presence of soul - tightrope

Isn't it just such a beautiful song? The live sounds alot different from the recorded version, and maybe I prefer the recorded version but either way it's a riduculously good song. Their sound was described as "haunting" and I agree. The song is soft and gentle, yet filled with a raw emotion. The gorgeous high vocals contrasting to the rougher rock instrumentation is really what makes this so unique and so beautiful, too. They have taken away the flute for the live, but that only adds to the haunting, forlorn atmosphere. i just love the dynamics of the song, how it builds up then fades away again. It's just a REALLY GOOD SONG. It's indescribable all the emotions it makes me feel.

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They are suddenly re-uniting?! That almost feels too good to be true!! Ah...I used to be a fan like over a year ago. I think I first heard them right when I was just getting into Jpop!!

Read the article here

I guess alot of people are gonna be extremly happy about this though. Even I can't help but feel excited about what they are gonna release.

Wait. Next spring? That's way too long to wait...

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Isn't this so amazingly beautiful? Their voices really compliment each other.  I also watched a duet between kuroyume and L'arc and ciel- from around 91/92...before I was born most likely! o_o It was pretty awesome but definitly made one think "should have been there"- not quite as great recorded if you know what I mean.

It's weird to think I'm only fangirling over Kiyoharu now, yet he was around when I was but a kid. Actually in 99, the year we moved to the UK, I think SADS came over to the UK for a tour!! But obviously only 7/8 years later I would discover the band- and know about the tour.

Sometimes these things are pretty wierd. Some people have been fans of musicians since they started, seen them when they were teens and now as adults, can go on about how they have changed since back then. Some people know alot of about older generations of music. Most haven't though have they? Very few perhaps would be better wording.  For me- thinking about it properly, even after 2 years I'm still a Jpop/Jrock newbie. I don't even listen to the majority of bands and singers around now, nor do I really have that much knowledge about it. I guess because I listen to Jpop/Jrock, Cpop/C-rock and Krock/Kpop I cannot really devote my all to one!!

What i'm getting at is I think it would definitly be interesting if more people shared music from Japan from older era. All I've heard of (not neccesarily heard their songs) are Pink Lady, X Japan, D'erlanger (I think that's it), BUCK TICK, Kuroyume and Koshi Inaba (who I think was around in the 90's or earlier- not entirely sure. I've only heard a song by him! [edit] turns out he's vocalist of B'z. [/edit])  

Plus a few more who have been going for 20 years or more- like BUCK TICK and some others I cannot recall!

Need more 80's Jrock!! XD  And what about the 70's? Or 60's? I mean I don't even know what was going on in Japan at that time... let alone the music.

but yeah. You get my point （^_^） I might start googling this soon- see what I can find. :D

And wow. I originally planned to share the performance, and just mention the l'arc and the whole 92 thing. Somehow it morphed into these strange musings! 

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I found a kiyoharu livejournal community!! It's great to read about him, and see news!! Kiyoharu is sadly unpopular : ( Don't hear much about him. Glad to find a community with up to date info!! I kinda stopped listening to Kiyoharu for a while but I've gone back into fangirl mode now XD

Well news is that he will be releasing two new albums september 9th!! Both contain 8 tracks, which will be accoustic versions of his songs, SADS and kuroyume. Limited editions come with DVDs though content has been unconfirmed.

I also really want Kiyoharu clips which is a collection of his PVs.

And I was gonna buy some Nell albums.

Stupid music industry. There's always too many things to buy!!  And it's too expensive. I'm a jobless 16 yr old- I survive on my allowance. I just spent a tonne of money buying clothes too.

Hm...decisions decisions... I'm definitly being tempted quite alot. Definitly very very tempted here.

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I have gone into bad mood with school looming ahead, and I find myself listening to Nell quite a bit. Their music is the kind you can put on loud and immerse yourself in, and it's kinda relaxing and almost comforting to listen to. You can lose yourself in the feelings and the mood of the songs.  But at the same time you can put it on in the background and just let it play whilst you do something else.

Their music is pretty soft rock, but their songs have a great mood/feel to them and their work is simply beautiful. Seeing so wiki.ppn is down I'll take some info from Kome which sums them up well: Nell, a Korean band named after a movie starring Jodie Foster and discovered by Seo Taiji, is a pop/rock band with a very original and mesmerizing style. Their sometimes almost dreamlike music and the vocalist's unique, skilled vocals are filled with emotion that is sure to win over the heart of anyone who appreciates beautiful music.

Once again I cannot be asked to write full reviews (I'm so lazy. Hehe) but I will talk about a few favourite song that you should definitly check out!! I'm gonna ramble because I really really love these songs so I really want to right alot!! :D 

Firstly one time best seller, the remake found on their remake album let's take a walk. The song that really got me into Nell. It's a beautiful song,  a very soft and hypnotizing song, with  a dreamlike quality to it. The song has mellow, sad atmosphere. Feelings of regret, of losing something important. It's increbily powerful. There's so many feelings in this song. There's just so many layers, so many feelings... so many sounds all in this one 6 minutes long song.

The instrumentation is really stunning, I don't know how to describe it but it's a blend of soft rock and like synth, or a keyboard. It's really beautiful. And the vocalist has a gorgoues voice. His voice is just...so unique. The song is slow, but with many subtle variations. Also fantastic use of repetetion. The way they overlay the vocal parts at one point is just so ethereal and so beautiful.  I love the ending where the lines "is this the end?" are repeated. Ah...and when he sings falsetto. The vocalist has the most beautiful falsetto!! Also that backing talking thingy is pretty amazing. One listen and you're pretty much hooked on the song. It's incredible song... there's just so much to it. It's beautiful and I could honestly talk about it forever (because there are just so many parts to this song that are awesome).

I''ll stop rambling on about One time best seller though and move onto Promise me. A very relaxing and hopeful soft rock number. It's another great song. The song focuses alot on the wonderful instrumentation, with only a few verses and long instrmental parts. I love the chorus which is basically just the vocalist repeating "promise me" over the gorgeous instrumentation. Somehow it creates the most amazing feeling. It's almost like it doesn't need words. Once again I love the use of synth (though I think it's a keyboard). It all comes together to create such a full and uplifting atmosphere. This song is all kinds of awesome. Pretty short but very sweet. Got such a great feeling to it.

Next is Tokyo!! This one took a couple of listens to grow on me. It was only last night when I was listening on my mp3 player. I kinda lay there really absorbing the lyrics and the mood of the song and I realised just how amazing it was. Not to mention so catchy! Alot of Nells work subtely work their way into your brain~ XD The highlight of the song are the mature and realistic lyrics- reflecting on life and love in a rather bittersweet manner- "II think i'm losing weight again/ I think i'm losing taste again/I think i broke my heart again/Will you stay with me?".

Listening you can imagine the bright lights and conrete jungle that is any large city, like Tokyo. Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, so  I can imagine why they would choose Tokyo. Tokyo at night with the neon lights, people rushing home or going out. People still up and out or stuck in the office.  The sort of faceless city where you can lose yourself in your life, convince yourself you're happy, but really you're empty. It's not real. What's real are what you feel but even then... The song kinda makes me go down this strange route of thought! Listen to the lyrics though. They can really be interpreted in alot of ways. They kinda make you think.

Back to the song. The song almost has a dance beat to it, that sort of feeling. The keyboard gives it a feeling like something of the 80's but to great effect.  The song has this constant beat, sounding almost like it's in a distance. The verses are soft and mellow, and the chorus comes suddenly and it's loud- in your face. The vocalist uses his brilliant falsetto for a great effect. This is really awesome song. It's pretty strange, but at the same I really like the feeling and the lyrics are pretty amazing. They make you think. And hey- no engrish!! An amazing, very mature and beautiful song. I love how it varies throughout and all the different dynamics to it. 

So there you have it! I won't make this any longer than it should- though there are still a few songs that I could mention. Nell are awesome though. I'm slowly working through their discoggraphy and their are few songs I truly hate.  A band I really really need to save up to buy their albums!! I'll hopefully have some money next month though..They are all kinds of awesome. A very unique band with an incredible sound.

When I can be fucked, I may try and  review their discography. Maybe. Sometimes heir songs are pretty indescirbable. I'll have to think.. : )  

Ps. No images. Wiki.ppn is down. Googling gets porn stars.

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2qtgyma

I wasn't planning to write anything about this group, then I re-listened  to 不對也要愛(want love even it's wrong) for the first time in a few months and realised- wow I really love that song. Oh yeah, cherry boom are AWESOME. To be honest though I've never given them a proper listen- although I probably should.

Let's see. Cherry Boom are what you may class as Chinese indie pop rock. Their music is definitly got a prominent rock sound. Sometimes it's a little alternate too. Their lyrics, what I've read, are rather dark and often a little twisted.

 Formed in 2003, Cherry Boom is a Taiwanese rock band, that consists of Zha Zha (vocalist), Xiao Qian (bassist), Gua (guitarist) and Da Tian (drummer).  They started off as four students of Fu-Jen Catholic University, a university also previously attended by Jolin Tsai and F.I.R. band vocalist Faye.  Signed on by Universal Music in 2006, the quartet released their first album, Dear Prince that same year. They are now a talented group (of females) that compose their own songs and play their own instruments - with two highly success albums under their belt.

So there you have it.

I won't post a proper review of any of their albums just yet.  Perhaps I never will.

I will talk about 不對也要愛(want love even if it's wrong) because it is a beautiful song that is very special to me. 不對也要愛 is the only song of theirs that I put on repeat and by now, even after so long of not listening to it, it is still very familiar to me. I can recognize it by those first few guitar chords. Then again, the song is pretty unique and I don't think I've ever heard something else like it.  It's the one song of theirs I keep listening too the first time I discovered their music- atleast a year ago.  It's  very meloncholic, starting with simple accoustic guitar parts overlapping and soft vocals from Zha Zha. The song builds up for an amazing chorus, loud and filled with alot of emotion. I love how she prolongs certain notes, how she pronounces it and the lyrics give a very interesting sound. The song continues to build up, becoming more complex louder and stronger. Still that same feeling of meloncholy, of longing almost. The song has a wonderful feeling. It's calming and relaxing, yet there's something bittersweet about it. There's that darker edge I mentioned earlier. The vocalist has a stunning voice, her voice has an interesting tone and she really adds alot of emotion to the song. The instrumentation is not to be ignored- it is soft and meloncholic and absolutly perfect. There is a fantastic instrumental part midway too. Both vocals and instrumentals work together well and come together for a beautiful soft rock song that perhaps can be classed as a ballad.

Listening to this song for the first time in a while I fall in love with it again and I cannot help but feel It's about time I give Cherry Boom a proper listen :  )

Thing is sometimes their music is a little odd- and not something you want to play with your parents around!!   

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I'm 16!!

And It's also the 16th so Tohoshinki have kindly have chosen to release their (amazing, fantastic, amazing, awesome etc)  single on my birthday. That is what I call uber cool. (theirs loads of other releases, like Misono and Versailles album too)

I am determined to review the single on my birthday. Can't be bothered now, but expect it tommorow. After I've you know, celebrated. : )

More reviews coming whenever. I'm gonna be actually socialising the next few days. The past few days I've been immersed in manga :P

Anyway- I'M 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I'm doing a survey again! Well here's my answers to A Very Bikkuri Survey.

1. You have found a magical J-pop genie who will grant you one J-pop related wish (so no wishing for a million dollars or world peace or anything like that). It can be virtually anything as long as it’s directly related to J-pop, and don’t worry, because this is the nice sort of genie, not the kind who will try to find a loop-hole and screw up your wish. So, what do you wish for???

There are so many things I could ask! Thinking about it rationally, the thing I've wanted for the longest time is to see hamasaki Ayumi live in concert. Alas with her hearing going the concert may not be as great, and I'll never see favourites like Is this LOVE? or Because of you live- but I'd love to see her concerts. The costumes, the dancers...everything is just too amazing.

2. Is there any J-pop artist or group who seriously pisses you off? If yes, who, and why?

Koda Kumi. she's a Sl^t- not even tastefully done. Her music is crap and she wh^res herself out. It's absolutly disgusting. Oh wait she can sing but  her songs are crap. I think sometimes if done right her voice sounds OK, like real emotion, selfish or love goes like. But all the sexual innuendo, the wh^ring... it's disgusting. If your'e gonna sell yourself instead of your music do it freaking tastefully. Have a little pride in yourself. Or just become a gravure idol or something'. Even gravure idols look better than Koda kumi though.

3. Who do you think is the sexiest japanese singer out there?

Oooo-tough question! I think both Hamasaki Ayumi and Namie Amuro look amazing for their age and both are extremly sexy. Males would be Hyde (how can he look so good for his age?!) and Gackt, though lately Gackt looks are deteorioting (he's either aging, melting or gone to the surgeons too much). Practically all of visual kei. There are way too many sexy singers. I suppose it gets down to what you define as sexy. 

4. How about the cutest?

Can I choose Se7en? He's korean but he's released stuff in Japan. He's cute. Not cute in the morning musume or Jonnys way but cute. Oooo Jonnys.... tough decisions here. Too many cute Japanese singers >_>

5. Best personality?

Miyavi has an amazing personality. I've heard how he treats his fans and about his live performances- he sounds quite sweet. Haha.

6. If given the opportunity, would you rather date person 3, person 4, or person 5?

None. I'm realistic. they are all to old, and it's impossible for me to meet them anyway. Why would I date Hamasaki Ayumi anyway?

Have I answered the question wrong?!

7. You work for a Japanese music magazine, and you have the opportunity to interview your favorite artist or group. What are a couple of the questions you want to ask them?

Hmm...    no clue. I'm so shy  I'll probably just stare in awe for the whole interview.

8. What’s the best (J-pop) song to listen to when you are really sad?

A song for xx hamasaki Ayumi and many more. But that one comes tops. It caputres feelings of loneliness and insecurity and wanting to grow up quite perfectly. Especially that remix on her A ballads.

9. When you’re really happy?

No idea. Anything will do when I'm happy. Often I like rock music when I'm happy...

10. Do you often sing along to your favorite songs?

Never! Or I might try if I'm alone at home.. but my Japanese isn't very good. I'm not home alone often either, and when I am I don't remember. Haha..would never allow my parents to hear my pathetic attempts at Japanese.

11. How about dance?

NEVER! I look like a elephant when I dance. And my rooms small.. I'll break something. Lots of somethings!

12. Artistic integrity question!! If someone offerrered to pay you for blogging, but they were allowed to censor some of your opinions or veto some of your blogging ideas, would you do it?

Nope.I'd never do it. Not unless I was desperatly poor. Actually, I might. If they offered me enough money to go to Japan, or even just enough to go to london for a couple of days and see a concert. Then maybe. As long as it was a seperate website. I could still keep this one and keep it uncensored. This questions quite tricky actually...

So... I probably didn't answer those right. I like giving vague answers, and answering more than I should. I like to ramble ok?! Yeah.. quite an interesting survey though. I might check out all  other peoples answers.

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This is an Interesting survey by Misa. Find it here!!! I'll answer as best as I can ^_^ 

1. What was the first Japanese song that you ever listened to?

Myself- changin my life (probably. Most likely some other anime song...)

2. Did it inspire you to like that group/singer, or did it turn you away?

Inspired me to like Jpop full stop :D

3. What is the one song that you have been listening to for the longest time?

Memorial Adress Hamasaki Ayumi, changin my life Eternal snow/myself and various anime songs. (probably been listening to anime songs the longest...)

4. What group/singer have you liked the longest?

Hamasaki Ayumi. Gackt.

5. What is the song with the most plays on your itunes/media player?

N/A (My media player doesn't count stuff like this)

8. Is there any one group that you can listen to all/most of the songs by? If so, who?

No group really. I tend to be able to listen to alot of songs by various artists as long as it's on my mp3 player.  So my parents can't hear more embarassing ones :P  I don't really care what I listen  to..

9. What is your favorite agency?

I don't really care about Agencies and all that stuff. I don't think it affects the artist- right?

10. What is your favorite group/singer?

That's way to hard! Well If forced I'd say 12012, Hamasaki Ayumi, Kiyoharu, Onitsuka Chihiro and OLIVIA. Yep- more than one!   I don't have overall favourites much. I listen according to my mood alot. And I like alot of bands/groups/songs etc.

That's it. :D

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I tweeted this yesterday but I'll fully post it here. As well as  their new single in september (it was september I think) Kagraa are embarking on a tour of Europe!

08/17 Sweden (Klubben)
08/18 Helsinki (Tavastia)
08/20 Utrecht (Tivili de Helling)
08/21 London (Scala)
08/23 Cologne (Kantine)
08/24 Paris (La Loco)
08/25 Barcelona (Sala Salamandra 1)

I hate this. Miyavi, Kagrra... both amazing bands/singers coming to my country and I can't even see them. Between train ticket, hotel ticket and concert ticket that's well over £100- probably close to £200. For a jobless 16 year old, that spells impossible. (Hey, I'm not actually 16 but I will be when Kagrra comes!). This sucks. Why can't bands come to Manchester? Or even Birmingham? (Though Manchester is more believable :P ) This sucks so much I could cry. It's my ultimate wish to see a Jrock band live and I just can't. *cries*   Even if I had money, I'd need parental permission, someone to go with...

simply impossible. This sucks.

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