Monday 10 December 2018

The Klassic Note Review 2018.12 Issue 1

This is what happens when you try to make room for the huge number of posts you're going to do disced reviews on and now it's all digital releases and thanks to Klassic Note you can only review those that I gave the full tracklist. Hey, never wished to be a paid music reviewer though, but if I ever get to...

Okay, the wait is over!! The last review of the year is... Mocho? And it's a single from last year? Am I crazy or what? You bet I am. Dissatisfaction brought me this far, to be honest. Less talk, more review, guys let's get to it!

This should've been given last year, by the way. *insert Mocho emoticon here*



音楽 The Klassic Note Review
Asakura Momo - Tokubetsu Ichiban!! [Single]
Limited Edition Regular Edition Anime Edition
(With all those balloons and an Anime credit, you know this girl has something on her hehe)

Origin: For those who aren't familiar with this girl, let me introduce. She is Asakura Momo, member of TrySail, is a voice actress of some Anime you may know of, and a total klutz. That last one, I take it very seriously. As for her music career as with every other MusicRay's artist who passed that audition, she also got her own, and thus far has been focused on displaying her cuteness to all. For me, it has been a long time coming. At least, in Klassic Note, this single has been in the eserved space for like almost a year. Why? We shall talk about it. How? Now this is mostly because of the disappointment of not seeing this single in full as recurring tracks (producers tend to recycle their topic songs from singles and put them in albums so they can also write less songs, and also to form a wholesome package) which makes me wonder why that one song has been left out. This will be our conversation for this review, but let's talk about what makes her great too.


(1) Tokubetsu Ichiban!!
Lively, bubbly, energetic, and a total kids' favourite I hope, this song's got everything you want out of a pop idol. Ever since hearing this theme song and watching the Anime "PriPri Chii-chan" (in the Anime Edition it's that yellow thing) I have always liked this song, and the full song did not disappoint, which made me even happier to give this song without hesitation. A simple melody, catchy mood and feel, and easy to give song structure. This one goes right up the Klassic Note alley. The overall feel of it though? Maybe not so much. As much as this song has all the ticks, it also feels kind of haphazard where the music producers just dump a bunch of depth into a song to buff it up, probably to cover the novice singer's talent so that I won't be the perfectionist as I am. But hey, for this I won't complain. The music video is also a charmer as she plays with more of those balloons which make me really happy for some reason, and I'm sure it'll make you happy too. Those antics of hers never get me bored.
Rating: 4 stars (Above Anime Average)

(2) Hakoniwa Borderline [Box Garden Borderline]
"Inside the box garden, gazing at the sky singing (a) song as (I'm) alone
(I'm) sure, (I'm) sure, it'll get through"
Now this is where we explain its existence in the shelf. Maybe it's just me, but June 2017 me from last year wasn't kind. And maybe I was thrown off by her first single which was a technically a cover single and this came by, and I decided to not give it, and if I ever did it'll be from the album. Well, at least, that was what I thought. Fast forward a year and her album released in October 2018, and this song isn't up there. Weird, I say, as the only thing I would give this song was actually on its unique take with a fantasical feel and a mellow mood complimenting Asakura Momo's singing. Literally out of spite, I seek out this single to review it again, and wow did I regret not giving it last year. Likely what would deter anyone from this song maybe its aggression in providing you with this feel along with sometimes high-pitched singing, and that abrupt of a bridge in the song structure, but other than that, I can't even find fault. As usual, you need to have the mood to give such a beautiful song.
Rating: 4 Stars (Beautifully Average)


Conclusion: This is a wonderful single. I couldn't ask much. Maybe I asked too much of it last year due to stricter requirements, but I've toned down. I've realised how much of a lovely single this has turned out to be out of all her releases thus far. I recommend you give her a chance even if you aren't interested in Anime music as I'm sure the B-side will surprise you. If you know of her, I recommend you give it a listen if you want to jump right into her... music. She is lovely too, but lovely music makes of a lovely artist. And I'll take both.

(o・∇・o)

- Kaineng, on the Klassic Note



(Wow, I was real aggressive in the single, yes? I hope Mocho doesn't mind I'm just speaking my mind it's the end of the year anyways haha)

THE PACKAGE
Well first things first: I got a better phone camera to prepare for next year, yes? I just hope it's not five releases like this year. Man, this is really pathetic, eh? I mean, last year's got TWICE the reviews, people. TWICE!! (Okay, stop the Korean promotions here haha)
Okay, the release. If you have seen these stuff before, you shouldn't be surprised to see her in every corner of the package, from the in-sleeve, the booklet and the case itself. And of course, since I did not pre-order or order early after release to any extent, I'm not getting any bonuses. Sorry, Mocho. I hesitated. Which is also good news, because that means I didn't resort into going to an auction site and buying it at a reduced price because I love wasting money lol. (No really, the shipping on those auction sites are literally daylight robbery) (Mocho, you aren't worth this much) (I'm talking about music here too by the way) So yeah, I missed out of this much. It's okat. Music takes time to get into you. And this one, maybe a little too long. My self consolation is not going to help haha




This is all then. I'll update on Honda-san if I can remember watching it. Otherwise you'll be glad to know my worklife is going to get a whole lot more busy, and I'm out of the country for the weekend in like, at least 5 years I believe. *laughs* Hope I don't get another virus I can only take that much antibiotics haha cya guys later

Sunday 9 December 2018

The Entertainment News 2018 Edition Issue #49

I think you have seen what happened earlier today, I assume.

So yes, I finally completed The Klasssic Note Spirit for 10th year anniversary and announced the compilations I have curated based on my experience with the 2000 songs I've listened to and given so far. Hope that's some inspiration for someone to break out of listening to only popular songs and move on to listen to what you really want, and always have that burning desire and passion to ask for more of your music.

Okay, serious talk over let's get to the entertainment this week haha




アニメ BANANA FISH
"You could have anything you want" Yeah, but I have to be a sex toy to an old man?? No thanks bro haha
Little do you know Blanca is the hidden character the director of this Anime has used to make sure Eiji doesn't die lmao okay serious talk people. The new episode (#BANANAFISH22) is all about proceedings, and I think we have gotten somewhere, to be honest. Spoilers for later, but let's talk about what happened earlier. Firstly, remember that one ambush squad that took Ash and his friends? Whoever that person is, Foxx? Anyways, life is cruel in many ways than other, and this guy isn't any better. I would argue that he's on the same level as Golzine, but only on the level of disgust when it comes to threatening people to talk, in this case Ash. Hey, he knows everything, so yeah, sexual violation seems to be a thing for old men. What did I tell you, you little cun- Okay, I'm not doing it here. So yeah, but he smoked his way out, this young boy (pun totally intended, by the way), and pretty much helped once again by Sing, Cain and Eiji, which Ash rapidly reprimanded on, who is also the one to get consolation after that... violent session, by the way. That aside, Max is also caught by Golzine, and is also tortured by Foxx to reveal whatever he knows about the incident. I mean, shouldn't have tipped the old man about his credit, really. Anyways, he gets to stay alive since Ash has blackmail against Golzine which hopefully he knows, but we just don't know for how long. Hey, that man will live he's too small to bother. Talking about small boys lol, everyone is struggling whether to do anything with the boy, considering he's Ash's biggest weakness right now. Hey, that Lee guy isn't very happy. And Blanca, on the other hand, is getting worried. Not that I'm clear about why the kid getting killed will change anything but Ash himself, but hey, that might just be it. So yeah, it may be too late though, as Lee already instructed the rats to find the right time to take action. So Eiji got shot (notice that it's near the heart not on it) and man did it turn Ash into a maniac. I guess so then, this is literal proof of what happens if you f**k with his boy lol. That's all we get for now though as consequence, as we see how Eiji can survive this ordeal this time around. Remember he isn't as strong as Ash is, so maybe he may not last. Golzine interested in keeping the boy alive? Better get the best doctors to save him then. And if he's alive and you get Ash you get another boy to play with lmao Ash please don't shoot me even when I'm shot dead lol
The ending was too sad, so here's Ash looking at Foxx.
Reminds you of him looking at Golzine, yes? lol
The ending was too sad, so here's Ash looking at Foxx.
Reminds you of him looking at Golzine, yes? lol
P.S. "We'd just be sucked dry by the Lees and Golzine anyways" Hey, Sing's got a point there, man. I'm not even joking. The Downtown is f*cked as far as we know of it.
P.P.S. "I just don't get why you hate Okumura Eiji that much" I'm like "Because I wanna be the b*tch instead and he took it!" lol

アニメ Uchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru!
"Let's make this vacation a success, without that woman around" lol you all have this problem in real life? Haha
Uh oh, have I been using the wrong word this whole time? It's not "father", I guess? Well stepdad is also good, Yasuhiro's a nice guy, Misha. The new episode (#UzaMaid10) gave us a touching ending. And I'll take that for this season of Anime I'll watch, to be honest. Okay, what happened. Yasuhiro managed to arrange a hot spring trip up in the mountains, and Tsubame wasn't supposed to know about this, so yeah of course Misha is excited to see the capybaras so off they go, as secretly and as quietly as possible so that the maid will never know of this real family trip. And with this much precaution made, you must think that something must have screwed up for them to see the maid in the hot spring and yes they did, for Misha still doesn't know of the old woman disguise she has been using to eavesdrop on her conversations recently lol. The trip was fun though, as much as it is irritating with the maid there, for starters. Then, there's the incident. Since Misha doesn't like to listen to his father, of should I say, stepfather's words, she went off to the mountains to find that panda on her own. Yeah, wild panda? Your father should have more knowledge than you, little kid. Kudos to her for knowing that the so-called panda was actually a breed of bears with panda-like skin, so yeah, disaster must be coming her way, yes? Not when she got found by the maid though, and her... story sort of scared the mother bear away. I'd like to think it's because she thought that was the mother, but yeah the show determined that it was disgusting, and really Tsubame stop talking about marriage already it's real irritating. And also engagement, and stop creating words to use for you two to be together lol. Jokes aside, this was a good lesson to show the family relationship between father and daughter, and it's touching to say the least. Now you'll know Misha, that there is someone who is concerned about you and wants you to be safe. I'd like to say it's the maid but no, it's your stepfather. So yeah, give Yasuhiro some respect, yes? He deserves a MVP this episode, really. I know the capybaras or even the panda would've been a better MVP, but... *laughs*
I can guarantee this is MOST DEFINITELY NOT a kids show lol
TFW you're mentioned in an episode even though you're not scheduled to appear again lmao
P.S. "...And even Morikawa-san" lmao best joke this episode here, everyone. I like how this show never fails to inject some level of jokes despite the serious mood haha
P.P.S. Okay in Tsubame's long speech she did say that even if Misha had her first period she'll love her forever #ConfirmedLolicon lol well not really

[Update 2018.12.10: This early because Mocho's single review haha]
アニメ Gaikotsu Shoten'in Honda-san
"How do you know (it's done by Fullface)?" "It's organised in a way logical to anyone, it's orderly and easy to understand" So that means you are a retard? *laughs* 
The new episode (#HondaSan10) of this still really funny series is two questions people ask themselves in the line of work, whether at a bookstore or just real life: what makes of a best person for the job, and should we take the initiative to learn new things? The answer to the first question wasn't that easy, as Honda-san quickly found out he wasn't that much of a competent worker in a bookstore. (Maybe that's why he took on the writing business because remember, that is him when he is working he's writing his story now) He did find someone else more suitable for the job though, maybe way too suitable, is Fullface, the only person in the workplace who tidies up things so well he tidies up other peoples' stuff so that they can find the stuff. Man, that's already in a new level of tidiness already. Not OCD mind you, this is just your usual chap who is kind and is real good at organising stuff. As usual, organising items takes a special kind of skill. And I don't care what any of those idiots commented about what type of people is best working at a bookstore if you want to work there go ahead passion will tide you over haha. In the second half, we're greeted with a flashback story, going back to tell the story of how Honda-san got his current position as in-charge of the foreign comics section. It didn't come as interest, no no, but thanks to the manager I suppose he got a chance to be interested and come close with it, so yeah, it's a kind of learning and getting used to before you really can do it as easily as something you're already good at. And it says a lot about working in general: never be stuck at one single task you're good at and learn to be diverse so you can help out others when there is a need to. That's... what my supervisor told me in a meeting today lol. Anyways, good introduction at this point to all the book publishers lmao, and if you know all of them then don't read this blog post nerd you're probably hating me right now haha
Me when I think about something and I don't speak my mind lmso
Okay I think that's the only one I can confidently tell who she is with that stick lol
P.S. Because I can't think of things to put here below is another Honda-san GIF because it's just funny seeing a skullhead do reactions haha
P.P.S. "shikuyoro" haha I laughed at that way too much too bad no one here even knows how it's said normally or else
What do they call this in baseball? HOME~RUN~ haha

漫画 Kuroshitsuji
Okay, let's see what we've missed out so far. The "new" chapters (143-146) talk about the conspiracy unveiling, and that (for the last time here) Ciel Ciel was actually a fluke all along, taking inheritence of the family heir, and continuing its business. That's all everyone knows though, for we still have many secrets unknown to man, heavily disguised within the Yard and people involved here and there. Still, more than an accusation, other Ciel has ensured that at this point, he would be prosecuted and even framed as the killer of many for starting the cult of drawing blood (which makes no sense considering he wouldn't want to save his brother because we know he's technically dead) as stated by Bravat, but more importantly, assumed Phantomhive identity and doing everything else in his rightful place, I would assume. For this, other Ciel did prepare a lot for it, or at least, had a lot of backing. Undertaker was his saviour and now protector, Elizabeth knew about the truth early and decided that Ciel Ciel was deceiving her all this time and living a lie she shouldn't have done (although I would argue that living a life with a living dead maybe worse of a lie) so now she sides the older brother, Bravat used Ciel Ciel as cover to everything that has happened (and the Yard knew about how it came around because Ciel Ciel was also the Queen's Watchdog) with the music halls and stuff, and other Ciel has managed to point all the evidence henceforth to the younger brother. I mean, anyone wants to question his existence at this point? Whether he's even really dead? Oh well, might as well arrest Ciel Ciel and Sebastian first I guess, said the Scotland Yard, and off the left. Literally, running away from the dirty society known as London now as wanted criminals. They managed to not get their Funtom Corporation back which is bad for financial prospects for the group including the servants, but they did manage to catch up with their friend who runs the photography studio who can lead them down to the sewers, nonetheless also tipping himself off to the Yard so he can live. Anyways, the guys are stuck underground now, Sebastian can't ruin the place like a demon uprising even though we've seen that happen which was the point of this story lol, but hey, look who showed up. More on the next few chapters if I can remember this series is still running, I guess. This story is taking a real turn, and I actually like it.
I would argue that this is the most infuriating and saddest moment in this arc so far
P.S. I would argue that Undertaker here is most definitely the most evil character in this series. He has escaped from shinigami hands as one of them, created ways to rise the dead to the living, and intefered with human affairs. I mean, he's most definitely not considered a shinigami now, but with his powers he's going to be hard to defeat. Hey, remember every narrative has to have an evil villian? I think we found him.
P.P.S. Referring to the thumbnail, I say "infuriating" because I was angry that Lizzy sided with the wrong people. I mean... not that the fact that other Ciel was unreal, but also - as she said herself - that she wanted belonging. Imagine if the whole family went up in flames. She would've lived a different life now. No more princess stuff, and probably swordfighting like her mother. So why? Why even choose?? To patch up the hole in your heart? You've got to be joking me.


音楽 This Week on Klassic Note
Wow I wasn't feeling well this week, so as an excuse I didn't do much listening until like, today to be honest, so let's talk about what I've given so far because I still did. Man, that passion needs some pushing even if you're ill, yes? First things first: Asakura Momo's single review will be next week instead since I don't have time to do everything which was the past two posts here AND get some sleep after taking medicine so that can wait, yes? Besides the flashback singles are coming their way too, so maybe I can do them together...? Hehe surprise surprise, everyone. Hey, be sure to check out the 10th anniversay compilations for KN10YEARS first, yes? Get a feel of what songs got into my personal lists. I'll update with previews in due time as I promised on the post itself.

Okay, this week in reviews. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION's new album was last to be reviewed in what I'll be mentioning this week, and I'd like to give this more chance after hearing it once. Besides, I think I can give more songs despite the nostalgia feel of giving us something closer to their earlier albums which didn't stick with me ever since they re-released their 2nd album, so... I'll try. We'll talk more about it next week. Moving on, I gave SHE's new single a chance, and I think it's great, at this point. First impressions aren't good though, because I thought the entrance after the introduction was weak and the verses weren't as good as the chorus but the latter was so good and I remembered that the former was actually their style which was softer than your usual pop band, so I gave it. And a B-side too, because it reminds me too much of Sunrise In Your My Attache Case (SIMAC, SIMAC...) in singing English songs, and it's not too shabby, honestly speaking. Which is why I gave it too so yeah, that's Klassic Note recognition of English proficiency right there lol. 7!! new album after the leaving of their drummer wasn't that impactful, it seems, as most of their songs lack of the power of melody to keep me interested, which is like simple and easy to listen. So yeah, not decided on that yet I may just give one song maybe. On a livestream this week I also heard an English song I liked from someone else's playlist on Spotify (lol I know) so I decided to give John Mayer's new single a chance. It's just one song though, and this guy hasn't released anything for a long time, so this is pretty good for starters, I would say. 24 million views on YouTube, his music video. You know he's good as much as he's popular, I'm sure. #ExceptionCase, people; I don't give popular songs all the time, at least, not outside Japan. Lastly, a flood of circle's impressive triple A-side single is actually not fantastic, so I just gave one of them, the first one. It's produced by yours truly from UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, so I can understand why the other two songs are like that, but hey, no excuse for not making songs I like, understand? Then again, it's very like the band to be like this though, so I guess the producer nailed it for them. I'm just... not that interested in them, I guess. *laughs*

Next week isn't much anyways in new releases (sorry, Survive Said The Propher), so let's talk about Twitter and new releases next year. Hey, gotta get hyped about something. KANA-BOON is releasing a mini-album which is going to be out by the year ends so that's cool (pun intended), Aimer's new single has been confirmed for next month for yet another triple A-side because demand for her singing is soo much it's overflowing, TrySail is releasing their 3rd album on February next year, and THREE releases are due on the same week next year in February, which are The Floor's mini-album ever since they major debut, Hanazawa Kana's new album because it's her birthday week again, and Numakura Manami's 2nd album after their announcement on a livestream on Friday. Man, they can just drink in livestreams now, these guys. *laughs* Impressive line-up for next year though, but it's all in February so that's kind of sad. Also, I need to write down new releases lest I forget about them, man. I can't keep relying on Google feed to tell me everything lol




This is about it, then. I'm still coughing for some reason after taking antibiotics lest they tell you that a phages injection may just solve anything in the near future (trust me, watch YouTube videos, kid) haha but yeah, my body is deterioriating as we speak. Yeah, exercise exercise blah blah blah and they say live life your way, huh. *sigh* It's never true. What a reality to live in, really. Just like I have to do for company trips and that socialisation trip next weekend... it's never in your control. And always done for some reason; to not be left out. But I like the world I live in, which is here as you can see. I never regret being here, and I'm content with sharing everything here even if it's not the way it's supposed to be done. Cya guys next week then, and until then... I hope you're not as alone as me, to say the least. Take some advice from me and get some friends, yes? *silence* Oh well haha

The #KN10YEARS Compilation "The ABCDs of Klassic Note"

Sorry for being this late into the party, but here it is! We're finally here!!

A little about what made me decide on this time's compilation project (you can skip this paragraph if you want): It was 2017 and I was thinking of how I could easily represent Klassic Note in its uniqueness and what it was different from just anyone listening to songs out there, and I determined it to be on three main aspects, namely Anime songs which are underrated even here in Klassic Note, single B-sides which people normally foresee as they only give the topic songs and move on, and my experience with music based on my mood. And thus, the compilations were born, and a homage to the best of whoever that left to complete the set.

May I present to you:
"The ABCDs of Klassic Note"
We're going back to basics, everyone. And to introduce to all what Klassic Note is, below are the four examples I came up with to display the best, the different, and what made an impact in my life.

[Note: These are only available as self-curated playlists and won't be in disc form unlike the 5th year anniversary compilations, and is subject to availability if I ever create these in Apple Music]




#KN10YEARS: THE ANIME SONGS


Gamers!/Tendou Karen & Hoshinomori Chiaki & Aguri
Don't say "lazy"/Sakurakou K-ON Bu
Kokoro no Kara/Team.Nekokan[Neko] featuring.Amaoto Junka
Orange/Aisaka Taiga, Kushieda Minori, Kawashima Ami
Kokoro no Senritsu/Shirohamasaka High Chorus Club
May I Help You/Yamagami Lucy, Miyoshi Saya, Chihaya Megumi
Eyecatch! Too much!/Miyakoshi Hana, Muranushi Sayuri, Kamakura Shiho
Date TIME/Mineral Miracle Muse
Hoshi no Kakera/fhana
I scream chocolatl/Team Nekokan[Neko] feat. Lia
two-Dimension's Love/denk!girls
WONDERFUL WONDERS/Ryuugajou Nanana (CV: Tanabe Rui)
My Sweet Shelter/Kawai Ritsu, Nishikino Mayumi, Watanabe Sayaka
Full Swing/Kushieda Minori (CV: Horie Yui)
Chameleon Daughter/Saori Bajina (CV: Nabatame Hitomi)




#KN10YEARS: THE B-SIDES


Saigo no Houkago/Ikimonogakari
Winter Hot Music/YUI
three sheep/Chatmonchy
Naga Sugita Yoru ni/Aqua Timez
Sekai wo Kaesasete Okureyo/Sambomaster
Coin Locker Boy/Tsuji Shion
Omoide ni Naru Mae ni/Lil'B
JUST LIKE THIS/SPYAIR
Anata ga Inai to Sekai wa Konnani Tsumaranai/miwa
Slide show/School Food Punishment
Come on come on/Rie fu
CANDY LOVE/Taketatsu Ayana
Issai Gassai/Tomatsu Haruka
Ookami/STEREOPONY
Ashita no Sora/Ikimonogakari
Strange Dancer/Base Ball Bear
Love My Melody/Hikasa Youko
Intention Propellant/yanaginagi
Gift/Kon Natsumi
Tomato/Toyosaki Aki
Moteki Yobigun/Kuso Iinkai
Time Tripper/KANA-BOON
GET BACK/THE ORAL CIGARETTES
Towa no Machi/Scenarioart
Angel Number/Komatsu Mikako
Raise de Aou/Sayuri
Tenshi ka Akuma ka/negoto
Blush/Yoru no Honki Dance
Naimono Bakari/Natsukawa Shiina
Kakawari/TrySail




#KN10YEARS: THE COLD MOOD


Esse/yanaginagi
Hizuke Keikousen/nano.RIPE
Kokoro no Yakusoku/Primary
Kunshou/NEGOTO
Sherbet/UNLIMITS
Feeling The Ocean Air/PHONO TONES
Provence/SPECIAL OTHERS
Kanashii Yokan/Iwasaki Ai
tomori/Tainaka Sachi
Ally/RYTHEM
Tomorrow/Tomatsu Haruka
PRESENT/Rie fu
SNOW AGAIN/Ikimonogakari
Rainbow/Touyama Nao
Nekoyanagi/Tsuzuri Zukuri




#KN10YEARS: THE DISBANDED


Re:ache/HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
A Flower/RYTHEM
Ai scream/Lil'B
RPG/School Food Punishment
OVER DRIVE/STEREOPONY
LIFE/YUI
Never Ending Voyage/Aso Natsuko
1.2.MAX/PE'Z
DAIKIRAI-DAISUKI/HAPPY BIRTHDAY
triangle/Kawada Mami
Laughin' Road/HOME MADE Kazoku
ebb and flow/Ray




As a side note, I am also still in the process of making the sequel to the Klassic Note 5th year anniversary compilations - THE EMOTIONALIST II, THE ENERGIST II and THE IMPRESSIVIST II - in continuation of the series which will be revealed earliest end of the year or early 2019, so be sure to stay tuned for more song recommendations coming up!

- Kaineng, on the Klassic Note

The Klassic Note Spirit Part 11 – The Year 2017 and How It All Lasted

Last time in the Klassic Note Spirit, we talked about how much appreciation we give to J-Pop artists and their songs and how far we have came, and I know this might be repetitive here, but we've come this far. There must be a point where we finally give some mention to as many artists as we can, and relate to what music has done to my life. And this, we can never say enough. Whether we will continue from here is no longer a question. Or is it?


The Klassic Note Spirit Part 11 (FINAL)
"The Year 2017 and How It All Lasted"


TO EVERYONE COMING BACK
This year symbolised something big in Klassic Note, but also meant a lot for many artists who decided to make a comeback to release songs for the year, and that, I can never ask for more. These include Sambomaster on their 3rd album after they moved to Victor Entertainment from Sony Music Japan, fumika released the one single which would become one of the best she has ever done on her music career whose topic song ranked the top in the charts, negoto releasing a new single which was the most acceptable from them since forever and an album, SID with two singles and an album which barely passed my judgement but was still really good to hear and more. For many it was a comeback, but for some it was farewell. Ray announced her final album along with her retirement from the music industry after singing years of Anime songs. Chatmonchy announced their end soon after releasing a single on April that year which was after releasing singles on a slow pace since their album in 2016, and not long after Aqua Timez joined along the ranks which is due the following year. These artists proved to Klassic Note that not everything will last, and no matter how much I support them, they will not be able to contribute as far as I want them to.


SEEKING GREENER GROUND
Following the departure of Collection Artists and more, I seek further to new artists which can potentially be good and will be in the music industry as long as what I have experienced this past decade, and will make a huge impact in Klassic Note, from here and beyond. Among them are Ryokushaka (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) which is a prospective pop rock band which made an impact in the year itself with two mini-albums, GLIM SPANKY which rose in the end of the year with heavy impact 70s Rock music which struck me the first time I listened to it, Yogee New Waves which played relaxed music and impressed me year after year with good songs, and even Middle Kids, an Australian band which wrote great alternative music tunes I will never forget. These along with many others from past years mentioned will no doubt make a huge crater in the planet that is the Klassic Note song list.


AN IDOLISED RANKING
This year's list of songs though, unlike previous years, became populated with better Anime songs than ever, ranging from inside the shows themselves or even just generically speaking from the Japanese Anime industry which includes voice actors (namely actresses here) and their music careers, and this made a huge impact for the year for some reason. As such, their excellence has got them mentioned in the ranks more than ever, as when I went through the decision-making process of how the Top 20 would be of that year I suddenly saw that many mainstream artists are losing to the potential of what Anime artists have. These include Numakura Manami who created an impact from 2016, Komatsu Mikako who changed music labels and is now under Anime composer group Q-MHz releasing new songs, Uesaka Sumire after finally accepting one of her songs ever since I got interested in her years ago, upcoming idol group TrySail in which even in their group Amamiya Sora has been doing well in the year itself, despite being relatively new to the industry along with Numakura-san herself.


RESULTS EXPLANATION FOR 10 YEARS
As much as I am enjoying myself listening to all that Japan has to offer, here in Klassic Note we have come a long way to create a standard so that we can keep giving songs, and we can keep giving songs that will last in my mind for a lifetime. For example, the "formalisation" of Song Integrity Survey has been established ever since it was introduced in the previous year which now contains a flexible average rating so that it can be fine-tuned every year to compensate for my tastest in music. Song Awards results are also fully explained in the extended results page for this year specially to clarify any changes that have been made throughout the years, and what will be the likely standard going forward. This year the main page got more depth in order to give Klassic Note some form of explanation of what it is now, and how much it means for any number of songs to appear on them.


IS IT GOING TO CONTINUE?
Speaking of going forward, how is Klassic Note going to continue from here on? Every year even coming up to the year of 2017 I question myself every year. Firstly, the judgement of songs now provides a more objective yet stricter way of giving songs which might impede the flexibility of giving songs, so should I just not bother too much and give songs based on what I like and my mood or should I judge songs in further detail so I don't keep giving the same styles? Then, there's the time to commitment. Along the years, I have always have plenty of time to listen, review and comment on songs whether it's online or through the Song Awards results every year. But ahead of me is going to be a busy schedule of adult life, and that will create a challenge to keep this going. Lastly, how do I continue this with following the vision that is now "Searching For A Different Melody"? My passion for song appreciation over the years will be put to the real life test with all considerations above, a busy life, and most importantly, a decrease in mood to devote time to listen and explore more songs in order to fulfil my raging desire for what I have been pursuring thus far. These will no doubt create an impact in future years as I move on, and Klassic Note's fate might just change from here on, for better or for worse.


To be continued...


Sunday 2 December 2018

The Entertainment News 2018 Edition Issue #48

Okay, I have bad news, and I think not seeing another post, you should've seen this coming.

I had a bad sore throat and a wave of fever over the weekend, so I ended up not doing much. I was only better this afternoon so I finished this up in order to actually, report this bad news. Also, I've not yet confirmed on the #KN10YEARS plan so far due to my workload, so for now hopefully I'll confirm it along with the final post in the Klassic Note Spirit series which will end by next week. By then, I can't believe you're impatient over this, but if you are... read through the other years again, yes? Let's start with this week's stuff first.




アニメ BANANA FISH
"I'm not getting married" "Me either" Yeah no shit you guys are going to get married to each other you gay freaks haha
I wouldn't say that the guy's undefeatable, because Ash, man, he can always come out into the light because he can't be killed. Ask the director of this show Golzine and you'll know haha. The new episode (#BANANAFISH21) continues on the manhunt for Ash, and his current gang may not be holding up. That's mainly because of two things. Firstly, Lee (that one guy) is not trusting Sing anymore so is technically taking his brother hostage, that Lao guy. But of course, it was pretty easy to let the guy go which also means there was a trade-off, expertly suggested by Ash with his conversation with Cain. So yeah, poo guy Sing is probably going to lose his trust even for his own fake family lol. Then, Golzine hired someone again. You know, old man can't do things along let alone say command an army of soldiers, so he hired someone to do it. Dirty trick, I must say, but it worked. And Ash did not lose because he fell out of strategy, but the usual blackmail method was used on him, after he was quickly targetted and his gang mates quickly taken into attention, wherever the angle might be. This ranged from cutting the line that is the mind control drug ie. the scientist who is behind it, to you know, Max and his family, Cain's gang leader kills and so on. Thanks to a talk with Eiji, Ash remembers that the same tactic used on him can be used on the enemy too, but that may be too late as their last gunfight didn't go too well. So, Ash gave up. Again, not that he's not smart enough or the gang is too inefficient, but because Golzine was again, cheating. Hey, fair play, ladies and gentlemen. What will happen next and will Ash manage to escape once again or will that Lao guy ever betray his gang? We shall see. We shall see.
Me when my mom tells me to eat my vegetables lol
P.S. Funny to think that you met this guy at a gay club and he insists on giving you a drink but actually wants to kill all of you because he loves you so much lol get it? Gay? Haha

アニメ Uchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru!
"It's okay. You're just a kid anyway" And then Midorin chips in haha heck this show can do their own tsukkomi
Haha I like how the SAME EXACT MUSIC can be used on when Tsubame is flirting over Misha as when Midorin is flirting over Tsubame lol. The new episode (#UzaMaid09) talks about two things which might be simple in origin but totally expanded to make it as entertaining as possible, so let's talk about it. Firstly, Kumagoro's episode is here, ladies and gentlemen. Well, it's only when it has to go to the doctor which it ABSOULTELY HATES haha of course (I mean, which pet likes getting checked on by a vet?) so it tries to run away. Well, it's rather easy, and it ended up on the streets. Spoilers on whoever got it out of the street and into their house, but on Misha's side they had a hard time finding it, to say the least. It was not until.... well you can watch it yourself, but a retired police dog who sniffed out the location of the ferret which made them easy to find the pet and get him back. Well, someone kid was holding on to it and it was Morikawa's younger sister btw to yeah, haha. Today I also learnt that Washiwashi has two younger brothers who made her fat lol, in the second part of the episode, where the snow is falling and someone needs to exercise. So, following a meaningless showdown from Morikawa at school the girl decide to have a snowball fight. I seriously thought that Washiwashi was skilled but I guess she just wants to slim down lol (kudos to secondary character focus on this show though), and with the help of that one moving snowman lmao, they were able to defeat the one person since the other classmates technically weren't giving a shit haha that was fun. And yeah, I hope Misha you'll be able to get over your mother, with the initiation of Kumagoro and a new snow memory to remember by, which probably got ruined by the maid but whatever I can't see her face anyway haha
Kumagoro is one long-lived ferret lol
Kumagoro is one long-lived ferret lol
P.S. "Kumagoro is not a muffler!" And when she retaliates I'll beat that b*tch up haha sorry I was Misha-acting lol

[Update 2018.12.04: As you would not have noticed, I'm still coughing, and I took a break today ie. I got an MC. I still have one tomorrow and I'm seriously thinking about my workload in the office. I'm seriously thinking about it, trust me. On the other hand, I did work for an hour what would take me a work day btw. Evidence that I should work from home lol]
アニメ Gaikotsu Shoten'in Honda-san
"The author's an unknown newbie, right?" *Honda immediately gets gunshot* lol
Didn't expect this show to have its hentai segments but hey we've been talking about books and rated stuff thus far this is unavoidable? Haha in the new episode (#HondaSan09) we talk about the life cycle of books in a bookstore, especially when you can only hold that much stock. Hey, my mom would make a terrible bookstore staff to be honest she just keeps and never throws (or sends back, in the book's case) her sh*t haha okay books. Because of supply and demand, we know that books which do not sell well after a period of time may get run over by the newer, more popular books which will likely occupy the shelf of various genres instead of some books which we don't even know the author *looks at Honda-san* haha. So, the staff gotta call to the supplier to send them back, which in turn will send back to the publisher. Hey, you know, we went through an episode of this with that new guy who can carry tons of books, remember? So, the problem here is more likely the lack of expectations of sending them back, from sentimental reasons to only part of the series is left like the middle or back volumes which is very common by the way (people just buy the first volume, for example, and thought it wasn't good so they didn't buy everything, and this does not align with the standard supply numbers of each volume when it was first on display) to having to send so many of them because they really suck haha, it's all in the day of life as a bookstore staff. On the contrary, supoer popular books which sell out almost instantly are hard to find, hard to stock, not to say hard to keep a copy for oneself. Lastly, Honda-san you're totally right: no one comes to a bookstore to ask for an e-book version because they can find out about that online, and mainly they are here for the hard copy. So yeah, never mention that to a customer, yes?
MFW I want to do work but my body doesn't listen #NotWorkaholic
Me when I notice my work deadline is up lol
P.S. *hears book scream when torn off plastic* Hoho? *rewinds to hear it again* Haha as expected I'm sick in the mind

漫画 Dagashi Kashi
The "new" chapters (133-134) talk about a gum and a familiar candy bar we might have seen before. Firstly, didn't know Kokonotsu hung out with Sayashi for lunch. *giggles* That, and they decide to reveal whatever the heck his father prepared for Kokonotsu for lunch in his bento. I mean, besides the obvious lack of substance due to the weight of the box, it should be obvious to him that he should ask what the father placed in his lunchbox is nothing but two bars of gum. It's fun, it's a party prank, but it's not lunch, Dad. So yeah, Sayashi was kind enough to spare him some bread. Poor Kokonotsu, is this what life he has been leading now? I could easily sue You-san for child abuse, you know. *laughs* Then, there's the snow. Hajime-san was tasked to go to a school apparently probably for dagashi, and Kokonotsu has warned about the dangers of not seeing the path in the case of snow, and it happened. Hey, everyday life in a nutshell, people. That, and she almost fell into the snow if not for Hotaru who was also lost, and did not help much since they both fell into the thick snow anyways lol. They talked about survival, that familiar snack bar called Snickers and they somehow concluded that it was a dagashi since it was cheap as it sold around the world. Little do they notice that they were just resting nearby the shop lmao this series
That's a Tou-san level quote right there haha #Ecchi
Such confidence, this woman. #lol

音楽 This Week on Klassic Note
This week was a slow week in Klassic Note compared to last week. Evidently, I have not been spending time finding new stuff to listen to at this time of the year. Well, there's the Nintendo Switch to blame so... haha. I confirmed on Tokyo Karan Koron's new mini-album with a couple of nice songs (and real addictive too), and Cidergirl's 2nd full album was, like some of them before, real disappointing. I'll say it here, and I'll say it again, that if your album didn't have melodies to remember any style out there you can give me will not pass. Sorry, guys. Maybe next time. Even the single topic songs did not hold up despite me hearing it the second time round.

Next week brings us the much anticipated ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION's new album after two years of going semi-quiet, and I hope this time around it will be good. Going blind this time round, so I expect surprises, even though from listening to the best albums earlier this year I doubt I'll have the mood to enjoy this. Yeah, that's it. Huh. I may really need to find songs to top up the song list for the year actually. Even though I doubt I have to I don't force myself to complete the song list to the nearest number I'm comfortable with. Not anymore.

Not much has happened this week on Twitter besides the promotion and more announcements on the upcoming releases next year apparently, so I'm not going to mention any of them here. I think I'm running down on the account already, as I continue to post lesser and lesser each week. I know, I think I'm getting tired of this. Because of work. *sigh*




This shall be it for now, I guess. If you read on Honda-san last week you'll know I spent quite a good amount of time on that birthday present for my sister which came three weeks early apparently haha, but hey, I don't want to wait for the Christmas queue. She wants to buy more games though, so yeah, I'm just the starting fuel here. *laughs* Cya guys next week then, and until then hopefully I'll be better. Better on which aspect, I have no idea. Maybe mentally. It makes everything else better. And I'm not talking about homeotherapy, mind you. Ok bye

Sunday 25 November 2018

The Entertainment News 2018 Edition Issue #47

Hey, guys. I've been busy this weekend. Good thing it's not about work even though I think I'll be worked dry by next week haha enjoying while it lasts tbh

What have I been doing? I've been rushing to finish The Klassic Note Spirit, for starters. As you can not see because I just said it got delayed, I brushed up the posts and pushed all of them until Year 10, so yeah, that'll be done with the (oops) announcement next week. Yeah, we're getting to it, finally. So yeah, until then, I guess. For now, let's get this week done and over with I can't wait to play Nintendo Switch games I just bought- oh, no console yet? I can't wait to finish Mafia III and rebuild Sammy's Bar then. *laughs* Okay let's move on.




アニメ BANANA FISH
"Food hasn't tasted this good for so long" I mean, you like to eat trash, Ash? *laughs*
Haha I love how Lee dug himself the grave in which Blanca protects him and he can't do anything on his own or even instruct Blanca to do anything lol Defense Mode right there haha. I must say, this new episode (#BANANAFISH20) must be a good exhibition of whatever underground powers we have now in the storyline. First, we have the old man. An experienced fellow, someone who still has a strong desire but wants control over the world, lacks of the intelligence to act diversely when necessary. Golzine is one heck of a power, but is not going to be one without people around him. Secondly, we have the getaway kid. He always has friends who can help, he likes the little boy, and he's way too smart for even the government to handle. Ash Lynx has always lived up to his surname for some reason, and when he gets to bite back as he falls he makes sure he balances the scales. Then, we have the careful leader. He asked for power by killing his brothers, he doesn't believe in the ways of the extreme in America, but he knows when to not hold back especially when he has to and has a bit of brain on that. Lee Yut Lung (for the last time I'll spell his name in full here since it's been mentioned so many times this episode) is a China underground lord, but he may have found power which makes his decisions way more important that he thinks to act in. Finally, we have the observer. There to make minor decisions that matter, knows where to take sides to control the situation, and a skilled assassin and killer himself. Blanca has shown the ways of battling the intelligence that is Ash, deal with old friends like Golzine, and control little leaders like Lee. However he still can't play with the likes of the lynx, who is more likely playing him way too much than he wants. On this episode, we went from Ash half-blind in a party to the subways to a museum and to the safety of himself and the two gangs who decided to save him out of his hell hole. Yeah, he probably ate little and the IVs were basically just drugged I assume, but he's still fine, this super, super fit boy haha. Anyways, it's exciting to see things level itself out once again, and with Lee's apprehensive approach falling in shambles and giving Ash the edge on his own homeground again, it'll take more time for the no-brainer boss Golzine to get his hands on his favourite boy once again, I guess. We shall see, Blanca. We shall see.
Sorry Lincoln Clay; this guy is WAY cooler in killing than you haha
Sorry Lincoln Clay; this guy is WAY cooler in killing than you haha
P.S. It's like we know Blanca for a couple of episodes and Eiji be like "so this is the guy who got Ash worried?" yeah what do you know about that man assassin you little boy haha

アニメ Uchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru!
"I said I'll be fine with the garbage room, but-" Man, sometimes Midorin, I wish you wouldn't trample on yourself- On she's a masochist? Never mind then haha 
"I'd love to keep you in, but this maid right here was too expensive and too good not to hire" is if I'm Misha-chan haha if only you knew. In this quote-filled new episode (#UzaMaid08) where if Tsubame marries Misha (and this will be a fact when I say it) the marriage won't last long lol, we live a day of the rich. Specifically, Midorin's rich family at the biggest hotel in the area. Yes, finally Misha gets to live the rich life for once. Sorry, Yasuhiro, your name is as poor as your financial situation lol. (I wished your daughter will understand your situation, but...) So yeah, it happened. Misha sleeping on the same bed with Tsubame. Okay, to phrase that correctly, with Midorin in between because you know, "insecticide repellant" haha. Many things happened that are sure to make you laugh as much as be in disgust (referring to Midorin most of the time), but it's the father who got the most shame out of this right in front of his house lol. This show is real good in the sense that even for a moment they wouldn't let you think otherwise (besides the quote above maybe) that none of them would not step in to say what is necessary of their character in any situation, and they did, which is a good thing. Then, there's the panties stealing incident. Or incidents, I would say. Firstly, on Misha's. I mean, it's way too natural to point Tsubame as the culprit considering she called it out herself, but I hope you had guessed it like me along the lines of "she just placed it somewhere and forgot", which she did, so that's that. And then, there's her panties missing, that lolicon maid. *laughs* This one wasn't that complicated considering it concluded quickly, but suffice it to say that the small animals wanted something comfortable lol. Hey, the maids aren't the only ones that are sick in the mind haha. To conclude, congrats Midorin on mastering the stock market and if you're rich enough instead of a cleaning service can you open a community stock trade company and make people like me rich too? Thanks in advance! *laughs*
This show in a nutshell
I love how the pets are doing the same action too haha
P.S. Midorin has a rich hotel room to stay in but doesn't want to => Misha wants to stay in it because it's expensive => Tsubame wants to stay in it because of Misha => Midorin has a rich hotel room to stay in and wants to stay in now. Ah, how it all comes around...
P.P.S. "I wish someone would trap me in a place like this" Yeah me too... Wait, Tsubame you didn't react??? Oh she's not M *laughs*
[We really need Nu-chan to scream more haha. Also, another GIF for your own pleasure. Nope, it's not just for Midorin only btw]
Misha-chan is really cute tbh

[Update 2018.11.28: Sorry for the delay because that Nintendo Switch arrived at my place on Monday so gotta test it out and yesterday was because of Super Mario Party and just now that motherf**ker of Windows Update popped out a restart while I was typing. And this post was published in Blogger already so it won't autosave. Let's do this again, shall we? Ugh]
アニメ Gaikotsu Shoten'in Honda-san
"HOW DOES HE KNOW MY NAME?? Oh, my name tag" lol Honda-san
In this new episode (#HondaSan08) of this wonderful series which will never make you forget what kind of people you are dealing with, we have people who will appreciate buying at the bookstore. Like someone who will buy in bulk because he probably got scolded for an accident and is compensating for it, for example. Like someone who is buying for someone else because... because they can't make it to a bookstore, for example. Spoiler alert, it was because they're in prison lmao. And yes, I didn't notice the finger until Honda-san screamed about it haha they did show you in the cut though I just missed it BECAUSE I DON'T JUDGE THEM HONDA haha okay let's move on it's freaking me out lol. And then we have kids. It's great and all, but just don't go into the adult section haha. Then again, I don't think the bookstores in Japan will put BL books right in the entrance nor will they put it in the restricted area since as long as it's not physical I guess we're fine? Well, just don't kids. The mother is right you can't get out of it once you're into it hehe. And we also learnt that some of the bookstore staff are actually lolicon haha. Then, there's foreigners. Hey, I think I won't be as surprised as them seeing familiar work in Japan, but I'll definitely talk about it non-stop, just like the one time I went into a bookstore with my friends recently. When we walked into the Japanese section with all the manga and magazines I can't stop talking because I was the only otaku there technically haha. (They sold seiyuu magazines too apparently but I think that's just a coincidence lol) Lastly, a production perspective of Honda-san the author himself being adapted into Anime, but with a proper face. Haha not that his personality will balance his looks out, but man it wouldn't be what is now, isn't it? So yeah, thanks for not turning this show into some Shoujo series that I wouldn't watch lol
How you know you're into kids. In real life.
Haha this is funny I'll give you that #AnimeReactions
P.S. TFW you wanted to buy a book which you had saved pocket money for three whole months and you forgot to include tax haha #MathFail Also harsh realities are a thing kid live with it haha

音楽 This Week on Klassic Note
Wow this was quite a week in Klassic Note, and I don't think I'm done with it yet. Did I say that every week? Okay, in this peak week of the season which is near December, firstly BLUE ENCOUNT's new single is rather disappointing at the topic song as I've heard earlier but that one B-side is kind of okay. They remind me of SPYAIR btw, as mentioned in my Tweet. So yeah, no wonder I never gave their songs even from two years ago. So yeah, this one is for the Anime in fear of not being able to give the ending theme which comes next month. I think they are fine though, but SPYAIR technically has filled that gap back in 2010. Sorry, guys. ClariS' new album came in weak to be honest, and after showcasing their topic songs at the front half of the tracklist the rest of it proves diverse but weak in melody for most of them. Don't get me wrong; I was real thrown off by whatever that was before the last song. GLIM SPANKY's new album is by far the most disappointing of releases reviewed this week as their new songs failed to capture my attention whatsoever, so I'm sticking with that one song which was released as a commercial months ago and was only in an album release after like, 4 months in YouTube.

I also sort of caught up on earlier releases before this week. LuckLife's new single wasn't that impactful, but that also meant I did not skip any of the songs on first review, which means I still like their style. Sadly, I think I'll be taking the topic song for now. The B-sides aren't that good compared to BLUE ENCOUNT at this point to be honest. Tokyo Karan Koron's new mini-album which was released recently also wasn't that memorable, but I think I can give the topic song which I heard last month while waiting for it to release and maybe one more if I have the mood for it. For now... I'm feeling a little moody I'll update next week haha. I also got disappointed with Asakura Momo and her 1st album after noticing that it was missing the one song which I totally wanted to give from her 2nd single if it appeared again after I missed it last year, so I went back to the single to give it. Literally. I said sorry to my past year self and gave it. So yeah, she'll end Klassic Note Review this year, it would seem. Oh also, her 4th single after 3 months of "hibernation" is out on Apple Music, in case you liked the topic song as much as I did which is A LOT haha

Next week... ah, next week finally brings us the long-awaited (at least for me) Cidergirl's 2nd album after being impressed by their first album months ago and knowing of this news. I'll see if this can hold up even just in melody. Man, artists these days... Ahem. Also on the list next week is fumika's new song after whatever that cover album is so I'll give myself a heads-up because I missed her releasing new songs already tbh. *Looks at Twitter like feed* Wait, that's it? Well, might as well catch up on "new" songs from last week then lol (Hey, it's new according to people who listen to the same damn thing every year lol)

In Twitter this week, you must have noticed my comments and promotion of releases available "This Week on Apple Music" (Get it? Read through without pausing and you'll get it), some artists are releasing new singles upcoming January including Minase Inori, Kotobuki Minako (as mentioned last week) and Amamiya Sora. Yeah, all technically idols by the way. Not too surprising after you see Klassic Note 2017 tbh. I can't wait to make sure this doesn't happen to my Top 20 songs this year haha *shakes head*




Okay that's about it. If like last week I'm not bothered or just plain busy to fill in the blanks here so be it haha. Cya guys next week then, and until then... I think I need more sleep even though my brain wants me to finish that Bar so I can be fulfilled playing this sub-par game people call Mafia III lol bye

Saturday 24 November 2018

The Klassic Note Spirit Part 10 – The Year 2016 and the Smooth Return and Rise

In the previous part of this series, we talked about one of the dullest years in Klassic Note history, showing a change in perspective of giving only good songs, not letting my gender preference get in the way of giving songs, and trying to rid of the criticism on social media despite my hate for artists coming up with disappointing tunes. In this, we decide to come up with a standard which can balance between subjective and objective opinion such that more songs can be given instead of limiting potential for my desire for searching for new melodies.


The Klassic Note Spirit Part 10
"The Year 2016 and the Smooth Return and Rise"


TAKING IT TO THE INTERNET
With indie artists on the rise and many of them I know of getting their major label debut, it's no wonder I like to give more of them on their new songs to support them. And the easiest way to do that is to listen to their music videos online, specifically YouTube. And the trend for this did not stop ever since last year, as I give more male vocalist groups in hopes of balancing the scales. Artists like LuckLife, LILI LIMIT and The Floor became big contributors in the next few years as I find more wonderful tunes that aren't written by Anime producers and sung by voice actresses. This was also an example of the huge increase of music videos I'm getting every year on that YouTube playlist I created a couple of years ago, which makes music accessible to more even though I'm already in Apple Music Japan by now.

Speaking of Apple Music, I subscribed to Apple Music Japan by the end of the year to firstly, listen to new songs more reliably on the date of release, and also, to be able to listen to more artists easily following the listening to less famous artists who would otherwise not leak their new songs online. Examples include Tsuzuri Zukuri, which have hard to find resources to listen to due to lack of popularity, so I decided to invest. Paying up to $130 a year, this might be the most expensive and best investment I've contributed to the Japanese music industry till now. I know it's a streaming service and not buying music so they let a small cut of my subscription, but still, this is the easiest way to support them as I listen to it more often and more artists open up their music library to the rise in music streaming services.


THE SELF-DOUBT
Due to the drop in new songs from the previous year and much criticism from my own methods for not giving songs off the bat which I used to, this year I decide to come up with a stronger standard  based on much research from the past year. With this in mind, I cam up with the Song Integrity Survey, asking honestly about how I felt about the song in first impression as with how I started with giving J-Pop. However, I also added on long-term review opinions, making 2.99 Star Project a little less like a trip to hell and never coming back (which saw significant comeback for some of them who went there), and giving better chances to promoting star ratings on the flat 4-star song majority I've been stagnant on. This became a definitive benchmark for future years but it was hard to not create bias to familiar melodies with this system. This eventually was fine-tuned to follow past year standards accordingly as I have to manually change ratings to create a flexible rating system.
The first year results utilising the Song Integrity Survey. As you can see there is a healthy trend towards higher rating songs shown by the green line.


QUALITY AND QUANTITY
Over the years, I noticed that giving songs every year seems to have a trend, and I naturally try to break a trend sometimes to avoid following into market trends. In general, and since the financial year in Japan starts in April, most songs are releases in certain peak periods following each season's start and end (mostly end) so to promote sales and of course, show a better report every year to be honest. As much, in Klassic Note, it is always dull in January following the start of the year after Song Awards which is good. It also gives me time to find new songs and recover from the season end that is December. February and March are riddled with releases as many push new songs whether it's for Anime or just because it's going to end the year on a good note. May is the next best month to release new songs following the Spring season conclusion, So is August which is lesser compared to May, and November and December months are the most hectic in releases. It's like Black Friday for music releases, to be frank. This in turn will also make giving songs tend to peak on those months, as seen in the Hall of Fame document. The balance between quality and quantity thus heavily depends on these peak months as I tend to give more songs on peaks and less songs but focused on quality and songs I'll remember on in other months of the year.
This yer's Song Appetite Report is a good example of song increase trends.
The line represents average growth in Klassic Note song count.


LIVING IN THE TIMES
At this point we should appreciate the fact that we are blessed with so many songs to listen and enjoy, and it's as if it feels like a dream. Firstly, despite knowing this many artists up till now and knowing many artists don't even release songs yearly, it was still a relief to see so many songs release every month, even without having to find them myself. This, and the fact that it is easier to find them simply by following them on Twitter on Apple Music makes this such a joy to do despite my busy schedule. Also, seeing artists grow and get more popular as you have heard them from indie times or even Collection Artists who have been around develop new styles and break their own music barriers to reach greater heights... that can never be described as I'm living in it enjoying all of it. Finally, that Twitter account made me happier over the years as I continue to get recognised by artists and some of the people in the Internet alike, which is just a joy for me to keep sharing my thoughts about music (positively) as much as I can, promoting as much as I deem necessary even if they aren't Songs of the day. This, is truly good times in Klassic Note, which also explains the back of the increase in new songs for the year, as I truly learn to appreciate how far Klassic Note has come.

Thanks, guys. Sadly it's the one song I can hear from you though.
A proper conversation on the Internet, by the way.

Next up: The Klassic Note Spirit Part 11 – The Year 2017 and How It All Lasted
(How it has been a wonderful decade of music appreciation I don't even know...)


(**All linked references ago were active at time of publishing this post. They are meant for educational purposes and not are not taken directly from any intellectual property)