the only version of this song that I listen to: it’s mellow and I really like the “lack” of instruments (focuses mostly on percussion and keys). It reminds me of kids selling lemonade during summer and wandering around a fair or a park on a nice afternoon.
Go! Go! Maniac (Drum Cover) – K-On! (Toyosaki Aki, Hikasa Yoko, Sato Satomi, Kotobuki Minako, Taketatsu Ayana)
Japanese | Pop
Oddly enough, I only started listening to this song after I saw a Japanese girl (she was only 13) doing a drum cover. From that point, I got hooked. Normally I’m not into the super high-pitched singers but I paid more attention to the drums than anything else.
One Day (Drum Cover) – Miliyah Kato feat. M-Flo
Japanese | Pop
I kind of wish the drums were recorded with better quality (probably because he used electronic drums rather than actual ones) but still a good song to listen to. The cover really incorporates well with the original song.
Run Devil Run (Moonie Drum Cover) – SNSD
Korean | Pop
Oddly enough, I kind of wish the kick drum was a little more prominent in this version. Otherwise, it’s still a good cover of the original. It almost makes me want to listen more to the original (never really got back into listening to SNSD after Genie).
Funny Bonus: Sexy Back – Leeteuk and Eunhyuk
English-ish | Pop
Warning: this isn’t the best quality. Okay. This just makes me laugh every time I hear it – and it isn’t because they don’t really speak English. It’s because they can’t remember the words. Haha. Just a quick little bonus for everyone that needs a laugh (the video’s funnier because you can actually see Leeteuk start to laugh).
Labels: Contributor; Carmi, K-On, Kato Miliyah, m-flo, Monkey Majik, So Nyeo Shi Dae, Super Junior, Tohoshinki
Okay, so this is more of a play on words. All the song titles have the word "one" somewhere…
As One – Big Mama
English| Pop/Rock
The mix of rock-ish elements with the violin and more classical elements make me think of a more indie label sound. It’s got a decent beat and it does want to make you kind of want to get up and move. The English is a little tough to understand at times, but you can make out enough of it to get the meaning of the song. I can picture it as being the opening theme to an anime with more fantasy elements in it.
One Sugar Dream – M-Flo
Japanese | Pop
It’s a nice, mellow mid-tempo song and the girl’s vocals (don’t actually know who’s singing, sorry) mesh in quite well with the background. I really like the acoustic guitar and simple percussion which make up the majority of the accompaniment, with the violins adding accents.
One – Bi / Rain
Korean | Pop
I think it’s a nice mid-tempo song, but not overly memorable (I like a couple of his other songs better). I do like the fact that he doesn’t try to go into the upper register too often (his mid-range stuff sounds better) and the instruments are relatively simple though.
You Are the No. 1 – Bonnie Pink feat. Kreva
Japanese | Pop
I kind of wish there was either more of a contrast between Bonnie Pink’s and Kreva’s voices, or that they meshed more…I think it’s because I don’t think of Bonnie Pink as an R&B singer (in comparison to Daichi Miura). It’s still a decent song to listen to though, even though it’s not high on my list of favorite collaborations.
One Moment – Monkey Majik
English | Pop
I think the best element of the song is the guitar and how, with the piano, gives it a kind of jazzy/bluesy kind of feel. It’s a nice mid-tempo song, the kind you’d listen to if you were reminiscing about past loves while you’re out on the patio staring up at the stars.
Labels: Big Mama, Bonnie Pink, Contributor; Carmi, Kreva, m-flo, Monkey Majik, Rain
Number 1 – Big Bang
English| Pop
I really like the beat and the base line in this song. It isn’t overly complex but it’s a good party track. I can see why they use it as one of their intros to their concerts.
Do You Like It? – M-Flo loves Crystal Kay
Japanese | Pop
A nice mid-tempo track with a beat you can bop your head to. Crystal’s got a nice, mellow voice that contrasts nicely with Verbal’s (M-Flo) raps. It kind of has a Latin-ish sound to it (at least that’s what I think) which definitely makes it dance-able.
Bo Peep – T-ara
Korean | Pop
Thus far, this is the only song of T-ara’s that I like (it was the first that I had heard). I seem to be oddly, slightly addicted to it (it got stuck in my head right away). It isn’t overly memorable and at times their high-pitched voices can be a bit much (especially if you compare it to Crystal Kay’s voice) but still a good listen.
Inside Your Head – Daichi Miura
Japanese | Pop
This is my favorite Daichi song. It’s got a good beat, a nice base line, and you can definitely dance to it (his PV highlights some nice choreography similar to Justin Timberlake’s – think back to his “Like I Love You” song). Daichi’s voice is mellow and he doesn’t go too much into the higher range (which I think can wreck his voice).
Don’t Talk – Jon B.
English | Pop / R&B
This, I think, is Jon’s only fast track (he’s known more for his ballads). It did come out back in 2000 but it’s a song that’s usually played at the clubs around here. It’s a nice mid-tempo track with good beats, and Jon’s voice suits it really well (I kind of wish he had more of these faster tracks).
Labels: Big Bang, Contributor; Carmi, Crystal Kay, Jon B, m-flo, Miura Daichi, T-ara
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.
****************
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
皆さん、今日は！ 안녕하세요 여러분! 你好众人!
Hello everyone!
My name is Aranka, but call me Ank. :) From now on, I'll be the co-host of Fashion Scans Rotation. Haruhi and I will alternate weeks in updating our rotation, but as I'll be busy all week and the weekend too I thought you should profit from my rotation double as long!
To kick my career as a rotation hostess, I thought I'd list some of my all time favourites for you.
Please also give a shout out to Haruhi, for doing such a wonderful job on the new layout!
18 songs this time around, enjoy! Comment or rate please, if you decide to download.
A*Ra*Shi - Arashi
Japanese/Pop
This is the debut single of this now almost 10 year old boyband! It's a song that just oozes energy and happiness, giving you the perfect excuse to bob your head in public! This is definitly one of my favourite songs by Arashi, even though it sounds humongously poppy and you can hear all the members have just started their full on musical career.
WISH - Arashi
Japanese/Pop
The theme song to the first season of Hana Yori Dango, this song is lighthearted and sweet. I would almost say it makes you feel fuzzy on the inside, but I think that would be taking it too far. None the less, if you know HYD, you know this song is the embodiment of the plot. Sweet, lighthearted, a little comical and an unrelenting faith in love.
CLAP&LOVE - ayaka
Japanese/Pop&Rock
I don't know why everyone isn't all over this singer, because she has an amazing voice! Her voice is the best compliment to the instrumentals of the song, giving it even more power. The musical harmony of this song is perfect and leaves you feeling empowered, able to conquer the world and able to face your music.
Love me, I love you - B'z
Japanese/Rock
This duo, that has been in business for nearly 21 years, is one of the best bands I know. While staying in the genre of rock, they have a enormous variation in musical style, keeping us all intrigued and waiting for their next release. This is a somewhat slower song, yet it remains upbeat, that's centered around love. Can you hear Tak-san beg?
Kimi ga Oikaketa Yume - Gackt
Japanese/Poprock
Probably the most famous artist in Japan right now, Gackt was my first introduction to Japanese music. I'm always amazed at how he is able to combine two things that seem incompatible - like this song clearly shows. While the lyrics are actually rather sad, the instrumentals sound upbeat and happy af if to say that what's expressed by the lyrics is not the end.
Vanilla (night version) - Gackt
Japanese/Pop+Latin
Now this was my very first Jmusic. Well, not this particular version of Vanilla, but Vanilla nonetheless. This song is actually a slower version of the original, put to a salsa rhythm. Even though Gackt has not a single salsa step in his system, it sounds great, giving the song the sensual feel that matches with its lyrics.
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy - K
English/Pop
The original is by Rod Steward, but I much prefer this version of the song. Perhaps that has to do with my slight preference for Asian men, but I just feel that K sings it way more sexy than Rod. While his English is not exactly perfect, you can easily understand him, while he gives you an idea of his vocal range at the same time.
Bonnie Butterfly - Kinki Kids
Japanese/Pop
I actually heard a snippet of this song from a KAT-TUN concert and fell in love with it instantly. Therefore, I decided to download the original. While I prefer the voices of Akanishi Jin and Kamenashi Kazuya, this song brings me a kind of inner peace and leaves me content and ease. It's a perfect song to relax to.
SIGNAL - KAT-TUN
Japanese/Pop
Now this song has the potential to make it to my all time favourite #1. It's my ringtone and I've learnt it by heart by listening to this over and over and over and over again. The song is cheerful, both instrumental and vocal and I'm just in love love love with the guitar arrangements. Highly, highly recommended.
Real Face - KAT-TUN
Japanese/Poprock
Actually, I lied a little about Vanilla. This song - in PV form - was my absolute very first introduction to Jmusic. Enticed by the voices and faces of this boyband, I started the hunt for Japanese music online, becoming more and more addicted to Japan, its music and its culture. This song is not the album version, which is terrible in my opinion, but the PV version. A rock song that profiles each band member.
Love me after 12AM - M-Flo ft. Alex (Clazziquai)
Japanese+English/Hiphop
I'm a big fan of the M-Flo ft. songs. This one features Alex, from the Korean band Clazziquai. It's a relaxed song, almost bordering on lounge music I think. Alex' voice and his impeccible English match perfectly with the instrumentals of this Japanese hip hop duo. While I haven't quite figured out what's up with the 'after 12Am', I certainly wouldn't mind complying =3
Vanessa - M-Flo ft. Bloodest Saxophone
Japanese+English/Hiphop+swing
I can't stop listening to this song! It's from the ASTROMANTIC album and it combines that '50s swing with 21st century hiphop, leading to a unique and addicting combination. If you've liked the SOIL & PIMP Sessions songs Haruhi has uploaded, you'll probably like this song aswell. It comes highly recommended.
Asterisk (full version) - Orange Range
Japanese/Hiphop
I still have no clue why you'd name a song after a kind of punctuation mark, but hey. These froods are so cool it doesn't matter. I'm always amazed by the speed of the chori. I can't see how they get it all done and NOT drop any syllables. It's the opening song of the first season of Bleach, which I think it suits perfectly.
Venus - Tackey&Tsubasa
Japanese/Pop
While I'm sure we shouldn't read too much into their names, this song is tacky. It's so wrong it has become genius XD Download the song, listen to it, find the video on Youtube or something and emerge yourself in one of the tackiest, yet funniest, song out there.
Sora Fune - TOKIO
Japanese/Rock
Theme song of My Boss My Hero, I never realised that the main star of the series was also the vocalist of this song. Tomoya Nagase has a very powerful and masculine voice, excellent for the music genre TOKIO produces (hard rock). I love the electric guitar that has a center feature in the song, powerful and skillfully played.
Darling - V6
Japanese+English/Pop
Theme song of the dorama Kimi wa Petto (You are my pet), this too is a sweet, soft song. It's a little contradictary with the plotline of the series, but it fits perfectly with Matsumoto Jun's adorkable character Momo. I think the song also has a kind of homey feel to it, which is probably why it was picked to be this series theme song.
Feel your Breeze - V6
Japanese+English/Pop
Theme song of the first Gokusen season, this song is all about empowerment. The instrumentals, the vocals, everything. I think this song could be Yankumi's personal theme song. I love how the refrain is sung mostly a capella by this boyband, without loosing the power of the message that the song tries to convey.
And yes, I do have a little obsession for Jdoramas. Now download D< ;D
Labels: Arashi, Ayaka, B'z, cohost: aranka, Gackt, K, KAT-TUN, m-flo, Orange Range, Tackey, TOKIO, Tsubasa, V6
Rotation 11 is slightly smaller than my previous two rotations, but I'm spending a little more time on comments. I was intending to find some images of the artists/albums too, but I decided not to this time.
The theme this week is remixes (this also includes different versions of songs), as well as a couple other songs I wanted to upload. I haven't uploaded the originals for most songs, but if you want, I can probably find them. Just leave me an e-mail or a comment somewhere, and I'll be happy to put it up for you. =)
Enjoy.
-Haruhi
REMIXES.
La La La (DG YG Remix) - Se7en
genre: Pop/Electronica
language: Korean
rating:
comments: I'm usually not a fan of electronica-type remixes of slow songs since I usually find that it takes away from their overall sound, but I have to say that Iike this mix. It's well done and puts a lot of emphasis on the bass, without losing the original essence of it. I actually really like the little eletronic-riff bridge. Probably one of the better remixes I've seen.
Yes Forever (Piano Version) - MISIA
genre: R&B/Ballad
language: Japanese
rating:
comments: I uploaded the original of this song in my last update (not the last rotation, but the update in between). This is the piano version of it, which is just as good. She has a wonderful voice, but I do have to admit that this song can get boring after a while. If you like ballads, definitely try her out.
Ashita wa kuru kara - Tohoshinki
Ashita wa kuru kara (A capella version) - Tohoshinki
genre: Pop/Ballad
language: Japanese
rating:
comments: Probably one of my favourite Tohoshinki ballads. I always like their a capella versions, too. It has a sweet but simple piano accompaniment, the same could be said for the melody. The chorus always gets stuck in my head. Their voices are soft but not lacking strength. The a capella version is good, but the piano accompaniment is just a little too loud, in my opinion. But their voices stand out a lot more in the chorus. The harmonizing is well done, their voices blend together nicely. I think I actually like Jae Joong's voice best in these two songs.
Together (Night Falls Mix) - Monkey Majik
genre: Pop
language: Japanese
rating:
comments: I uploaded this single a while ago, but without this remix. It's got a kind of bossa-nova/trance feel to it. It's not as good as the original and although it's well executed, it just doesn't suit the style of the song very well. But if you're fan of Monkey Majik, it's worth a listen.
Hit (Remix) - Cho Shin Sung
genre: Pop
language: Korean
rating:
comments: I'm usually not a huge boyband fan, but I like these guys. The beginning of this remix is kind of annoying with the guy saying "Run it" over and over, but it's a nice, upbeat track with some pretty dang nice bass beats. Their vocals are good and the first verse of this song reminds me a LOT of Super Junior. I actually thought this was a cover of one of their songs, since they have a song called "Hit" too, but ... it's not. I love the parts where you can hear the glass breaking. Try them out, they're not bad.
너는 어디에 (Remix) - Cho Shin Sung
genre: Pop
language: Korean
rating:
comments: Another upbeat Cho Shin Sung song, this song features smooth vocals and a surprisingly melodic chorus. While "Hit" reminded me of Super Junior, this song reminds me of Shinhwa, especially some of their older songs. The transition between the more aggressive verses and then the gentler chorus is well done.
Love mode feat. PE'Z and VERBAL (m-flo) (pzq mode) - Clazziquai
genre: Jazz
language: English
rating:
comments: Clazziquai, PE'Z, AND m-flo - just looking at the artists made me pretty sure this was going to be a good remix, and I wasn't disappointed. I love the drums. And of course, PE'Z is amazing, adding a lovely touch of jazz to this song. The vocals are very relaxing and the lyrics are all in English. It does get kind of repetitive, but I'm recommending this because PE'Z is just awesome.
Breakdown (Supreme Mix) - Epik High
genre: Hip-Hop
language: Korean/English
rating:
comments: Another one of my favourites from Epik High's fifth album, this mix of Breakdown features mostly English lyrics, though some of the rap verses are in Korean. While the accompaniment is pretty repetitive, this song never really gets boring to me. It's very upbeat. Recommended.
One (Planet Shiver Remix) - Epik High
genre: Hip-Hop
language: Korean
rating:
comments: I loved Epik High's One, but I didn't really like the remix as much. It doesn't keep many of the original elements of the song ... there's not even vocals for most of it, or they're not lyrics from the original song. However, it does go into the chorus of One, kind of - it's recognizable, at least. When "You are the one" is sung it's just beautiful, though. Everything kind of stops before it, and you're just waiting for it. Worth a listen.
Color Your Soul (Pinch Remix) - Clazziquai
genre: Eletronica
language: Korean
rating:
comments: Starts out with some nice piano chords, then leads into the first verse. It's very unique to Clazziquai's style, and I absolutely love it. Very relaxing.
Fly Remix (Hidden Track) - Epik High
genre: Hip-Hop
language: Korean
rating:
comments: Loving the drums. It's been a while since I listened to this song, this remix is pretty good ... it doesn't actually sound that much different except for the drums, which make it sound even more upbeat.
거짓말 (Lies) (Remix) - Big Bang
genre: Hip-Hop
language: Korean
rating:
comments: This is a slower remix of Lies, with a very simple but lovely piano melody starting it off. It's got more of an acoustic sound than the original mix, and showcases their voices wonderfully. I think it's a live rip, but it's a very good one. The beat does pick up after and it kind of slowly transitions into the original version of the song. Recommended.
MY PICKS.
Call Me (Appelez Moi) - Blaise Plant
genre: Pop
language: English & French
rating:
comments: I'm in love with this song. In case you didn't know, this is Blaise Plant of Monkey Majik. The lyrics are very sweet and sad at the same time.
Love is all that stands between usThe arrangement just blows me away. Love the drums & piano. Really I love just about everything about this song. Highly, highly recommended.
With U - Big Bang
genre: Hip-Hop/Pop
language: English
rating:
comments: Their English is getting pretty good. For the most part, it's understandable in this song. With U has got some pretty infectious beats, though it is pretty generic. The first time I listened to it I didn't really think it was that good, but it's starting to grow on me. This is from their upcoming mini-album in Japan.
マイネイチャー - 超飛行少年 (Super Flying Boy)
genre: Alt-rock
language: Japanese
rating:
comments: I thought this was ONE OK ROCK the first time I heard this song. The intro reminds me of Et cetera. Yeah, their style is pretty similar to ONE OK ROCK's. They're pretty good, try them out.
Labels: Big Bang, Blaise Plant, Cho Shin Sung, Clazziquai, Epik High, m-flo, MISIA, Monkey Majik, PE'Z, Se7en, Super Flying Boy, Tohoshinki
