The Entertainment News Week #54

I know. What’s the next post title, right? We shall see.

I was thinking of doing up a post on criticising the format of pop music, but then I noticed it’s actually my opinion on music. So I guess I shouldn’t after all. But… it… keeps… happening…

アニメ
ANIME

Sora no Method (2nd last episode): Yes this one is real. With reference to the misunderstanding last week, this week definitely is the last episode. I mean, later. Whatever happens now to Nonoka and the ignorance of everyone else besides Shione about Noel will be answered. It better be. Last episode for me was a mindf**k.
KimiUso: Not happening until two weeks from now. Yes I went to find out what happened. The new arc starts with episode 12 with a bunch of new theme songs. Hmm…
With respect to next season Anime, in reference to Random Curiosity’s season preview, I’m going to watch the first episode of two shows:: Koufuku Graffiti (now doubtful because I heard the opening theme song) and Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (that try-to-assassinate-your-teacher-who-is-a-professional-himself Anime) (because the premise of the show sounds interesting). The others? Probably not.

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Well apparently the old monk is alive after Ichigo called his name, and that's pretty much it. Hopefully that Quincy leader can foresee that Ichigo is going to get rid of him. Or someone else. I don’t know. Not like I foresee anything anyway.

MOVIE
Yep, just one. Because I got bored.
Penguins of Madagascar: Feels like the penguin version of Johnny English, for those who watched it before. Spy thriller experience, and plenty of jokes and last minute actions and ideas for the penguins. I must say the production is well done for the premise of this show.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Six last songs to top it up, and the final count for now is 220. Yes, another record. Two more from yanaginagi’s 2nd album (I’m still feeling bad for not calling on someone I know to get my bought single to get it signed in AFA this year), three from Ikimonogakari’s 7th album because I missed their songs, and one last from Sora no Method Image Album, which is entirely made by fhana. Problem is I only took (and remembered) one song, which makes me now humming to the song like what Nonoka does in the show.

Wow I can't believe I'm doing the same thing as an Anime character: humming an image song just like how they did it. Shocking.
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) December 24, 2014

Now that’s called being one with the Anime…


I guess that’s all. Starting tomorrow I've got much to do, so hope I can finish things up by the next time we meet, probably in the new year. Or before that to release Klassic Note results. Or APoL. That one, we’ll see. I’m still not pleased with my progress and more importantly, the quality of my work. So we shall see. Until next time… enjoy the last days of the year. I still haven’t got my purchase (not CD) from online (not Japan) yet. I don’t know. Probably complaining tomorrow.
[P.S.:

It’s not much, but if it’s Ten-chan then it’s great. That also means I’ll get more next year, right? Hopefully.]

The Entertainment News Week #53

Yes APoL is still on hold. Because I just thought of another way to write the story. And even that is only part of the first draft I intend to probably release tomorrow. Or by Christmas. Whichever one comes first. (Audience: Tomorrow’s after Christmas?) (Eh…)

And yeah, the year’s about to come to an end. I feel so sa-

アニメ
ANIME

Sora no Method (2nd last episode): Wow finally the truth is out, and yes all of them ask for their reunion, and thus fulfilling them will cause Noel’s existence to disappear, which is also not to their wishes. Now that they have no choice but to send her off (personally I think they should’ve done that long time ago), will the miracle of Noel coming back happen? Without the saucer? Hopefully. I want to see a happy ending. Tonight. Without my ordered-a-week-ago-online Chromecast to watch on my TV. Haiz. Maybe I’ll use the smart TV instead to console myself.
Denki-gai no Honya-san: Good last episode, not because it has a lot of jokes, but it’s a good summary and special to end a season of Anime. Especially the Uma no Hone part at the end. Really, don’t watch if you don’t laugh or cannot take sex jokes. After that, the girls (and the guys) have given me a good memory of this show, and I’ll enjoy future sequels, if any. Kudos to another good less-than-Seitokai-Yakuindomo comedy Anime! (Really, Seitokai is SO much more wrong. Vibrators are just…)
KimiUso: Eh… Kousei failed the contest. But then he’s more clear than he is before he met Kaori. Of course there are people who are shocked of his performance, but then he is learning on his own feet. With a new piano tutor who is nothing like his mother, and his next performance with Kaori-chan coming around the corner… I know the spoilers. Accidentally.
Because on a side note, I went to read some chapters of the manga. I thought the Anime is attempting to drag the show (like three episodes for one performance event), but it’s not. The manga author, however, is actually more exaggerating than the Anime itself. Now I know. I’ll blame the author instead. And damn, should I spoil it for you that Kaori-chan will be missing from their next performance? (OOPS. HAHA)

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Wow Ichibe is still struggling against The Almighty, which is bad, because it’s not enough to delay until Ichigo’s group to arrive. Haha, really we’re all waiting for that huh…

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Well nothing much this week. Next week will be D-day for Kana-chan’s new single (probably) which I will decide whether to give the whole single or not (I heard the B-side and it sounds fine), Ikimono’s album to whether I will give a couple of songs or not, and if that happens I will take a few more songs from yanaginagi’s album which… I think I mentioned this the last time.
Anyways, new singles and albums are announced for the new year, but since they are quite ahead of time and there’s a lot to cover, I’ll talk about it in due time. It’s the end of the year already, you know.


Cya guys then. Been busy sorting out things for my mom and thinking through APoL to give you guys a better FIRST DRAFT hopefully by the dates stated above. Until next time… hope my Chromecast appears at my doorstep or else I’ll need to file a complaint, and look around for probably… okay maybe not. Come back next week, yes?

[P.S.: If you’re waiting for this… I think I’ll probably stop next year. I just wanted a picture for this weekly post, but… I’ll think of something else? Hmm…

I wished there was more of Kana-chan and Kayanon’s photobooks. I guess I have to be patient, huh.]

[Edit.: Oops. Just found out after watching the 2ND LAST EPISODE of Sora no Method that it ends next week. I feel so bad about myself now. I thought it’s over and they play cliffhanger. More to talk about next week.]

The Klassic Note Review – 2014.12 Issue 2

Somehow I NEVER mentioned this yanaginagi’s single before, even though it’s on my shelf. Well. The wait is over. I’m filling it in, and the compilation will come tomorrow. Remember that. I’ll post it here just to remind myself anyway. Let’s get started.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

yanaginagi – Aqua Terrarium [Single]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(Both pertaining to the theme. And no close ups. Good. Oops.) (No really, she has her beauty; Refer to the other single review)

Origin: Well I guess the most memorable from her of how I started in this single and listening to yanaginagi is from Anime “Nagi no Asukara”. Awesome show by the way. And with awesome shows come awesome theme songs, and she did twice of it. Both great. More than the average standard because she partakes in the lyrics, and her voice is… Yeah you get what I mean. Anyways, it’s because the first of this I hear the diversity and her own composition, barely missing it last year and revisiting it the start of this year, and at least on my shelf. If she deserves that much attention she really is good, I can tell you that.

(1) Aqua Terrarium
The theme song. A very different feel. A lot of hoohs and hahs going around the chorus. My first impression isn’t wonderful. But then as I go along the show it brings me to the mood of this song, which is uniquely soothing. I can remember back in last year at this time of the year I’m spending every night in a week listening to this song before I go to bed. Really. The hypnotic feeling somehow brings about the despair and mood in the song, as with the lyrics too. Overall a very well done song despite weak first impressions. And despite being still an Anime theme song.
RATING: 4 stars (Very Average)

(2) mnemonic
This is what stopped me last year from getting the single. Her own composition. And there are two reasons why I changed my decision. Firstly, with the arrival of the other single I got for my birthday this year (specifically “unjour” her other composition), I decided to give her another chance, and surprisingly I’m in the mood for it, so instead of giving 4 out of 6 songs in total for both singles, I decided to put both of the singles on my shelf. Period. The drifty mood of this song has its own way, and in the most depressing times of the year (at least for the start of the year) she played a big part, and I forgave some discrepancies to give her the thumbs up. Secondly, this is also (I swear it’s coincidentally and unintentionally) the insert song for the same show. And after listening to it beforehand it really rings a bell, and reminded me once again how great this song is done. Really, have I not convinced you by now she is great?
RATING: 4 stars (Average)

(3) You can count on me
This song, also given last year along with (1), is the other side of yanaginagi. The active side. The happy side. And a well done melody (not by her), but wonderful lyrics of dependence and hope. Really appreciating her talent by now, and I see why she left that group to advance further in her singing career. (Haha) So lively, five minutes for this song isn’t enough. Really. Upbeat, lively, and I can totally imagine her dancing to this if she did a live performance of it. Well, soon. She just completed her 2nd album…
RATING: 4 stars (Above Average)

Conclusion: Overall not a bad single after all. You may see me giving average ratings here, but you don’t know how many times I''ve listened to these songs behind the scenes, especially last year, when I don’t have that Twitter account back then. Anyways, fans who has a taste of her composition style would definitely not miss this one of course, and those who haven’t so should give her voice and her rather quirky style of music creation a chance. Definitely a (three-track) single I’ve tried given chances and not got disappointed throughout the course of selection.


Yay. I’m done. Now for APoL. Apparently I didn such a haphazard and messy job I may have to rewrite it. Hope it doesn’t come to that. Cya guys next time then, and meanwhile I’ll wait patiently for the Anime tonight to be online. Bye.

The Entertainment News Week #50

Wow I didn’t remember Jeff Dunham coming to my home city. Oh well. Not like they dare to come here again… Oops

アニメ
ANIME

Sora no Method: Well last week (Yep just in case the next one gets in my way tonight. Or tomorrow) Noel collapsed, but after some time and sending back her to the hometown seems to have made her recover, but also the truth is out. Well, at least to the group, from Shione. Yes. Apparently their solution is to each take the blame to not make the wish (whoever’s it is) of reuniting the five-people group. Really? REALLY? Well, not like I cared anyway. Anyways, it’s coming to an end, and we know Noel has to fulfil the wish, but… either or both can happen. You get what I mean. Like, Noel could stay and they can still be together for all we know…
Uma no Hone: Seriously if you start watching this show because of this week’s episode I applaud you. Because Kobayashi Yuu (the voice actor behind G-Man) (and Seitokai Yakuindomo’s Yokoshima-sensei) doesn’t really sound cute as a kid (I sweat I was expecting someone else), and I didn’t notice who it is until halfway through the show. Like, when they talked about Civil Service and stuff. Seriously. Nice episode though, and it couldn’t have gone any better, especially with half the show quiet with Sommelier. LOL On the other hand, Tsumorin applauds Sensei-chan’s professionalism in her lifestyle as a manga artist, and WUUUUUUUUUUUUUT??? Go watch that scene yourself. I’m not elaborating. I don’t even feel Ayachi’s voice in it.
KimiUso: Yes it was a long performance. Spanning like, three episodes for a concert performance not more than 4 minutes long. Just saying. Anyways, Kousei is really binded by her mother for some reason (or the production is the one that does Attack on Titans) (miserable freaks) (Wait don’t tell me Aniplex is part of the production in that show too…), but love triumphs discipline (like how democracy thrives over communism) and he plays a performance that probably is the biggest mindf**k to the judges. Yeah. If he doesn’t get kicked out of the competition now I don’t know what else will. Seriously.

Oh yeah. I’m reminded of something.

Tonari no Kashiwagi-san: Not wrong segment, but yes. That Manga 2.5 adaptation. Don’t know what’s that? JFGI. Anyways, the season was pretty well done, though pace is kind of slow, the voices of the girls could’ve been less of acting cute and…. it’s not Anime. Somehow it has to happen. But if it doesn’t, ever, I don’t mind. I’ll remember the manga scenes in my head. Like how Sayaka has to get a guy to meet her father, how Tina appeared out of nowhere and her boyfriend being the one who scarred Kotone in her past. Yeah. Do some full Anime adaptation, someone.

SHOWS
Jeff Dunham: Yep. The new DVD on his world tour over the past few years is out. Less offensive, still has good jokes testing A LOT on his comedian skills, and… now we know how the French Terrorist appeared in Jeff Dunham Show came about. Nice one Jeff.

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Eh… did I say something about the Quincy leader being victorious in the end or something along those lines? Either that or I need to give the Zero Division some APoL decks before they set out fighting. Possibly also to every good guy out there in the show. Besides Ichigo. He needs no divination. *laughs*

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Not much at all this week, besides yanaginagi’s 2nd album, which I did review from starting last week, is just getting better despite my reduced listening of the songs recently. Well decided to give another song (which means it’s exceeding 215) from her album (apparently a theme song for an Anime NEXT SEASON?) and somewhat close things until… Damn. Wow. I shouldn’t have watched Jeff Dunham just now. I forgot about something.

As I was looking through my own reviews, I noticed I missed one of them. (Oops) Will do it tonight before compilation. (Yes, "compilation")
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) December 14, 2014

Yeah. How? Tomorrow? I’ll try it by tonight. But I don’t want to miss watching Anime. Btw, I rejected SID’s new single. Don’t ask me why, especially when you’re their fan.


APoL? Yeah it’s on it’s way. Somehow my next week isn’t going to be as carefree as I hoped (it’s towards the end of the year anyway) so I’ll push Chapters 13 and 14 together instead.
I’m a freaking liar. I know. Cya next week then, or later, if I can get the last Klassic Note Review of the year to be done before the sun sets moon sun rises. Well I don’t do that anyway. I just go sleep. Until next time.

[P.S.: Omachikanedesune? Yesu. (OMG I feel so offensive)

Hope to see more, like text-less kind of way, images that I can put on my phone. I’m sure I can find them.]

The Klassic Note Review – 2014.12 Issue 1

Yes it’s the only one. Because SID new single isn’t impressive and the two last week aren’t either. And I don’t intend to buy any albums soon. Maybe Ikimono, but I shall see that for myself.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

Aqua Timez – Ikite [Single]

[Limited Edition]

[Regular Edition]

(Pretty much the same, these two, but the Regular Edition looks more blissful. I’d like the Limited Edition though because it features live footage from the niconico live before their album release, which… oh well.)

Origin: Well we are all familiar with pop rock band Aqua Timez, for they bring us many awesome songs from Anime, drama and many more. Celebrating their 10th year, with the release of their album earlier in August comes this single for another drama (which I wouldn’t elaborate here), but as it is only a single-track (new song) single, I’m sure to be reviewing it, right? Hell yeah you bet I will. This single falls on the line of single-track singles of their band, and this isn’t any shabby either.

(1) Ikite [Live On]
Eh… first impression from music video is rather impressive, with most of the captivating components of a pop song available, and along with my favourite long phrases leading to the chorus again just like “Hinayume” from their latest album, this song just makes for another great track to listen to. The lyrics generally talk about life in general, that though we go through life and are worried or even get emotional just talking about it, we still live on, and thus my translation of the song title. (Yes my translation dammit) Overall a wonderful song, but honestly? I was expecting more. Damn, why am I expecting more, right?
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

(2) MASK (Shoes and Stargazing Version)
If I’m not wrong this is likely a rendition from their live this year also of the same name, but is also good in terms of song selection. If anyone recalls three years back where Anime “BLEACH” is still on and running (slowly) that this is one of the ending theme songs. Somehow three years listening to this version makes me view the song totally differently, which is great given the original song is already pretty good in terms of melody. Nostalgic is all I can think of at the moment, but really, nice song too. And if no one knows Klassic Note gives remixes of songs already in list, which also explains why negoto’s single is on my shelf too.

Conclusion: Altogether a nice single to have, and if not for my hesitation to get pre-order I probably would’ve done this last weekend. If you’re a fan and have not missed a release from them, I’m sure it’s at your shelf now already. Or else, if you’d like a nice song to listen, my recommendations will never exclude Aqua Timez. Really, old timer experienced band already. It’s been ten years anyway…


THE PACKAGE
Yes, even I’m excited when I get to this part, where I talk about it before I put it on my shelf. Funny it’s been two years I’m still feeling this excitement within. Must be my own money that makes it matter, isn’t it?

And yes, as you see the special gift here is not a promotional poster, but a poster of them in their live. *smiles* You get what I mean already, huh. Anyways, the packaging looks familiar as to the album with the elf theme, but this time the elf has a human granny. Just saying. Artistic view is exceptionally good though. Here, a bigger picture.


I guess that’s all this time. Cya guys next year for more review of course, and I’ll see if I can compile all the reviews I’ve done for this year or not. Along with the final look of my shelf for the year. Yeah just you wait and see…
[P.S.: APoL Chapter 13 is expected to be completed by this weekend. <<This is to make sure I meet the deadline. Really not making progress recently…]

The Entertainment News Week #49

Four more weeks to- Wait, I think I mentioned that before. Never mind.

Four more weeks to the end of 2014! And three more weeks to the end of Klassic Note for the year too. Hmm…

アニメ
ANIME

Sora no Method (will remember not to miss tonight’s, but forgot Anime two days ago, haha): Okay I see what’s happening. Shione’s not buying into the friendship thing. Too bad for Nonoka, who really just wants them to be together like back then. Seven years back then. Anyways, Shione gets to slap Nonoka again, but she has to take care of Noel now that she left the town and collapsed. Hmm. Hopefully we can get to an understanding soon to Noel’s true existence in this show, because it’s really getting on my nerves already. The lack of the answer. We’re close to the end of the season, you know…
Denki-gai no Honya-san: Love every episode of this show up till now for the overly emotional scenes than comedy, but that is fine. Very unlike Seitokai Yakuindomo as I’ve been told about. Tsumorin and Kameko seem to be the focus here, but the comedy is more towards Hio-tan, huh. I just wonder if it will ever happen that there is a conclusion to the romance things here. But seeing that they skipped all the Valtentine’s scenes for all the co-workers and left Tsumorin crying as a conclusion, I guess not.
KimiUso: Eh… as I thought Kousei performed badly due to his heavy thoughts of his mother, and we are led to a longer story about his history with his mother, and it apparently didn’t take much for him to finally stand up for himself just that one time. Kudos to him for that, but seeing how serious of a scar he got, I can’t help but think the Anime is too heavily focused on that, and I see a lack of development. Last episode sees two piano performances, and this week Kousei’s performance hasn’t even ended yet. I mean, I see more in the next episode preview. Hopefully they don’t drag the show; it’s not even halfway there…

No plans for what new shows to watch next season yet, Koufuku Graffiti seems to be interesting somehow. From many sources it seems dominance is on sequels of existent shows, which is kind of a letdown yet again. Haiz…

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Well the old monk is doing something with his brush, and apparently it represents darkness. Who knew that a humble brush could have such an effect? Well at least effort for such creativity is commendable, but we know the Quincy leader is OBVIOUSLY NOT DEAD YET. Yeah, only n00bs will think he is definitely dead.
Tonari no Kashiwagi-san: Well at least things are clarified between Kou and Kotone, and I guess that’s rather important for the group to move on… (Seriously where’s the Anime adaptation? And I’m not talking about the Manga 2.5)

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Well this week is one for many as Aqua Timez and SCANDAL come into the equation. Aqua Timez’s single is already on the way, so be sure I’ll be doing a review on it next week. SCANDAL’s new album is pretty impressive for so many of their songs are done by themselves this time round, and I will be taking a couple of songs from the list, for the list. I also got a heads up on the only release I’ll be reviewing (probably) for next week which is yanaginagi’s 2nd album. (I’m still feeling bad for not supporting her performance at my hometown) For now it’s a great album, for I already picked two songs from when I first heard it yesterday. (Really wondering what songs she sang for the live yesterday) Along with those from SCANDAL and a second selection from FLOWER FLOWER’s album I see a hell lot of songs coming my way. And yeah, the number I mentioned on Twitter will not suffice. Really. There’s still Ikimono-gakari, and I cannot just give yanaginagi TWO SONGS. Really.

215 is likely my target for this year. For Klassic Note. Which means I can only give one song from Ikimonogakari's album? Oops.
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) December 6, 2014

I guess that’s it for this week then. The year is coming to a close, so please expect a shorter paragraph, especially for Klassic Note as I tidy up stuff for the final results and survey releases, which I do every year. Cya next week then, and I promise, I’m working on APoL. Really. Just playing Train Fever and Godus from time to time though…

[P.S.: As I shift from KitKat to Lollipop, my change of tastes in sweets also accompany a change in showing screenshots on my homescreen. For now. Homescreen widgets better come back soon.

Tomacchan’s stealing the limelight this week. Mina-chan probably next week. Got a sh*tload of pictures from her 2nd album…]