The Klassic Note Review – 2015.02 Issue 1

Yes, it’s here.

Somehow around the same day I order the first batch of releases last year, which is also close before my birthday, things are starting to kick off. And we start with this set of releases, and potentially with more to come. Let’s get started because this may get long. The album, yeah.

I’ll start with the reviews, then the package.Really, it’s going to be long.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

moumoon – Hello, shooting-star [Single]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(I know. That Koro-sensei face. Why must they spoil their image with such a Regular Edition cover? *sigh*)

Origin: moumoon is not unfamiliar to me, especially when Aki-chan seems to be fan of their songs too. Apparently it just needs an opportunity, and here it is. Start of the year welcomes two new Anime, one of them is the well known “Assassination Classroom”, which featured this as the ending song. And if I had to give one of the theme songs to watch the show, I’ve got one. And it’s great. More previews online and an early release of the B-side lead to me confirming the single even before the album covers are out. Thanks to their monthly FULL MOON LIVE (on YouTube too) (and you may have known from my Twitter) I get to know more of them, though a bit late, I guess.

(1) Hello, shooting-star
This song initially gives a feel of thankfulness, and actually with the music video gives off the vibe of missing a loved one. Sad at most, this song has a nice beat, simplistic yet wonderful melody, and somewhat accurate English lyrics. (don’t worry we’ll get to this later too) Nonetheless, this IS a good song, and I’m still thinking of whether to give this 5-stars. Anyway this goes, I’m prepared to give it by the end of the year anyway, so check out then, yes? Meanwhile. the music video gives a nice perspective on this song, so be sure to check it out.
Rating: 4 stars (too good I should be giving more)

(2) BF
The song title pretty obviously stands for “Best Friend”, but I may still be wrong.  (LOL) Even so, this song immediately catches my attention long before I get to hear the other song in this release. Full of English lyrics, at least vocalist and lyricist YUKA is getting most of it correct, as I need little attention for the lyrics to sing the whole song correct. Short and simple, the lyrics explain many of how one would do for their best friend, like being by their side and believing what they believe and so on. Overall, nice short melody, and after one month of listening before the release I still like the song. Oh well, it released digitally at the start of the year anyway. Hard to think this was a drama theme song. Hmm…
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

Conclusion: I must say moumoon for being the first single to pre-order and order is an honour for me too. With this single I’ve also tuned in to two sessions of the online lives, and probably will be listening to their next one coming within the next week. FULL MOON LIVE, you know. Give this one a listen everyone, and you won’t regret. That kind of simple melodies you cannot find anywhere else.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

7!! (seven oops) – Orange [Single]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(Simple, and nice, and sentimental. For both covers. You’ll get the cover after you listen to the song.)

Origin: The Anime “Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso”. Honestly both theme songs came to me as not an impression, but deeply rooted into them over time until I actually have the time to listen to them. Especially this ending theme song, which really struck me the moment I watched the music video and heard the full song. Really, listening to Anime preview is so misleading…

(1) Orange
And I think I know why this is the *checks list of songs in Klassic Note* FIFTH SONG to feature the exact same title, because they deliver about the same mood, and this one struck me as one of the best. The main rock best supported by the awesome melody, accompanied by vocalist NANAE’s (which is also the origin of their band name, if you’re still wondering) high-pitched singing… this song is… I don’t know. Every time I sing this song I want to tear up. And it’s pretty obvious: it sounds sentimental. Also more the case when you watch the Anime, and you know about Kaori-chan’s condition. The music video is even more memorable, citing locations of the Anime in real life, and singing in the performance hall Kousei performs. Surely this must be one of the most complete credits for an Anime theme song, isn’t it?
Rating: 5 stars (*salutes, then sobs*)

(2) Koi no Recipe [The Recipe of Love]
I waited for this song to appear before this came into the order list, and it wasn’t in vain. The songs sounded surprisingly well, though may be fanservice in nature due to its light-hearted melody. The cute singing with the lovey-dovey lyrics on romance sure bring up the mood for this song, and I must say it’s great. Furthermore, the song isn’t long, so it retains the essence without spoiling the song. (Very surprising, really) Overall a nice song to listen to, especially for Valentines, yes?
Rating: 4 stars (Average; Above Average if I love NANAE-chan)

Conclusion: This review may just be the beginning. Focusing on moumoon over the last month, the next probably will feature more of their songs from their latest I intend to give a chance to. Hopefully we get more awesome songs from them, considering this band arrangement and the nature of their rock music style. This single is great, and I’m giving you guys a chance to listen to it. Right now. Go. Give it a listen. Even if it’s not high on the Oricon charts.

音楽 The Klassic Note Review

sphere – sphere [Album]

Limited Edition

Regular Edition

(I’m not joking about the title. More importantly, Mina-chan cut her beautiful long hair… *sob* btw the Regular one is nicer xD)

Origin: Klassic Note is definitely not unfamiliar with sphere, one of the most successful voice actor groups out there in Japan. Following their five years as a group, they released a survey last year to evaluate the fan’s favourites (by “fans” I mean those who bought their 4th album or live DVD/BD and got online to vote) and came out with an interesting list. Nonethtless, I managed to give two more to meet the minimum standard that is Klassic Note, and here it is. Thanks sphere, you girls are great!

(Yes we WILL go through ALL of them above – click to see all of the songs. And I’ll probably talk more about why the songs end up in this best album)

(1) Future Stream
It’s the first song I listen from them, as with many long-lasting fans of course. This one started from Anime “Hatsukoi Limited”, and less interested in the theme song I’m more interested in the show. Surprisingly this is still a favourite amongst fans, despite its history and all. This also set the new standard to the songs they get to sing, along with variety within these five years.
Rating (from 2009): 4 stars (Average)

(2) Non stop road
Probably one of the most impressive songs is this, the theme song from the sphere-only casting of original Anime “Natsuiro Kiseki”. Despite the story not being the best out there, the opening theme song is a great one, and I agree with them, if you would remember this song also ended up on Klassic Note Rankings of 2012. Simple, lively, active, touching… so much of this song represent the group we all know and love, and this one probably hits the charts. It’s #1 on my list, at least.
Rating (from 2012): 4 stars (Above Average) (#8 in Klassic Note Rankings 2012)

(3) MOON SIGNAL
This one is impressive in the way that it probably changed the style that is in this group one year into singing songs. Also a theme song for an Anime I didn’t watch, but that is not the point. For being a supporter for their songs, this one also came as an impression for me. The strong beats and very eccentric mood of the songs brings out the uniqueness of this song alone. This one stands out so much even the intro will make you remember this song.
Rating (from 2010): 4 stars (Above Average)

(4) Kimi no Sora ga Hareru Made [Until Your Sky Becomes Clear]
Hmm this is one of the two songs I gave in order for this to come into the ordering checklist. Why so? Because the song is simple, and has a easy-listening tune, along with unique lyrics that will make you remember the song, and definitely a song being heard almost every live over their five years. Why only give now? I know. I also don’t know why. Mood plays a major factor in Klassic Note, and this was a song from their first album, so I guess… But yeah, it’s about time I guess, so simple a song I must give especially in such an occasion.
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(5) Super Noisy Nova
This one is from their second single of the same debut year. Even though I didn’t watch the Anime it was credited on, but this song also helped build the foundation for me listening to their songs. And it wasn’t bad at all. Moreover, it was great. Catchy, cute and a little fun in this song talking somewhat briefly about astronomy in relation with love, which might just be the inspiration from the theme of their group, planets and stars and all those stuff.
Rating (from 2009): 4 stars (Average)

(6) Kimi ga Taiyou [You’re The Sun]
Even if this wasn’t in the list likely because it hit the minimum, and seeing it at such a high ranking in the fans’ list, I think I must make a mention, yes? I know they even made a music video for their first music video disc release, but then something that doesn’t catch me probably is song format. I just don’t want to go through everything I understand as within Klassic Note, but suffice it to say the bridge part of the song is just too unsuited for my tastes. (Still that is pretty frank) Anyways, don’t mind me, this is still a catchy song in itself, and in many live performances this brings much meaning to the girls.
Rating: Not In List

(7) Hazy
I know I may have to say this many times, but mostly sphere’s songs involves me listening to the awesome songs without watching the related Anime, and this is no exception. Relaxed, and a rather slow-paced song is not regular in the many single topic songs they have, but this one lines up well, and is very memorable in many ways, along with the Anime itself (which I did not watch) I guess. When I feel sad surprisingly this song ringed in my mind many times before. Surely this is not a song to be missed, yes?
Rating (from 2010): 4 stars (Average)

(8) GENESIS ARIA
Apparently fans love upbeat songs, yes? Not so much for me, melodies out of major notes (learn music to understand this) are not unusual, but sound less catchy and easy-listening in nature. But this song still sounds great, and it must be commended. They say this year maybe a slump for their songs, but I guess not, huh. This recovery is somewhat fast and special. And still great, in the opinion of many.
Rating (from 2013): 4 stars (Average)

(9) LET.ME.DO!!
This one also falls in the “easy-to-listen-must-give-five-stars” category. Everything about liveliness, awesomeness and simplicity must conclude here somehow, as this is also the first time they star in their own comedy drama series “Sphere Club”, and this being the short, catchy theme song it needs. Overall an awesome song, and I think the rating says everything. I’m just going to silently reminisce the days I totally am into the song…
Rating (from 2011): 5 stars (Awesome)(#6 in Klassic Note Rankings 2011)

Missing those days where I'm enjoying one of their songs. Makes me reconsider their latest single already. pic.twitter.com/wcpwWRyvsD
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) February 13, 2015

(10) Eternal Tours
Released as their 5th anniversary single, and not yet the best album in any way, this one comes back from their variety and gives us a wonderful, simple and nice song to listen, remembering their best days of this journey that is sphere. Coupled with the associating lyrics to represent their journey, this song immediately caught the attention for me already. Even the B-side which is done partly (very small part, like, the intro only) by each of them, is released in four versions with respect to their perspective in the lyrics. Unfortunately it is due to this too that I am not able to get a Regular Edition out of this, and gave this release a miss. Not any more. This song is simple and great. Even a 3-year-old will enjoy this, really.
Rating (from 2014): 4 stars (Above Average)

(11) Rakugaki Dictionary [Graffiti Dictionary]
This one is that second song I gave so I can write about this best album. Reason this one came late because mostly this song sounds traditional in melody, which does not make of a good impression, unlike (4) which I gave more willingly in some sense. The lyrics also don’t come as much to me too along with (4), but then it sounds nice, and it’s time I gave it. Also probably I missed it due to it also being an album song from their first album. More interesting for the fans, I wonder why they are so nostalgic…
Rating: 4 stars (Average)

(12) Planet Freedom
The topic song from their third album is the unlikely contender for this list, but then I also noticed this album is also the one with the least number of new (album) songs and the only album I got close to placing it on my shelf. From what I remember, I gave this and another one, but missed two which are even featured in their lives for two years. Hmm, I know.I may have been too harsh back then, but then this one stands out with an impact that makes me want to give the song the moment I heard it. Great song, overall. I love the ‘freedom’ in this song.
Rating (from 2012): 4 stars (Above Average)

(13) Now loading… SKY!!
There you go, sphere’s best take at a love song. May not sound like it at first, but the lyrics started kicking in and I noticed this is actually their best romance song, amongst all they have till now. A little naughty (especially in the music video), and a little quirky, this catchy and upbeat song sure brings out the little romance personality in them, and I guess is a good song to be talking about if you’re one hardcore fan of them. And I am. And I think this is awesome. Funny why this is so far off the top.
Rating (from 2010): 4 stars (Above Average)
(#13 in Klassic Note Rankings 2010) (Oops I also gave this low back then)

(14) A.T.M.O.S.P.H.E.R.E
Probably the most representative of their first year from debut is the topic song from their first album, and this may not sound awesome at first, but listening to it again gives a whole different impression. It feels like they have grown so much hearing this song now, and the catchy tune and eccentric lyrics bring out the best of them, and I’m just glad to see this in the list too.
Rating (from 2009): 4 stars (Average)

(15) Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!
Why not this even if I know Hyadain-san and hear his songs before? Well what you may not know is I don’t listen to ALL of his songs (mainly the couple ones with a supposed female partner Hyadaruko), and this one is definitely in his weird styles of music, even though brings out each of the member’s styles and his impressions of them. Nice try, but I can’t put myself to give it. Initially I told myself “it’s Hyadain means it will sound great” but I gave up after listening to it last year for the first time. I guess fans love it because of the all-variety style that I could never give, at least within Klassic Note.
Rating: Not In List

Overall: This list may not be the most ideal, but man it’s a great one. Especially how much these songs are distributed, and how much fans show their preference in style and a little of nostalgia, too. Funny the latest songs also have a stand in this list, which shows production is consistently well in providing us the best songs with probably the best voice actor group till date (really all the StylipS and YuiKaori and everying are all bullsh*t), and man, who doesn’t like a great song every now and then? I know I do, and this list provides the best. Really, at least give the five star ones a listen. Or if you can listen more then the ones which have rankings in Klassic Note. After that, you’ll probably become a fan of sphere, I know it. *laughs*

This one is long, and I’ve passed the month at midnight, AND I’M NOT DONE YET!!


THE PACKAGE
Let’s keep it short then.

Things I expected: Only this.

Because HMV Japan mentioned it. Despite me being late in order for their single and only timely to pre-order moumoon’s, and sphere’s best album’s special gifts would’ve already been distributed by the time I want to even click the order button.

Things I didn’t expect: This.

The postcard gift from buying sphere’s best album, and an extra poster promoting their first single (the first picture, folded in the background). So surprising, I don’t even dare to put that poster up even if it’s this big, really. So nostalgic, I think I’m missing those days already.

If you’re wondering about what that booklet is in seven oops' single, it’s an extra from their artist’s book from their previous album “Start Line”, which I’m going to review within the following week probably. And why moumoon has no special gifts? Let me tell you this: the only place that gives them is at Shinseido (not the salon, and I bought a SCANDAL single from there before), and imagine how many fans moumoon has. Yeah, what are my chances. And besides, it’s a clear file, which maybe too much for my shelf. Oh well, hope there’s next time then. *sob*

I shouldn’t be sad. I got a lot more than I didn’t expect, so I should be happy. Yesh. *laughs internally*


I guess that’s finally all, folks. Phew, that was tough, trying to do the sphere best album review whilst watching the 100th radio broadcast live with Mina-chan and Tomacchan. (someone tweeted seeing someone’s panties WTF) Cya guys next time then, actually it’s just tomorrow, for the Entertainment News. Until then… I feel empty. After seeing how much I need to catch up on assignments. *sigh* *laughs* I must be crazy…

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #8

Hey everyone, and welcome back. I doubt anyone is, but I am. And that’s good enough for me.

Recently things have been great. At least the holiday. And it gets better, I guess. Well not like you need to know, I’m afraid. (Wow I’m so kind nowadays)

アニメ
ANIME

KimiUso: Nice performance, and Kousei almost got killed for playing with someone else’s sister (haha pun not intended), but on the other hand, we may see a final performance, seeing that there are only a couple more episodes before the ending (the Twitter account says four more) we may see a revival performance from Kaori-chan before she… haiz why did I even bother to even know the spoilers…
Class of Assassination & Discrimination: Well this episode the principal of the school has an opinion about the class, so he made it so that Class 3-E will ALWAYS stay as that class, no matter what it takes. Funny Koro-sensei doesn’t cheat by finding out what really happened before the exams with his abilities, but that also shows that much passion as his promise of being a teacher, especially integrity being the considering factor. Oh well, not like we’ll see their end of year exams anyway, because probably they’ll all get killed. Or will they?
Koufuku Graffiti: I’m liking this show more and more, despite the reviews asking for a little more of the cooking instead of the story-telling. (that kind of show is next season anyway, probably to not clash with this show, yes?) This week it’s Kirin’s turn to cook a dish for Ryou, under the supervision of Tsuyuko-san, the maid who looks like Shiina-san and is voiced by the same girl woman lady who is in Seitokai Yakuindomo (that teacher who loves young boys) and appeared in both Servant x Service live events making a joke of herself. (using “lady” is already being kind) Despite her own image, she holds this role pretty well considering her sense of comedy in other shows. The maid who is also a great cook (with chefs under her hood) teaches Ryou how to enjoy the happiness of being served food.

Really, this show is earning a thumbs up from me already; Somehow the show in a long time that I would watch immediately I got to watch it.

…

Yes. That says a lot about the other two shows.

 

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Interesting development down there, as Ukitake finally explains his lung problems as a possession of a god within, and is sending it out (possible sacrificing himself) as the right hand man to save the Soul King I suppose? On the other hand, Kyoraku senses Aizen within the darkness enveloping the world, and somehow this is going to make things happen.

“Even if he’s only going to play a minor role in this final arc – which is what I’d prefer – seeing him return is only a positive in my opinion. Unless this was all according to his plan all along…” Samu, Random Curiosity

I really am wondering that already.
Kuroshitsuji: The tank has been taken care of by the best butler in the house, and some Grim Reapers have come to clean up the mess caused by the formidable duo. Yes, you’re going to hear this. The Reapers are German. I don’t know how they are going to translate this even further, but I suppose we have seen an extension of the Grim Reaper franchise. We shall see, we shall see…

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Well there have been a couple of things happen, despite the holiday season here. It’s not, in Japan at the least. By the middle of the week, I’ve given another song from sphere’s best album, which makes it eligible for purchase, and have already done it along with 7!! and moumoon’s singles. Goose house has been in a live on YouTube recently (now then I know there’s such a thing called YouTube Space) also to celebrate their 1 million subscribers record and promote their two albums next week, have given a listen to another new song. Wow giving a couple of new songs a listen, I guess I may have to give more than usual. Yeah.

Probably about time I give this song already, ever since I heard it from an Anime trailer. Goose house is live now. https://t.co/V4uQSMvZRd

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) February 20, 2015

(Answer: The song mentioned above is “Sing”, means I’ll possibly give “Sing 2015” in their new album “Bitter”.)
I’ve also given another song from FLOWER FLOWER because I miss YUI’s voice, and sphere’s new single, which surprisingly isn’t out yet so I cannot make sure whether I can give the single or not. Anyways, I’ll be patient and wait, as the following weeks will be interesting for more releases are due next month. Hell yeah, finally it’s kicking off. On the other hand, Kana-chan’s movie trailer shows premise, and I think I can give the new single. But I shall see about it. So much Kana-chan, I may have to buy the release after the movie airs to enjoy it fully…

 

 

I guess that’s all then, for this week. I’m running out of things to say, because I’m getting lazy. Things are appearing to push me on (mostly negative with respect to my mood now), but then I have gotten things done, despite being slow. APoL Chapter 14 is already out, if you came earlier before this post, and I’m already doing up on Chapter 15. With recent movie and show views over the holidays I guess I may have to stop killing people. *laughs* Oh well, cya guys then. Meanwhile I’ll think about that and until then… take care. Like me I have to take care of my physique. Yeah. Physical Fitness Tests. *sigh*

[P.S.: Yeah a lot of new homescreen images!

I guess it’s the holidays, so… I’m afraid I’ll run out of things for next week. Mikakoshi’s photobook doesn’t come until two weeks later, isn’t it?]

[P.P.S.: It’s pathetic. Only three people delivered their birthday greetings to me on my day online. I cannot blame them, they are celebrating the bigger event that is Chinese New Year. *sob*]

The Release: APoL Chapter 13v2 & 14

I’ve decided to do something. Yes. The moment that (only I’m) you’ve been waiting for.

APoL Chapter 13 v2
APoL Chapter 14

Here is the conclusion to Sora’s tragic suicide attempt. Oops. Trying very hard not to give spoilers.
Happy Chinese New Year, everyone. Hope you (may) enjoy your read. And Happy Birthday to me, too. Got a new cover for my Nexus 5, and it’s… *cut off to avoid prolonged chatting*

The Dream Fragment #6

From taking the weirdest alternate floor lift with my mother to seeing people fill in a form and reading off my credit card number (which I will not say it here), I do really have vivid dreams when I sleep recently, huh.

Weird. I can understand that I recently used my card, but the lift thing? Arch my head hurts...

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #7

Hey guys, and welcome back. And if you’re not bored yet, I am. Haha, just joking. Anyways there isn’t much progress here in my life, but that doesn’t mean we don’t watch shows and listen to new songs. Okay, maybe not listen to songs too for me. *sigh*

アニメ
ANIME

KimiUso: Wow. Interesting turn of development aside, we see another performance (possibly the last this season) between Kousei and his newfound student. Being the teacher, despite his nervousness, brings his student along for the final act. Which is seen live by Kaori-chan? On her hospital ward? Eh… I may not see any form of jealousness here, but something tells me things are going to go haywire once their performance is over. And it may not be anything but. I don’t know. I don’t read spoilers.
3-E Class: Not much of assassination is happening on the class, but more focus on discrimination of the class by the rest of the school as they come for their monthly assembly in the hall. Seeing that they are also enjoying their part of the world thanks to potential assassins and probably the best teacher on eight legs, it poses some thought on the higher end students, and also, the principal. I wonder if Aizen will step in to change this… (lol of course not, just the same guy behind the voice)
Koufuku Graffiti: There’s still food porn, but there’s also fanservice. Self-mistaken to see a hot spring scene, the couple ended up on the bathtub, doing some real slice of life thought (like they won’t go in together again) and action (the process of Ryou getting the ice cream). Unfortunately they still remember the audience, so too bad, this is as much as we would get. Must… get…Blu-Ray… version…

Yeah she’s referring to you, you pervs. And that includes me. *OMG*

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Now everyone knows (even Yuzu and Karin in the real world) that the worlds are about to collapse.

…

OK KUBO NOW WHAT??
Amari Mawari: Really you should lock your door AS SOON AS you enter your house. You wouldn't want a little girl to come to your house and be mistaken as a paedophile by her guardian. I'm just saying.

SHOWS
MythBusters: Last episode for the season, the guys test on myths about the difficulty of drifting in real life. Well, with a professional things would be easy, but seeing that the pro also follows certain styles of execution, speeding using drifting definitely is not the way to go in real life. Really, even I don’t drift in racing games.
Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry: Yeah, been reminiscing about cartoon recently, and found an updated version over the Net, and more recently the Tom & Jerry ones, and as I see one of them commenting over YouTube, it seems that “people who watch old cartoon grow up to be gentlemen”, and the youth now… I don’t want to talk about it. *laughs*

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

I know. I do not have the mood to listen to new songs nowadays.

Klassic Note fact: When I'm not in the mood to give songs is when everything sounds great. Especially with an influx of J-Pop and no J-Rock.
— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) February 14, 2015

But they’ve been showing promise. sphere’s best album is just two songs away from the order which I will be able to give over the next few days at least. Seven oops (7!!) new single crediting to the KimiUso ending is actually pretty awesome, and will be the first 5-star song for the year. If I give the B-side this may also be on my shelf too. I may also give another song from FLOWER FLOWER’s new list of songs from a movie, and I’ve given up giving songs from Sora no Method’s character song album half written by fhana’s composers. But I still see promise in giving to next week songs on release, with Coalamode’s first major single under KimiUso’s opening song. Probably if I can give the B-side… I shall see about it. Honestly, I desire some VELTPUNCH. Or QUATTRO. Or Ajikan (in a month’s time). Or nano.RIPE (two month’s time). Something. *sigh*


I guess that’s it. I’m still stuck in doing up “someone’s last will and testament” so I can push two more chapters of APoL, so don’t expect much for now already. As the festive season is happen on this side of the world, and me not getting a Valentine’s, I guess I shall sit back and relax for now, and also keep my guard for a phone call every day on 10am. (Haiz, haha) Anyways, enjoy yourselves people (totally motivated by the bath scene), and I shall see you guys back here again. On the fourth day of Chinese New Year.

Great. Back to work. *sigh* *lands on new double-layer mattress*

[P.S.: Plenty of Kayanon this week as I intend to clear the job of changing wallpapers on my phone everyday… Sadly the streak is not ending anytime soon. The last picture tells you I’ve got more.

あきちゃんったら～]

The Dream Record #6

I ended my dream because I don't want to forget the rest of it. Let's begin.

I don't remember exactly what the quotes are, but I'm in an exceptionally inspirational action game. Think Journey, and you'll get what I mean. However this one is more first person mode, I guess.

I start out in a shade of pure white, more like in a large, white room. I was holding a tall candle stick, like those you see in... I don't know. I walk carefully along the soft ground (not like cotton soft, but more carpet soft) and see a dimly lit room, supposedly from the natural light illuminating from the only light source on the other end of the room.

(OK there was a first scene I somehow forgot because I suck in memory, and I cannot draw. So let's move on first lest I forget more.)

With a candle stick magically lit in a dim shade of white. I move hastily ahead of me along a long corridor, seeing along the way similar candle sticks, leading up on a slope to and end with a small window of soft, bright sunlight. As I light up the candle sticks, there is also seemingly game narration that I don't think I can recall. Just think artistic and sophisticated speeches, OK? Moving on.

And as I walk on, somehow with the lighting of candle sticks it attracted a while bunch more of them coming from the previous room chasing after me. As the narration suggested me to move on to "send the light over", I quickly lit the last of the candle sticks and sent mine over the tall fence by throwing it. The candle sticks then faded away (yes faded, not went away) into the background as I figure out what to do next. There is a gate next to me, suggesting going down might be the next way. The narration also suggested for me to "go down to the bottom of the beds". I touched the ledge below me as I enter the gate. Its hard, but as I pressed on it it went soft. Seeing that it is clearly similar to cornstarch, also the layers below, I hesitate to proceed down.

"Go on, go ahead and reach down to the beds."

The narration hinted me to move on. I took a step out, holding my the fence. The floor is pretty hard, despite it behaving this way. As I slowly sink in, I took another step in another piece, leaving my hand off the fence.

As I sink down (there is a gap between the large pieces of material) I see deep rows of beds and material (the cornstarch like stuff) (still all in white) out into the bottom. I stick my hand into the material, hoping to use it as a way to break my fall. On the bottom was a stack of neatly folded beds. As soon as I landed on it, everything came crushing in. I struggled to move around, but to no avail. I see as the beds start crushing down around me...

I guess that's it, really. And this is only about 40% of the contents, and before this another dream like this. If only I could try remembering more of it... I could release a new game. *laughs*

Anyways, that's all. And good morning.

After all, it's not about learning the life lesson. It's learning it the way you want.

Probably that means I'll take my driving test a decade and a half from now. Or not. We shall see.

Come on, I always get injured for the wrong people, whether it is physically or emotionally.

Well, maybe its just me. Or maybe, its everyone else. Ah, the latter doesn't count.

The Dream Fragment #5

Well, this time round it happens to my phone. My cousin (and I know which one) happens to be looking at my phone, admiring the (if you do not know the brand then... I'm not repeating it here) phone itself. And suddenly he tore off the case that was holding it due to it looking worn off (cheap casing, you know) and made it so the back is gone. I told him to pay for it and he feigned ignorance. Adding on and telling him whoever did not pay for breaking people's stuff and it came to a pause. And I woke up.

I know. I did spoil people's things when I was young. And never bothered to compensate them. I'm such a jerk.

I'm done. Cya guys for more dreams sometime.

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #6

Hey… I’m tired. So let’s be quick about it. Today has been a hectic day. Yeah, probably one of the few days I’m out of the house on a weekend, too.

アニメ
ANIME

KimiUso: Trying not to refer to the manga (which I still did), we know a little more about that little girl who somewhat is pissed that a genius is teaching her piano. Besides that, we see an obvious turn in events where Kaori-chan will probably be meeting her end anytime soon. No spoilers involved, but it seems like (from people I know, on Facebook) that she will depart, eventually. Maybe not even leaving a message. Oh well. We shall continue watching then. I stay to the Anime until it ends first anyway.
Koro-sensei Classroom: Another episode featuring another assassin dispatched to teach in the class, but this time is use of charm on Koro-sensei which, somewhat works, but makes me wonder why she didn’t resort to using those weapons that work on him instead. Besides that, we see plenty of sick humour, and a significant change in Bitch-sensei in terms of blending into the surroundings as an assassin. More to come, I guess.
Koufuku Graffiti: Somehow I like this show now not because of the food-gasms and food orgy in the show, but more of the deepened meaning the show is trying to express actively. Not being able to go anywhere for fun, the three girls think of how to spend their summer holidays as prep students. Surprisingly they got invited by Shiina to her house which reminds me of Aria (from Seitokai Yakuindomo) who features a maid that sounds so like that sick teacher (also reminded from the same show), done with some imperfections to create a comedic effect. Probably the third time I watch a show talking about nagashi-soumen (including Nichijou and Kawaisou), but it’s still a joy especially watching the way they eat. Things don’t get bored in this show as we continue to soak in the happiness that is Koufuku Graffiti.

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Can’t you all see the Quincy leader is the founder of APoL too? Just joking. On a serious note, thanks to Ichigo, Soul Society is about to crumble. Can it even be salvaged already? I don’t know. Kubo, don’t go too overboard~

SHOWS
MythBusters: I thought this was featuring Transformers, that movie, but I was wrong. Just two myths that feature the transformation of vehicles are put to the test. Nice though, really shows the ingenuity of the guys and creativity in their building skills, once again showing that these guys are the best designers for this show. Well, I mean, there’s only two of them left…

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

This week I review fhana’s new album, which is rather expectedly narrow in opinion as I barely try to give another song besides the topic song, if you guys haven’t watched it yet. It’s not easy, and I don’t want to give three stars by the end of the year, so I decided not to do it anyway. Also, I have given a listen to a new album (of English songs) from Murder by Death, if you would remember from 2011 whilst playing The Sims 3. Their root style music is still running strong in the album, and I’ve taken a couple of songs with nice melodies and great meaning in the lyrics. In other news, I also took a couple of songs from moumoon after watching their FULL MOON LIVE this month. Great actually, rather distracted by Tomacchan’s birthday broadcast though. Koro-sensei plushie is featured in the video too (How can I get my hands on that and the rabbit one from Servant x Service??? Man…), and they sung all the new songs and a couple ones I’m interested in listening to. Thus I will give two songs, one fanservice song “Chu Chu” from her single in 2011 and another from her album in 2010. Maybe I’ll give more, as I have pledged to give them another chance next month, provided they still sing the new songs, of course.

I guess I may have to start listening every month for more of their songs, huh. I probably will, moumoon-san. pic.twitter.com/KpN8SefWBl

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) February 4, 2015

 

 

I guess that’s all, huh. Cya guys next week then, I’m rather tired by that stupid… event I probably cannot mention or the Army will get me. Until next time, please take care, as two more week are till Chinese New Year (for those Chinese out there) and also, my birthday. I am still thinking how to get myself to write an entry on my day, because I probably can. *laughs* Also, don’t bother asking for APoL; If I’m unhappy with my work you guys will have to wait. But this will probably be done before the holidays, I hope. Bye!

[P.S.: YESH MORE CLOSE UPS OF THE GIRLS I LIKE!

Not “love” because they’re not mine, and they’re images only. Probably both in the same reason, huh. Kayanon still has a few more weeks. And then probably Mikakoshi will take over. We shall see. *giggles*]

The Three “Musketeers” Of Song Production

“All for one, one for all”. Apparently those are the big three heroes who complement each other. Doesn’t say much when I’m referring this to Klassic Note, but I’ll get to it in a moment.

As you see, song production comprises of three main participants, if you flip through the jackets of all the CDs you (ever) bought (I know I own a lot) you will notice that they are the lyricist, the composer, and the arrangement. Now you may say that they may be just three different people involved in the production of the song, but bear in mind like any other big event, release production is actually a very large scale project, as I’m only going to talk about the song itself.

The question here is: Why do I talk about them? Why do I need to show differences in their roles when they supposedly complement each other? In reality, it doesn’t. There is no need to question intentions, neither is there a need to investigate the truth (because truth hurts), but I can give you a good idea of it, just by listening to the songs produced.

[NOTE: Bear in mind I’m only referring to the Japanese music industry, sometimes specifically on Anime music companies.]

THE LYRICIST
As a couple of artists have proven (recently from SCANDAL too), normally the song starts from its own words, which means it needs lyrics to sing to, and creates the general meaning of the song. This normally isn’t a big problem in Klassic Note because my proficiency of Japanese is… do I even have any proficiency? まあ良いか。Anyways, there are people who know how to write the words, and some who don’t. As we all know, lyrics in songs behave like poems and recitals, normally rhythmic in form. But then that is not always true. Pertaining to a certain topic, the lyrics may make a serious turn, causing the song to sound like as if it doesn’t have a topic. This is normally noticed with songs in Anime-centric songs, like their own theme songs or specific character songs, which just sound more entertaining in nature instead of pairing itself with the melody. Hey, the melody’s next!

THE COMPOSER
This is probably where things start to kick in. Lyrics may not mean much and can be generic in meaning and mood, but this place is where it makes everything sound unique. Words can be repeated, but if melodies repeat very often it is noticeable, even on to the extent that a song this year can sound like one I’ve heard years ago. A good example of this fault is own long term mainstream artists, less obvious in Anime groups though, like sphere. Artists like Ikimonogakari and Aqua Timez do have the tendency to write songs with similar melodies yet very different lyrics, and call it as another song, normally taken to credit of a recent production, like a movie, for example.

This in turn may make song creativity come to a halt, as with respect to reviews in Klassic Note that means lesser songs in my list. Often this isn’t an issue, as I can always search for other artists or new ones like indie artists in order to satisfy my own music desires. It takes a lot to get an experienced group to form a new style or evolve in styles, but then if it happens I will be able to “give chance” to them as well.

This is also evident for giving new artists a chance to create a portfolio in Klassic Note so that I can have subsequent impressions of the artists in due time. A good example is nano.RIPE from last year which its latest single is on my shelf after three months of “giving chance” and within that time I reviewed their latest album. Not so latest anymore once their new album comes in on April this year, but oh well. Another example in progress is moumoon, in which I’ve just joined a recent live stream performance yesterday, their new single with credit to Anime “Assassination Classroom” is going to be my first pre-order on my shelf this year, and I’m already giving their previous songs a chance, from a single and a mini-album, which is still under review.

Despite the discrepancies, composition is not an easy task, so I always “give chance”, as much as I can, so I can open myself to new melodies and possibly forgive them for their shortcomings. I’m very picky when it comes to new melodies, you know. It has been seven years already, you see…

THE ARRANGEMENT
This? This is the person who decides on everything else of the song. In which case “everything else” means everything besides the words and melody in the song. Yes, which means this person supervises on what instruments to use for recording (if not a mainstream artist, and even so there is a degree of control), how it sounds like before it even gets to our ears (which means what you hear is given the thumbs up by this producer) and many more details like background vocals and additional styles where necessary. Normally done by a music producer in various music label companies, singer-songwriters or bands themselves can also independently supervise their own production, as seen in many examples including YUI, QUATTRO (YouTube video as evidence online), miwa and more. Some depend on producers like Ikimonogakari and SCANDAL (less of it last year as they start writing their own songs) and others who generally do not write songs and/or lyrics (like Anime artists) of course will not expect to be deciding how it sounds like anyway.

The downside is not doing it yourself, but for someone else to decide how it sounds like on a record, especially if it is your song. This will probably explain why it sounds so vastly different in many cases where the live performance of a band or artist sounds unlike their studio release. In Klassic Note, I generally only consider studio versions of the songs (unlike my dad who likes to listen to lives) so if they aren’t good, especially when they’re done long ago, like in the case of Kuso Iinkai before their major debut last year, I won’t give them. They did well in COUNTDOWN JAPAN over the end of last year, but I didn’t give another song this year.

THE EXCEPTIONS
Of course, with many of these people comes many exceptions where, in Klassic Note, I take no attention to when I listen to the songs. Really, sometimes just listening to a song may already make me know about the general style of production, which will make me remember them when I hear a new song related to the artist, whether the lyrics or melody or arrangement is done by a specific person. General exceptions include regular artists (Ikimonogakari, Aqua Timez, Rie fu and so on) as I tend to give more chances to them within a release, and what I refer to as idol artists (Toyosaki Aki, Kotobuki Minako, Tomatsu Haruka and many more) where they are devoid of all judgement here unless I really think it’s so out of the court to be in my list. Specifically Aki-chan has a record-breaking set of releases on myself, definitely is me being more lenient in judgement as now I normally give the pre-order just listening to 90-second previews in favour of the special gifts that come with the purchase. Like in 2013 I pre-ordered her single “CHEEKY” and that probably is one of the most controversial releases I have under her name, as I question many times after listening to the full songs why I made the decision so haphazardly in the first place.

 

In conclusion, the judgement in Klassic Note is pretty strict in itself as I’m stuck on only a few styles of music, and things like bridges in song format and inappropriately arranged songs deter me from giving more songs, even if they don’t sound that bad. That is why every year I try to list down from time to time a list of songs that “did not make the cut”, because although they do not deserve the thumbs up from me, they deserve a mention. Come to think of it, I never showed them to you guys, isn’t it? Hmm…

So that is pretty much it. It’s long, but hope that addresses the many bias for my opinion in song reviews and why I’m still stuck in my circle of artists, even till now. See you guys soon then, and until next time… Twitter. The best place for me to post anything related to Klassic Note when I want to. Yeah.

- Kaineng, on the Klassic Note: The Three “Musketeers”
(They still work together though, though so much not all for one…)

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #5

Hey guys, I’m back. Hope you are. Even if you’re not… I’ll still be here, nonetheless.

アニメ
ANIME

KimiUso: Despite the many happenings of Tsubaki, like her breakup with that senpai, and her really going to miss Kousei if he ever leaves the place, I guess the cliffhanger of Kaori-chan on the ground unable to move is headline news, isn’t it? I can see the focus of the author in terms of character development than storyline, but yeah, now that we know what is potentially going to happen, let’s hope Kaori-chan gets to recover. I don’t want to watch a show with a disabled violinist. Or even a dead one.
Koufuku Graffiti: This one came late this week (like today kind of late), but then it’s not short of food-gasms and emotional memories. Rather a lack of Shiina and Kirin-chan, Ryou-chan takes a journey back memory lane on her grandmother. More deterred of the erotic food scenes, I’m actually pretty impressed of the focus of happiness in this show. Which will make such a difference in many other cooking shows out there.
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu: None this week, a replay of last week’s episode. Don’t know why.

SHOWS
MythBusters: Video Games Special this week, and two of the most obvious myths are in test. It’s possible to carry a whole arsenal of weapons whilst fighting a zombie group (not a hoard of them, not even humans), provided you have the physique and strength of a wrestler. Not possible of course to beat your own high score in Fruit Ninja because they probably could do better if they built robots. Grant Imahara, anyone?

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Everyone’s gathered around despite people like Kenpachi seriously worried about Yachiru (even I’m worried of her as well this time round), and Ichigo managed to find the Soul King. And his son. Haha. Don’t ask me why. Just go read. Too many spoilers here already.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

This week on music is pretty damn good, as I see several reviews under my hood. Problem is I didn’t spend much time in reviewing and selecting more songs, so they’ll get more chances. Starting with miwa’s single is pretty damn good, not that I give B-side, but the new song will keep me entertained for the time being. Yeah, the maid outfit. Also on the list as I think I mentioned last week was Sakamoto Maaya’a new single, and despite the whole single sounding good, I only ended up giving the A-side anyways. I also gave chance to SECONDWALL’s 2nd mini-album (if you don’t remember them I took a demo song from them in 2012 when they are still in Audioleaf, which is in their first mini-album a year later), and took their topic song as a reminder to giving inspirational songs once every now and then. Despite the heavy rock style, of course. Last on the list is fumika’s long awaited 2nd album, and it sounds pretty good. So despite giving another song from a single from last year (which surprisingly I didn’t give due to the season mood back then) I intend to give a couple more. I shall see about that myself, I guess.

 

On other news… I’m in no mood for anything apparently. Not even APoL. I know. I’m really close to finishing those chapters already. Really. Just… haiz.

[P.S.: Yay the best segment of the week. As I mentioned to myself, some are in landscape (which I cannot fit on my phone) and too erotic for me to put them. Or else I’ll be ******* *** every time I see them. Just joking.

And yes, I don’t do that to any of them, especially Kayanon. Even if she has an outstanding chest. Really, no. More Kayanon next week.]

The Dream Fragment #4

Man, I dreamt of miwa. In my school.

Don't ask where it is because I don't really know myself (or probably it's using the university grounds I'm in now), but after one live session she is seen singing alone.

"Sometimes you have to deal with an empty audience, you know. It's part of a singer's journey."

A man walks out of the room and I sneak in. Only one guy appears to hear her sing a new song, and the session is to teach us how to analyse lyrics. Shortly after many come in because it's their lunch/dinner break.

Many things I don't remember happened, like miwa personally rubbing my eyes because I was sleepy. I know. Dreams are awesome, isn't it?

[P.S.: Probably also the reason why I may have to give Tsuji Shion a chance again. Her song was the theme song to this session...]

More hentai and yuri, less drama. I wonder why I'm still watching Anime.

I'm just saying. Or probably it's just me seeing other sequels of shows I don't watch get announced. B**ches.

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #4

Hey, another week has passed. *sigh* I know. But hey, the week in Entertainment hasn’t dampened, as we have more shows to watch than ever.

アニメ
ANIME

KimUso: Well we know that Kaori-chan is fine, but not so fine as she seemingly is keeping the truth from Tsubaki and the other guy (haha LOL), and on the other hand the show takes an emotional turn as the story questions once again Tsubaki’s relationship with Kousei as a “childhood friend”. Come on, if there is competition we may not even need to worry. Not that I read the manga, but I just think Kaori-chan is moving through Kousei mother’s footsteps? Hopefully not, it’s not Attack on Titans, you know…
Koufuku Graffiti: Aside form the food-gasm that is filling up the episode already, we continue the journey for yummy food, this time rice omelette, in various versions similar to a food TV program. Hopefully this is on the side of the Anime production instead of real storyline (is there a storyline anyway), but then another week with the three girls is pretty damn good. I guess this show, focusing on the happiness of the girls, is pretty positive on their side, and is definitely doing good for me. Not much for my appetite though; need to choose my time to watch the show from next episode…
Assassination Classroom: Another episode featuring assassinations, but starring one of the rowdiest and evilest students on suspension ever since the start of the episode. Having been released, he seeks revenge on “another teacher” but turns out to be futile. I mean, if you watch episode one you won’t think this guy will be a threat to the teacher anytime soon. Anyway, this show shows premise in terms of the storyline and conclusion, obviously with many other things to come (like Satomi-chan, Satomi-chan and Satomi-chan…) I think it’ll be a show to watch. Hopefully new theme songs won’t deter me away from watching this show. (Well not like Koufuku Graffiti did anyway)

漫画
MANGA

BLEACH: Kubo, after being a month in hospital, is back with new chapters. Sorting out the situation now, Urahara has a plan to send everyone to the Soul Palace, and I suppose it may not be necessary as we see one of their own stopping their way. Ichibe vs Ichigo. Hmm…
Isshuukan Friends.: Yes, the last chapter is probably out soon. Sad. Not like we’ll get to see a romance ending anyway. We can still be friends Maccha-sensei. Won’t forget the great times you gave me since last year. Just… sad to see it (going to) go.

SHOWS
MythBusters: Well (almost) forgot to watch before writing this, but I guess now that I’m done… Anyways, the guys are testing from the show A-Team (not I heard of it before), but somehow that manhole cover explosion is pretty interesting, and goes along the mission of not injuring people in the process, even if they’re bad guys. Not bad, I must admit.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Well nothing much this week, so I guess I’ll just take a couple of Anime soundtracks a listen (Sora no Method and Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso ie. KimiUso), and probably get a headstart from the songs next week. Listening to Sakamoto Maaya’s new single for Anime “Koufuku Graffiti” opening shocked me in two ways; the unexpected intro verses and (as usual) the end part. Oh well, I have to give chance, and I guess I should then. Not forgetting I did give chance to her song from Anime “Cardcaptor Sakura” years ago too. Also in the list is another piece from SPYAIR’s best album because I like them. Not so much of their style, but I guess I can give another song. Not another single though.

I’m being so moodless and heartless recently. I guess it’s the time of the year, huh. At least I know it’ll pan out the second half of the year. Until then… give chance?

 

I guess that’s all. Supposedly I need more rest (even though I have a lot already) and less life (in which I clearly don’t have). APoL is progressing quickly over the weekend, and hopefully I’ll get things done before… Ok I better not make promises then. Cya guys then, until next time… I’m looking forward to coming back here next week. Really.

[P.S.: The thing I’m probably still doing to make myself happy. Yeah. *laughs*

Some Kana-chan to celebrate her first live-action movie, and more Kayanon to come. I still have a lot in line, man…]

[P.P.S.: Though you may not get to see it, I posted twice of the same thing. Oops.

Wow, and it’s so much lesser. Clearly I’m not feeling well somewhere…

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #3

Hey everyone… Been not well recently, but all is well in this segment of my life. So let's carry on, shall we?

アニメ
ANIME

KimiUso: Well Kousei does his solo, and to the end of the episode we finally have an answer to Kaori-chan, who is in the hospital. Well that may sound anticlimactic from the point we see the cliffhanger from last week, but hey, glad she’s fine and not like, betray him for any other reason. The mother’s friend is still feeling bad for some reason (and I think she should), and the elementary school champion is being such a snob. Haha, just saying.
Koufuku Graffiiti: Going to be called “Yuri Graffiti” soon for some reason by me, as we see plenty of body contact between the girls, more like, an old girl to the young one. Akira makes her appearance to join the girls in a picnic, coincidentally meeting with the third main girl in the show, Shiina. Funny she draws random people at her spare time and is actually quite a good friend of Ryou in school and we know so little of her up till now… Yeah you get what I mean. If I don’t mind the body contact, I guess… I can still watch this? Food-gasm is rather never-ending though, even for the working lady…
Assassination Classroom: Still talking about the fundamentals and generic viewpoint of the class in a prestigious school (I recognise the principal’s voice…), Koro-sensei plays around with his assassination hunters and reveals a little more about himself to the class. Not much yet though, but of course if I’m expecting an ending now I might as well go read the book. Anyways, nice comedy now and then, and less serious (just a little) than last episode, and definitely still worth watching. I mean, guns aren’t the only thing in this show, right? I wonder what’s next. RPGs?

漫画
MANGA

I don’t know why, but no BLEACH for two weeks seems to make me miss it already. Great. Keep it going, I guess?

SHOWS
MythBusters had another nice episode again, this time starring the infamous adventurer Indiana Jones, or Indiana Savage in this case as Adam shows us how to make a whip and create a temple scene in miniature. Well, felt that content may be lacking, but I guess I should get used to it, huh. Just want more to feed my interest, and probably some interest for the study ahead of me. In university.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

As I mentioned, it has been a dull week, and yeah, it happens to Klassic Note too, apparently. Like, my mood greatly affects me finding new songs for the year anyway. Well, it’s been a rough start since the start of the year anyway, for I lack desire for new songs. I guess it’ll take some time. Even miwa’s single this week isn’t for my review. I don’t know why. I’m also missing bands like QUATTRO and VELTPUNCH already…

 

I guess this week has been short, or maybe not, whatever. Anyways, a long way ahead of us this year, and I should probably get to finding new songs and doing my new assignments already, so if you would excuse me. Cya guys next time, and until then… I’ll have an early night. *snores* (Audience: WTF?)

[P.S.: Mostly Kayanon again. I’m not complaining. I probably won’t see another photobook from her soon. Well if Kana-chan’s one would come by or Mikakoshi’s scheduled in March, then I’ll see. *laughs*

Looks like I might want to limit the amount of fetish I receive (in the form of homescreen wallpapers) every week, huh.]

Compromise is such a bitch. Even when you comply and give in you're also in the wrong.

Well, letting it all out here is just great.

I love to live in my own world. Unfortunately nothing in my world is similar to reality.

Really envious how Ayachi can wake up to greet the world everyday. At least, on her Twitter account.

The Dream Fragmemt #3

I feel so bad about myself this morning. Thought this would only happen with Ayachi. This time it's Kalafina.

I rather not go into details, but suffice it to say... I guess I watched too much p*rn already, really.

...

Sorry, ladies.

(Audience: OMG...)

The Twitter (Localised) Phenomenon

Once again, I'm surprised by the power of Internet in connecting people together. This morning, when I'm still considering whether to get out of my bed, I saw this.

That's right！！ RT @KlassicNote: When it comes to treatment, yucat has the best doctor on the planet. Listening to yucat - Dr.Code #yucat

— yucat (@yucat1031) January 11, 2015

That really made my day.

I love Twitter. At least on the Japanese side.

I wonder what's next. miwa-san, perhaps?

[P.S.: Maybe it’s just me, huh. My friends don’t know nothing.]

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #2

Hey guys, welcome back to this weekly post. Yeah makes you wonder what happens if I don’t do this post every week, huh.

Anyways, I’m not feeling well recently, I’ve watched an awesome new season of MythBusters, and school is starting tomorrow, so…  let’s get this weird feeling done and over with.

アニメ
ANIME

KimiUso: Yep this will be the first Anime of the new season now, in contrast to being the last viewed the previous season. The story continues where Kaori and Kousei prepare for the Gaia performance which does not involve judging but somehow the judges are there, don’t ask me why. Anyways, Kaori misses in action and Kousei intends to do a solo performance? Well well, I swear no one paid to watch a piano performance… unlike that elementary school brat that got the mother’s friend worked up. Haha, oh well.
Koufuku Graffiti: As mentioned this will be one of the two I’ll be watching this season, and yeah apparently I see no reason to reject them at all. We start with this show talking lesser of food that its brand suggests but more on its effects on happiness. With this, it’ll make a huge difference to many other cooking-related Anime out there (I know about Shougeki no Souma, I know. I just don’t watch/read it), and I think I can watch this. Some cousin comes to stay with a loner who just lost her grandma a year ago, and is unsatisfied with her cooking mainly, as hinted by the guest, that she doesn’t have anyone to eat with. We’ll be seeing more food porn, food-gasm (eating of the food) and plenty of cute girls in the future episodes, and yeah Mikakoshi’s role Shiina hasn’t made her appearance apart from a mere few seconds. Nice show I probably will have the mood to watch every week.
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu: I know years ago I definitely have seen or even heard of this show and its OVA years ago, but only has now got around to it. Its unique circumstances make of a strange yet strong premise for an action and assassination Anime. The cast has changed ever since the OVA, but seeing both versions I see why production made the transition. Everything else is pretty damn good on first impression, from first explaining the background, that main guy student with a seemingly girly appearance (maybe it’s just me) to the teacher travelling up to Mach 20 in order to spend the lunch break in China. Seriously. Anyways, nice show to watch, it’s 2-cour (ie. until July) like KimiUso and I think I can watch a couple more episodes. Or even more.

漫画
MANGA

Well I think I watched quite a few, but no BLEACH though. Meh.
Isshuukan Friends.: Well the trip is over, and Hase-kun seriously is worried. Very seriously worried. Of course he questions his relations with Fujimiya-san at almost every point ever since that Hajime came by, and it’s about time he thought about it seriously.

*silence*

You know how desperate I want to see this turn into a romance story once Hase-kun decides to date the girl? Really, just saying.
Seitokai Yakuindomo: I missed the Christmas special by the scanlators, and I’ve caught up to it. Much are already in the second season of Anime, but many are still funny to laugh at. Really, I wonder when the author wants to stop this story. I guess not anytime soon? Good. *laughs*

SHOWS
MythBusters: Hell yeah. Been a while since I ever got this excited as the date draws near and as I watched it just now. With this new season they focus more on the process which they do at the start of this whole series, and bought a bunch of cinematic cameras to make them (and the show) look fascinating in the process. .I guess that’s good, but what’s important is new myths. The Simpsons myths may vary from stupid to ridiculous, but still great to watch the guys do the work. The premise looks fresher than any other season premier I’ve gone through with them, and the new episodes will continue to look better. Really, like Indiana Jones and Transformers will be interesting to watch.

Also, whoever b**ched about that they shouldn’t do The Simpsons should recall the comedy show myths they’ve done (gunpower chasing to its barrel) and that 80% of Hollywood is unrealistic. Well, *quote from Jamie* I’m just saying.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

Well this year’s gone to a slow start as I bring down my mood to listen to new songs, and maybe because of this my style of listening and reviewing may change this year, considering the huge competition from the sheer amount of songs last year. Nonetheless, I supposedly am starting the new year with five songs which I vaguely recall maybe lesser than last year’s, but things will pick up soon anyway, isn’t it? I anticipate that in time to come.

Talk about new songs this week, I reviewed an album and a single. Hocchan’s new album is nothing but foreign to me the first time I touched it or actually reviewed one, and I tried my best to give at least one song already by the time this is out. (I now know where all the sh**ty songs go to liao) ClariS new single is nothing but standard with respect to their previous singles where I probably won’t take the B-sides (I guess it needs an overpowering reason to do so huh), and I’m still trying to get used to the new duo, now that the two literally sound like one. (I swear I’ll be out once Clara gets replaced) Also coming up is their first best single with the obvious point stated in the title (which means the previous bracket might just happen), and we shall see if I can even get it on my shelf. Also under review recently are yucat’s 3rd album from like months ago, and I decided to give chance (I know, it was hard considering the previous paragraph) to two songs to start the hype for the year, and KANA-BOON’s theme song with Anime Naruto because I watched them perform in a live performance video over the new year and that-

I gave a theme song last year. This will definitely be the second and last Naruto theme song I'll give. Listening to KANA-BOON - Silhouette

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) January 6, 2015

(As always, go to my Twitter page for more insider and possibly offensive honest opinions of my list of music. And probably upcoming songs I will/might/might not be giving.)

Also, before I forget about theme songs for this season’s Anime… it’s kind of a hit-and-many-misses…

Well watched two new Anime and the stories are very promising. Not so much to say for their theme songs. Other than the one I mentioned.

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) January 10, 2015

I think I'm on to a good start this year. First single of the year. That is scheduled to be on my shelf? pic.twitter.com/GHs5ybJO3p

— Kaineng (@KlassicNote) January 10, 2015

 

That’s all, folks. My headache is giving me problems to type more already. Seriously, I can type more. And also I have to prepare for lessons tomorrow, so if you would excuse me. With this much happening above me, I guess I’m braced for the things in the new year, yes?

[P.S.: I hope so… Also, don’t ask about APoL. I just am not in the mood to finalise my unsatisfactory work.]

[P.P.S.: On a higher note, Kayanon is enjoying being on my phone? I guess… not?

(Don’t ask me why)

More to come, especially when I heard about Mikakoshi is also having a new photobook. And more especially when I’m in school. Hope the battery life holds up, Android Lollipop.]

When perfection cannot describe a perfection, it's already perfect.

Yeah, just so pleased with my home production DVD. Sadly I can show you guys none of it.

The Entertainment News 2015 Edition Week #1

Hey welcome to 2015! And here’s the first week of the year, with nothing much to offer. Well. It’s the start of the year anyway. There isn’t much yet, yes?

アニメ
ANIME

Nothing much, but I did mention about two Anime I’ll be watching at least the first episode of starting next week, Koufuku Graffiti and Ansatsu Kyoushitsu. I’ll see about that myself.

On other new news, WORKING!! is getting  a third season. It wasn’t a rumour. More like a hint during the summer festival of this show and Servant x Service.

SHOWS
MythBusters is coming up with a new season starting next week too, good thing is this all the shows (including Anime) all air towards the weekend, means I won’t have to watch a show on like, Wednesday.

漫画
MANGA

Seitokai Yakuindomo: For a festive month, I see a couple of dozen new chapters around, and most of them are directed close to the 2nd season of the Anime. I wonder if they will be doing a 3rd season or not.

音楽
This Week on Klassic Note

I’ve been watching a lot of yearly lives in full (don’t ask me how), and been giving chances to some artists I can listen to. Interestingly it’s another theme song for that Anime which is ending along with the Manga last year, but good news is it’s going to be the last time anyway. After that, I’m still waiting for the first new releases for the year, which are Hocchan’s album and ClariS new single. The new formed one. I’m missing the good old one already.

 

Well that’s really much it, folks. There isn’t much to talk about it either. Have been sleeping a lot and doing up Klassic Note. Yeah, I know. APoL needs more time. But I’ll probably have it out before my new semester starting in another week’s time. Cya guys then, and until next time… enjoy the new year.

[P.S.: A couple of kimono shots through the new year, and Kayanon’s photobook next week. Or maybe also the week after. I’ve gotten scans for the whole book.]

The Klassic Note Evaluation 2014

Yeah, I thought I typed “evolution” too. Not happening anytime soon.

Welcome to the (probably I’ll do this) annual Klassic Note Evaluation, where I talk about the performance of artists which classify to one of the following:

1. Collection Artists (ie. long-time artists in Klassic Note, eg. Aqua Timez)
2. New & Uprising (ie. I mentioned their names a couple of times already and it’s not only last year, eg. Kuso Iinkai)
3. Newcomers (ie. artists I have a great impression of last year, and not to be confused with the previous one. Eg. nano.RIPE)

I’m ready. Shall we? (I know; I should’ve written it yesterday…)
(Most dates reference to last year, the year 2014. I still have time time lag since yesterday, yes?)

COLLECTION ARTISTS
Many have gone, many are quiet, and many have returned. Despite that, last year is an active year for the active artists and those I’ve waited from more than two years ago. Many have reached 10 years from formation too, which means we will see more in the upcoming year ahead, not forgetting last year.
(In no particular order)

YUI – I know she has been on a hiatus for a year or two, but we recently see many new works and a first album from her newly-formed band “FLOWER FLOWER”, which is pretty good and differently in style as most of the songs now are written in collaboration of three other members, off the usual style of YUI yui herself. (Oh, it’s “yui” now.) Nonetheless, her efforts are much appreciated, crediting into movie theme songs and many more, and this is only the beginning of her comeback. Good job, yui, the wait was worth it.

Aqua Timez – It’s their 10th year now, and to celebrate that, many things are under way. Their album in August was a timely arrival, and to say I missed their style of songs is an understatement. Also they went online for a live broadcast and yes, you bet I was watching it. They ended the year with a single which is, of course, on my shelf right now. It’s like I cannot get enough of them, and they just get better. I guess that is how it feels to grow as a band.

Ikimonogakari – As usual they start their activity from the second-half of the year, and similar to last year do with a couple of singles before a full-fledged album that is released at the end of the year too. At the start of the year they start with a digital release of “Niji”, and only half a year later has it been included in a single release. October sees them singing for a news channel (yes Japan news channels have theme songs) and an Anime, if you would know and I didn’t watch, Nanatsu no Taizai, and another single for drama. An active year for Ikimono, plenty of TV appearances for them and for me. To watch them.

SCANDAL – Well this is an interesting one. Instead of saying that this is “the year of SCANDAL”, I might as well say it’s their first year of success. Following their own compositions from the year before, last year MAMI takes the task for pushing three singles worth of songs, of which all of them are on my shelf. They also starred as a theme song for a Pokemon movie, and finish it off with their very own album for the year. And I can tell you, the difference of them writing songs themselves compared to people writing songs for them is massive. So massive, even sincerity cannot express their impression to me last year. Awersome, SCANDAL! Keep it going!

Rie fu – Also in her tenth year, with her breaking off the major record label three years ago, she decided to take the mammoth task of releasing 10th year albums herself. One is in November last year, and the other to be done next year. With this, she travelled around the world, meeting many composers and creating the most diverse album she can to her style to date. She also started her adventures to perform lives in Asia, what many would not be doing at this time. Also her new music videos are on YouTube, so don’t ask me for links for previews whatsoever. Only if all the artists are like this… (*wink* Ikimono)

Chatmonchy – This is yet another comeback as Eriko-chan settles down after her childbirth. The biggest change in the band till date, the duo expands into a quattro (LOL) with two other members to cover for the drums and the… keyboard? Yeah, a new addition to the instruments in the keyboard, which brings yet another level of style to their music. They strike the house with a new double A-side single, and with the new year they also announced another single and their 6th album next year as part of their 10th year. Wow many 10th years huh…

miwa – Three singles is kind of a stretch for many, but for miwa it’s just another way of expression through music. With credits to commercials and even theme songs for special schools, she has yet reached greater heights in terms of popularity and fame. Not mentioning that her social presence through the cute selfies just makes her irresistible apart from her wonderful compositions. Need I say more?

SPECIAL OTHERS – Or should I say “SPECIAL OTHERS ACOUSTIC”, the band reformed after their biggest live in Budoukan (JFGI), with a different acoustic feel, though not losing their usual style. Their album in October brings about many peaceful and easy-listening melodies along with acoustic renditions of their own songs. Here’s to hope to see more of this awesome band, because a year without them will be hard to go by now. Really.

sphere & its members – Yes, all of them are performing well last year, and even Ayahi is in the equation. Tomacchan has been releasing three singles, one of which even reached as far as 4th in weekly Oricon charts, which is quite a feat and a record for herself. Ayahime (her nickname) startled me with a B-side through Mikakoshi’s radio show, and you know if all her songs are like this she would've been in my list even earlier already. Mina-chan also released a single and an album which is on her birthday week as usual, and I still ask myself why I did not place her album on my shelf like last time. Aki-chan… well let’s say three singles is not enough for me in appreciation of her honest and romantic music, even if it’s not written by her. Thanks to all of them, because as sphere reaches their 5th anniversary and with 4 album and 17 (18 by the time the best album releases on February) singles on hand, it’ll be a hell of a year for them this year.

Ajikan – ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION has been quiet last year, as they only released a special B-side compilation which also includes songs from their yearly compilation NANO MUGEN, which is also on last year. Focus is more last year on Gotch, their composer and vocalist, on his solo debut album, which is a lot of his personality, though not so much of the band’s style. Nonetheless, Gotch has foreseen more activity for the band this year instead

Kalafina – As the group reaches their fifth year, they kept quiet by releasing only two best album and a single for Anime Fate stay/night, which is not much to look at compared to the year before. Nonetheless this also brings another single to my shelf though now new already (yes not the new one), and I hope to see more from them this year.

 

NEW & UPRISING
If I mentioned more names than the one above, means Klassic Note is expanding. And as with last year, many more came into review, and many have to be mentioned of their current performance, so to anticipate new releases and also what I like about them.

Kuso Iinkai – Last year saw the major debut of this eccentric band, and with their first full album in June, starts them going with another single in August and another release by the end of the month. Performance-wise I wouldn’t say it’s great, but rather outstanding as I recall the days I brainwash myself to their songs day and night.

NICO Touches The Walls – Not really uprising, but as they are not new to me, seeing them in NANO MUGEM COMPILATION (See Ajikan) is rather a surprise. With that I also found out that last year is their 10th, and they celebrate by releasing a bunch of singles featuring new songs (this particular one with Anime credits) and their own covers of various artists, with this one I heard of Chatmonchy. Yeah. Not on my shelf, though.

cinema staff – This band is the usual rock band. Nice, and sometimes awesome. With their second album in place last year, they also bring many nice songs including credits for drama and Anime. Good job, and I want to see more.

SID – They have been active on the lines too. With their 10th anniversary they released a special single featuring all their members in which the Regular Edition is of course on my shelf. They released an album in March and also featured themselves in Anime Kuroshitsuji. If this show goes on they need to come up with a song every year already…

fhana – From their single the year before, this year sees another swarm of activity of this Anime band. Featured in two Anime which I both watched, they brings out different feels for the shows, and end up with an image album for Anime Sora no Method. Also they are getting their first full album this year, which is good news, and about time for me to truly consider them to be a regular for time to come.

negoto – They have not been disappointing ever since their mini-album in March, and their double A-side single, which not surprisingly, is on my shelf. Their special style of music really brings me back to listen to them time and again, and I cannot tell you how great they are. Hope to see more from them this year.

Neat’s – She shouldn’t be here already, but her third album after a full preview online brings out one of the biggest impressions of last year. Not mentioning that her album is already on my shelf, she also did a whole lot of music videos on YouTube to further promote her album. If only she is smart enough to travel overseas like Rie fu to perform… Oh yeah, “she has no friends”, huh…

Younha – With many years concerning her presence in Japan, after spending many years in Korea she finally made the decision to come back to Japan featuring a cover release of a few of her famous Korean songs sung in Japanese. A nice attempt after four years, and nonetheless will give her support for new songs if she starts again this year.

fumika – She has not been of memory ever since her break off from major label the year before, but then her single in April is an impressive one. Of course there are singles here and there as she is actively still singing, but it’ll have to take an album due this year to prove to me that I like to listen to her songs. I just need the mood for it, I guess.

yanaginagi – Starting from a single the year before, last year saw many activities to this Anime artist. A single on my birthday, a single in June, a digital single in July following her 2nd album in December… she has much to offer. And I took it all. She certainly is uprising, as I start to love her songs and her voice.

Taketatsu Ayana – From her it’s all voice actresses and their solo singing careers. We start off with Ayachi, which has delivered an impressive album along with two singles, one of which I missed (for some apparent rreason I’ll explain later) and another her first credit to an Anime Denki-gai no Honya-san. Due to her overly cute singing voice, it’s difficult to choose between listening to the song and her singing voice, so I try to stick with the Klassic Note rule of “melody over voice”. But of course I may give a couple of songs this year before Klassic Note starts in a week and a half’s time.

Hanazawa Kana – This one… hoho Kana-chan has changed a lot. From her abrupt 2nd album featuring the massive amount of new songs only seen in best albums, she released two singles of very different styles. You can’t say I didn’t give her chance, but maybe due to her voice or even more due to the melodies, I did not give much for her this year. I gave the Anime Tonari no Seki-kun opening theme song though…

Komatsu Mikako – New on the list, but not so after this year, the focus of the year is undoubtedly her 2nd album after a single release which I wouldn’t even talk about. With her own compositions and wonderful songs to follow and to top it up another single in November, I can’t say how much my impression of her has improved just over the past year already.

Horie Yui – Recently on the magnifying glass last year, Hocchan’s new single suggests the weirdest ways love songs can be written. Along with her singing, this brings about an interesting combination devoid of her previous singles. Welcoming her upcoming album next week, I see much potential in giving her a couple more songs, provided the melodies hit me before her cute voice, of course.

Hikasa Youko – Witnessing her debut the year before, last year was quite a year for Yocchan. She released her first album, which was impressive in many ways but more lively in terms of choice of songs. Nonetheless, she is awesome in expression the dream combination I (and most) would hope to hear from her, and I know she’ll do better for this year too.

 

(wow this is getting long…)

NEWCOMERS
Normally meeting them in various circumstances, whether it’s from Anime or just random Internet searching, some stand out amongst the rest that are handpicked by me every year. And last year isn’t an exception either.

nano.RIPE – Impressive is not the word to use of them anymore, but nano.RIPE is a player when it comes to impressions ever since I heard them from Anime Glasslip. I swear if they wrote for the Anime really says a lot of their integral style of rock music that is nano.RIPE. Many months have been spent considering their songs and reviewing their singles and albums, and in October three months after the single I reviewed it’s finally on my shelf. Awesome performance this year, and more has to come, right?

Goose house – A group formed from Sony’s “Play You” a couple of years ago, this group of aspiring composers (deja vu from Klassic Note Review) has gained much attention this year with the integration of their songs in Anime, one in February and another in November for Anime Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (KimiUso if you’ve been reading Entertainment News). Their acoustic performances with the departure of their leader d-iZe also brought much attention on him and his solo career, along with many like Takebuchi Kei with her mini-album in March.

Tsuzuri Zukuri – Really new to me, they started with me watching an uncut TV show I took down online. Thanks to that video, I was exposed to the acoustic duo, which gives a fresh meaning to eccentric music, and I like them. Sadly their songs are hard to get, so I can only depend on YouTube videos. Hope they get a major debut so I can get to hear more of their songs. Or maybe not, so the music videos will still be available in full, haha.

Satou Satomi – Considering that Satomi-chan is a newbie compared to many voice actors who started singing solo earlier, she has done an impressive debut year of two singles and a mini-album showing off her own style and her being in a band and her live performances featuring her own guitar solo. Yeah. Haven’t seen it yet. But I can see myself watching her live soon this year, and we’ll definitely be looking forward to more of her songs.

Amamiya Sora and… – As a headstart to the new members under the MusicRay’n label (recall sphere), Ten-chan started with two singles credited to Anime Akame ga Kill, of which one of them is on my shelf. Also they announced the trio “Trysail” to debut this year similar to how sphere started, which means the pattern of Natsukawa Shiina (Nonoka in Anime Sora no Method) and Asukara Momo (this one… I don’t know) starting their solo music debut sometime too this year. Another shopping spree, huh…

 

Ok I’ll stop here. Anymore I’ll need to review every single one of the 220 songs I have last year already. My hands are getting tired too. Cya guys then, and until next time… I talk about Anime and possibly APoL? Yeah, I didn’t forget because the year just passed, but as I mentioned I’m not pleased. And I intend to release two chapters at once. Purely because they’re connected so I’ll need more time. Take care, and here’s to another year in Klassic Note! Hopefully I can write earlier for the end of this year, for next year. If you get what I mean.

The Yearly Resolution (2015)

Hello.

The first post of 2015. Not like I cared about it.

But no, I’m here for a reason. As the title says I’m here to talk about my life. It’s not so interesting, so let’s get done with it.

As you would know I’m cuirrently in university, and in a couple of weeks I’m going to start my second semester. Well as things go I must hope (regardless of results) that I can move forward without ending up somewhere that may get me into trouble. Academically, at least.

Then there is everything else. Klassic Note has been wonderful, and if you don’t know the results for this year yet it’s out. But due to copyright reasons, SoundCloud does not allow me to upload the previews, and more importantly, complete the new website. Well good thing is I can rely on private hosting instead, so all is well for now. Of course I hope Klassic Note will get bigger and better in terms of finding songs and the song count, which I don’t really care about anymore.

Lastly, it’s for everyone else. Notice it’s different from the one above, as I’m talking about people around me. Well they may not be important as far as I know, but at least they are. Here’s to hope people can understand each other more, as less conflict always make great progress.

 

I guess I can only write this much. I don’t need a draft for this, but neither can I even prepare one at a time like this. Because I reflect too much, there isn’t much to do now. (Yes means I also won’t even tell you everything myself) Cya guys later as I shall continue with an evaluation of Klassic Note this year. This, I have much to say.