The Cost-Effective Plan Part 2 (Follow-Up)

Hey! It's been a while. It's been a while since I do some economic assessment whilst I discuss about the viability of me purchasing most - if not all - of the music I like, and here I am again. You guys would have remembered from that previous blog post way back in 2014 where I discussed such a thing, and I used buying CDs versus digital downloads, in this case iTunes, as comparison. Now that music streaming has become a thing in recent years, I felt the need to talk about it again, to share with you guys what music streaming can change the way I listen to songs now.

Recently too, I noticed the sources online I intended to rely on have failed subsequently, which is not good news if Klassic Note were to carry on. That is why Apple Music, which iTunes is widely used in Japan compared to many other online distributors (I mean, most of them I can't even read), has become the new topic of attention.

I would recommend you guys to read up a blog post of a method of using Apple Music in the USA and the differences there are before reading on because... well it's more detailed than what I maybe mentioning here.

(All content mentioned here is with respect to Japanese songs. If it's for the occasional Chinese and English songs... it's not a relevant point of discussion here at least.)

CD ONLY
Let's keep this brief because it's quite straightforward. It's what I've been doing till date. Listening to the new songs online (and taking them), and only if it meets certain requirements will the related releases be bought online and sent to my house through whatever means possible. (Yes, I mean whatever means, even if shipping costs more than the disc) That will ensure anything I bought will be the ones I definitely like and cut cost into spending the amount of money every year. Look, I'm not in the workforce yet, okay? I have a budget.

ITUNES
This one is also easy to explain. Digital downloads have been a thing now, and even though through copyright laws I do not legally own the copy to distribute it but if it is for personal use, then why not. Prices are not that steep if you count each song, I'm guaranteed of most of the songs in the list in Klassic Note (I need stats about that but I don't have an Apple ID yet *sob*) and they will come more promptly compared to relying online resources. The downside is I may have to buy all related releases in order to determine which ones will end up on my list, and that is not cost effective because I don't listen to all of them. Really, the 2.99 Stars Project is only a fraction of what I didn't give. Also, no physical copies. You should've seen my reactions the first batch of CDs come to my home. That's the excitement I'm talking about.

ITUNES + APPLE MUSIC
And this is where this new alternative comes in. It's like a hybrid car in theory. Buying all songs cost too much, so I get a music listening subscription to listen to what I want, decide on them and buy them through iTunes so they can be kept in my music library. This method has a lot more advantages compared to the above ways, in that I don't waste have to spend extra money to buy all the stuff I don't want to listen. And yes there may be a subscription fee I have to give, but that is in order for me to listen to the latest songs, and that itself will pay off eventually if I keep reviewing new albums in Apple Music first then just taking all of it down and throwing most of them down the trash. It may not be economically measurable to the companies involved, but to the customer this is an easy way to get involved to listening to more music. And that is what is important to making Klassic Note to what it is today. I'm always searching for a new melody.


LIMITATIONS
Now this part. The part we're most concerned about. The part where even a Q&A session won't suffice. Yes, it's why I haven't even taken action yet. Simple. I have questions too. Let's try out the following questions, shall we?

(1) Will I get all of the latest songs from Apple Music/iTunes when they come out?
Ans: I have proven I'll miss SWANKY DANK more than a month after its release of the latest mini-album. More than a year, I think.

iTunes Japan
(Screenshot)

Official Website
(Reduced form)

(2) How many artists does this cover in my area? I listen to a lot of artists.
Ans: Let's do a survey then. Unfortunately the results in comparison are from iTunes Singapore, so...
~ AQUA TIMEZ
An Ultimate Collection artist who has songs from way back in 2005.

iTunes Japan

iTunes Singapore

Note that in iTunes Japan site there's the new single in the middle which I have not reviewed yet even though it released this week. Then there's the localised disappointment.

~KOMATSU MIKAKO
She is a solo artist. Specifically with a voice actor background who sings Anime theme songs once in a while. Debuted in 2012.

iTunes Japan

iTunes Singapore

Pathetic, local iTunes. Just pathetic. On the other hand, Mikakoshi's new single is in iTunes/Apple Music. I know that because I've heard it already *wink* This also says a lot for a lot of solo Anime artists I know of, not and including the sphere and TrySail girls.

~ AIMER
Someone famous internationally at this point, and is also an artist born from Anime theme songs. Started singing in 2011.

iTunes Japan

iTunes Singapore

As you can see, it's quite a difference, even for someone of her calibre. Her latest single and album aren't even here despite it released a month ago, and where's the artist image? Then again, if you want be to test like, SCANDAL, you're asking for it.
(Okay, it's about the same without the music videos segment for local iTunes.)

~YUCAT
Solo artist since 2013, and what's different of her is she is not under a major label. Released four official mini-albums till date including this year.

iTunes Japan

iTunes Singapore

Hypothetically speaking, if I'm enjoying the Apple Music free trial from my local account from when her latest album released back in April, I'll still not be able to hear it today. *sob*

(I tested a few more but I'm lazy to post images here. Miyawaki Shion does well in both areas because she is under avex which has international distributions sorted out, I can't find any results for local iTunes for "Scenarioart" even if it's typed in Japanese, I managed to find only one album of Kuso Iinkai which is before any major debut waaaay back in 2009, and yanaginagi doesn't even have a single album listed outside of Japan iTunes. Not even Anime songs too?? Wow.)

So clearly, there's a difference between the two. But then why I mention this? Because if you do not know of Apple, their services are region restricted, as you can see above. I can't own a local account and get Japanese music. At least, not most of them. Which brings me to the next question.

(3) Why are you like that, Japan? Why no international release?
In case you don't know of it, music licensing around the world is a thing. And if you didn't read the link I posted all the way above, Japan is being very conservative about their copyright laws outside of the country, even if it means just licensing music to an American company like Apple. This is also easily seen by the resistance for companies there to send their artists into international fame. I may not be expert in this behind-the-scenes stuff, but there's more to it than it what we believe in, I would say.

(4) Does Apple Music have everything in iTunes?
Ans: The short answer is yes, but then I have not found concrete proof on this one yet, which is not good. But then again I follow by that link I told you guys to look at. And that was from America. Chances are from where I live now it'll work the same way.

(5) I have more questions.
Shut up. I'm the one doing the blog post. Let's move on. I've proven my point.


SUMMARY
Here's a table of text in case you're bored of text and images with text.

CD ONLY

ITUNES

ITUNES + APPLE MUSIC

Representation of
Klassic Note list

Only a fraction

Most, including those
not selected

Mostly representative

Waiting Time
(to review)

One week after
release or more

Immediately after release,
if there is digital

Immediately after release,
if there is digital

"What if I heard
previews of it only?"

"Good luck guessing what's
the rest of the CD."

"I can just download
and then listen."

"I can listen to it
before downloading."

Backup

Always there, can be
digitally preserved

May not always be there,
but will be in the cloud

Always online, cannot
preserve unless bought

Indie Artists

So long as I buy,
exceptions apply

If no digital release
I'm screwed

If I listen indie all month

money will be wasted

Cost (2014)

~54332yen

>50000yen

61760yen

Cost (2015)

38361yen

>36000yen

47760yen

Cost (2016 Jan-Sep)

36950yen

~129000yen

45760yen

Average Price per tune
(2016-)

493yen
(75 tracks)

759yen

269yen

*Each track in iTunes cost 250yen, membership in Apple Music is 980yen/month.
*Calculations do not account for indie releases, non-Japanese songs and full releases assuming I know what songs I want even without Apple Music.
*CD aggregate costs may include other shipping charges. Average price includes tracks from albums not given, and are not representative of selected tracks.


WHEN I'LL START
Bad news is, things may not look that good. Good news is, I plan to take action soon. Because the biggest problem here is I don't know what Apple Music is like anyway. Will I get to listen to all of them? Or I be buying Apple Music for music selections and special playlists? I want to at least try out for myself Apple Music in Singapore and Japan for the free trials to see if it is even worth it at all, then we shall see. Likely plan is I start at December so I can pick up releases I have not reviewed throughout the year, and take two months to listen to newly released songs for the following year, where online sources are known to be an all-time low throughout the year. This will be good estimate and I'll be at the best time of year to find out whether it'll be worth it considering it's also the time of the year where there are lesser releases.


In conclusion, it depends on you, and on me. It's cheaper if I like what I am buying. Provided I get to hear all of them. It's better to support artists by buying physical copies as they have traditionally believed which includes me too by the way. But then again there's the incompleteness I'm experiencing now. Like, literally, I can't listen to new songs unless I buy a music subscription plan to listen to them. And unless I spend a lot of money, it'll be worth my time. Certainly, for Klassic Note, I have to think about it all.

P.S. What the heck is this "Allow Explicit Content" thing? Haiz local media laws man...

Life maybe having it easy on me, but that doesn't mean I have an easy life.

Today we commemorate (it'll be when I read this again lol) the day I got accepted for a job, or specifically an internship, as a start to my career. I say the above because in the biggest things in life (this, getting into university, into Army etc.) I always ended up having it easy. I either get in successful without much of a hitch despite my performance or I have the best scenario of whatever I'm in compared to many others. This, I thank whoever is in charge of my life (everyone involved), but I also worry if I can ever tackle uncertainties in life. That, I do not worry, for I have it easy. Which may not be good.

On the other hand, I have to worry about stuff like exercise every other day because I will not have those easy in my life. Such is agony, but I'll let you choose which one is better, yes?

The Entertainment News 2016 Edition Issue #39

Yay, it's the term break. And before that this was a real crazy week. From being rejected an internship to entering an interview to meeting up with that insurance agent which I do once every two years... my life is busy. And I hate it. *laughs* Okay let's move on.

This week also signals a good time to end Anime for one season, and welcoming a new one.

アニメ
ANIME

Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru!: Did I not say it was filler episode for the end? Yes, I did. If not, I'm saying it now lol. Typically with this type of adaptation we won't reach the ending (well the manga hasn't ended anyway so...) anytime soon but that doesn't mean they cannot play with it. Usami-san is placed with a lot of fun this episode (12), as she walks home under the same umbrella with Uchimaki-kun (if you know this it's practically drawing a love umbrella FYI) and thinks of whether she should even confess to this guy who likes 2D characters so much he minds if the girls have partners or not. Though not the point, the ending came in with the same pace as the whole story itself, so that's not too bad. Unfortunately there will not be a second season if it ends like that, and I will, as I mentioned, continue to read the comic and see the missing stuff that is not in the show. It's kind of that thing to set us going. So yes, thanks for this Anime. I really enjoyed it. If you needed reasons to watch this, watch it for the pace of slice-of-life, the focus on events and characters, and fantastic art courtesy of Kyoto Animation. It has been a ride.

If you remembered this three episodes ago the string thing still works. Haha nice try, Moeka-chan.

Time Travel Shoujo: Last episode (12). Well, no epic fights though. But yes they did explain everything, which is good. We now know the reason of a time rift above their heads, because likely also through space-time stuff which we don't know of, one of the armillary compasses split into two, which also means there are only, to Hayase's knowledge, only two of them in the first place. Then, we also know that since three of them are in the machine, only two will go back. Well, guess what? Mikage-san gets to stay in the past. Not really a problem because he'll be the smartest businessman in the world at that time. The machine is set to blow up already, and things getting out of control is of course what the animation team ended up deciding on. Not a bad ending, I guess, and it gets better. We get to see the future. The future of somewhere a book is replaced with an apple. I don't take speculations, but if we want to guess that elderly lady explaining to the kid probably is Mari-chan (yeah, huh), and that we just got to see a little of the legacy that has happened, that's all. Nice story, though. I enjoyed this one. It's definitely more than just an educational show though.

Yeah sure, you'll NEVER find this in the history books. Nice try, Mikage-san.

Next season? I better talk about it, because I think I did say something last week. None. I found none interesting. Sangatsu no Lion will be interesting so long as they don't talk about shougi all the time though, and Fune wo Amu will be even more if it isn't focused on literature. On the other hand, I'm prepared to continue the story that is Bungou Stray Dogs after seeing what kind of stuff those Americans got into (don't assume I'm criticising foreigners; watch the show), and I'll be looking forward to more jokes in WWW.WORKING!!, ie. Web Verison WORKING!! as I would like to call it soon. More stories and origins will come as soon as next week, so we may not be taking a break at all. Yay for more Anime!

漫画
MANGA

What did I tell you? Manga is nothing without BLEACH. On the other hand, one of the Anime above has ended, so I'll be reading a lot into Usami-chan next week.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Okay, this one. Sources are hard to find in the Internet to do reviews, so things maybe slower than usual. Aimer's new album released this week, and I must say people writing songs for her makes it so much... worse, I guess. Love songs aren't common in her songs, so I maybe giving one from inside this release. plenty's new album also got released this week, and I must say feels a lot different than their album from last year. Maybe I'm not in the mood (because I'm all relieved after what happened earlier in the week), but then I'll give a song. You know, give them a chance. Their style is indeed good though, I would say. I rejected wacci's new album good (sorry guys), Mikakoshi's new single doesn't seem to resonate well within me, and I haven't gotten the full review in, so... maybe I'll just give because of the music video, yes? (Love you, Mikakoshi~) Through those live performance footages last week I also picked up Iwasaki Ai's latest album again to try to give one more song, but till date it has not been sticking well with me. I don't know. I need a reason to give songs today.

Next week brings a new single which I have not been mentioning much about recently even in Twitter, which is Aqua Timez. But hey, it's been some time and I can't get used to them releasing new songs, but it is good so of course I'll have a listen. You guys should too; their music is great.


This is it then. I'm feeling excited, anxious, confused, and tired. At the same time, I have to figure out life and society as a whole, not because I'm crazy but because I want to continue APoL. Progress has not been good. That, and thanks to a link I posted here (thanks, RC) I noticed my story is just like a TCG. Uh oh. But no, I'm not going to do that. It's different. It has duels. It has cards that change life. It focuses on people. Ugh my head hurts...

Is it okay to leave everything behind, forgetting what is true to ourselves and living the society life where criticism and sacrifice is prime?

A question you should ask yourself if you've enjoyed a life without work (till now) and am about to. Like me. And I don't like it. And we can't fight the change, unfortunately. Unless you terrorist (get out of my blog then you piece of), otherwise... I guess not.

P.S. What are the chances of this being seen? Oh well, Google. You get the first hand lol

The Dream Fragment #18

Remember somewhere in this blog I wanna talk about that date in Aki-chan I wrote somewhere on Facebook for my own reading? I'm still not going to reveal that. However, I'm going to talk about... probably the best dream I've had in months. Yes, I got to be in a private session with my beloved idol. (And yes, it involves others but then we can't really be alone lol)

Instead of writing a story (which explains why this isn't a full story), I'll talk about what I have done in the dreams and what I didn't.

(In no particular order; piece it up yourself haha)

What I've done:
~ Asked for an autograph. I forgot where I got a square card, but probably from her latest album haha, but she said she won't just sign only she wants to leave me a message. I said anything would do she she wrote (awkwardly in Chinese) like, well the usual. Supporting her and stuff, thanks and love and stuff. No drawing though. But oh well, signatures are enough
~ Has a great time with her. I've a feeling I'm in a... what you call that, a shabu shabu house? Because all I remember are food, mostly uncooked. I was missing a bowl to eat in and she asked the waiter for me. For me. Yes.

What I've not done:
~ Asked for a hug. It maybe ridiculous, and why not in a dream, but then I did intend to ask for one before all this, but I didn't. And I woke up remembering that. My heart is broken now lol
~ Count my chances. We in a nutshell I was lucky. You know how you have to be picked randomly for prizes related to anything of an idol? This one, enough for me to buy the lottery and win it haha. Somehow it's also done in the same place I was eating. Weird.
~ Sit closer to her. You know, we want to do that when we're desperate. Unfortunately there was kind of a glitch, I say, a logical paradox in the first place. Firstly, I was sitting on those comfy restaurant seats where you sit across each other. Secondly, at some point I had a scene where I was able to sit on a seat perpendicular (to my right) to where she was sitting. Her hand was on the seat for goodness sake.

There you go. I should've just written the whole dream, but I forgot most (as usual) and I promised myself (also probably Aki-chan) that I'll go to school today because of her. How I'm falling in love with this (soon to be) 30-year-old I don't know. I do know this is what we call fandom, and I hope this is just the beginning. Man, dreams are great.

P.S. If you need a hint on how this can work in your dreams, think of someone else the night before (I was thinking of Mina-chan if I'm not wrong), and sing a lot of songs to yourself. Wait, this sounds like me every night before I sleep haha

P.P.S. In view of this I may just post whatever I was taking about tonight, if I'm free. Well I will be, so you're in luck, me. *laughs*

The Entertainment News 2016 Edition Issue #38

Every week I have to deal with life, and entertainment. And then I found out that entertainment is something I forgot to enjoy when I leave it alone long enough. Well, that's good for impressions, really.

Other than that, my life is all over the place. Mostly anxiety, though. I can't get enough of those apparently. Okay, let's move on. Entertainment is supposed to be happy.

アニメ
ANIME

Kono Bitsujubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru!: Wait, is this filler content? Well, good thing I just have to wait until they reveal it on their official Twitter on the Anime and Manga content! (Visit it for details and more images! xD) This episode (11) talks about the all important school festival, and since Koyama-sensei the previous advisor didn't give a sh*t about it before, Yumeko-sensei is here to take charge, and it all starts with a humble tin can. I sure haven't seen tin can art before, so this sure is something to learn from, actually. With her enthusiasm comes the cooperative effort of the club (including that half-asleep Club President) and quite a few mishaps (Imari-san you could've explained it in terms a teacher can understand you-) but then again we got to see some cosplay displaying chest sizes Usami-san wished she had. (I thank Yumeko-sensei for not talking about the room in that tight outfit lol) All in all, it was a good experience, and they managed to get that structure out of the club room lol. Oh wait, did I spoil it? Well, at least I didn't say it was a tin can art sculpture of a-
P.S. Wait, what? Next episode lol

Ah Colette-chan, sticking in again with the straight jokes.
Good thing people around her are understanding. Most of them anyway.

Time Travel Shoujo: EPIC CLIMAX! Well, next episode, probably. On the other hand, we got good story this episode (11) leading up to it. Hey, I must say I'm not disappointed despite the less than satisfactory graphics, and I'm rather excited of what's happening. We witness the ideas of Edison come to life, and Hayase obviously knowing of Mikage's appearance in the past now we got him into the equation. Then again weirder stuff is happening that probably cannot be explained by science (that is good time to stop promoting this as an educational show then), and we're about to find out pretty soon. Then again, this could go many ways, the machine is going haywire (hey no one said it wasn't experimental when Hayase stole it), and somehow everything is going to hell from here. That is what I think though. You can think of anything, just like Edison. But for me, I'd like to think the ending of this series is some good fighting (as good as the animation team can make it) and probably we're going to lose everything, the lab and technology and all. What really happens next? We shall see it for ourselves, I guess.

Yeah someone is already getting mad this episode. And thanks to him all this happened.
Thanks, Dr. Hayase lol

Still not spoiling myself of next season Anime just yet. Maybe I'll talk about it next week.

漫画
MANGA

None, apparently. Or that Bungou Stray Dogs and Konobi (that art club) haven't finished airing the Anime so I can read the Manga... Oh well, guess I'll just have to wait.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Nothing in particular came out this week, so... you know. I turned to liver performances of rock festivals. The people there are just... enthusiastic, and aplenty. Hey, I'd like to be in one though, despite my heavily biased tastes haha. Then again, punk rock seems to ring within me now, so SWANKY DANK will get a song from me... provided I can get their new mini-album somehow. We'll see. Talking about getting stuff, I have yet to review Erabareshi's new single which is the ending of Anime Time Travel Shoujo, but then again I don't think I want to listen to it after all. A character album or two is in place for Anime Konobi (that art club above), next week brings Aimer's new album (time travel shoujo ending) and Mikakoshi's new single which I may just reject (sorry it wasn't your fault, girl), and I may just go back to listen to another song from Iwasaki Ai again because of that live video. Then again maybe I should just reject it to make her impression for the year awesome. She's already in the Top 20, I would say.

Note to self: Review wacci's new album. Been rotting in your computer for days now. (Tehe~)


This is it then. Real short, because it will get shorter next week likely if no new manga chapters come along. Then again, I'm in increasingly less of a mood to do this recently, and it's definitely because of my own everyday life (which segment I have not been updating anyways) (I'll think of something lol) and not these stuff above. Anyways, cya guys again then, and until next time... don't think of committing suicide. There's so much to NOT live for.

Okay, I better stop myself before this turns into those "The Statement" posts. Really, go check those out too haha

[P.S. Miyawaki Shion-san you sounded great in that live just now (I only managed to hear the last song she sang though), and even it's practically karaoke (ie. no live band) you still were great.

Ok if you want that Anime ending song Miyawaki Shion sang, you can hear is live now.

Don't say I didn't remind you. https://t.co/7Qhp4Arng3

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) September 18, 2016

Yeah, it's too late now, a**holes.]

The Entertainment News 2016 Edition Issue #37

My week is still flourishing, so let's finish this quick. Yeah, consumerism is flowing within me right now because I got myself a portable bluetooth speaker to put by my bed. Thanks mom haha

アニメ
ANIME

Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru!: Yes another episode! Now I'm really looking forward to finishing this show so I can read the manga? Yeah, I've been holding back. This episode (10) features a flashback of the couple saving Moeka-chan from an earlier episode, some of the cast failing exams, and a suspicious Kaori-chan. But I must say, Imari-chan is loved by many. So being jealous is quite normal. And honestly saying, I thought Kaori referred to that guy who I don't know the name instead of Imari-chan. Turns out this joke was better haha
P.S. Trying to choose images that doesn't spoil anything. That bed scene I cannot put here haha. Also, Kaori-chan showing images of Usami's depression are amazing. Not spoiling it because they are genuinely funny.
P.P.S. Wow the next episode trailer is all Colette-chan, from what I can hear lol

Don't ask me why it became like this. But Kaori-chan is something. You know, someone interesting lol

Time Travel Shoujo: Now things are getting real exciting. Can't wait? I probably can't too haha. The episode (10) talks about Mikage furthering his search for what the heck Hayase is doing (here I of course refer to the father) and Mari-chan worrying for her dad. Unfortunately Mari-chan doesn't know what happened to the lab (not until the end of this episode) and the father doesn't have a good reason to go back, ie. there's a bigger reason for him to continue what he's doing now, which we don't know. Well, Hayase has to answer to his investor sometime, so hopefully it'll be soon or otherwise his family will get into his trouble. Well, halfway into it already, so let's see what's left to do. I mean, I'll send that motherf**ker back to the past but not teach him to come back lol
P.S. Mikage probably got the answers on how to time travel already. Probably through force. Then again, an understanding may need to come to place, even if it means fighting it out. Can't wait.
P.P.S. Let make this week's image also educational, yes?

To answer Hertz''s question, as mentioned by his wife as Plantago asiatica (left image).
It was used mainly to treat liver disease, which Hertz is NOT suffering from. Sorry, Johanna.

漫画
MANGA

Really, nothing new. You see, when there's no BLEACH... *sob* You will be missed.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Let's talk about a couple of releases, shall we? plenty's latest album got another song in the list in view of how depressing my week is at the start (it still is, I just am trying not to remember it), and I really am liking these guys. Probably when their new album appears at the end of the month I'll give a listen. Amamiya Sora's first album came through this week, and it surprisingly sounds a lot like a bunch of abolished Anime songs that are compiled for release. Sorry Ten-chan, it wasn't your fault. Otherwise, you'd be pleased to hear the previews (only two) I heard from TrySail's radio show ended up being what I chose, and another I'll give later on.

Spoiler: The best part of Amamiya Sora's first album is the last song. It literally had "rainbow in my eyes".

*laughs* Good night.

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) September 10, 2016

FLOWER FLOWER's new single after two years is out, and I almost missed it. Listening to it and watching the music video, I don't get the feels, but I have a feeling someone is singing about her newborn, really. I'll be giving it anyway, since I can't forget about her great voice and I want more of these guys in the future. Hope YUI can put back her depression and move on, yes? (Don't know what happened? Follow account "YUI/FLOWER FLOWER" on Facebook)


This is it then. I'll keep it short, since there isn't much and it's just Anime. I know. This issue is real little. But don't worry, I'm not going to put in more images just to fill it up. No, I won't. Stop looking for it haha. Cya guys next week then, and until next time... I'm starting to think if APoL was still what I want to finish writing. I want to. It lives in my mind till date. It was my inspiration. I want to continue it sometime.

...

Bye.

I may be a machine gun, but that doesn't mean everyone else is a bulletproof vest.

Yeah, just... use your words with caution. Sometimes keeping quiet may be better. Sometimes. Because even the strongest cannot take sarcasm. I mean, we're not perfect.

Does it count as "cheating the system" if you live outside society?

Don't ask me. I'm a member of society, like it or not. Besides, there's no place without society, actually. Unless you count the deserts or icy mountains or certain Arab borders lol

If everybody were to talk about being kind, there wouldn't be talk about money.

Too bad, money conflicts out lives in so many ways, we even forgot that trading actually relies on being kind to each other in order to make and accept offers. Good thing there are still voluntary movements (not organisations) around to make us feel human. Same goes with working for a company. It's all for that paycheck eventually.

The Klassic Note Review 2016.09 Issue 1

I don't take any chances in saying whether this is the only one, but then again it might just be. Besides that, I shall get this done as soon as possible since I have the time now. Well, if I wish for more time left I won't have more anyway.

Okay, let's move on with the review. Aki-chan, you finally came, huh.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

Toyosaki Aki - walk on Believer [Single]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(Yeah, you bet I love the close-up. Makes me happy pre-ordering this already xD)

Origin: If you read regularly here, you'll know Aki-chan is a trouper in Klassic Note already, impressing me with one release after another. And since her 3rd album in March this year, she has kicked off another new single yet again. Keeping the active trend, I feel inclined to support her once again, and of course, the songs did not disappoint. At least, not too much.

(1) walk on Believer
Don't ask me why the title is like this, but it's simple in meaning if you think outside the box. This is yet another hearty and lovely song from her in a slower pace, as if it were from a slice-of-life Anime or something. The story depicts (and also in the music video) her enjoying an afternoon in the local cafe. The mood, the feelings, the happiness within, all within this song that I can hear even without the lyrics itself. So I must say, overall it's good. Unfortunately I started from the impressive 90-second preview from her radio show so it turns out not as good. Don't worry because I took a couple more listens before I did this review in a more positive light. Of course there's the usual extended bridge part of the song (instrumentals this time round), but I must say, this is another song in the line of staple relaxed and happy songs from Toyosaki Aki. I like. *laughs*
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(2) My Curry
Here's where the conversation's at this single, because even the title of this B-side song deserves a lot more attention. Aki-chan has done many to talk about her love for curry (Japanese style, people), she talks a lot about it in her blog, the single special campaign features a prize of (supposedly) her own curry recipe, and she has even cooked in her radio show, live! So yeah, she does have a lot to talk about when it comes to that kinda spicy stuff. On the other hand, the melody isn't that great, and considering it's a short song, it was kind of a disappointment. The preview again is a good cover for what the 3-minute song has to offer, but I'll let it pass. It does resemble a similar feel to another song that is this simple from her other single "Delight" from two years ago. The same guy who also wrote "Osanpo no Uta" and "anniversary"... I guess I could like his compositions somehow. Aki-chan's voice takes all the credit for me giving this one.
Rating: 4 stars (Below Average)

Conclusion: All in all a good single to listen to especially if you like good old Aki-chan (I don't mean that) and are a fan of her. I know I am, and you should listen too. If you liked a simple style of music, these songs may be up your alley for some reason. Combined with Aki-chan's unique cute voice is sure to make you fall for her. The dating plan is all up, gentlemen. Just... buy her new single.


THE PACKAGE

Okay, the package. Dammit again I'm paying for a larger box which makes me pay more for shipping. Really, when shipping is expensive the package is small. Now the reverse happens? Argh. Dammit SonyMusicShop Japan! !@#$%&*?!!

Inside, we get the usual digipak offering which I like, and then again decorated with images I've seen all last week from her homepage. The repeats sure are a lot on this one. Then again I'm just here for the special gift photo, so... haha. Also, what's behind the disc I'll leave it to you to think about it. It's spaghetti, if anyone's wondering, and that's not on the web for viewing.


This is it. I'm off for naps. Dammit. Or maybe I'm just off to reflect about life. It's pivotal right now, so I guess I'll have to really start thinking about it and skipping classes is not an option even today. *laughs* Yeah you bet I did. Cya guys soon.

The Entertainment News 2016 Edition Issue #36

Ugh, my stomach hurts too much not from eating but the thought of just thinking of my future. I've been dabbling a lot of this stuff I cannot put on my portfolio, and too little time being a member of society. Haiz, looks like I may have to bullhead through this one. Not soon though, because this'll take about... nine months at least. *sob*

アニメ
ANIME

Kono Bijutsubu ni wa Mondai ga Aru!: Yes another episode, huh. Feels like yesterday when the previous episode is out lol. The episode (9) talks about a couple of things. Firstly, that "treasure". It lines up easily with what Imari-chan and Colette-chan and even Tachibana-sensei is finding, and they can't seem to get rid of it. Well, at least there's Uchimaki taking one for the ladies. Then, there's a love triangle. Which is good, almost. That guy I don't remember his name that didn't win Uchimaki is back for another duel, with drawing Usami-chan as the challenge. Well, considering that guy doesn't really know how to draw well (I suppose) and has never met such a friendly girl who just wants some competition for her crush, I guess it's kind of great. Now I want to only see this side of the romance in this show haha. Lastly, Moeka. I'm in for the mother (for obvious reasons, and it's not I'm MILF lol) (don't look that up please), but then kids are great. Especially mature and obedient ones. Well, as obedient as it inhibits their freedom of actions of course. Which reminds us that things don't have to be going serious and that freedom shouldn't be taught with a ruleset, but a whitelist of exclusions instead. Otherwise we'll be dealing with a Moeka who doesn't have to be tied to the mother while she's cooking lol. Also, her sense of superiority is real wrong. That or maybe we should let her go hug the president haha
P.S. Owara Ari for most valuable voice actress this show. Usami-chan just gets cuter with her voice around xD Also, because I can fix an image from the show, this one below is a gift haha

A cute pose you'd do if asked for it in 10 seconds? I can't do it, Usami-chan. you're good.

Time Travel Shoujo: Hey! More Mari-chan! Can they reduce the number of cute girls in Anime soon? lol Anyways, this episode (9). It continues from last week where I talked about Mari-chan coincidentally landing on the location where Bell is to showcase the telephone as persuaded by the father (Mari-chan's), and yes it's just a part of history. Sure is easy to say, but then again there are a lot more things in this story. The truth is out at least within the family (hopefully Mari-chan won't be depressed about the mother not letting her use that teleporter anymore haha), and that finally that Mikage is intending to take action. Well, he kind of did when he told the underling to steal the book anyways, so... yeah. Also, if things are going to get wrecked it better be more than that armillary compass failing, yes? I have a feeling the ending may be too epic for me to comprehend, which may turn out to be just a fight scene or two lol

Please let this be the real future. Please, someone. Then again engineering this will be a b**ch, huh.

漫画
MANGA

Nagasarete Airantou: Okay first things first. There are two Beniyasha. Yeah. Likely the same accomplice and also a novice (I just don't know which one it is), they lead the others to solve the mystery without Ikuto around. Well, Ayane gets most of the credit this time (with a lot of help with her penguin-like sidekick) and we're close to the answer. Will anyone stand a chance against the Beniyasha duo to stop them from stealing the sealed treasure? With Ikuto first on the line, my guess is a no. Then again, we shall see.
P.S. Thanks for the three pages of pure ecchi stuff Takeshi-sensei; it sure was tantalising for me lol

Giraffe porn, everybody. This is so wrong. Just, so wrong...

A Channel: The tests are coming for the girls again, and hey why not form a study group? (For me I just...) And yes, Run-chan is her own weird self, Tooru is just here to supervise her, Nagi-chan gets cozy in Run-chan's house and Yuuko just wants to get cozy with Nagi haha. Hey, it all comes around. Also, let's get a quote fro Tooru-sensei shall we? *laughs*

That didn't work for me, Tooru-sensei. I wish it did... #genius

P.S. "Black coffee", anyone? Lol *searches for name* Kamate-sensei

P.P.S. Maybe I should start naming the chapters already. *thinks for a while* Maybe not.

Tonari no Kashiwagi-san: YES! He has done it! And yes, the reply will unfortunately come next chapter, along with the final volume. Goddammit Shimotsuki-sensei! How can you do this??
On the other hand, the other couple is doing well, seeing as how much Sayaka-chan has done for Kazu-kun is admirable. THAT is love, ladies and gentlemen. And will Kotone get the direct call and agree? We're chapters away from the end (which will probably be next year for me anyway lol), and I'm excited. It's these romance stories that keep me going lol. Hey, mine was 10 years ago and it didn't even enough to write a chapter about it, okay? *sob*
P.S. How perfect is this song's chorus synced perfectly the moment I looked at the confession page of this chapter? It may not be a love song, but still. I love these kinds of coincidences...

You deserve a hug, Sayaka-chan. It was as if she asked for it haha

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Okay, this week. Aki-chan's new single came later than expected, in review at least, and even later with that pre-order I did last week. (Sucks because I'll miss the special gift campaign I cannot participate in anyway lolol) Then again the single isn't much until I talk about it in the review probably tomorrow if I have the time (you bet I will screw internship haha), so that is that. I also took the liberty to read cinema staff's Tweets and found out they are in a live (which is probably over in Japan by now) with "plenty", and yes that name is a band. Sound a lot like OGRE YOU ASSHOLE if you know who they are, otherwise they maybe a little off, and first impressions are great. Their live performances each year are on YouTube, and I've been reviewing plenty's album from last year in preparation for their latest one releasing end of the month, it seems. We shall see. They're style is pretty good. Most of the time it's the melodies that make me dissatisfied, I guess.

FLOWER FLOWER's new single in like, two years is coming next week, so that's something to look forward to considering I didn't hear anything in preview. Ten-chan's first album also comes next week, and its topic song already got a TV show credit. Yay Ten-chan. But then considering I miss TrySail's radio show real often (they play during Tuesday dinners here man) I have so far only known about two of the new songs available. So we shall see. I like a black box review, along with FLOWER FLOWER too, it seems. In other news, Q-MHz probably screwed up Mikakoshi's new single already (I don't know; it seems different from the album early this year), and the new WORKING!! is getting theme songs the same way they have been done, three girls for opening and three guys for ending. This is going to be great. Can't wait.


This is it then. I'm too moody to think of entertainment now (I'm drowning in YouTube videos and I only watched the Anime episodes today), and until next time... I really need to get my lazy ass off. Seriously. Cya guys then, and until next time... I need someone in my life. And it's definitely not my family. *sigh*

[P.S. Don't miss the Ikimonogakari's new single review, yes? I took time to write it. It was like... 5 minutes lol]
[P.P.S. You're lucky to open some of those images in full size because I forgot to resize them and re-captioning in Blogger is troublesome. Hey, you dealing with a lazy guy here.]

Something is stopping the Darwinian evolution of us humans, and unsurprisingly it's the government.

Otherwise people like me deserve to die. Without a will, or a goal, or a life. You know, just to keep population count and economy going. Selfish, huh. So much natural progression stopped by non-natural means. Such is life on Earth.