FRIENDS ONLY!
友達だけがこの日記読めます。
This journal is FRIENDS ONLY.
もし読みたかったら、コメントして下さい★
Please comment to be added.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
↓↓ Reason for this is explained here ↓↓
http://bokuwasado.livejournal.com/…
( Collapse )
友達だけがこの日記読めます。
This journal is FRIENDS ONLY.
もし読みたかったら、コメントして下さい★
Please comment to be added.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you.
↓↓ Reason for this is explained here ↓↓
http://bokuwasado.livejournal.com/…
( Collapse )
AHAHAHAHAHHAA, FUCK YOU
@mucc_tatsuro:
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／ MT @kyon0x0_p69: @mucc_tatsuro だって生で聴いたことなぅ-(ﾉΔ<)｡ Dir en greyのかすみも歌ってほしいですなぅ＼(^o^)／
That's right.
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIR no Kasumi wa uttata koto NAI.
Fucking tweeted 17 hours ago as of today.
I FUCKING CALLED IT, OVER 4.5 YEARS AGO, I FUCKING CALLED IT IN THIS GODDAMNED ENTRY: http://bokuwasado.livejournal.com/…
I KNEW that fucking file was some random dude singing karaoke and NOT Tatsurou. AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW, RIGHT FROM THE MAN HIMSELF, HE CONFIRMS THAT HE NEVER SANG THAT SONG. Now I need to fucking screen cap the fuck out of this and post it everywhere. So fucking tired of seeing that file being passed around, STILL.
Seriously, use your brain once in a while, yeah? And your ears too, while you're at it. Ugh.
EDIT:
( Collapse )
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／ MT @kyon0x0_p69: @mucc_tatsuro だって生で聴いたことなぅ-(ﾉΔ<)｡ Dir en greyのかすみも歌ってほしいですなぅ＼(^o^)／
That's right.
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIRのかすみは歌ったことない＼(^o^)／
DIR no Kasumi wa uttata koto NAI.
Fucking tweeted 17 hours ago as of today.
I FUCKING CALLED IT, OVER 4.5 YEARS AGO, I FUCKING CALLED IT IN THIS GODDAMNED ENTRY: http://bokuwasado.livejournal.com/…
I KNEW that fucking file was some random dude singing karaoke and NOT Tatsurou. AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW, RIGHT FROM THE MAN HIMSELF, HE CONFIRMS THAT HE NEVER SANG THAT SONG. Now I need to fucking screen cap the fuck out of this and post it everywhere. So fucking tired of seeing that file being passed around, STILL.
Seriously, use your brain once in a while, yeah? And your ears too, while you're at it. Ugh.
EDIT:
( Collapse )
...shit
So last month, Tora had to withdraw from performing with the rest of Sel'm due to illness. That already had me feeling nervous. I was wondering if he was having troubles with his vocal chords or something like that.
And. And just now, I read that both he and Nagi are withdrawing from Sel'm.
I can't even begin to tell you how heartbreaking and disappointing that is. I really, really thought they had so much potential, with such a strong lineup of musicians. I felt like they were making real progress, slowly and steadily gaining a supportive fanbase and mapping out their own distinctive sound. I could really hear something developing with DIVE, VOICE, and ARROWS.
I am so terribly disappointed that they won't be continuing their musical growth together, as five.
I love them all so much. I really hope that the rest of the members don't decide to disband, because that would be such a waste of chemistry and talent. I don't want any of them to disappear into obscurity -- that's what I'm most afraid of. But even if they decide to stay together, I can hardly fathom the thought of picturing Sel'm without Tora's beautiful, beautiful voice.
I don't know what to think.
I was looking forward to another album from them, so much that I could hardly contain my excitement. But it looks like I won't be getting that privilege. In fact, one of the hardest blows is that they are releasing another live-only single as their very last creation together, and I won't be able to get my hands on it because I don't live in Japan.
I'd like to support them one last time, as a team of all five, but I won't be able to.
And that really, really hurts.
EDIT: How can you be so fucking eloquent at such an unbelievably excruciating time, Tora?
「Sel'mというバンドを始めて、本当に沢山の人達と出逢い、沢山の経験をさせて頂
不器用で弱い人間でも、Sel'mの音楽を通じて未熟ながらも成長できたと自分自身強
and
「何度言葉にしても足りないくらいですが、本当にありがとうございます。
そしてこれまで応援してくれた素敵人の皆に、心から感謝したいです。
いきなり勝手な報告で驚かせてしまって申し訳ない気持ちでいっぱいだけど、
Sel'mのVoとして、皆に俺の思いや歌や詩、ライヴを通じて伝えてきた事に、一つ
皆から頂いた数えきれない程の手紙、プレゼント、共有してきた時間は俺の宝物であり、人
死ぬまで大切にして、これからを生きていこうと思います。
まだSel'mのメンバーとして、3月の主催ツアー、ファイナルの渋谷O-WESTが
全ての想いを込めて精一杯歌わせてもらいますので、応援宜しくお願いします。」
Your sincerity, and your incredible love and respect for your fans whom you so lovingly called 素敵人... Way to rip my heart into fucking pieces.
本当にありがとう。
Hours later, the reality of him being gone forever truly sank in. You know, it was 大佑's friendship with 達瑯 that really prompted me to pay more attention to ムック. At one point in my life, 蜉蝣 meant as much to me as ムック does now. It still feels like this should be a dream -- I'm still hoping this isn't reality........
He was working on a solo project too. 大佑と黒の隠者達.
And he was going to release his second single in a few days, on the 21st....
It really hurt when I never got the chance to see 蜉蝣 live before they disbanded. But now, to know that I'll never get the chance to see 大佑 perform... it is unbelievably painful.
Nevertheless.
生まれて来てくれてありがとう
Thank you for being born
素敵な曲をありがとう
Thank you for your wonderful music
本当にありがとう
Truly, thank you
そしてさようなら。
And goodbye.
He was working on a solo project too. 大佑と黒の隠者達.
And he was going to release his second single in a few days, on the 21st....
It really hurt when I never got the chance to see 蜉蝣 live before they disbanded. But now, to know that I'll never get the chance to see 大佑 perform... it is unbelievably painful.
Nevertheless.
Thank you for being born
素敵な曲をありがとう
Thank you for your wonderful music
本当にありがとう
Truly, thank you
そしてさようなら。
And goodbye.
生きとし生ける今、 全て灰になれ。
I suppose I always knew it was only a matter of time, given his heart condition....
But I'm happy that he got to fulfill his dream of being a musician, however short lived it was.
The music that you made will always be with your fans.
Rest in peace, 大佑
The Legacy of Charles Darwin
Yesterday, February 12th, was a very important day in terms of history. It was the 200th year celebration of the birth of two individuals that have, in their lifetime, changed the socio-political and scientific climate of their society. One of those people was Abraham Lincoln, and the other was Charles Darwin. I have always admired and deeply respected both men, not only for their amazingly progressive thinking, but for their courage as well. For me, these two figures, along with Gregor Mendel, the father of the field of genetics, are whom I consider to be the greatest icons in history - because what they were able to accomplish truly has changed much of the world that they lived in then, and the world as it is now. So it goes without saying that I feel the utmost rage when I see their legacy, their work, being disrespected by the completely ignorant and uneducated.
This rage is also coupled with painful sense of despondency when it comes to the disrespect, and even blatant dismissal, of Darwin. Whether you want to acknowledge his accomplishments or not, what he described was something so powerful, beautiful, and elegant that it has touched and transformed every single field of modern science as we know it. In fact, he simply did not just "transform" science, he completely modernized it - gave it a new direction, a new understanding about the magnificence of this living (and nonliving) world, and birthed many new fields both as a direct and indirect result of his work. Even though you might not realize it, his legacy affects us all, everyday, as humans. Without Darwin, modern medicine would have absolutely no concept of germ theory, nor of viral evolution. Those flu vaccines you get every year? Yeah, we probably wouldn't have that. Nor would we really understand the mechanism for anti-biotic resistance, and as a result, we wouldn't constantly be developing new drugs and treatments for diseases.
Although he probably had little idea of how far-reaching the effects of his research would be, he managed to thoroughly describe so basic a scientific principle that it is now the fundamental core of many diverse fields of study. Psychology, philosophy, animal and plant breeding, anthropology, music and art, engineering, family relations, geology, biochemistry, sociology, government and politics, sex relations, economics, education, kenisiology, health, medicine, human development, and business relations studies all nod their head to some mechanism of Darwinian evolution. There is no "escape" from his legacy, no matter how unimportant you think he was.
So if that's the case, won't you try to acknowledge and understand how critical his work is...?
Recently, an article was published in my school newspaper that made me absolutely sick to my stomach because of the ignorance it contained. To quote a segment: "My professor began his lecture on the evolutionary model of psychology with a disclaimer. What he was about to teach us, he said, did not necessarily represent his views and did not necessarily need to reflect the views of his students. Rather, he was teaching the principles of a theory that has scientific support. He was not advocating it or trying to denigrate creationism, but, rather, he was merely teaching us what is believed by many scientists. And then he began his lecture.
As this was the first time evolution had been taught extensively in one of my college courses, the way he introduced this topic gave me great comfort. He presented the material not as a solid, known fact, but as a theory, defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as 'a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena.' The concept of evolution, originally articulated by Charles Darwin in On the Origin of Species, was designed to explain speciation and presented natural selection and the branching off of ancestors as the two principal means for our current existence. Although it is supported by a great deal of scientific evidence and by many scientists, it still remains a theory and should be presented as such. This does not mean every class that mentions evolution should present and explain other theories as well, but simply noting other theories exists, the way my social psychology professor did, is necessary and appropriate."
There is so much false information in those two paragraphs that it's truly amazing the extent to which ignorance can run. It is painfully clear that the author does not understand anything - from the meaning of the word "theory" to the fact that Charles Darwin was not the one who "orginally articulated" the "concept of evolution". What a world we live in. It just breaks my heart as a science student.
I find it absolutely disrespectful when someone says that they don't believe in evolution, because what I gather from it is that they are dismissing an accumulation of 150 years of rigorous data and research that has, time and time again, supported with undeniable evidence that evolution has happened - and still continues to. The only argument that non-believers have at their disposal is the claim that "it's just a theory" - something that tells me right away that they have no idea the weight of the word "theory" as it applies to science.
In science, the term theory refers to the absolute highest order of veracity there is. Meaning that there is no evidence in any circumstance that is contradictory to it, that there isn't even an inkling of contradiction or falsifiability. (If you want to know, below the order of theory is law, then fact. Like the Law of Gravitation, which applies to a large part of the physical world but holds no governance in a vacuum. And an example of a fact is that smoking can cause various types of cancer. That correlation has been strongly established -- but not all people who smoke will develop cancer. Thus, it can only be regarded as a fact.)
When Darwin published his book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life, he did not introduce the idea of evolution to the public. In fact, that idea had been around for a number of years. What he introduced was the empirical evidence for evolution having occured, as well as the mechanism that produces evolution which he called natural selection. Historical evidence says that he was able to convince much of the scientific community, and otherwise, to accept evolution. However, because he did not know the molecular basis for natural selection (genetic variance), he had a harder time trying to gather widespread acceptance of it. He spent his entire life searching for answers, and refining his theory as best he could without fully comprehending the concept of genetics, or even knowing what genetics was. Despite those complications, Evolution by Natural Selection has withstood the test of 150 years of time, never once having been disproved. In fact, the more we know and learn about our world, the clearer the evidence for natural selection is. And I think that is really telling.
The centrality of evolution to science is best concluded in this remark by Theodosius Dobzhansky, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." And as E.O. Wilson so elegantly adds, "In fact, nothing in science as a whole has been more firmly established by interwoven factual documentation, or more illuminating, than the universal occurence of biological evolution. Further, few natural processes have been more convincingly explained than evolution by the theory of natural selection or, as it is popularly called, Darwinism."
Very recently, nearly 12,000 Christian clergy members and more than 400 rabbis in the US have signed the Clergy Letter Project, which is in support of teaching evolution: "We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth, one that has stood up to rigorous scrutiny and upon which much of human knowledge and achievement rests. To reject this truth or to treat it as 'one theory among others' is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and to transmit such ignorance to our children." In addition, the Vatican has reevaluated the importance of Darwinian evolution and believes that it does not conflict with Christianity. After 150 years of debate among the non-scientific community, this is finally two big (and much delayed) steps in the right direction.
Perhaps it is because I'm a student of the sciences that I'm so sensitive to the understated brilliance of Darwin's work. After all, cell biology and molecular genetics is simply microlevel evolution - and for someone to disregard Darwinian theory is the same as disrespecting the entire study of science to me, a field that has played a critical role in all of our lives.
Since my initial introduction to Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection in middle school, I have yet to be able to shake my awe and reverence for him as a thinker. Not fully understanding everything about genes and inheritance, the underlying mechanisms of natural selection, he was still able to flush out his argument for evolution having taken place with his meticulous evidence and observations of the physical world. He was curious all his life about how exactly inheritance worked, and I find it sad that he died without finding the answers to his questions. (Unfortunately, Gregor Mendel's work was left relatively forgotten then, even though his research filled in the gaps in Darwin's knowledge. Today, Mendel and Darwin's findings are used in combination - known as the Modern Synthesis, Evolution by Natural Selection and genetics provides a very solid understanding of the biological systems around us.)
A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture by E.O. Wilson (one of the most prestigious and distinguished scientists of this past century), in which he talked about the power and brilliance of Darwinian thought and legacy... and like the strange creature I am, I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of such a way of understanding the complexity of life. I still continue to be awed, each and every time I learn something new about the magnificent intricacy of evolution and development. Darwin said it best with this quote that shows his wonderment of the biological world:
Thus, from the war of nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows. There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.
Darwin was truly a man like no other.
Additional Reading:
Understanding Evolution
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/
Intelligent Evolution: The consequences of Charles Darwin's "one long argument" by Edward O. Wilson [I highly recommend reading this, for he has a brilliant way with words.]
http://harvardmagazine.com/2005/11…
The Vatican claims Darwin's theory of evolution is compatible with Christianity
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ne…
Clergy Letter Project
http://www.butler.edu/clergyprojec…
This rage is also coupled with painful sense of despondency when it comes to the disrespect, and even blatant dismissal, of Darwin. Whether you want to acknowledge his accomplishments or not, what he described was something so powerful, beautiful, and elegant that it has touched and transformed every single field of modern science as we know it. In fact, he simply did not just "transform" science, he completely modernized it - gave it a new direction, a new understanding about the magnificence of this living (and nonliving) world, and birthed many new fields both as a direct and indirect result of his work. Even though you might not realize it, his legacy affects us all, everyday, as humans. Without Darwin, modern medicine would have absolutely no concept of germ theory, nor of viral evolution. Those flu vaccines you get every year? Yeah, we probably wouldn't have that. Nor would we really understand the mechanism for anti-biotic resistance, and as a result, we wouldn't constantly be developing new drugs and treatments for diseases.
Although he probably had little idea of how far-reaching the effects of his research would be, he managed to thoroughly describe so basic a scientific principle that it is now the fundamental core of many diverse fields of study. Psychology, philosophy, animal and plant breeding, anthropology, music and art, engineering, family relations, geology, biochemistry, sociology, government and politics, sex relations, economics, education, kenisiology, health, medicine, human development, and business relations studies all nod their head to some mechanism of Darwinian evolution. There is no "escape" from his legacy, no matter how unimportant you think he was.
So if that's the case, won't you try to acknowledge and understand how critical his work is...?
Recently, an article was published in my school newspaper that made me absolutely sick to my stomach because of the ignorance it contained. To quote a segment: "My professor began his lecture on the evolutionary model of psychology with a disclaimer. What he was about to teach us, he said, did not necessarily represent his views and did not necessarily need to reflect the views of his students. Rather, he was teaching the principles of a theory that has scientific support. He was not advocating it or trying to denigrate creationism, but, rather, he was merely teaching us what is believed by many scientists. And then he began his lecture.
As this was the first time evolution had been taught extensively in one of my college courses, the way he introduced this topic gave me great comfort. He presented the material not as a solid, known fact, but as a theory, defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as 'a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena.' The concept of evolution, originally articulated by Charles Darwin in On the Origin of Species, was designed to explain speciation and presented natural selection and the branching off of ancestors as the two principal means for our current existence. Although it is supported by a great deal of scientific evidence and by many scientists, it still remains a theory and should be presented as such. This does not mean every class that mentions evolution should present and explain other theories as well, but simply noting other theories exists, the way my social psychology professor did, is necessary and appropriate."
There is so much false information in those two paragraphs that it's truly amazing the extent to which ignorance can run. It is painfully clear that the author does not understand anything - from the meaning of the word "theory" to the fact that Charles Darwin was not the one who "orginally articulated" the "concept of evolution". What a world we live in. It just breaks my heart as a science student.
I find it absolutely disrespectful when someone says that they don't believe in evolution, because what I gather from it is that they are dismissing an accumulation of 150 years of rigorous data and research that has, time and time again, supported with undeniable evidence that evolution has happened - and still continues to. The only argument that non-believers have at their disposal is the claim that "it's just a theory" - something that tells me right away that they have no idea the weight of the word "theory" as it applies to science.
In science, the term theory refers to the absolute highest order of veracity there is. Meaning that there is no evidence in any circumstance that is contradictory to it, that there isn't even an inkling of contradiction or falsifiability. (If you want to know, below the order of theory is law, then fact. Like the Law of Gravitation, which applies to a large part of the physical world but holds no governance in a vacuum. And an example of a fact is that smoking can cause various types of cancer. That correlation has been strongly established -- but not all people who smoke will develop cancer. Thus, it can only be regarded as a fact.)
When Darwin published his book, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life, he did not introduce the idea of evolution to the public. In fact, that idea had been around for a number of years. What he introduced was the empirical evidence for evolution having occured, as well as the mechanism that produces evolution which he called natural selection. Historical evidence says that he was able to convince much of the scientific community, and otherwise, to accept evolution. However, because he did not know the molecular basis for natural selection (genetic variance), he had a harder time trying to gather widespread acceptance of it. He spent his entire life searching for answers, and refining his theory as best he could without fully comprehending the concept of genetics, or even knowing what genetics was. Despite those complications, Evolution by Natural Selection has withstood the test of 150 years of time, never once having been disproved. In fact, the more we know and learn about our world, the clearer the evidence for natural selection is. And I think that is really telling.
The centrality of evolution to science is best concluded in this remark by Theodosius Dobzhansky, "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution." And as E.O. Wilson so elegantly adds, "In fact, nothing in science as a whole has been more firmly established by interwoven factual documentation, or more illuminating, than the universal occurence of biological evolution. Further, few natural processes have been more convincingly explained than evolution by the theory of natural selection or, as it is popularly called, Darwinism."
Very recently, nearly 12,000 Christian clergy members and more than 400 rabbis in the US have signed the Clergy Letter Project, which is in support of teaching evolution: "We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth, one that has stood up to rigorous scrutiny and upon which much of human knowledge and achievement rests. To reject this truth or to treat it as 'one theory among others' is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and to transmit such ignorance to our children." In addition, the Vatican has reevaluated the importance of Darwinian evolution and believes that it does not conflict with Christianity. After 150 years of debate among the non-scientific community, this is finally two big (and much delayed) steps in the right direction.
Perhaps it is because I'm a student of the sciences that I'm so sensitive to the understated brilliance of Darwin's work. After all, cell biology and molecular genetics is simply microlevel evolution - and for someone to disregard Darwinian theory is the same as disrespecting the entire study of science to me, a field that has played a critical role in all of our lives.
Since my initial introduction to Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection in middle school, I have yet to be able to shake my awe and reverence for him as a thinker. Not fully understanding everything about genes and inheritance, the underlying mechanisms of natural selection, he was still able to flush out his argument for evolution having taken place with his meticulous evidence and observations of the physical world. He was curious all his life about how exactly inheritance worked, and I find it sad that he died without finding the answers to his questions. (Unfortunately, Gregor Mendel's work was left relatively forgotten then, even though his research filled in the gaps in Darwin's knowledge. Today, Mendel and Darwin's findings are used in combination - known as the Modern Synthesis, Evolution by Natural Selection and genetics provides a very solid understanding of the biological systems around us.)
A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture by E.O. Wilson (one of the most prestigious and distinguished scientists of this past century), in which he talked about the power and brilliance of Darwinian thought and legacy... and like the strange creature I am, I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of such a way of understanding the complexity of life. I still continue to be awed, each and every time I learn something new about the magnificent intricacy of evolution and development. Darwin said it best with this quote that shows his wonderment of the biological world:
Darwin was truly a man like no other.
Additional Reading:
Understanding Evolution
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/
Intelligent Evolution: The consequences of Charles Darwin's "one long argument" by Edward O. Wilson [I highly recommend reading this, for he has a brilliant way with words.]
http://harvardmagazine.com/2005/11…
The Vatican claims Darwin's theory of evolution is compatible with Christianity
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ne…
Clergy Letter Project
http://www.butler.edu/clergyprojec…
Favourites for the New Year ☆
NOTE: Part 1 of my "Winter Holidays Music Post" can be found here.
ARTIST: ONE OK ROCK
RELEASE: [2008.12.11] 感情エフェクト [Kanjou effect album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/jht8…
TRACKLIST:
01. 恋ノアイボウ心ノクピド [Koi no aibou kokoro no cupid]
02. どっぺるゲンガー [Doppleganger]
03. 皆無 [Kaimu]
04. 20 years old
05. Living Dolls
06. Break My Strings
07. 存在証明 [Sonzai shoumei]
08. CONVINCING
09. My sweet baby
10. Reflection
11. Viva Violent Fellow～美しきモッシュビット～ [Viva Violent Fellow ~utsukushiki moshpit~]
12. JUST
COMMENTS: I have no problems admitting that this is not only one of the best albums of 2008, but also one of the best albums I've heard, period. For a band that is so young, both in age, and in terms of their career together as ONE OK ROCK, their work is simply so together that it sounds like their veterans of the music scene instead of fledglings. All the tracks on this album are well composed, well written, and infinitely well produced. ONE OK ROCK's style is often characterized by clean, often spiraling riffs from two guitars, driving drum beats, with solid basslines that bridge the guitar and drums - and then there's Taka's vocals. Sometimes clear, childish, pure and beautiful, he hits notes that very few are able to. Other times, he chooses to sing with a more raspy, aggressive edge but still manages to sound so beautiful when doing so. He has such incredible control of his voice. Taka's voice is definitely the defining feature of ONE OK ROCK's sound.
ARTIST: 도끼/Dok2, aka Gonzo tha notorious kid
RELEASE: Mixtape 2008 - THUNDERGROUND MUSIK [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ww62…
TRACKLIST:
01. INTRO (AIN'T NO ALLBLACK)
02. THUNDERGROUND MC (FT. DH-STYLE)
03. DON'T SAY NUTHIN'
04. 이한놈 (FT. SIMON.DOMINIC, BEATBOX DG & DJ Qna)
05. OZNOG&OMIS (FT. SIMO)
06. B-SIDE RAP
07. MICROPHONE SOLO
08. 방법SHIT (3MC PT4) (FT. SUPREME TEAM)
09. THUNDERGROUND MOVEMENT PT1 (FT. YANKIE & DJ PUMKIN)
10. THUNDERGROUND MOVEMENT PT2 (FT. DOUBLE K)
11. SEOUL, YEOUIDO (FT. 넋업샨 & JUNGGIGO)
12. THUNDERGROUND LIFE (FT. DJ FRIZ & JINBO)
13. MINDTAP
14. THUNDERGROUND 태도
15. LYRICAL SEDUCTION
16. SPITTIN' (40 BARS)
17. THUNDERGROUND KING (I'M TAKIN' OVER)
18. THUNDERGROUND 여의도 (FT. BORNKIM)
19. DUB다
20. CALLIN' ME (FT. SEAN2SLOW)
21. NITE (INSTRUMENTAL)
22. ★
COMMENTS: Along with what I think is one of the best albums of the year, I give you my favourite rapper's first solo album. 이준경 [Lee Joon Kyoung], better known as 도끼/Dok2 is an 18 year old child prodigy rapper from the States who was discovered in his early teens by Tiger JK of Drunken Tiger. At age 15, he began his career in a rap duo known as All Black, under the Movement Crew - a label that is among the most respected for signing artists that are dedicated to writing about social issues and transforming rap from it's commercialized "bling bling hip-pop" form to something with more meaning. By age 17, he was already writing lyrics and producing songs for other rappers, as well as collaborating with well respected artists like EPIK HIGH, Drunken Tiger, Dynamic Duo, The Quiett, Minos, Infinite Flow, Superman Ivy, TBNY, Bizzy, Buga Kingz, E-sens, and Simon Dominic. Dok2's nickname is "Notorious Kid", which was given to him by The Quiett, who featured him in the 2006 release "뭐", before Dok2's official debut into the rap world with All Black. Because it was a pre-debut feature, his voice was modified for the song. Aside from his age, Dok2 also stands out because of his heritage, which he identifies in his most famous rap that goes like so: "1990 3월28일 That’s tha start of history quarter Spanish Filipino half Korean blooded little Mr. Lee". I only have one word to describe him: talent.
ARTIST: ONE OK ROCK
RELEASE: [2008.12.11] 感情エフェクト [Kanjou effect album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/jht8…
TRACKLIST:
01. 恋ノアイボウ心ノクピド [Koi no aibou kokoro no cupid]
02. どっぺるゲンガー [Doppleganger]
03. 皆無 [Kaimu]
04. 20 years old
05. Living Dolls
06. Break My Strings
07. 存在証明 [Sonzai shoumei]
08. CONVINCING
09. My sweet baby
10. Reflection
11. Viva Violent Fellow～美しきモッシュビット～ [Viva Violent Fellow ~utsukushiki moshpit~]
12. JUST
COMMENTS: I have no problems admitting that this is not only one of the best albums of 2008, but also one of the best albums I've heard, period. For a band that is so young, both in age, and in terms of their career together as ONE OK ROCK, their work is simply so together that it sounds like their veterans of the music scene instead of fledglings. All the tracks on this album are well composed, well written, and infinitely well produced. ONE OK ROCK's style is often characterized by clean, often spiraling riffs from two guitars, driving drum beats, with solid basslines that bridge the guitar and drums - and then there's Taka's vocals. Sometimes clear, childish, pure and beautiful, he hits notes that very few are able to. Other times, he chooses to sing with a more raspy, aggressive edge but still manages to sound so beautiful when doing so. He has such incredible control of his voice. Taka's voice is definitely the defining feature of ONE OK ROCK's sound.
ARTIST: 도끼/Dok2, aka Gonzo tha notorious kid
RELEASE: Mixtape 2008 - THUNDERGROUND MUSIK [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ww62…
TRACKLIST:
01. INTRO (AIN'T NO ALLBLACK)
02. THUNDERGROUND MC (FT. DH-STYLE)
03. DON'T SAY NUTHIN'
04. 이한놈 (FT. SIMON.DOMINIC, BEATBOX DG & DJ Qna)
05. OZNOG&OMIS (FT. SIMO)
06. B-SIDE RAP
07. MICROPHONE SOLO
08. 방법SHIT (3MC PT4) (FT. SUPREME TEAM)
09. THUNDERGROUND MOVEMENT PT1 (FT. YANKIE & DJ PUMKIN)
10. THUNDERGROUND MOVEMENT PT2 (FT. DOUBLE K)
11. SEOUL, YEOUIDO (FT. 넋업샨 & JUNGGIGO)
12. THUNDERGROUND LIFE (FT. DJ FRIZ & JINBO)
13. MINDTAP
14. THUNDERGROUND 태도
15. LYRICAL SEDUCTION
16. SPITTIN' (40 BARS)
17. THUNDERGROUND KING (I'M TAKIN' OVER)
18. THUNDERGROUND 여의도 (FT. BORNKIM)
19. DUB다
20. CALLIN' ME (FT. SEAN2SLOW)
21. NITE (INSTRUMENTAL)
22. ★
COMMENTS: Along with what I think is one of the best albums of the year, I give you my favourite rapper's first solo album. 이준경 [Lee Joon Kyoung], better known as 도끼/Dok2 is an 18 year old child prodigy rapper from the States who was discovered in his early teens by Tiger JK of Drunken Tiger. At age 15, he began his career in a rap duo known as All Black, under the Movement Crew - a label that is among the most respected for signing artists that are dedicated to writing about social issues and transforming rap from it's commercialized "bling bling hip-pop" form to something with more meaning. By age 17, he was already writing lyrics and producing songs for other rappers, as well as collaborating with well respected artists like EPIK HIGH, Drunken Tiger, Dynamic Duo, The Quiett, Minos, Infinite Flow, Superman Ivy, TBNY, Bizzy, Buga Kingz, E-sens, and Simon Dominic. Dok2's nickname is "Notorious Kid", which was given to him by The Quiett, who featured him in the 2006 release "뭐", before Dok2's official debut into the rap world with All Black. Because it was a pre-debut feature, his voice was modified for the song. Aside from his age, Dok2 also stands out because of his heritage, which he identifies in his most famous rap that goes like so: "1990 3월28일 That’s tha start of history quarter Spanish Filipino half Korean blooded little Mr. Lee". I only have one word to describe him: talent.
Annual music post☆
I'm posting this a little later than I would have liked, but Merry Christmas/Happy Saturnalia/Happy belated Winter Solstice everyone☆
I will be posting more in a little while, but until then, enjoy!
NOTE: The second part of my annual music post is here.
ARTIST: 圭 [Kei]
RELEASE: [2008.11.19] the primary. [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/13vn…
TRACKLIST:
01. the primary.
02. oriental cancer. ♪♪
03. the blueroom. ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: 圭 [Kei] is indeed the same guitarist of baroque/kannivalism. I was surprised to find out that he had his own solo project, and am pleasantly surprised at how lovely his voice is. He sounds a bit like Yoshito from xTRiPx, and his music is also a bit like theirs - which is pretty funny because xTRiPx has always reminded be of baroque. Anyway, this release is pretty solid for his debut as a solo artist; it is a pleasant mix of the baroque's unique sound and floppy's 8-bit style with a touch of industrial sound, but overall quite ambient.
ARTIST: NФA
RELEASE: [2007.03.28] Invisible 1998-2006 [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ifra…
TRACKLIST:
01. Destiny ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. 失意の翳 [Shitsui no kage] ♪♪
03. Spiral conflict ♪♪
04. BEAST666
05. Cruel style ♪♪
06. lust
07. Breakthrough ♪♪♪♪♪♪
08. Mind control ♪♪
09. Rafflesia
10. シルエット [Silhouette] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
11. Tragic prologue ♪♪♪♪♪♪
12. Forever ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: NФA is absolutely one of the best, and yet most overlooked, artists that visual kei has to offer. In addition to being able to sing incredibly well (I'm not exaggerating on this), he plays his own instruments. 『Invisible 1998-2006』 is a chronicle of all his works as a guitarist and vocalist from, uh, those years. This album is fairly multi-genre, dabbling in multiple categories of metal - death, speed, black, power - but also blends blues/swing in songs like 「Cruel style」, features lovely acoustic ballads like 「シルエット」, and even a surprisingly sentimental and gorgeous piano & violin piece titled 「Forever」. Overall, his style is a bit old school visual kei, but the style suits him really well. His voice reminds me a bit of Tora's (Sel'm) lower register, and someone else that I can't quite place, but it's deep, smooth, and controlled. And it goes without saying that the the guitar work on this album is quite good. I highly recommend this album for songs like 「Destiny」, 「シルエット」, 「Tragic prologue」, and 「Forever」. All are really beautifully done.
ARTIST: XecsNoin
RELEASE: XecsplosioN [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/mrzn…
TRACKLIST:
01. The Creator Justifies ♪♪♪♪
02. UNSCARRED ♪♪
03. One Day in November ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. CEREBERUS
05. SPIRITUAL ROAD ♪♪♪♪♪♪
06. FIREWALL(Listen to your Inner Voice) ♪♪
07. ASURA ♪♪♪♪♪♪
08. Children of the War ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I've wanted to introduce these guys for years now, but I never got around to it for some reason. Well, XecsNoin isn't really known as a visual band, but rather just a metal band. They are one of my favourites though, and this album is one of my favourite metal albums. These guys are so fucking hardcore and each piece is packed with completely unrelenting drums, grungey, dueling guitars, and solos galore. What's interesting is that XecsNoin's vocalist, unlike many other metal vocalists, does put forth the effort to sing and his voice is fairly pleasant - just check out 「SPIRITUAL ROAD」 and my favourite, 「ASURA」. The only problem I have is that I have with them is that their bassist gets drowned out by the epic guitars and drums.
ARTIST: Blast
RELEASE: 緋い領域 [Akai ryouiki mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qcow…
TRACKLIST:
01. 侵蝕 [Shinshoku] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. 嗚呼!所詮、嗚呼!無情、[Aa! shosen, aa! mujou,] ♪♪♪♪
03. 言論テロリズム [Genron terrorism]
04. 緋い領域 [Akai ryouiki]
05. 顔のない月 [Kao no nai tsuki] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: The main reason why I am still completely in love with Blast, after all these years: 秀朗 [Hiderou]. He is one of my favourite bassists ever, and I will dare say that he is undoubtedly one of the best bassists as well. His style reminds me a lot of Yukino (the studs, lynch, deadman) - the same fast, hard playing style that, at times, completely dominates Blast's songs. The other reason why I love Blast: 維那's [Yuina's] voice. It's not the best that I've heard, and uncharacteristically higher pitched, but he sings quite well. Although my tastes in music have changed a bit and I've become a lot more critical, Blast remains one of the few bands that I continue to come back to time and time again. 「顔のない月」 remains one of my absolute favourite songs.
ARTIST: Sel'm
RELEASE: [2006.10.04] dyed vacancy [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/04t2…
TRACKLIST:
01. Megalomania ♪♪♪♪
02. 楔 [Setsu] ♪♪♪♪
03. 追憶 [Tsuioku] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Er, if you haven't realized it yet, Sel'm is my second favourite band so I will shamelessly use this opportunity to plug them and their music because their new single is coming out soon. That, and they deserve many, many fans. Perhaps it is my vocalist-bias speaking, but I adore the hell out of this band. Tora is just simply excellent. He's young and doesn't have all that much experience other than his brief stint as girugamesh's first vocalist, but he still sings better than "vocalists" who have 5+ years more experience. His voice is why songs like 「追憶」 are so haunting and lovely, he knows how to use his incredible range. The second thing that attracts me to Sel'm's music is Takuma's mastery of the bass in the short time that the band has been active, which is often played in almost a lazy, sensuous fashion. Then, there is also MANJ", who continues to impress me with each new release because of how fancy and complicated his drumming is getting. He completely blew me away with his performance on 『brilliant force』. I am really looking forward to hearing the new material with the newest addition to their family, Nagi.
ARTIST: R-15/R指定 [Formerly known as R-18 and キャサリン]
RELEASE: [2007.12.12] Beautyful Sad Song [mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oy62…
TRACKLIST:
01. A cradle
02. Dirty's culture ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. Sad song ♪♪
04. In the concrete ♪♪♪♪♪♪
05. SE
06. Cult life ♪♪♪♪
07. End roll ♪♪♪♪
08. ボナストラック [Bonus track] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I said I would upload this for
krashkan a while ago, but life got incredibly hectic so it's now about a month late. Ahaha. So I yeah, this is for you and anyone else in need of good, quality music. This band has gone through so many name changes that it's hard to keep track of at times. I love this band so much, マモ [Mamo] is so fucking hardcore on stage. But offstage, the kid is such a lovable retard who's journal entries make me laugh for ages. R-15 has some elements to their music that remind me of The Gazette at times, but ultimately, I find them to be the better band because マモ really knows how to use his voice. 七星 [Nanahoshi] also owns the hell out of Reita, and I'll take ウルトラ Z's [ULTRA Z's] guitar work over the shoddy mess that is Uruha's any day.
ARTIST: DELUHI
RELEASE: [2008.07.23] Orion once again [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7p1b…
TRACKLIST:
01. Orion once again ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. NO SALVATION ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Another upload forkrashkan. DELUHI is such an excellent band, there really isn't anything new to say that I haven't said before so you'll just get a copy & pasted review that I wrote a few months back:
Previously named GRAVE SEED, DELUHI are Juri on vocals, Leda on guitar, Ryo on bass, and Sujk on drums. While most of the members seem to be completely new to the music scene, they manage to display impressive maturity in both sound and style. Juri is a strong vocalist, with a clear & pleasant singing voice and real talent for screaming. In fact, it sounds like it could be two completely different people given how charming Juri's singing voice is juxtaposed against how brutal his screaming can get. What I am incredibly impressed with in general is their decision to keep the tracks relatively clean and listenable by pushing the screaming into the background and instead, choosing to highlight his singing voice. In addition to his singing and screaming, I want to add that Juri's English pronounciation is amazing. Holy shit, was I surprised.
You may know of Leda under his other stage name, Yu-to, bassist for the power metal band Galneryus. He is both an incredible bassist and guitarist, as well as a talented composer. He is responsible for composing all of the songs, as well as writing most of the lyrics for their releases. I really cannot stress enough the extent of this man's talent. If you haven't guessed already from Leda's background, DELUHI does indeed have strong metal influences in their music - many of their songs are filled with fast-paced drumming, heavy bass notes, crazy amounts of shredding, and a ton of great guitar solos. They also bring in other elements such as what sounds like the xylophone, organs, and piano.
ARTIST: Viored
RELEASE: [Created perfect new vision] -Taste of Heartless- [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/tw99…
TRACKLIST:
01. 柘榴〜Taste of Heartless〜 [Zakuro~Taste of Heartless~] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. M.D.P.[Mad doll party] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. Invariable Ray
COMMENTS: I'm still quite devastated that 螢 [Kei] suddenly left Viored and seemingly disappeared from the music scene. I loved Viored dearly, they held an incredible amount of promise and sounded so together even though they only lasted for about 2 years. 優一 [Yuuichi] and Nagi were amazing together on guitar, and seiya is such a great bassist. Then there's 螢 [Kei]. My favourite member, and one of my favourite vocalists. He has such a powerful voice, it makes me sad that I might not hear from him again. Songs like 「柘榴〜Taste of Heartless〜」 really epitomize Viored's career - powerful twin guitars, great solos, active basswork that stays in the foreground, all overlayed with clear, strong vocals that soar in the chorus. There's a lot of layers and intriguing complexity in their music that a lot of other (much older) bands seem to lack. I'm happy that at the very least, Nagi is with Sel'm now.
ARTIST: P∞L
RELEASE: アジアのシンボル [Asia no symbol mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/67y4…
TRACKLIST:
01. POOLISH
02. 信度５ [Shindon 5] ♪♪
03. 白船 [Shirofune]
04. 色とりどりの答え [Iro toridori no kotae] ♪♪♪♪
05. 揺り籠 [Yurikago] ♪♪♪♪
06. symbol ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I won't lie, I think P∞L is pretty fucking strange as well. They remind me a bit of merrygoround, who are also very good but both bands still make me raise my eyebrows at times. Nevertheless, if you like Nagoya and angura bands, you might enjoy them. Unfortunately, I just don't have the ability to describe their eccentricities, so you will just have to trust my tastes and check them out for yourself. Just get ready for a lot of random noises and one really eclectic singer.
ARTIST: xTRiPx
RELEASE: [2007.07.25] Blue well the Air [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/vl83…
TRACKLIST:
01. rhymeLoud ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. cherry ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I think xTRiPx is one of the most easily enjoyable bands active in the visual music scene. The vocalist sings fairly well and has a very pretty voice, their music is very well composed, energetic, and fun. They mix a bit of rap into their music, and have very catchy choruses that suddenly segway into loud and heavy breaks. Their work has elements that appeal to a wide range of listeners, which is probably why they are quickly gaining popularity.
ARTIST: VelBet
RELEASE: Song for ...xxx [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/u3do…
TRACKLIST:
01. Bunny ♪♪♪♪
02. サクラチル (Sakura chiru) ♪♪
03. Song for ...xxx ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: VelBet is another band that utilizes the fun, energetic chorus plus heavier breaks and verses formula for their music. They are pretty hardcore with rumbling basslines and furious drumming and screaming - elements that are borderline metal in sound, so the change into the chorus is often unexpected but also kind of fun in that respect.
ARTIST: Lusia
RELEASE: イバラノオリ [Ibara no ori single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/3mrd…
TRACKLIST:
01. イバラノオリ [Ibara no ori] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Unfortunately, this one song is all that I have from Lusia. They are fucking amazing though and I highly recommend them for fans of bands like DELUHI, CROWS, and R-18.
ARTIST: HATED
RELEASE: [2005.09.28] STILL devote myself to my BITCH [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/lf6d…
TRACKLIST:
01. Desperate Gain ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. habit ♪♪
03. 藍色（新録） [Aiiro (new recording)]
COMMENTS: This Nagoya band was made up of three of the four members of meth. Their style is not all that different from meth., but the only glaring difference is Akito's (formerly known by his stage name シキ [Shiki]) voice. Akito used to sing strictly in his lower register for HATED, but surprisingly he sounded pretty natural doing it (although a bit nasal at times). I know quite a few of you are meth. fans, so if you haven't heard HATED, I suggest giving them a try.
ARTIST: Lovin'
RELEASE: DESCENT THE SAVAGE [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5j91…
TRACKLIST:
01. BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL ♪♪
02. SIREN ♪♪♪♪
03. 独心中 [Dokushinjuu]
COMMENTS: These guys are pretty much like 闇撫 [Yaminade]: brutal.
ARTIST: SCREW
RELEASE: VENOM [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7ncc…
TRACKLIST:
01. DEADLY SILENCE ♪♪♪♪
02. VANQUISH
03. CELESTIAL BLISS ♪♪
04. REND: LOOP ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I don't think these guys need an intro. You're all probably familiar with them on some level or another, right? It's the usual solid release from SCREW, although there is a bit of a change of pace with the significantly softer 「CELESTIAL BLISS」. Unforunately, I don't think Byou's voice is very suited for slower songs but the music is nice.
ARTIST: メトロノーム [metronome]
RELEASE: [2007.08.08] たわいないトワイライト [Tawainai twilight maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/hqfr…
TRACKLIST:
01. たわいないトワイライト [Tawainai twilight] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. MATSURI ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Much to the surprise of many, I really enjoy groups like metronome and FLOPPY. I love the playfulness that metronome exhibits with the random old console game noises that they throw in. But in addition to that, RIU is a really, really good bassist.
ARTIST: BREAKERZ
RELEASE: [2007.07.25] BREAKERZ [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/a7iz…
TRACKLIST:
01. WAKE UP MY SOUL ♪♪♪♪
02. Birdman ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. THE TRAIN'S GONE... ♪♪
04. JOKER ♪♪♪♪
05. Re:born
06. Miss you
07. Nights a Brighter
08. Let ecstasy be ours
09. REAL LOVE ♪♪♪♪
10. I feel...
11. Kamisori ♪♪♪♪♪♪
12. Neo-Breaker
13. Drive the Ocean
COMMENTS: The fact that DAIGO☆STARDUST fronts this band makes me roll forever, but all laughter aside, they are honestly not that bad. In fact, the musical compositions are actually really, really well done but DAIGO is still as nasal as ever. It's weird to see that DAIGO can manage to be ...uh,not so blatantly flaming serious and mature. If they strategically replace DAIGO with someone that can sing, this band would be pretty amazing. If you aren't one to be too caught up with vocal technique, I think you would enjoy this.
ARTIST: PIERROT
RELEASE: [1997.09.03] CELLULOID [mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/mpj2…
TRACKLIST:
01. セルロイド [Celluloid] ♪♪♪♪
02. Adolf
03. 脳内モルヒネ [Nounai morphine] ♪♪
04. Twelve ♪♪♪♪♪♪
05. 鬼と桜 [Oni to sakura] ♪♪
06. HUMAN GATE
COMMENTS: PIERROT has been perhaps the most influential band in my life, second only to MUCC. They changed music from something that I only listened to on occassion to something that I craved every moment of the day. It was Kirito's lyrics that first inpsired me to start writing poetry, and his voice that got me interested in singing again after I had quit. And it seems that no matter how many other bands I find myself attached to, I still come back to PIERROT's music for KOHTA's bass work, for 潤's [Jun's] synth work, and of course, Kirito's voice and compositions. This mini-album is one of my favourites. It may be over 10 years old, but still is so beautiful to me. It contains one of my favourite songs from PIERROT's impressive discography, 「Twelve」.
ARTIST: ONE OK ROCK
RELEASE: [2006.12.16] Keep it real [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/tzth…
TRACKLIST:
01. Keep it real ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. 辛い＋一＝幸せ [Tsurai+ichi=shiawase] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. P.P.S.H. ♪♪
04. And I know ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: ONE OK ROCK is undoubtedly one of the best bands I've discovered this past year. Their music is characterized by clean, straightforward guitar work, simple beats, and Taka's distinct, clear, sweet, high-pitched voice that sounds almost childish and pure. Interesting fact: Taka's father is a famous enka singer, and it seems that Taka has directly inherited that ability to sing - his technique is just excellent for such a young guy. Their music is sometimes very simple, but infinitely catchy. They combine a nice mix of rock with rap and bluegrass elements. 「Keep it real」 is one of my absolute favourite songs.
ARTIST: Lycaon
RELEASE: [2008.03.19] RED RUM [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ypdq…
TRACKLIST:
01. Grow
02. RED RUM ♪♪
03. The Death Game ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. 「琥珀彩」～コハクイロ～ [Kohakuiro] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: The first band that comes to mind when I hear Lycaon's music is Viored. Lycaon's style is really similar to Viored's, but also to R-15's as well. The vocalist is not as good as 螢 [Kei] or マモ [Mamo], but he is certainly very skilled in his own right. Lycaon's music is perhaps slightly more approachable because 悠希 [Yuuki] doesn't scream or growl as much as the other two vocalists. 悠希's voice in 「琥珀彩」～コハクイロ～ sounds quite similar to 螢's in certain notes, it's kind of trippy for me.
ARTIST: Lycaon
RELEASE: [2008.07.30] Sad/Sick:ness [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/cfvg…
TRACKLIST:
01. into the dark
02. 緋雨 [Hi ame] ♪♪♪♪
03. The[1st] degree genocide holic ♪♪
COMMENTS: I really enjoy Lycaon, and I'm certain that quite a few of you also will so here's their second single as well. 緋雨 [Hi ame] gets a bit generic at times, but overall an easy listen. The third track is a lot more fast-paced and brings back some of the chaos and noise that they are a bit more known for. It gets a bit too chaotic and uncoordinated at times though, unfortunately. Otherwise it would be one really awesome song.
ARTIST: YO-HEI
RELEASE: [2007.10.31] Existence [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/4m3a…
TRACKLIST:
01. Existence ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. BURST OUT ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. Ride on Madness ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. Platinum TRAP a ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Holy shit. So this release is purely instrumental, but the guitar work is crazy impressive. Reminds me of Ishiwatari Daisuke's work, and that is a really high compliment. If you like industrial/power/black/progressive metal without the often dying/screaming vocals, you would enjoy this. Basically, I would recommend this to fans of Galneryus and DELUHI. Or well, just anyone who likes guitar in general. This maxi-single is awesome.
ARTIST: 吉田兄弟 [Yoshida kyoudai, or Yoshida Brothers]
RELEASE: Hishou―飛翔 [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/r06x…
TRACKLIST:
01. Prelude: Hishou
02. Ibuki (Hishou Version) ♪♪
03. Kodo (Hishou Version) ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. Ringo Bushi ♪♪♪♪♪♪
05. Ajigasawa Jinku ♪♪♪♪
06. Yasaburou Bushi ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
07. Panorama ♪♪♪♪
08. Tsugaru Yosare Bushi (Hishou Version)
09. Time of Sand
10. Tsugaru Aiya Bushi (Hishou Version)
11. Modern (Hishou Version) ♪♪♪♪♪♪
12. Dual
13. Tsugaru Jongara Bushi (Hishou Version) ♪♪
14. Postlude: Hishou
COMMENTS: Tsugaru jamisen, yesss. I love 吉田兄弟, they are so epic. So for those who don't know who this duo are, they are shamisen players (a traditional musical instrument that has been compared to a banjo, but is plucked with a plectrum). They play in a modernized style known as tsugaru jamisen, which is basically incredibly fast plucking of the instrument. So yes, this is very much traditional, ethnic music fused with some contemporary elements. They sometimes bring in drums and the 笛 [fue/flute] to supplement their shamisen. Their music is incredibly beautiful, but also incredibly cool (yes, they deserve the emphasis). Just check out the insanity that is Kodo. They play the shamisen like one would play the fucking guitar.
NOTE: The second part of my annual music post is here.
ARTIST: 圭 [Kei]
RELEASE: [2008.11.19] the primary. [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/13vn…
TRACKLIST:
01. the primary.
02. oriental cancer. ♪♪
03. the blueroom. ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: 圭 [Kei] is indeed the same guitarist of baroque/kannivalism. I was surprised to find out that he had his own solo project, and am pleasantly surprised at how lovely his voice is. He sounds a bit like Yoshito from xTRiPx, and his music is also a bit like theirs - which is pretty funny because xTRiPx has always reminded be of baroque. Anyway, this release is pretty solid for his debut as a solo artist; it is a pleasant mix of the baroque's unique sound and floppy's 8-bit style with a touch of industrial sound, but overall quite ambient.
ARTIST: NФA
RELEASE: [2007.03.28] Invisible 1998-2006 [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ifra…
TRACKLIST:
01. Destiny ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. 失意の翳 [Shitsui no kage] ♪♪
03. Spiral conflict ♪♪
04. BEAST666
05. Cruel style ♪♪
06. lust
07. Breakthrough ♪♪♪♪♪♪
08. Mind control ♪♪
09. Rafflesia
10. シルエット [Silhouette] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
11. Tragic prologue ♪♪♪♪♪♪
12. Forever ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: NФA is absolutely one of the best, and yet most overlooked, artists that visual kei has to offer. In addition to being able to sing incredibly well (I'm not exaggerating on this), he plays his own instruments. 『Invisible 1998-2006』 is a chronicle of all his works as a guitarist and vocalist from, uh, those years. This album is fairly multi-genre, dabbling in multiple categories of metal - death, speed, black, power - but also blends blues/swing in songs like 「Cruel style」, features lovely acoustic ballads like 「シルエット」, and even a surprisingly sentimental and gorgeous piano & violin piece titled 「Forever」. Overall, his style is a bit old school visual kei, but the style suits him really well. His voice reminds me a bit of Tora's (Sel'm) lower register, and someone else that I can't quite place, but it's deep, smooth, and controlled. And it goes without saying that the the guitar work on this album is quite good. I highly recommend this album for songs like 「Destiny」, 「シルエット」, 「Tragic prologue」, and 「Forever」. All are really beautifully done.
ARTIST: XecsNoin
RELEASE: XecsplosioN [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/mrzn…
TRACKLIST:
01. The Creator Justifies ♪♪♪♪
02. UNSCARRED ♪♪
03. One Day in November ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. CEREBERUS
05. SPIRITUAL ROAD ♪♪♪♪♪♪
06. FIREWALL(Listen to your Inner Voice) ♪♪
07. ASURA ♪♪♪♪♪♪
08. Children of the War ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I've wanted to introduce these guys for years now, but I never got around to it for some reason. Well, XecsNoin isn't really known as a visual band, but rather just a metal band. They are one of my favourites though, and this album is one of my favourite metal albums. These guys are so fucking hardcore and each piece is packed with completely unrelenting drums, grungey, dueling guitars, and solos galore. What's interesting is that XecsNoin's vocalist, unlike many other metal vocalists, does put forth the effort to sing and his voice is fairly pleasant - just check out 「SPIRITUAL ROAD」 and my favourite, 「ASURA」. The only problem I have is that I have with them is that their bassist gets drowned out by the epic guitars and drums.
ARTIST: Blast
RELEASE: 緋い領域 [Akai ryouiki mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qcow…
TRACKLIST:
01. 侵蝕 [Shinshoku] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. 嗚呼!所詮、嗚呼!無情、[Aa! shosen, aa! mujou,] ♪♪♪♪
03. 言論テロリズム [Genron terrorism]
04. 緋い領域 [Akai ryouiki]
05. 顔のない月 [Kao no nai tsuki] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: The main reason why I am still completely in love with Blast, after all these years: 秀朗 [Hiderou]. He is one of my favourite bassists ever, and I will dare say that he is undoubtedly one of the best bassists as well. His style reminds me a lot of Yukino (the studs, lynch, deadman) - the same fast, hard playing style that, at times, completely dominates Blast's songs. The other reason why I love Blast: 維那's [Yuina's] voice. It's not the best that I've heard, and uncharacteristically higher pitched, but he sings quite well. Although my tastes in music have changed a bit and I've become a lot more critical, Blast remains one of the few bands that I continue to come back to time and time again. 「顔のない月」 remains one of my absolute favourite songs.
ARTIST: Sel'm
RELEASE: [2006.10.04] dyed vacancy [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/04t2…
TRACKLIST:
01. Megalomania ♪♪♪♪
02. 楔 [Setsu] ♪♪♪♪
03. 追憶 [Tsuioku] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Er, if you haven't realized it yet, Sel'm is my second favourite band so I will shamelessly use this opportunity to plug them and their music because their new single is coming out soon. That, and they deserve many, many fans. Perhaps it is my vocalist-bias speaking, but I adore the hell out of this band. Tora is just simply excellent. He's young and doesn't have all that much experience other than his brief stint as girugamesh's first vocalist, but he still sings better than "vocalists" who have 5+ years more experience. His voice is why songs like 「追憶」 are so haunting and lovely, he knows how to use his incredible range. The second thing that attracts me to Sel'm's music is Takuma's mastery of the bass in the short time that the band has been active, which is often played in almost a lazy, sensuous fashion. Then, there is also MANJ", who continues to impress me with each new release because of how fancy and complicated his drumming is getting. He completely blew me away with his performance on 『brilliant force』. I am really looking forward to hearing the new material with the newest addition to their family, Nagi.
ARTIST: R-15/R指定 [Formerly known as R-18 and キャサリン]
RELEASE: [2007.12.12] Beautyful Sad Song [mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/oy62…
TRACKLIST:
01. A cradle
02. Dirty's culture ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. Sad song ♪♪
04. In the concrete ♪♪♪♪♪♪
05. SE
06. Cult life ♪♪♪♪
07. End roll ♪♪♪♪
08. ボナストラック [Bonus track] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I said I would upload this for
krashkan a while ago, but life got incredibly hectic so it's now about a month late. Ahaha. So I yeah, this is for you and anyone else in need of good, quality music. This band has gone through so many name changes that it's hard to keep track of at times. I love this band so much, マモ [Mamo] is so fucking hardcore on stage. But offstage, the kid is such a lovable retard who's journal entries make me laugh for ages. R-15 has some elements to their music that remind me of The Gazette at times, but ultimately, I find them to be the better band because マモ really knows how to use his voice. 七星 [Nanahoshi] also owns the hell out of Reita, and I'll take ウルトラ Z's [ULTRA Z's] guitar work over the shoddy mess that is Uruha's any day.ARTIST: DELUHI
RELEASE: [2008.07.23] Orion once again [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7p1b…
TRACKLIST:
01. Orion once again ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. NO SALVATION ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Another upload for
krashkan. DELUHI is such an excellent band, there really isn't anything new to say that I haven't said before so you'll just get a copy & pasted review that I wrote a few months back:Previously named GRAVE SEED, DELUHI are Juri on vocals, Leda on guitar, Ryo on bass, and Sujk on drums. While most of the members seem to be completely new to the music scene, they manage to display impressive maturity in both sound and style. Juri is a strong vocalist, with a clear & pleasant singing voice and real talent for screaming. In fact, it sounds like it could be two completely different people given how charming Juri's singing voice is juxtaposed against how brutal his screaming can get. What I am incredibly impressed with in general is their decision to keep the tracks relatively clean and listenable by pushing the screaming into the background and instead, choosing to highlight his singing voice. In addition to his singing and screaming, I want to add that Juri's English pronounciation is amazing. Holy shit, was I surprised.
You may know of Leda under his other stage name, Yu-to, bassist for the power metal band Galneryus. He is both an incredible bassist and guitarist, as well as a talented composer. He is responsible for composing all of the songs, as well as writing most of the lyrics for their releases. I really cannot stress enough the extent of this man's talent. If you haven't guessed already from Leda's background, DELUHI does indeed have strong metal influences in their music - many of their songs are filled with fast-paced drumming, heavy bass notes, crazy amounts of shredding, and a ton of great guitar solos. They also bring in other elements such as what sounds like the xylophone, organs, and piano.
ARTIST: Viored
RELEASE: [Created perfect new vision] -Taste of Heartless- [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/tw99…
TRACKLIST:
01. 柘榴〜Taste of Heartless〜 [Zakuro~Taste of Heartless~] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. M.D.P.[Mad doll party] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. Invariable Ray
COMMENTS: I'm still quite devastated that 螢 [Kei] suddenly left Viored and seemingly disappeared from the music scene. I loved Viored dearly, they held an incredible amount of promise and sounded so together even though they only lasted for about 2 years. 優一 [Yuuichi] and Nagi were amazing together on guitar, and seiya is such a great bassist. Then there's 螢 [Kei]. My favourite member, and one of my favourite vocalists. He has such a powerful voice, it makes me sad that I might not hear from him again. Songs like 「柘榴〜Taste of Heartless〜」 really epitomize Viored's career - powerful twin guitars, great solos, active basswork that stays in the foreground, all overlayed with clear, strong vocals that soar in the chorus. There's a lot of layers and intriguing complexity in their music that a lot of other (much older) bands seem to lack. I'm happy that at the very least, Nagi is with Sel'm now.
ARTIST: P∞L
RELEASE: アジアのシンボル [Asia no symbol mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/67y4…
TRACKLIST:
01. POOLISH
02. 信度５ [Shindon 5] ♪♪
03. 白船 [Shirofune]
04. 色とりどりの答え [Iro toridori no kotae] ♪♪♪♪
05. 揺り籠 [Yurikago] ♪♪♪♪
06. symbol ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I won't lie, I think P∞L is pretty fucking strange as well. They remind me a bit of merrygoround, who are also very good but both bands still make me raise my eyebrows at times. Nevertheless, if you like Nagoya and angura bands, you might enjoy them. Unfortunately, I just don't have the ability to describe their eccentricities, so you will just have to trust my tastes and check them out for yourself. Just get ready for a lot of random noises and one really eclectic singer.
ARTIST: xTRiPx
RELEASE: [2007.07.25] Blue well the Air [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/vl83…
TRACKLIST:
01. rhymeLoud ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. cherry ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I think xTRiPx is one of the most easily enjoyable bands active in the visual music scene. The vocalist sings fairly well and has a very pretty voice, their music is very well composed, energetic, and fun. They mix a bit of rap into their music, and have very catchy choruses that suddenly segway into loud and heavy breaks. Their work has elements that appeal to a wide range of listeners, which is probably why they are quickly gaining popularity.
ARTIST: VelBet
RELEASE: Song for ...xxx [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/u3do…
TRACKLIST:
01. Bunny ♪♪♪♪
02. サクラチル (Sakura chiru) ♪♪
03. Song for ...xxx ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: VelBet is another band that utilizes the fun, energetic chorus plus heavier breaks and verses formula for their music. They are pretty hardcore with rumbling basslines and furious drumming and screaming - elements that are borderline metal in sound, so the change into the chorus is often unexpected but also kind of fun in that respect.
ARTIST: Lusia
RELEASE: イバラノオリ [Ibara no ori single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/3mrd…
TRACKLIST:
01. イバラノオリ [Ibara no ori] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Unfortunately, this one song is all that I have from Lusia. They are fucking amazing though and I highly recommend them for fans of bands like DELUHI, CROWS, and R-18.
ARTIST: HATED
RELEASE: [2005.09.28] STILL devote myself to my BITCH [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/lf6d…
TRACKLIST:
01. Desperate Gain ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. habit ♪♪
03. 藍色（新録） [Aiiro (new recording)]
COMMENTS: This Nagoya band was made up of three of the four members of meth. Their style is not all that different from meth., but the only glaring difference is Akito's (formerly known by his stage name シキ [Shiki]) voice. Akito used to sing strictly in his lower register for HATED, but surprisingly he sounded pretty natural doing it (although a bit nasal at times). I know quite a few of you are meth. fans, so if you haven't heard HATED, I suggest giving them a try.
ARTIST: Lovin'
RELEASE: DESCENT THE SAVAGE [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/5j91…
TRACKLIST:
01. BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL ♪♪
02. SIREN ♪♪♪♪
03. 独心中 [Dokushinjuu]
COMMENTS: These guys are pretty much like 闇撫 [Yaminade]: brutal.
ARTIST: SCREW
RELEASE: VENOM [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/7ncc…
TRACKLIST:
01. DEADLY SILENCE ♪♪♪♪
02. VANQUISH
03. CELESTIAL BLISS ♪♪
04. REND: LOOP ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: I don't think these guys need an intro. You're all probably familiar with them on some level or another, right? It's the usual solid release from SCREW, although there is a bit of a change of pace with the significantly softer 「CELESTIAL BLISS」. Unforunately, I don't think Byou's voice is very suited for slower songs but the music is nice.
ARTIST: メトロノーム [metronome]
RELEASE: [2007.08.08] たわいないトワイライト [Tawainai twilight maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/hqfr…
TRACKLIST:
01. たわいないトワイライト [Tawainai twilight] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. MATSURI ♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Much to the surprise of many, I really enjoy groups like metronome and FLOPPY. I love the playfulness that metronome exhibits with the random old console game noises that they throw in. But in addition to that, RIU is a really, really good bassist.
ARTIST: BREAKERZ
RELEASE: [2007.07.25] BREAKERZ [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/a7iz…
TRACKLIST:
01. WAKE UP MY SOUL ♪♪♪♪
02. Birdman ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. THE TRAIN'S GONE... ♪♪
04. JOKER ♪♪♪♪
05. Re:born
06. Miss you
07. Nights a Brighter
08. Let ecstasy be ours
09. REAL LOVE ♪♪♪♪
10. I feel...
11. Kamisori ♪♪♪♪♪♪
12. Neo-Breaker
13. Drive the Ocean
COMMENTS: The fact that DAIGO☆STARDUST fronts this band makes me roll forever, but all laughter aside, they are honestly not that bad. In fact, the musical compositions are actually really, really well done but DAIGO is still as nasal as ever. It's weird to see that DAIGO can manage to be ...uh,
ARTIST: PIERROT
RELEASE: [1997.09.03] CELLULOID [mini-album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/mpj2…
TRACKLIST:
01. セルロイド [Celluloid] ♪♪♪♪
02. Adolf
03. 脳内モルヒネ [Nounai morphine] ♪♪
04. Twelve ♪♪♪♪♪♪
05. 鬼と桜 [Oni to sakura] ♪♪
06. HUMAN GATE
COMMENTS: PIERROT has been perhaps the most influential band in my life, second only to MUCC. They changed music from something that I only listened to on occassion to something that I craved every moment of the day. It was Kirito's lyrics that first inpsired me to start writing poetry, and his voice that got me interested in singing again after I had quit. And it seems that no matter how many other bands I find myself attached to, I still come back to PIERROT's music for KOHTA's bass work, for 潤's [Jun's] synth work, and of course, Kirito's voice and compositions. This mini-album is one of my favourites. It may be over 10 years old, but still is so beautiful to me. It contains one of my favourite songs from PIERROT's impressive discography, 「Twelve」.
ARTIST: ONE OK ROCK
RELEASE: [2006.12.16] Keep it real [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/tzth…
TRACKLIST:
01. Keep it real ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. 辛い＋一＝幸せ [Tsurai+ichi=shiawase] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. P.P.S.H. ♪♪
04. And I know ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: ONE OK ROCK is undoubtedly one of the best bands I've discovered this past year. Their music is characterized by clean, straightforward guitar work, simple beats, and Taka's distinct, clear, sweet, high-pitched voice that sounds almost childish and pure. Interesting fact: Taka's father is a famous enka singer, and it seems that Taka has directly inherited that ability to sing - his technique is just excellent for such a young guy. Their music is sometimes very simple, but infinitely catchy. They combine a nice mix of rock with rap and bluegrass elements. 「Keep it real」 is one of my absolute favourite songs.
ARTIST: Lycaon
RELEASE: [2008.03.19] RED RUM [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ypdq…
TRACKLIST:
01. Grow
02. RED RUM ♪♪
03. The Death Game ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. 「琥珀彩」～コハクイロ～ [Kohakuiro] ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: The first band that comes to mind when I hear Lycaon's music is Viored. Lycaon's style is really similar to Viored's, but also to R-15's as well. The vocalist is not as good as 螢 [Kei] or マモ [Mamo], but he is certainly very skilled in his own right. Lycaon's music is perhaps slightly more approachable because 悠希 [Yuuki] doesn't scream or growl as much as the other two vocalists. 悠希's voice in 「琥珀彩」～コハクイロ～ sounds quite similar to 螢's in certain notes, it's kind of trippy for me.
ARTIST: Lycaon
RELEASE: [2008.07.30] Sad/Sick:ness [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/cfvg…
TRACKLIST:
01. into the dark
02. 緋雨 [Hi ame] ♪♪♪♪
03. The[1st] degree genocide holic ♪♪
COMMENTS: I really enjoy Lycaon, and I'm certain that quite a few of you also will so here's their second single as well. 緋雨 [Hi ame] gets a bit generic at times, but overall an easy listen. The third track is a lot more fast-paced and brings back some of the chaos and noise that they are a bit more known for. It gets a bit too chaotic and uncoordinated at times though, unfortunately. Otherwise it would be one really awesome song.
ARTIST: YO-HEI
RELEASE: [2007.10.31] Existence [maxi-single]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/4m3a…
TRACKLIST:
01. Existence ♪♪♪♪♪♪
02. BURST OUT ♪♪♪♪♪♪
03. Ride on Madness ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. Platinum TRAP a ♪♪♪♪♪♪
COMMENTS: Holy shit. So this release is purely instrumental, but the guitar work is crazy impressive. Reminds me of Ishiwatari Daisuke's work, and that is a really high compliment. If you like industrial/power/black/progressive metal without the often dying/screaming vocals, you would enjoy this. Basically, I would recommend this to fans of Galneryus and DELUHI. Or well, just anyone who likes guitar in general. This maxi-single is awesome.
ARTIST: 吉田兄弟 [Yoshida kyoudai, or Yoshida Brothers]
RELEASE: Hishou―飛翔 [album]
DOWNLOAD: http://www.sendspace.com/file/r06x…
TRACKLIST:
01. Prelude: Hishou
02. Ibuki (Hishou Version) ♪♪
03. Kodo (Hishou Version) ♪♪♪♪♪♪
04. Ringo Bushi ♪♪♪♪♪♪
05. Ajigasawa Jinku ♪♪♪♪
06. Yasaburou Bushi ♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
07. Panorama ♪♪♪♪
08. Tsugaru Yosare Bushi (Hishou Version)
09. Time of Sand
10. Tsugaru Aiya Bushi (Hishou Version)
11. Modern (Hishou Version) ♪♪♪♪♪♪
12. Dual
13. Tsugaru Jongara Bushi (Hishou Version) ♪♪
14. Postlude: Hishou
COMMENTS: Tsugaru jamisen, yesss. I love 吉田兄弟, they are so epic. So for those who don't know who this duo are, they are shamisen players (a traditional musical instrument that has been compared to a banjo, but is plucked with a plectrum). They play in a modernized style known as tsugaru jamisen, which is basically incredibly fast plucking of the instrument. So yes, this is very much traditional, ethnic music fused with some contemporary elements. They sometimes bring in drums and the 笛 [fue/flute] to supplement their shamisen. Their music is incredibly beautiful, but also incredibly cool (yes, they deserve the emphasis). Just check out the insanity that is Kodo. They play the shamisen like one would play the fucking guitar.
AAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. History. :'D
Let an AP US history student tell you about the trufax of American history (as provided by the teacher of this student). This is, by the way, completely unaltered.
Question Two: Analyze the cultural and economic responses of TWO of the following groups to the Indians of North America before 1750.
A. British
B. French
C. Spanish
All the British wanted to do was exercise a little imperialism in the world.
The British always looked at the Indians as speed bumps on the road to empire.
The British gave the Indians special reimbursements, like college scholarships.
The Taft-Hartley Act of 1901 mandated that the Indians carry identification cards.
The Spanish pulled the band-aid off quickly while the British pulled it one hair at a time.
The French forced millions of beavers to become unwilling participants in the fur coat industry.
The French discovered that beavers were excellent hats.
French travelers to North America were outdoorsmen - when in a strange place it makes little sense to kill your guides.
The massive forces of European invasion smashed into the Natives like a Mac truck grinding into a Geo-Metro. Of course, the new Europeans had their own problems. Even a Mac truck leaves skid marks in a collision.
Americans in North America were diplomatic furriers.
Americans practiced recreational homicide.
The differences between the Spanish and the French to the Native Americans was like the difference between cheesecake and salted fish.
Spanish missions got the Indians in debt to the priests.
The Indians gave the Spanish Montezuma's Revenge when they drank the water.
Indian resistance was crippled at the Battle of Fallen Knee.
The settlers at Jamestown were young brash men who enjoyed pillaging cultures.
The French had a taste for fur.
The French and British were SO INTO having land!
Men like John Locke befriended Indian chiefs and learned a lot.
When the colonists learned the Indians had no gold, they stopped harassing them and paid attention to important things, like starving.
The British were stuck up and condescending Quarkers, who believed in equality.
The British thought the land was theirs since they saw no property signs.
The British sailed to the New World on royal charters.
Indians weren't as dumb as predicted. They sent Ponce de Leon off to search for a mythical fountain and they laughed and gave each other high fives.
The Indians in the north were living in the woods, eating beaver, making fur pants, and partying it up. All of a sudden the French came in with their accents and told them to leave.
The Spanish were hell-bent on spreading Catholicism.
Victor Hugo was one of the first French settlers.
The Spanish ruled the Indians, which caused the breeding of mestizos, and lead to a new government in Central America where it was warmer.
Liquor made the Indians less coherent and more European.
The French married Indians; the Europeans buried them.
The Spanish made the Indians Catholic, which naturally led to voodoo.
Pancho Villa discovered Florida and named it after his sister.
So in the end the Indians ended up with coffee and tea and the French got furs and tattoos.
Led by James Polk and Burt Bacharach, the French moved in on the natives.
The Spanish were led by Elian Gonzales.
Lief Erickson must have been scared shitless - Vineland had inhabitants.
The Proclamation of 1763 wasn't effective because they couldn't see the line.
The French were the first to settle in North America, where they wandered mindlessly into a world of fear.
Sacajawea and Montesquieu are two famous Indians who helped new settlers in exchange for weapons.
Beaver pellets were considered luxuries in France.
Here's a typical Spanish-Indian conversation:
"Donde esta el gold?" The Indian kind of laughs and says, "Somewhere up north."
Pochahontas led Lewis and Clark to the Promised Land.
The British took a missionary position towards the Indians.
Spain began spreading diseases like small pox and Catholicism.
The French saw the Indians in much the same way that some people see beanie babies today.
Doesn't Imperialism suck?
The British were involved in a scrimmage with the Indians.
Pochahontas had a daughter named Virginia Dare.
The Europeans came to the New World to look for a resting place for their egos.
Question Two: Analyze the cultural and economic responses of TWO of the following groups to the Indians of North America before 1750.
A. British
B. French
C. Spanish
All the British wanted to do was exercise a little imperialism in the world.
The British always looked at the Indians as speed bumps on the road to empire.
The British gave the Indians special reimbursements, like college scholarships.
The Taft-Hartley Act of 1901 mandated that the Indians carry identification cards.
The Spanish pulled the band-aid off quickly while the British pulled it one hair at a time.
The French forced millions of beavers to become unwilling participants in the fur coat industry.
The French discovered that beavers were excellent hats.
French travelers to North America were outdoorsmen - when in a strange place it makes little sense to kill your guides.
The massive forces of European invasion smashed into the Natives like a Mac truck grinding into a Geo-Metro. Of course, the new Europeans had their own problems. Even a Mac truck leaves skid marks in a collision.
Americans in North America were diplomatic furriers.
Americans practiced recreational homicide.
The differences between the Spanish and the French to the Native Americans was like the difference between cheesecake and salted fish.
Spanish missions got the Indians in debt to the priests.
The Indians gave the Spanish Montezuma's Revenge when they drank the water.
Indian resistance was crippled at the Battle of Fallen Knee.
The settlers at Jamestown were young brash men who enjoyed pillaging cultures.
The French had a taste for fur.
The French and British were SO INTO having land!
Men like John Locke befriended Indian chiefs and learned a lot.
When the colonists learned the Indians had no gold, they stopped harassing them and paid attention to important things, like starving.
The British were stuck up and condescending Quarkers, who believed in equality.
The British thought the land was theirs since they saw no property signs.
The British sailed to the New World on royal charters.
Indians weren't as dumb as predicted. They sent Ponce de Leon off to search for a mythical fountain and they laughed and gave each other high fives.
The Indians in the north were living in the woods, eating beaver, making fur pants, and partying it up. All of a sudden the French came in with their accents and told them to leave.
The Spanish were hell-bent on spreading Catholicism.
Victor Hugo was one of the first French settlers.
The Spanish ruled the Indians, which caused the breeding of mestizos, and lead to a new government in Central America where it was warmer.
Liquor made the Indians less coherent and more European.
The French married Indians; the Europeans buried them.
The Spanish made the Indians Catholic, which naturally led to voodoo.
Pancho Villa discovered Florida and named it after his sister.
So in the end the Indians ended up with coffee and tea and the French got furs and tattoos.
Led by James Polk and Burt Bacharach, the French moved in on the natives.
The Spanish were led by Elian Gonzales.
Lief Erickson must have been scared shitless - Vineland had inhabitants.
The Proclamation of 1763 wasn't effective because they couldn't see the line.
The French were the first to settle in North America, where they wandered mindlessly into a world of fear.
Sacajawea and Montesquieu are two famous Indians who helped new settlers in exchange for weapons.
Beaver pellets were considered luxuries in France.
Here's a typical Spanish-Indian conversation:
"Donde esta el gold?" The Indian kind of laughs and says, "Somewhere up north."
Pochahontas led Lewis and Clark to the Promised Land.
The British took a missionary position towards the Indians.
Spain began spreading diseases like small pox and Catholicism.
The French saw the Indians in much the same way that some people see beanie babies today.
Doesn't Imperialism suck?
The British were involved in a scrimmage with the Indians.
Pochahontas had a daughter named Virginia Dare.
The Europeans came to the New World to look for a resting place for their egos.
周觅! 加油!!
Hello there, this post is dedicated completely to Super Junior M's Zhou Mi. I'm taking the time to translate his profile because I'm particularly disappointed by the lack of common knowledge of his extremely impressive resumé. I'm also very, very tired of the bashing and baseless criticism he receives due to the combination of the fact that so few people seem know anything about him and his recent placement into Super Junior's sub-group. In addition to his basic information, this post also contains a small collection of photographs of him before his musical debut and a few extras.
姓名：周觅
Full Name: Zhou Mi
生日：1986年4月19日
Date of Birth: April 19, 1986
籍贯: 中国湖北省武汉市
Hometown: China's Wuhan City, in Hubei province
星座：白羊座
Constellation: White goat (Aries)
身高：185CM
Height: 185 cm | 6 ft 1 in.
体重: 64kg
Weight: 64 kg | 141 lbs
爱好和特长: 唱歌、MC、作词、韩国语
Hobbies/Special talents: singing, MC, composing, Korean language
学历：北京师范大学珠海分校 艺术与传播学院 文化艺术系 播音主持专业 2004级本科
Education: Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai Campus; School of Art & Communication; Literary arts and Broadcasting major; Class of 2004
[Note: Yes, you are doing the math right. He graduated from his university with a double major at age 18.]
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