10-12-05 Litchi, Prayer
Simplicity at it’s best I think. Really love this shot.
Edit: And i just realized this. But with the snow effect wordpress has now. Uggghhh… *melts…
(more…)
Ceui: Album
Gentle, kind and soft. There three words constantly echoes in my mind as I try to put the beauty that is Ceui’s voice into words. Ceui’s songs are those that might not catch your attention straight away. But will be something you grow to love as you listen on to the album.
When I first listened to Ceui’s album, Glassy Heaven. I was actually a little skeptical. I found myself too focused on her voice alone to enjoy the song as a whole. Which actually resulted in me feeling a little disappointed. Thankfully the second time I listened to the album was on a Sunday and I was going full-throttle, so I cranked up the volume quite a bit.
Wow! It was a whole new album. I already knew Ceui has a great voice. But now also being able to catch the music clearly, I became totally absorbed of the cohesion of both.
The songs in Glassy Heaven can mainly be divided into 3 groups. Each group being able to share different moods with its listeners.
The first group, example being dreamscape (personal fav xp), Towa no Kotoba, Madoromo no Rakuen brings about the feeling of serene like that of sitting in an empty coffeehouse, by the glass window. Sipping a cup of hot coffee. While watching the world outside revolve slowly as time comes to slow down. Light raindrops from the drizzles hits the glass window and slowly flows down the glass.
The second group, with Prelude ~Unmei no Kakera~, Seisen Spectale and Prayer for example, brings about the feeling of a struggle to build up a little tension. Only nearing the ending will it slow it’s pace down, and the tension fades away. Imagine the same as the above scenario, but this time with a storm going on outside. you would turn from feeling peaceful from the light drizzle, to slightly worried as the heavy drops of rain hits the glass.
The 3rd group, just makes you want to go out and walk under the rain with her songs in your ears. Kokoro no Tsubasa, mellow melody.
Noticed anything yet? Yup…
Glassy Heaven really does brings out the impression of a rainfall. Just the matter of how heavy the rain is, depending on the song.
This is by no means a review, it’s more like an impression. Any reader would have noticed that I am absolutely fanboy-ing by now. Which makes this post illegit (Lol.. This word sounds awesome for some reason!).
So instead, I’d like you guys to try out this post, Ceui’s ‘first’ album -Glassy Heaven- Release~ @ http://hisoyakanasenritsu.wordpress.com. He provides a more solid description for Glassy Heaven. And also has songs for readers to sample. Good Stuff!
Music: Shadow Skill – Born Legend
Let’s listen to a “classic” today.
Shadow Skill was like what? 10 years ago. Until now it’s still on my song list. Talk about going strong. Lol!
Born Legend by Kasumi
Opening theme for the Shadow Skill.
And if you check out the first subbed line in the video. Rofl!
Still remember how the open ending gave me a bad aftertaste though. Lol!
Music: Vandread – Himegoto
Selamat Hari Raya guys! That’s similar to Happy New Year for the Muslim friends… Right? :p Still a little hungover from last night’s booze.
And here’s a big secret I’m sharing with you guys before the booze effect gets lost. How many of you guys heard this song and went “Damn That’s some sexy shit!”
Well this was my get-it-on song way way way back when PentiumIII still ruled the world. Interpretation to the term get-it-on is totally to your imagination. The bonAr from Snark’s post is taking up too much energy for my brain to function.
Himegoto by SiLC
Vandread 1st Stage Ending theme
I.L.C. #3 – Why Daisy Why?
Meet Daisy. She’s my new PC. Apparently she doesn’t think much of me. Having just brought her home for 2 days. She has already shown me 3 bSoD’s. And what had it cost me?
Oh… Nothing much. Just my Koukaku no Regios OST review I haven’t post up (Sorry and thanks for your time zzero-sensei!), 2 weeks worth of anime character vectoring, and 3 other articles which were too retarded to be posted up anyway. Oh… Did I mention my WHOLE FREAKING ANIME3R BACKUP FILES TOO? Normally, I would be pissed. But I’m not. I tell myself I’m not. I believe I’m not therefore I AM NOT… pissed.
Anyway. I need something more solid for this SPAM post as to not deter potential future lurkers. So I’m gonna give you guys more SPAM about my figure-ing and some interesting links.
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Meet the reason I started buying figures.
Yeap, it was Black Rock Shooter which I first came across at Anime Princess. I would link the post to show how Lostty slowly seaped the figure addiction to all who read her post. But I think it was lost with her last site revamp. By the time I decided to get BRS, orders were completely full. She has been my dream figure every since. Being the figure I will never be able to buy.
So, recently somehow or rather my usual figure source re-opened pre-orders for her. As what everyone says… Instant get. So I placed my order. Thing is, he mentioned he might not be able to get her for sure. Which is totally fine by me, no biggie. But if he does manage to get BRS for me (there are 22 other people fighting for her by the way) I’d be happy to call it quits to my figure collecting. FOr rEal. Lol! Been talking about it since a while anyway. So what better way to end it than to place the last order on my dream figure. -.-”
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And now on to the links I was saying earlier.
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Something light, intriguing, real yet funny@Cons+Piracy. Blogging related I guess. Having read that, how does the post reflect you? Me, I’m just trying to use big words to increase my vocabulary. Remember my dork post? Yeah… reasoning still applies.
Lesson of the day: Referring to Calvin and Hobbes makes you a Winner! :p
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“2 weeks worth of anime character vectoring”
Heard of arancia project? I just did through arancia-project@polymetrica. Got pretty interested in it. So I thought I’d give it a go. Prepare yourself for the horror I will be unleashing upon your vision in the near future. I actually had some face and body clips to show you guys in this post. But stupid Daisy and her shit tantrum. I’m not pissed… I’m not pissed.
Just to get it out from the start, I’ll be using the doujin artwork of the one with the two ponytails in the middle to provide the outline for my character.
Why am I using someone elses work you ask? Simple…
Would you rather see the below instead?
Guess not.
So credits for the character outline goes to chrisnfy.deviantart.com. And yeah… that’s a dead link. There are no other links on his doujin poster. Tried googling for him but nothing came up. So there’s that.
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And to end the day, a nice ending theme for everyone. And also zzeroparticle for giving me some ideas with my OST review which will not be published. -.-” That is until I get really bored, re-download the album, and try to recap everything I wrote previously.
Yasashii Uso by Chrome Shelled
This version features Felli Loss. There are 2 other versions including Nina Antalk version and Leerin Marfes version. All characters in Koukaku no Regios.
Full Version of the above.
Now excuse me while I listen to this song for the 66423768591467842th time.
Music moves the world…
Particularly mine! and a megazillion other people out there. 
Features
Ceui:
Introduction
Impression
Album
Reviews
Sousei no Aquarion Original Soundtrack II 4-Stars
Music
Scandal – BeauTEEN!!
Scandal – Shoujo S
Gungslinger Girl Il Teatrino – Human
Gungslinger Girl Il Teatrino – Tatta Hitosu no Omoi
Gungslinger Girl Il Teatrino – Doll
Polysics – I my me mine + Electric Surfin Go Go
Robin Hood no Daibouken – Wood Walker
Cencoroll – Cencoroll Theme
Cencoroll – Love & Roll
Needless – Modern Strange Cowboy
Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger – Hekireki
Guin Saga – Saga~This is my road
Hayate no Gotoku S2 – Honjitsu Mankai Watashi Iro
Bleach – Shoujo S
Candy Boy – Candy Boy
Naruto – Haruka Kanata
Samurai Champloo – San Francisco
Soul Eater – Bakusou Yume Uta
Aria the Origination – Kin no Nami Sen no Nami
Toki no Kakeru Shoujo – Kawara Nai Mono
Umi Monogatari – Violet
Umi Monogatari – Toki no Hana
Sora wo Kakeru Shoujo – Espacio
MS Igloo 2 – Mr.Lonely Heart
Shadow Skill – Born Legend
Hatsune Miku – Romeo and Cinderella
Hatsune Miku – Last Night, Good Night
Vandread – Himegoto
Koukaku no Regios – Yasashii Uso
Gungrave – Akaneiroga Moerutoki
Chrno Crusade – Sayonara Solitaire
Rental Magica – Aruiteikou
Beck – Full Moon Sways
Air Master – Rolling 1000 Toon
Capeta – Doukazen
Blood+ – Season’s Call
Clannad – Dango Daikazoku & Toki Wo Kizamu Uta
Suzumiya Haruhi – God Knows
Music: Gungrave – Akaneiroga Moerutoki
When I was on a speedboat traveling back from the Island trip. This song just popped into my head. I have nooooo freaking idea why.
Then everything came back to me. How I loved Gungrave. How I hated that the series ended and left me wanting more. And how everyone dies one by one as the anime nears it’s end. -.-”
To the young me of that time, this anime was some heavy shit. From friendship to betrayal to love.
Among the highlights of Gungrave to me was definitely it’s ending. I don’t know the reason why it’s not in my mp3 list then… Well, it is now. 
Akaneiroga Moerutoki by Scoobie Do
Full version – Make sure you reach the mid part. Love the solo!
As someone mentions in the comments. This song is just sexy.
I just noticed something. With a title consisting of syllables like
1) Akane
2) Iroga (pun: eroge)
3) Moe
You can’t deny this song it’s greatness. :p
Sousei no Aquarion Original Soundtrack II
Sousei no Aquarion Original Soundtrack 2
Composed by Kanno Youko
feat. AKINO, Hiromi Satou, Gabriela Robin and dorota lachowricz
Tracklist
01. GO TIGHT!
02. CyberFolk Music
03. Drible Drible
04. Vatican Dance
05. Shinwa Teki Gikou Sonata
06. Baron to Taiyou
07. Celiane
08. Diet Waltz
09. Psychedric Academy
10. Nike 15sai
11. Heavens Gate
12. Exodus
13. BLAQARION
14. Tooma no Shintaku
15. Seikan Renrakusen
16. Vector Return
17. Genesis of Aquarion
18. First love Final love
19. Rena to Tanpopo
It was this comment which gave me an idea on the first ever Anime Soundtrack to review. I’ve always kept in mind how Sousei No Aquarion’s theme really captivated me and had me humming years ago when I was still in college. So when someone mentioned opera, I thought I hit point blank. So into the review then…
Review: This album is without a doubt a collection of very strong and solid bgms. However, it pretty much jumps off the building in terms of pure music listening pleasure. You can however, just get the single and cut the hassle if you have no fond of bgms. But wait! Do read this review to find out what you might be missing.
The role of each song is clear. Upon listening I could tell whether if that certain song was meant to be a bgm, or an enjoyable instrumental piece, or a good old vocal song. However, it obviously has problems trying to convey the message hidden in most of the music pieces. Only after the 4th try only did I start picking up the message or emotions the album was conveying. For example, some had such chaotic beats. One moment it was fast, another moment slow, which really made me wonder, what feeling it wanted the listeners to bear at that time. It was jumping from chord to chord without any smooth transition. But no matter the reason, I’m putting out a plea to all of you to just listen to the album at least twice before you brush it aside. Heck, I listened to this album 11 whole times in 2 days.
One thing to take note of is that they really did stick to the theme of the anime, Sousei No Aquarion, which has a combination of angelic characters and mecha battles. Hence why some songs had techno-like feeling (fast paced drum beats) and instrumental classics like how the anime setting was portrayed.
Immediately starting off with Go tight as song no 1. It gets a hold of you when listening to it for the first time. However, the more I listened to the song, the more I realized it is actually rather bland. A few more times and I was already bored. And it really did felt like the album was trying to grab hold of its listener using Go Tight! Hoping the momentary upbeat will last throughout the following 4 songs.
Go tight! by Akino
Next we have CyberFolk Music. The title itself tells you what to expect. This song is a combination of classic meets techno. The music felt lost in translation. At no point did I feel anything the song was trying to convey to its listener. Only the ending of this song did anything for me. Problem is I wouldn’t go through 4 minutes of meaningless “Bump-A-Dump-Bump” just to enjoy the last 1 minute of music.
Drible Drible really is nothing worth mentioning. Only comment I have for this piece is that it really feels like something pulled out of Michiko To Hatchin episode. If you do enjoy Salsa like music or anything of the like, chances are this is your thing. Vatican Dance comes out next to help relaxes its listeners after being fed with the previous 3 fast beat songs by bringing a ballroom waltz feel. Doesn’t leave much of an impression to comment on however.
Shinwa Teki Gikou Sonata is one song I definitely have to talk about. I was just doing the usual at work. Listening to this album. Then this song starts. Upon a few seconds into the piano plays, images of tidal waves and hurricane hitting the shores of a beach pop in my head. Literally!
Then as the song ended, images of the shores calming down appeared, though this time, the calm beach image was something I came up with to match what felt like the story the music was trying to tell me. I gave myself a smirk of doubt and thought, “Hey, let’s see what else this song can do”. Call me crazy but that’s what happened. So what I can tell you is that this song does its job extremely well. It manages to bring listeners the message in the music. But it still isn’t something I see myself listening to in the long run.
Shinwa Teki Gikou Sonata by Yoko Kanno
Baron to Taiyou is something nice and light. Give this song a few tries; see if it grows on you. It certainly did on me. And it certainly worked as great opener for the next piece which I deem the meaning of existence for this album, the song Celiane. So soothing it brings about a serene feeling which till today and to me, remains a piece only matched by a select few. To be honest, Celiane is the whole reason I chose to review this album. So what I would do now is that to remain unbiased, I will not comment any further and let you fellow readers to sample the music and judge for yourself. I am confident however, that this song is not to everyone’s taste. All I ask is for an open mind when listening to it and if possible accept the calmness it brings.
Celiane by Gabriela Robin
Unfortunately, immediately after that the album again plummets with music which were never meant for listening pleasure. Diet Waltz an uninspiring piece qualified at most to only appear as bgm for animes. Psychedric Academy’s first impression was it was just another Techno-crap. However, when I listen to it over and over again, I could get a slight hint of the strong violin and I realize that this could have been a good song. If only it wasn’t overcrowded by the funky beats and the monkey effects. Lol! Literally. There were monkey cries in the song going “HuHuHaHa”.
Nike 15sai, a song which really felt out of place here. Having a good song like this trapped between the others. Another song which I grew to enjoy. Akina’s dry feeling voice has a certain type of charm to the ears. Wasn’t too fond of the instrumental break at 3:25 though. Something about that just didn’t feel smooth. Otherwise, definitely a nice song to listen to every now and then.
Heaven’s Gate, Exodus and BLAQARION. These three are pieces which manage to build up tension especially during the end of the music. And with this I realize another flaw with this album. It was too stagnant. There were too many songs portraying the same emotions. And to have them arranged back to back three in a row. It really got irritating.
Now this piece, Tooma no Shintaku, I really took a liking to. It actually has a nice slow start which really made me feel like this song had potential and *Snap!* It transits into a nice tune with a vocal which, although felt down-to-earth, but exceptionally calming. Seikan Renrakusen, strictly just a bgm piece and will not work anywhere else without a visual. Offering what felt like a combination of just a handful of notes, it almost felt monotone. Vector Return provides a majestic like experience to the album. It felt like something grand, like something out of a “The King and I” play. Again, although it does not provide much entertainment for the ears. It did achieve its goal of providing listeners with images which I felt were intentional.
Genesis of Aquarion. Wow! It sure felt long to get me to this song. Another very nice song I might add. I was quite surprised to find out that it was also from Akino, remember how her voice felt different from “Nike 15sai”. In this song, her voice felt softer. It starts with a low tone acapella and as the song starts reaching midway, things pick up and Akino shows what her high pitch can do. Akino really strut her stuff in this song. Sad to say that again, there was a part I wasn’t too particularly fond of and that was when, at 2:44 of the song, it began to feel like a church choir. It felt a little out of place and didn’t blend well with the initial image I had of the song.
Genesis of Aquarion by Akino feat. Bless4
Unfortunately, it seems that there isn’t really much information about Akino in the web. Googling around, this (http://www.last.fm/music/AKINO) was the only info I could dig up. Apparently she is from a group called bless4 (http://www.last.fm/music/bless4/+wiki). And to answer your doubts, No! I am not an Akino fanboy.
And to have such a good song followed by another. First Love Final Love is, to me, the best instrumental piece of the album. No other instrumental piece in this album has managed to give me goosebumps except for this song. I could feel the start of the song calming me with a peaceful pace. Nice and easy. Then slowly the instruments get stronger. And next cue, a little choir to give you tranquility. Then at 2:44, beau-ti-ful. GOOSEBUMPS all over! Probably even wet eyes if you think of something happy hard enough. Lovely! By the end of the last song, Rena to Tanpopo, listeners could probably get the main repetitive tune of the album, as the tune is most obvious here in the nice softly toned piano. If you did, you would probably end up loving it. And hence, a befitting conclusion to the end of this album.
First Love, Final Love by Yoko Kanno?
The most unique characteristic of this album is that most songs felt like a combination of 2 songs. The start of a song would be totally different from the end of the song. And with this a single song could make you feel both upbeat and tensed. But that is also its biggest flaw. I have difficulty bringing myself to liking the songs as a whole. It is only certain parts about the song which I feel fond of or enjoy.
Things would probably have ended up better should the album have been better sorted to not have all the instrumentals (pure classics) and newer variety (classics and techno) together playing back-to-back.
Recommended Keepers: Baron to Taiyou, Celiane, Nike 15sai, Genesis of Aquarion, First love Final love, Rena to Tanpopo
So by now, it is up to you listeners to decide, if the highlights of this album are worth listening to the dreaded repetitive instrumentals and bad combination of fast paced beats. If they are good for you, I would have accomplished the goal of this post and introduced yet another new music to your collection. ;p
Sousei no Aquarion Original Soundtrack II
Rating: 4-Stars
Torrents: Nipponsei
Hmm.. Anyone has any ideas on how I can post up some music for you guys to sample? I found some players, but all of them includes a pop-up ad. Which is a serious no-no for me. Thanks!
Initially I submitted this review over to Anime Instrumentality. But it kind of got lost halfway through so I pulled it back and thought I post it up here instead. Lol! Want to take the opportunity to thank zzeroparticle for taking his time to read my review and the tips he provided.
I also noticed that recently, my blog has way too many words and too little pictures. So gonna balance it out a little. Lol! I’ll try to reduce the number of spam I include in each post. Allow this OST review to be the last word heavy post I put up… for now, before a screw in my head gets loose again. Lol!
Music: Chrno Crusade – Sayonara Solitaire
It’s been a looong time since I did a music post and I’m lazy to come up with a long post today. So here’s one now. Till today, I’m sure that I will get a positive feedback whenever I mention Chrno Crusade.
Warmed up your heart yet?
Yes? Then move on to the next video…
Gave me watery eyes watching this scene again. Beautiful music..
Sayonara Solitaire by Saeko Chiba
Music: Rental Magica – Aruiteikou
Don’t know if anyone remembered Rental Magica. It didn’t really leave a mark on anime history as far as I know. But the one thing I can never forget about it is the ending song which I love dearly. It is one of the few songs which I listened and sang to so much that I can actually sing the chorus. Yes, only the chorus… You were expecting the full song? I wish!
Aruiteikou by Yoshida Jungo
Now if you can find the acapella version. Even better!
Music: Beck – Full Moon Sways
Pretty sure most of the readers here would know about this by now. But Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad has some pretty good tunes in their soundtrack. And here is one of em. Full Moon Sways in two different version. In case you DON’T know of the song, you must not have watched the anime. GO DO IT! NOOW! Lol!
A live version with Dying Breed (A fictional band)
AMV: Tanaka Koyuki and Minami Maho – Full Moon Sways
Credits to akaDelusionalelGuero@Youtube
I also enjoy their performance at the Sound Festival in the anime, I have a Feeling. But let’s save that for another day.
Music: Air Master – Rolling 1000 Toon
Watching this every once in a while always feels fun. The beat is catchy. The animation is freaking entertaining. It was the short girl skipping around (at 0:43 of the song) which sealed the deal for me. It’s been tooooo long, I’ve already forgotten her name. Lol!
“ROLLING 1000 tOON” by Maximum The Hormone
FIIIIIIIGGGGGHHHTTT!!!!
Music: Capeta – Doukazen
Just suddenly came to me yesterday on how much I loved this song when chasing the anime a while ago. So thought I’d share with everyone this good song which gives me a boost of energy everytime I listen to it.
Capeta Opening theme number 2.
Doukazen by Bazra
Music: Blood+ – Season's Call
Just as work was ending today, this song came up on my mp3 player. Wow! Somehow it brought about a superb feeling of freedom. Lol! So just thought I’d post this up. Still give me goosebumps everytime I watch the AMV. Love the song!
Blood+ opening theme number 4 I think.
Season’s Call performed by Hyde.
Music: Clannad – Dango Daikazoku & Toki Wo Kizamu Uta
Here it is, the song which has been giving me wet eyes for the last week or so. The ending theme from the Clannad, first series. Really sweet and soft tune. Still giving me goosebumps now even.
This video has been edited, very nicely I might add, to play the whole song instead of the TV size version. And the animations actually matches the song’s lyrics. It’s not just something random put it for the sake of filling up the duration of the song played.
Hmm.. Since I posted up the ending theme. Might as well post the opening theme from After Story as well right? So here it is, Toki Wo Kizamu Uta.
Initially I wasn’t too fond of the opening theme. But just listening to it a few more times and I just couldn’t stop listening. Now, I have a ritual of listening to it when I wake up from bed and before I go to sleep. Lol! Let’s see how long it will take for me to finally get bored of this song. :p
Everytime this song reaches 1:45 or so, the part with Misae and Ryou crying, I always get goosebumps. Unforgetable memories from this anime flashes.
Music: Suzumiya Haruhi – God Knows
Just can’t get enough of the song. This is the one of the few parts which makes the whole series worth it’s while. The song is great and animation is excellent. Check out the fluid movements of the fingers and drum swings. Not forgetting the details of the hair on Suzumiya’s face as she builds up sweat halfway through the performance. Breath-taking!
Darle?