The Klassic Note Review – 2014.07 Issue 3

I’m going to sleep soon, so let’s get this done quick. (Audience: Already?) I guess not, after this post. Waited for that package until I felt like joining my dad for his afternoon nap already…

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

SCANDAL – Yoake no Ryuuseigun [Single]

Limited Edition Type A

Limited Edition Type B

Pokemon Edition

Regular Edition

Origin: We should also not be unfamiliar with this girls’ rock band that took an allegiance with fame, with their solid rock style debuting in their youth. Many years has passed since their start in 2008, and if not for BLEACH and the weird opening song they gave to me as first impression, I wouldn’t have known they are that awesome. This year is also a year for the start of releasing their own compositions with “Departure” back in April (the review’s on the old site though), but this one is because of the Pokemon movie that it was assisted by production teams. Nevertheless, it’s a good single, which is why it’s on my shelf and I’m here to share about it.

(1) Yoake no Ryuuseigun [The Meteor Shower at Dawn]
Not talking about objectively how this song is nice, I shall just talk about how I came about this song. First of course is knowing about it being a Pokemon Movie theme song for the year (last year’s movie theme song was by Ikimono-gakari, “Egao”), and then hearing the PV. You can say the music video may have left a better impression instead of the music itself, but nonetheless it’s still good in its own way. No much comments about this, but with TOMOMI in with writing the lyrics (not alone for this song though) this sure is a nice song to listen to.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(2) Your song
Yes this IS a song by themselves, for themselves. All written by all their members, this featured in a music program “J-MELO” which is also (surprisingly) airing it in English in order to reach the wider audience (sadly not aired where I’m from) to know about them. From video footage they seems to have written everything themselves, and the simple lyrics with powerful meanings bring forward more belief of one to move on in life, which is why the title is for us listeners. Don’t take the lyrics in too much though; this maybe just their opinion.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)
(I wished I could show you videos, but I guess it’ll have to take time, unless you want me to do this review next month?)

Conclusion: As I would’ve said many times, that if you are a fan of SCANDAL supporting their own compositions is really a way to show them support, like me. If you’re not, but if you’re watching the Pokemon (which won’t be translated to other languages anytime soon) movie then take a listen to this. This is no childish audio you know, it’s about Pokemon growing up. Haha yah right. If you want to know more about intentions behind economic marketing feel free to chat with me. No contact details for you to use to reach me though.

-Kaineng, on the Klassic Note


THE PACKAGE
On a side note, the package that came today… was very late. Well I thank those people who are still delivering even on a Saturday though, must be hard on them. More importantly, the package. As I’ve already seen SCANDAL’s single images online I know about the First Press Edition special booklet about their diaries on their music journey, this time (#9 already) on this single. And if anyone needs help understanding why I mentioned about middle fingers in the booklet, here’s the image I saw online. And it is also what I saw when I received the package: (NOTE: NOT MY IMAGE!)

(The music company is definitely deciding whether to let them go overseas or not already)
Haha besides that, I guess everything else is in my possession ONLY. Unless you still remember that I may just place Aki-chan’s scanned photo and TOMOMI’s card as my phone wallpaper, yeah?

Yes I thought I bought a copy of Aki-chan’s LP. Well if she and I were around half a century ago then I guess so…
[P.S.: Maybe I should just post a review every week, even if the single is not on my shelf… yeah?]

It's rather random, but I've found a new phrase for TGIF.

"AKKD!"
(Arigatou Kamisama Kinyoubi da!)
[ありがとう神様金曜日だ！]

[P.S.: Already looking forward to tomorrow already. TGIS for me.]

The worst thing about dying today is not going through the process of being in a coffin.

My condolences to those who died in the Malaysian Airlines MH17 incident.

If one does not have a perfect life doesn't mean that life has to be bad, right?

That's (I guess) what many of us are thinking about their lives, huh.

[P.S.: Status Update - CDs to come on Saturday along with my review of SCANDAL's single. After that, leave me alone for now.]

[P.P.S.: APoL Chapter 12 will be on the way until I do some research on Jouhou's hometown. (Refer to Chapter 1)]

I wonder what is my ultimate motivation to do anything in life. I notice I don't have one, or I haven't found it.

[P.S.: Is it thinking of Aki-chan? Dirty things? Aki-chan doing dirty things? (Audience: Eh???)

(FYI I don't think of dirty things. Not of her anyway...)]

I so love how I can relate myself to others in terms of writing stories.

"Don't keep saying how bad people write their stories. You are not much better..." (APoL)

Contradictingly, the more you want to do what you want to do in life, the more you don't want it.

Funny, is it?

Enlightenment has not been so stark in my life.

Kirchoff's Law

Just reached a new level already...

Dammit, where's my morning dosage of coffee?

Not the black one, for me that's quite an overdose...

The Entertainment News Week #28

Welcome back, to this weekly report. Well I’ve been in a sloth lately, so I guess it’ll take some time before I get the momentum of this site like… like ever before? Never mind that, let’s get started.

アニメ
ANIME

Oh just a reminder that Aoi Haru Ride in this case is still under consideration. I’ll explain why and how below.
Aoi Haru Ride: Oops did I just bring forward the inevitable? LOL Well this show… it must be remembered that it’s under the Shoujo romance genre, meaning the focus is less of the girl’s appearance and more of the girl’s character, in contrast to what is focused on the guy. In this story, Futaba is acting like a glutton to deter guys off her, and the new Tanaka-kun has changed his surname and living with a total different character. What should I say… I’m not too keen on seeing how things develop if it doesn’t go on the high note for next episode, so I shall see about it. Theme songs wise… not very memorable though…
Kuroshitsuji ~Book of Circus~: As with all sequels to Anime adaptations, the first episode tends to end up on the introductory side, with Ciel and Sebastian showing their prowess to people who try to oppose them with just guns. Really. But glad things will be moving on next episode, and the new opening theme song by SID sounds prospective.
Glasslip: Apparently I’m agreeing with the guy from Random Curiosity more and more, because he seems to spot on.

“Romantic triangles and the ability to see into the future? I can’t imagine how a combination of those two things could ever go wrong.”

And so it is. Somehow things like that catch more attention like any other, as Touko also finds out about her inherent “abilities” to a glimpse of the future, from that David-kun. (So sorry I only remember by that name too) Also, with the limit of relationships banning released by Touko herself, people start to get themselves ready for a confession. Well it didn’t take long for this show, though. Good. Like to see how things to after here. I see bikinis in the next episode, so I’m looking forward to it already. Oh, and also remember that I’ll appear at the end of the season to take their “abilities” away… *wink*
On a side note yes I’m not picking any other shows after this week. And may just dump Aoi Haru Ride if I don’t like the story. But many are stopping me from dropping the show, like the voice actor cast (Mikakoshi, Kayanon) and the potential of the theme songs.

SHOWS
MythBusters: Finally back after quite a hiatus, they’re in for a new season. They start with many bangs as they discover whether it is possible to disable or destroy a grenade when in mid-air, and bombproof items to save your life. I liked the bed though; didn’t know it’ll transfer all the energy upwards, making it safe to stick to the ground. Sadly next episode and many others later are repeats of the premier airing on Australia last month, so I’ll have to wait till the new ones then. Glad the show’s back though.
CrazyGod: Another mystery show adaptation, and they’re still reminiscing about Konan. Seriously?

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Time for someone in the Royal Guard to show their powers! Or at least last as long as they can before Ichigo arrives of course. Which I don’t think they will according to Kubo’s usual style, until the Quincy leader reaches the living quarters of the Soul King? Oh please prove me wrong…
Tonari no Kashiwagi-san: Lacking in translators, the latest release hopefully will not be the last ones. Things are developing well with Tina and her boyfriend, and it seems like the love in the air is affecting Yuuto, as he…? Haiz not like he’ll do anything… right? What he really needs is a rival, man…
(BTW really want to see Sayaka’s role animated; the tsundere will make me go mad…)

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

As mentioned last week, released this week were new singles of Ikimono and Aki-neechan. Listening to the Ikimono single one day after release makes me feel so at home, but also less in surprise because I’ve heard it umpteen times? Aki-neechan’s single however is a stark surprise as she surprises me with a wonderful song, music video and even better B-side. Read on the Klassic Note Review and the music video review to find out more. Sadly things for this single are confirmed (by me too) to reach my abode next week bundled with SCANDAL’s single in order to save delivery costs. I guess I can wait another week, right? Hmm… agony within…


I guess that’s all. Not a very exciting week though. Well not until I got bored of waiting for Aki-chan’s single and watched a couple of boring first episodes. Okay not so boring, but I’ll see about it then. Cya guys next week again, and until next time… remember to check back. If you just want the photos then see you in a week. Same place, same time, yes?

[P.S.: Hey sickos here’s your weekly (scarce) dosage of homescreen delight!

No choice, mostly thinking of the photo of Aki-neechan bundled with the single which is not coming until next week. And I did think of sharing the photo album only for myself on Facebook over here, but it’s not an easy task, I guess…]

[P.P.S.: On Tomacchan’s radio show yesterday, she displayed her wonderful English-speaking skills that even I do not understand. Great. She has a lot to improve on…]

『エロイすぎのわたしも見てて』

Ah, it's not like I want to see her in bikini or anything like that!! >_<
(acting tsundere)

The Revision: APoL Chapter 11 v2

Things have been a little slow recently, so this took some time.

Chapter 11 v2

Did anyone think that you'll really be seeing Myousuke fight a Duel with Jouhou? Haha I guess that'll have to wait till later. Much later...?

[P.S.: Yes, confirming again just in case. I will be on hiatus for this story until... I see I have some free time and mood to do it. Mostly free time. I have the mood to do it. Really. Next chapter is one interesting chapter.]

Now that I think about it when I watch the Anime "Glasslip"...

Touko and that 'David' are actually Card Holders. Perhaps I should send someone to retrieve their "abilities" already...

I was listening to Aki-neechan's new song "Tomato" and I noticed something.

I have no grandmother or grandfather to talk to. And I don't eat tomatoes too. Of course I'm willing to eat If I'm with her lah, but...

The Klassic Note Review – 2014.07 Issue 2

Hi guys, welcome back. Yes, the point I’m here at this time of the week also means I cannot stand the wait till the weekend until I talk about how wonderful Aki-neechan’s new single is. So let’s get started before I forget my opinions now, which MAY be overly biased. I’ll try not to, yeah?

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

Toyosaki Aki – Kanae Tamae [Single]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(Don’t ask me why it’s this style, but she really is trying to be cool. Those 80s-mafia style you know. “Big Sister” image?)

Origin: Well we’ve all known Aki-neechan for a long time, ever since this voice actress started her singing career five years ago. Ok, at least I knew. But then her songs have not failed to disappoint. So far I’ve only rejected like… less than five of her songs? Five of her total two albums full of songs? She continues to stay strong this year, and after the previous single in March (review is at the old site) she comes back with another single, this time more bolder and more adorable. It’s all about love, according to herself.

Yes, Aki-neechan. They both are love songs. I love them, and I love you too. xD (Can't help myself, must confess this sooner or later)
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) July 10, 2014

(1) Kanae Tamae [Wish Come True]
This song proves to be promise from the start I heard it, because of its rock style in nature, back then when I heard the preview on her radio show. Until only recently then I got to hear from the PV (review is just the previous post) and noticed the song was overall pretty good. No overly decorated parts, and a solid rock tune, arranged by the infamous Theatre Brook (he’s a producer), as mentioned by her again. It’s really not bad, in my opinion.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(2) Tomato
What the single shows promise surprisingly (again) is the B-side, not the topic song. I was worried about it being a 5-minute song (problem is that longer songs “make more mistakes”) but this happy song, as mentioned by Aki-neechan (again) is really a great one, and the lyrics make a lot of sense in terms of love, like the English at the introduction is actually “Walking through life together”. Yeah. And the point that only the grandparents are mentioned means you just shouldn’t tell your parents about it, huh. Overall, the song makes of a happy, nice love song. And I like it. Actually I love it. And her, too.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

Conclusion: If you loved Aki-neechan (she really would’ve made of a great sister), then you’ll love her even more after this single and the music video. If not, at least take the B-side. It sounds great, at least for a love song. Kudos to the composers who are, for once, trying NOT to spoil the songs! Yay!

~Kaineng, on the Klassic Note

[P.S.: Problem is the pre-order I’ve placed has come to a standstill. And it looks like it’ll take time before it will reach me, or even the forwarding service in Japan itself. The focus is that things are already stuck at the JAPANESE online store, which means I have little knowledge of what is happening. Really problematic, in my opinion. Well, worst is that I may have to cancel the pre-order to order from a familiar store like CDJapan or HMV Japan lor… *sob* Hope it doesn’t happen. *sob*]
[P.P.S.: Surprisingly for the B-side (2), the lyrics mention nothing of the title until one part, which is that ‘for you I’ll also eat the tomatoes that I hate’, which is not even 5% of all the words in the song. Also, translation on this page (this and the (1) song title) are not precisely accurate due to own translation knowledge plus Google Translate.]

The Music Video Review - Kanae Tamae

Instead of a review, this is more like fulfilling my own desires. But well that is the style of idol-based music videos. This time we're reviewing the music video of the new single from Toyosaki Aki-neechan (really officially calling her that liao) "Kanae Tamae".

In summary, this is a love song. Yes, and Aki-neechan mentioned it herself too. So this is supposedly one of the more bold song she has sung, but I like. The whole song is short and sweet too. That's why we're here. The video also focuses on showing love (at least in the letters L-O-V-E) and her, mainly. Shall we just get to the images to prove my point?

This is sooo her...

I could stare at her all day~

L-O-V-E! You should've seen the awesome animation...

Say cheese- NO I CAN'T!

IT'S YOU~~~
(Sorry but miwa is nothing, really.)

They (producers?) just want her to play around, huh...

Here's the full set: (not in order because Blogger is troublesome?)

Can you guys just excuse me while I just go wash my eyes due to prolonged staring at her INCREDIBLY ADORABLE FACE??!! Umph!

[P.S.: Status of her single is not going well. I have not seen it leave Japan, so review for it (unless I hear it first) may just come next week, along with SCANDAL. Hopefully. Just worried trying out a new online store poses a risk of all-or-nothing situation...]

[P.P.S.: Extras! (WARNING Large file size!)]

Wish I could do this to her- Hehe...

You see, that's why consideration can only be one-sided.

It gets problematic when it goes both ways...

The Revision: APoL Chapter 10 v2

As promised. To myself.

Chapter 10 v2

One down, one more to go. And... we'll see about the hiatus.

If you shop long enough, you'll know that marketing is a bitch.

Unless there is no market, in which case there will be no point in shopping, huh.

[P.S.: Doing up v2s for the latest of APoL chapters so to stop (probably) when my school semester starts. Yeah. We'll see about it.]

You know, there are so many things your parents don't want you to do.

It's different from "don't allow" though: Your parents may not want you to shower at midnight, but it's not disallowed...

[P.S.: Finally found a place to rant about such things. J-Pop at Twitter, everything else here.]

Some are willing to clamp themselves in between the platform and train doors, even If it means killing them.

Desperation? Competition? It's one of those things I'll never understand...

I want her (idol) to be my...:

Wife - She takes care of me
Girlfriend - I take care of her
Sibling - She takes care of me, I take care of her. Win-win.

I'm wearing a blue shirt and jeans for school this morning. What an outfit!

Makes me look like I'm strongly protesting against today. Monday blues.

The Entertainment News Week #27

Hey guys! Welcome back to the (weekly) Entertainment News, solely by my opinion! Well that is not important, but if you just came here once a week would be thrown off by the new site I’ve relocated earlier this week. Let’s start, shall we? It’s going to be short for this week…

アニメ
ANIME

Glasslip: The first show I watch to start this season of Anime. Being an Anime original many unknowns have to be clarified at the start of the show, but still dangling in front of me is the fact that what the couple both saw. Because it’s not shown in the show (I watched the front part like over 9000 times) I have no idea what it is, which is a problem with Anime originals. Well, for now I’ll just watch a few more episodes (some follow by the 3-episode rule) in order to see whether it is still watching. And the people are Random Curiosity is right:

“Like I’ve said before though, should this turn into a crap shoot there’s still ChouCho and nano.RIPE to listen to every week. Totally worth!” – Takaii @ Random Curiosity

And that’s half the reason why I came to watch this show. The other half is its potential as a good show. And I don’t agree that TARI TARI is bad at all. Read more at RC to find out more, yes?
Kuroshitsuji and Ao Haru Ride are coming next week, which the former I will watch and the latter I will after episode one. See if there’s a chance I’ll fall in love in Uchida Maaya-chan or not. Worried is the point it’s a Shoujo romance Anime, meaning guys are of the focus, which obviously will not appeal to me. Fingers crossed, and don’t try to throw spoilers at me.

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Well Urahara-sensei sure knows how to choose his time to come, but for now we should be seeing how the fight on the ground is going to proceed from here, ie. elimination of the remaining Sternritters. Sadly it’s not going to have an effect on the leader if they are all eliminated (unlike Voldermort), and we will be seeing a fight between Ichigo and Ishida. But that will take time. Hell a lot of time…

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Hmm not much for this week, if not for last week. So I had to do reviews for last week too, including sphere’s new album and NANO-MUGEN COMPILATION. Over the week have been fascinated by the songs I hear from the Ajikan compilation, mostly the first few, and listened to people like NICO Touches The Walls (recall three years ago “Matoryoshika”) and Good Morning America, which sounds and looks like SPYAIR in many ways (someone who loves to wear short pants is the bassist) than other. Interestingly I didn’t pick another song besides the topic song for sphere’s 4th album, as I’m generally disappointed in the new songs too.

This week is featuring miwa’s new single, and I thought I’ll be fully prepared to buy her single over the Internet… until I heard the B-side. That sucks, but the brass band version is so good I let my sis listen to it, making the topic song “Kimi ni Deaeta Kara” more impressionable than before.


That’s all, folks. Rather short for a weekly post, but it’ll get longer next week, so don’t worry. Next week also brings more new songs and shows, which deserve some looking forward to. Cya guys then, and until next time… I’ll post often. But not of Entertainment News, though.

[P.S.: To end, here’s a list of girls that clocked time on my phone as a wallpaper.

Aki-chan is the topic of the week, in my opinion. Or Aki-neechan, sooner or later…]

Don't ever try to negate whatever people say, even if they are wrong. You must understand them, even if it is not in your opinion.

Acknowledge and disagree, is what I do.

If your life sucks, then you just have to suck it up.
Because you have to suck it up in your life that sucks.

It's a cycle.

The Dream Record #1

Of course it’s not “number one”, but it shall be from here for easy counting. And also with previous dream accounts I shall do it in a similar way. Brackets mostly are comments or further information, and ambiguities in the account are assumed as unknown or forgotten. Any references will also be made in brackets so to see the link to my life, or yours.

“Everyone in the house is watching TV. I just received a package with a CD in it. (Typical isn’t it?) When I opened it it looks like a typical packaging in some retro booklet and design. I thought I was buying a single for theme song which is assumed here to be ‘My Sweet Shelter’, ending song for Anime ‘Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou’. However it ended up that the cover wrote things like ‘character song’ and ‘mini soundtrack’ (Ref: Nanana Vol.1 Special CD I listened yesterday) and ‘Komatsu’ in Japanese (Ref: Nisekoi character song which I did not listen to but did see it multiple times) written on it too. I flipped the whole CD and its contents and did not find any CD, which is weird. I also got confused with a bunch of CDs that are on the table, mostly my mother’s burnt discs.

Instead of continuing, I thought of a solution. I kept all the contents of the package and gave it a shake. I then heard distinctively the sound of the CD hitting the case, opened it and found out that it is clapped in between the booklet, which I did not touch. I told and showed my sister of the CD I got (like “Hey I got the Kawaisou ending song CD here”) but she is engrossed to the TV like the others and ignored me…”

That’s all, I guess. It’s not long, it’s rather confusing and may miss logic at some places, but that’s what a dream, or a dream account is going to be about. And seeing that I don’t immediately do up these after I wake up (ok almost), I guess it may be a little less accurate. Cya guys next time, and most likely it’s tomorrow for Entertainment News Weekly. Ciao~

[P.S.: So glad there’s something to write today, to honour my promise. Finally can heave a sigh of relief. Phew.]

[P.P.S.: I then noticed I don’t like to put pictures in my posts. Maybe I should start by putting one here. Or not.]

The Something I’m Missing

Hi guys. Well I promised to do up a post everyday, and since I cannot remember my dreams recently or maybe I can only remember it like for a few seconds after I’m awake, I shall talk more about my life.

As you may have seen the posts previously (mostly done from my phone), I’ve been out all day today.

THE ARRIVAL
My mother is back from three weeks with Europe, witnessing my cousin’s graduation in Cambridge (yes it’s THAT Cambridge) with my aunt. After just half a way seeing and talking to her again, I then noticed that I was missing something in life.

THE MOTIVATION
Did I just spoil myself with the words in the above line? No matter, I’ll just explain them anyway. And yes, it’s a motivation to do what I like, with the agreement of people around me. Apparently my mother is rather pessimistic, thinks differently of people her age, yet is very stubborn when it comes to agreeing what her children should be doing. I’m also not the only target: my sister also suffered quite a lot hearing from what she says.

THE SOMETHING
I’ll keep it short, which is that she not with me is something I’m missing in life. Over the weeks, house chores have to be shared amongst the three of us at home (plus my dad), and doing them plus the recent happenings in life (going for lectures) brings out the motivation to move in life. It’s like a momentum, I should say. Now maybe losing the momentum seeing that the mother is back, and furthermore with her teachings which do not align with most of the youth population of today, I may end up with what I am again back then when I’m still studying to pass the days.

Nevertheless, I’ll think of something. To be like my sis, perhaps. To break out of something I’m missing. Motivation and momentum to move in life. I guess it’s a good realisation before the reality happens when my parents would not be with me in the near future. Far, if I’m optimistic. Let’s see if this realisation will get me going. Like, for real.

You know when everyone is squeezing to get up one escalator when there's a flight of stairs beside it? That's like soccer.

Watch Anime, fetch mother from airport, or go for lecture?

How about all of the above? Today's going to be hell of a Friday...

The Klassic Note Review – 2014.07 Issue 1

I’m still thinking about how to do for this new site, so forgive me if things don’t look as aligned as the ones in the first few posts. And welcome to the new site to those who are still wondering where’s the real website.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

Ikimonogakari – Rabusongu wa Tomaranai yo [Single]

Origin: We are all familiar with Ikimonogakari, for their many pop songs influence the Japanese music industry as a whole, aside from the idol groups that I rather not mention. Word of this single comes as early as the start of the year with the B-side “Niji” released as a digital single over iTunes. Six months later news finally arrived of the new single, signalling the start of their activity for the year.

(1) Rabusongu wa Tomaranai yo [Unstoppable Love Song]
(I chose to not change the Katakana to English in this case because it’s… not in English.)
Initial impressions of this song is not very high, but nevertheless it’s another great song as a whole. People have commented about the exclusion of the two other guys who are the composers for the group in the music video, but that is not really the point. It’s just another good song, and another way of remembering their efforts over the years. Romantic and straightforward, this song brings a direct message, if you ever think of what song to serenade to your partner. Hearing them with a new single is just great, and I’m so prepared, or to say I’ve already took out my wallet for their single already.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(2) Niji [Rainbow]
Since I’ve already heard this early this year, this also shows that I won’t have much of an opinion of this song, whether it’s through repeated listening or just because it’s a very good song. Lively and upbeat, their style flows through the entirety of this song, making it yet another addition to their song list. And mine too.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

Conclusion: If you’re an Ikimono fan, you need to listen to this great single. If you’re not, they are good, so chance needs to be given to their pop style, especially it is what that fuels then over the years. Trust me, it’s a good single to listen to.

~Kaineng, on the Klassic Note

[P.S.: Will be doing up the CD review once I get my hands on it next week… perhaps. Aki-chan’s single of the same week will come by then, and hopefully I’ll be happy about the full songs then.]

The New Challenge

As you guys would've known, I'm starting my (possibly) final stage of my education: University. Of course there's more after that like learning to survive in the industry and learning to tame your life partner, but I'm not there yet. For now I'm hoping I can even survive the four years of learning in order to walk out with a piece of paper enough to get me a decent job.

THE NOTICE
(Did I just say I'm going to use "The" very often? Refer to the intro post)
Like a month ago, I received a phone interview. It's from the local university, and they asked me a lot of questions. Especially when it comes to knowledge, but little do they know doing such an interview and me in front of a computer with Internet is just making this rather dubious, but all in all I got in, mostly by luck.

THE FRESHMAN
The University is public, it's huge, and it's confusing. Even before starting I'm already lost in the location just by going for a medical examination. Nevertheless, I managed to got out, and getting out of house means I got updated with a hell lot more of social reality than what I knew like... 3 months ago.

THE REFRESHER COURSE
Currently running the refresher course for a week now, and I think I'm doing alright. I've decided to take things seriously this time so I hope it turns out well. I'm referring to my motivation and efforts through motivation, provided I can even get it to trigger yet. I will do my best, and it's about time I grew up with some real studying discipline.

So, I know it's going to be tough from here on, but I'll do my best. Don't worry; at least I'll do up the Entertainment News Weekly... weekly. Cya guys then, until next time... I'll try to get some Klassic Note reviews going for the month. You guys heard of the triple CD pre-ordering big thing in my Twitter?

And thus this starts the new phase of my life.

I didn't know blogging will take me THIS far in life. Whatever direction it may be.

[P.S.: To celebrate the renewal of my blog (again), I'll try to get at least a post every day until this weekend with Entertainment News for the week!! Yesh!!]

The Introduction

Hello, and welcome. If you came here because you were wanting to read something, you're at the right place. Or else... you're still welcome, and I hope this post will clarify most of the *nonsense* you see here.

THE STYLE
After much thinking and planning (which is like less than a week), I've came up with a new title and theme for the blog. Though still named "reports", they are more flexible, more like notes this time round in "Klassic Note". New labels are in, and title formats have changed. Posts that are really damn long in my opinion will also be highlighted in bold to give a summary of the post. Censorship is a must here, but vulgarities will be a minimal anyway (studies have shown such phrases occurring less than 2% of the previous blog), and I'm keeping this as general an audience rating as possible.

Do not believe that the "The" in almost every post is a typo, thank you. This time I'm keeping the title short, and the important things long. What that matters, in small doses. Or a huge dose if I'm blogging-deficient.

Also, announcements in this blog are going to be varied between posting officially in individual posts or slotted in the numerous posts I post every week. Since it's all over the place, I see no need to create a label for it too.


THE POSTSCRIPTS
I love to forget things. And I don't like to add them into it, because it doesn't feel like I'm talking to you. To make it more creative and random, P.S.-es are added, mostly at two, if I don't start forgetting at my age...

THE AUDIENCE
Less than often you may see another opinion. Of course that is also me, but it brings another perspective.

THE ACCENT
If you know where I am from, then you shouldn't mind the extra words I type in this blog. It's part of me, and where I am, yesh?

THE IMAGES
Mostly female voice actors in Anime, or sometimes Anime characters. It's all because there's this desperate man wanting someone to look at, and all the girls in the streets are shy. Or maybe it's just me.

THE VIDEOS
I don't upload videos, so I don't hold responsibility for all posted online videos here. If you can't find it, there is nothing much I can do. But for all videos I will leave a note close enough to reveal its source so you can still search it.

THE FINAL WORDS
Lastly, don't bother commenting. I am prone to criticism, and dislike it too, so if you do end up liking it, feel free to keep quiet and read. Otherwise, thank you for coming.

[P.S.: And if the mobile site looks bad it's because Blogger doesn't allow for editing mobile sites. They should consider it soon, considering my devotion to this service...]

The Klassic Note Review 2014.06 Issue 1: The (Neatest) Klassic Note Review

(This is an imported post. For the original post please refer to this link.)

“Neat, Neater, Neatest!” -Kaineng

Feels like I’m doing something like a video review of LG G3 here, but it’s Neat’s we’re talking about and… “third time’s the charm”, indeed.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

Neat’s – MOA [Album]

(Apparently one of those album art which is same as the PV. Great!)
Origin: It’s this.

pic.twitter.com/2sKXUhwAVw
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) May 31, 2014

The release live stream. Firstly it’s the news because I know her back then when she was in pop duo RYTHEM with YUKARI (now yucat), and that they decided to go both ways. Now on her third album, she decides to go free, focusing on creating the best impression “Neat’s world” (ニーツの世界) from the album songs down to the PV, and even the live stream, featuring a band. And if it’s not good, I won’t be here doing a review about it already. Let’s have a good talk about it shall we?
Oh in this review I also will be talking about the notable differences I hear from the studio versions (in the CD) compared to the live stream, and if it is done under a major music label. You’ll get what I mean later.

(“Above Average” is purely based on first impression, mainly from the live stream)

(1) MOA
Being the topic song for the album, this does not disappoint. Short yet lovely, this song does bring the start to her overall feel of her world and her album in general. The music video is also interestingly done, though seen with v~ery minor discrepancies (flinging her hair etc.) which can be treated as nothing. Personally liked this:

But you can also watch this:

Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

(2) Gray no Mori [trans.: The Grey Forest]
Major differences between this and the live stream version is that it is more epic, more… boldly presented. Which is good, in my opinion, making me like this song more and more. If you also do not understand much of the lyrics like me, this song is so her style when she is active. And it’s a great song. Short, and sweet.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

(3) Yuugure Record [trans.: Evening Record]
Honestly saying I’m impressed by the first few songs presented in the live stream, and don’t know why I didn’t pre-order back then already (especially when she told me to too) and had to wait until now. Strict rules, probably?

Okay, this may sound like an oldie if you only hear the introduction, but then the added chorus emphasis makes this song also more in depth in some way, though personally think it’s good without it too. The chorus is the focus point, because it’s that catchy, you may just miss this great song. Especially when it’s three minutes short.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(4) Tasogare ni Ame [trans.: Twilight Rain]
More emotional than simple, this song brings out the mood of the topic we know very much about: the rain. Neat’s has done quite a decent job to create the correct mood for this song too, slow-paced and simple (as like without any bridge in song format), and easy to listen to. The best song to listen now (in summer) is when you’re in a quiet air-con room at night. Really. The added effects in the studio version also bring out the better feel in the song, but makes me feel real spooky in the circumstances I tell you guys a sentence ago. Haha.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(5) Yoru no Iro [trans.: Colour of the Night]
Supposedly Neat’s favourite song in this list, this song has proven to be pretty great too. Problem here is I favour the live stream version because in the studio version the beat is greatly emphasised, making it sounds very electropop in this case. You’ll know why when I talk about the remix of this song in the last track of this album. Nevertheless, the melody is a great companion, and is already attached to me long before the album is out.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

(6) Shinsekai [trans.: New World]
Recently the catch of my list after I reviewed the album yesterday, this song has a deep meaning into it, if for this song you focus on the lyrics… and then reference it to “Neat’s world” that she’s been talking about in the live stream. Also, if you are deterred by the introduction which somehow does not blend in with the melody, you’ll get it when you hear the whole song.

『あなたと世界を作れるなら私の全てを見せてあげる』 And thus the new world is formed. Listening to Neat's - Shinsekai — Kaineng (@KlassicNote) June 22, 2014

The tweet’s lyrics translate to (haha now then you know I typed those?):

“If I were to create the world with you
I’ll be able to show you my everything”

So simple, it makes you want to create a world with her too. Not that I’m implying anything. Oops is that an exhibition of tsundere?
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(7) Umi [trans.: Sea]
There aren’t many times people would use a single world as a song title, but this is what it essentially; about the sea. The live stream version is more acoustic due to the other band members rotting from their toilet break (haha kudos to those who watched it), and the studio version is more dramatic, which somehow infects me to like this song more. More of the mood than the melody, but it’s a nice song, so why not?
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(8) Sabaku no Scorpion [trans.: The Scorpion in the Desert]
Another song with a beat, this song is one with more of the beat than focused on its lyrics, which is very catchy and a great song to listen to. Though the song is long, the continuous beat of the song makes it of a active mood, and is one more nice tune created by Neat’s-san.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(9) Greatest Eden [trans. not needed]
Another song that caught my impression that time back in the live stream. Why? Because it’s grand, so grand it’s great. Thus the song title “Greatest Eden”, in my opinion, of course. Nevertheless, the song is a catch, and reminds me so much about Christmas, though at this time of year this is better than any Christmas carol. Sorry to any faith affected, but it’s just me speaking my mind…
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

(10) wonderland
One of the later considerations, maybe in order to be able to spend 3000 yen away with a reason. I know. I’m crying internally already.
Forgetting about that, this song also is in its own league, bearing the style that is Neat’s. Quiet and peaceful, it reminds one about the wonderland we live in, isn’t it? Simple in melody and in lyrics, which makes this a perfect song if you dislike everything from this list. But you don’t dislike after everything I’ve said, right~
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(11) Climbers
Eh… this is the only song I “didn’t like”, or shall I say “haven’t grown attached to” at all. But in an opinion I guess this is also a well-done song though, not that I listen to it anyway. Sorry.
Rating: Not In List

(12) Yoru no Iro ~electro circus by Sunahara Yoshinori~
Not that I know the guy that remixed this song, but the extended remix also makes this a nice track to listen, probably even better than the studio version especially with me saying this many bad things about it.
Rating: Not In List, because Klassic Note don’t take remixes

Conclusion: This is AN ALBUM, people. I can already declare that an album making its way to my shelf is definitely the best of the year, and one to listen to. So if you like some indie pop out of major companies, grab your earphones and speakers, hit the play button and dive into the world that is Neat’s. You know, ニーツの世界-desu!

-Kaineng, on the Klassic Note

The Klassic Note Review 2014.05 Issue 1: Klassic Note Reviews x2!

(This is an imported post. For the original post please refer to this link.)

Since I made the title obvious, and most of you (if any) is waiting for this after reading Entertainment News Weekly, I shall start without delay, yeah?

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

fumika – Endless Road [Single]

(Simple cover, isn’t it?)

Origin: As you guys know, I’m not unfamiliar with fumika-san. Ever since listening to her debut single from Anime “BLEACH”, I’ve been following her on her new songs, with a breakthrough in 2012, where she sings the three-parter duo songs followed by her album, which created an impression, at least for me. Since her shift out of Sony Music Japan, she has been actively singing original and cover songs too, with this being an original production. Without cover songs. Her previous two songs are not the case.

(1) Endless Road
This song is about love, and more than that. It’s about happiness and bliss. Besides, the topic is about marriage anyway, shown in the PV. Nice song though, like I’ve not been hearing a good song from fumika in a while. Lyrics are also written in topic, with four seasons and reminiscing the past, making the songs more impressionable. Overall, this is a nice song, and it fully represents fumika’s style. And since she’s out of Sony Music Japan, a super-copyrighted label, means you can watch the PV on YouTube! My eyes tear up the first time I watched and sang to this. *sob*

If you tear up halfway through the song, so did I…

Rating: 4 stars (Solid Average)

(2) A~Yokatta
Don’t mind the looks of the song title, but the song itself is full of hype, and a feel of thankfulness is felt after receiving bliss and enjoying the happiness. I like this song too, as is concludes the single really well. Which really makes this single so complete. Makes me feel like I’ve reached another stage of my life, though not marriage, haha.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

Verdict: Overall, it’s a good single. It’s complete, as I mentioned above in the two songs in it. And I’ve already placed an order, which… is not here yet. I’ll show fumika-san on Twitter when I got the copy. It’s the best proof that I do support artists I listen.
[P.S.: With “Endless Road” the song I also got fumika-san to follow me on Twitter. OMG.]

ALSO!

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

sphere – Kasuka na Hisoka na Tashika na Mirai [Single]

Anime Limited Edition

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(I know about the title being in another format, but I shall stick to the consensus. Very typical covers though, and Nanana-chan seems to have twisted her arm…)

Origin: If you guys need me to introduce this voice actor idol group, then you’re insulting my unique taste in their works. Again they have tied up with another Anime “Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin” which I do watch (not a bad show), impending for their upcoming FOURTH album after celebrating their 5th anniversary after debut. Again, this single is not a disappointment, and I’ve already prepared to press the order button when I finished listening to this release.

(1) Kasuka na Hisoka na Tashika na Mirai [(A) Faint, Scretive, Certain Future]
What’s almost awesome is from when I heard the Anime preview and radio previews before that, and overall the song lands in the typical Anison format, which is fine by my case. I personally favour a shorter song (as shorter song makes lesser mistakes and variations), but this is fine as it is. A very nice song to listen to, especially the chorus.
Rating: 4 stars (Anison-typical Average)

(2) synchronicity
I only knew of the title of the song and heard the preview of the song from Aki-chan’s radio show just three days ago, and I heard the full song yesterday already. With the song title’s creativity aligned with mine (refer to APoL cards for details LOL), this song is also creativity presented, in a wacky and somehow naughty way (with a slight dere theme?), typical of their songs. And I particularly liked the chorus, and again, this song turned out better than the A-side above. It’s not the first time this has happened, so I shall no dwell upon it. Personally like this song more than the Anison, and primarily the reason why I would bother to go Sony Music Shop to get the special gift AGAIN.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

Verdict: If it’s not good it wouldn’t even make it here. This is another good single from sphere. And I like it. PV-wise… I haven’t seen it yet, so… But overall it’s good, and Klassic Note is about listening, so I guess the video is not important?

-Kaineng, on the Klassic Note


That’s all, folks. Until the next time… if I get the two singles within next week then I’ll talk about it again? Meanwhile I’ll moan about the dreadful reality that I don’t live in Japan…

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The Klassic Note Review 2014.04 Issue 1: The April Klassic Note Review Special

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Yahoo~ I’m here, means that… yesh.

It’s here! Both at the same time! SCANDAL and Mina-chan’s new single! Let’s start with the reviews shall we? *satisfied smile*
This segment shall be more specific than usual, as I’ll dive into two main points:

1) The Review (of course, with everything in the format you’re familiar with) (or not)
2) The Packaging (how it came to me, and what are inside!)

First…

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

SCANDAL – Departure [Single]

Limited Edition Type A

Limited Edition Type B

Regular Edition

(Honestly, all the covers are very intriguing and interesting to look at…)

Origin: We all should not be unfamiliar with SCANDAL – the girls’ rock band which took the world down from where they started, in Japan just a few years ago. Now they are standing strong, removing all the composers who have helped them on their way to write songs by themselves! All the more I should support them, and yes their first self-composed single (I did not say ‘first composition’ here) does not disappoint, bearing their style and is very nice a listen.

1) Departure
Hmm I thought it would be an emotional song, but it somehow wasn’t. First impressions from their PV does not make me go right into it, but listening to the lyrics and a few more times make me feel for the song itself, as it talks about something simple – Farewell. And MAMI-chan, who is the composer AND lyricist of this very song, has done quite a good job conveying the song. From past experiences of her compositions (that Dobon song, and their previous album “STANDARD”) I didn’t believe she could do this well. Also, backed up by great producers, I guess this song is a nice one to listen. And I love it when I say that they “took the world down”, because an advantage of being renowned worldwide means…

… You don’t have to wait any longer! Their MV is legitimately online! ONLINE!!
Rating: 4 stars (More Than Just Average)

2) Rainy
Truly the band’s production after I found out when I was listening to the CD and reading the booklet (hehe), the band came together to bring us a lively yet simple song, about rain, which I guess many have talked about too. RINA-chan’s in charge of lyrics here this time, and her honest style of writing also makes this song catchy to listen to. When I heard the preview I felt it had a very similar style to garage rock song “LOVE SURVIVE” they sang years ago, but this has its own unique style too. Good job! And definitely worth a listen!
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

Conclusion: Overall, this single is actually rather impressive. Coming a long way for them, this time is truly their works in the making, and I’m here to support them by listening to them, and also grabbing a copy. Looking forward to their own album already…

AND NOT FORGETTING….

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

Kotobuki Minako – Believe x [Single]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(I love the Limited Edition the first time I saw it. Why is it such a big difference between the two versions anyway??)

Origin: Months after they mentioned about the new style Mina-chan is taking to be dance rock, they reverted (or her, probably) back to the good old rock Mina-chan sounds nice with, and this is impressive, like the others. At first hesitant as I hear the previews, but foreseeing it to be a good single I still had the urge to support her by grabbing a copy of the wonderful single.

1) Believe x
(*the ‘x’ here is read as ‘cross’, according to Mina-chan herself, and that is a reference to her first single, ‘Shiny+’ with the ‘plus’)
I tell you, if she needs another song to show how lively and wonderful she is singing songs, this is it. Lively, active, yet not forgetting that she likes to look back at life and anticipate the future ahead. The lyrics say so, and from her the topic this time round is “Back to Origins”, even though mentioning that she ‘doesn’t have a glorious past’ to look back at. And yes, this song proves pretty much everything. If you liked her songs till now, this is not one to be missed. PV-wise… got confused with the shoes at first, then looking at the lyrics made me understand the intention. Well, I guess this kind of PV with Mina-chan anything goes huh…
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)


2) Kousaten
Hesitant at Yesh this is the one that (almost) stopped me from getting her single. But I gave in in the end, apparently. It wasn’t disappointing, maybe because I’m in the mood for it? Simple, yet emotional. And yeah, the lyrics central around the fact about seeing crossroads in life, as Mina-chan would like, and I would feel for it with. Yet again, such an emotional song is created by none other than Hoshimura Mai, who you of course would remember where she contributed lyrics for Mina-chan’s album song “Tsuki no Hikari”, this time comes down to write a whole song for her. I liked it so much that so much so I spent a night to research on the current artist status of Hoshimura-san, who is still active and about singing her own songs. Back to Mina-chan, I guess this suits her best, but singing it can be quite a task, I suppose. Coupled with the light piano instrumentals in the intro and ending, this is going to be another song I’d like to see in her live someday.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Average)

Overall: In conclusion, I guess Mina-chan has yet another great single to treasure again. Thrown off by previous releases of the same company (sorry Tomacchan I had to mention you here) this (and Aki-chan’s) is a release to admire. Sh*t I’m tearing up again… If you’re a fan, do give a listen. Nothing’s more compared to a great song from Mina-chan. She and rock make a great combination. (It maybe just my opinion after all. Besides, anyone goes well with rock… right?)


THE PACKAGE
Okay, now that I’ve done the reviews, let’s talk about what is inside. I don’t buy Limited Editions for those idiots who still think that I do buy all like those other idiots out there, but I do know what they contain. SCANDAL first. With every first press of any edition of the single comes with a B3-size poster, with specific shops to specific members of the band as cover:

Unless you buy from anywhere else which only give a B2-size advertising poster (which I got last year for Awanai… that single), this time round comes with specific gifts. But then, it took me some time to get to listen to both songs before deciding on getting it, so that leaves me without TOMOMI.

“Since TOMOMI is out of stock, I went for RINA.” –Kaineng

Also included is a sticker set of all the members, which I think is rather good. Even better than the poster. Haha.

Let's see if you remember all of them again!
(From top-left, clockwise) That's MAMI, HARUNA, TOMOMI and RINA-chan~

For Mina-chan, every purchase of first press Regular Edition gets you a digipak, and for those who do not know how it looks like or what is inside, it basically ditches the usual jewel case style (please go Wiki if you still don’t understand ok?) for a simpler and cleaner way of keeping a disc. Really. I’ve seen what happens if you miss the first press release.

Of course, with all of the releases of Mina-chan, every purchase of first press of any edition comes with a bromide photo of her. Of course, who doesn’t want her anyway, isn’t it? And for me I kindly offered my cash to Sony Music Shop, by far the most direct and official way I buy something from a store online.
 
I definitely enjoyed the fun inside. Thanks Sony Music Shop. Also the reason why I got so far to get the single is because it’s the only one I’ve liked so far, amongst the others. The gift. Hehe.
(Not showing real one for copyright purposes??) (Wait, did I post this before??) (Oh I didn’t. Must be at Twitter)


I guess that’s all the fun I will get this month. Next month brings sphere’s new single, and quite a few Anime songs, so we’ll see about sphere. You should also know that I do not buy Anime songs due to many reasons (which I will not bore you with), so… we shall see. Next time guys! Until then… don’t start stealing the images here. They are taken just purely in the name of interest, ok?