Its that time of the year again! That time when people are penning down their resolutions for the new year (mine is 1680 x 1024), when the music in departmental stores start to change from "Jingle Bells" to "Ying Chun Jie Fu", and when school children start dreading the start of school once again...
Yes, its the last few days of 2010. And its time for the annual reflective "Top 3 lists of Top 10 things"!
What have you done for these past 12 months?
Top 10 significant life-changing highlights (oh all right, a lil' exaggeration here)
1) Screwing up my left knee and tearing the ACL
2) Falling out of love and falling in love once again
3) Buying and learning bass
4) QUIS (and all those performances!)
5) Forming Natsukashii
6) Travelling to Kyushu (and doing a YUI stalker tour!)
7) Flipping credit card application forms in an ulu part of Jurong
8) Travelling to Hong Kong to catch SCANDAL live
9) Catching MUSE live in Singapore
10) Learning Japanese
Top 11 Music Discoveries (sorry, had to squeeze in 1 more!)
1) SCANDAL - Temptation Box
2) YUI - Holidays in the Sun
3) Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Magic Disk
4) Fukuhara Miho - Music is My Life
5) The Bawdies - There's No Turning Back
6) Ayumi Hamasaki - Rock 'n' Roll Circus
7) Utada Hikaru - Single Collection Vol. 2
8) Orange Pekoe - 10 Anniversary Best Album Sun & Moon
9) Marie Digby - Unfold, Second Home
10) chatmonchy - Awa Come
11) Olivia Ong - Olivia
Top 10 Gaming Experiences
1) Starcraft 2 (just got it 2 days ago!)
2) FIFA 11
3) Assassin's Creed 2
4) Left 4 Dead 2
5) Mass Effect 1 and 2
6) Street Fighter 4
7) Team Fortress 2 (you can't grow tired of this game!)
8) Resident Evil 5
9) Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (awesome expansion to the best RPG in 2009!)
10) Bioshock 2
In case you've been a loyal follower of this blog for the past 2 years, you'd have noticed the omission of 2 lists, namely "Top 10 Geeky exploits" and "Top 10 Green exploits", this year. Well, to be honest, I can't really recall anything geeky or green I did this year, other than fixing my keyboard space bar and keeping the air-conditioner off.
Maybe its about time I change the name of this blog once again. Which is highly unlikely, since the name kinda stuck with me already.
Oh well. Guess I'm about to become a not-so-green-and-not-so-geeky-normal-person.
Hope you had a meaningful 2010! Now, on to 2011!
Showing posts with label Ajikan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ajikan. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, July 09, 2010
Summer夏： Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Magic Disk
Summer's an excellent period where many Japanese artists release their albums. Fukuhara Miho, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, YUI and SCANDAL, all have albums either just released or going to be released! It's great to be a fan in summer, and not just because of the heat (ok bad pun)
Amazingly, this will be the first time I'll be doing an AKG album review. I guess it's because I'm having a lot of free time now to just listen to music and allow feelings to develop with the songs. Watch out for more reviews, while the holidays are still ongoing :P
"Magic Disk" is Asian Kung-Fu Generation's sixth studio album, and marks the start of a change in direction for the band's music. Consisting of 13 tracks, including 3 singles previously released (Shinseiki no Love Song, Solanin and Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat), the overall feel is definitely a step in a new direction and a more refreshing change from their previous music.
Its quite evident that AKG have grown over the years, progressing from raw, angsty punk rock in their younger days, to melodic guitar driven rock, and finally to a blend of experimental and mellow rock.
While their previous full-length album "World World World" had the Bleach tie-in "After Dark" and the excellent "Aru Machi no Gunjou" single to boost sales and radio-friendliness, "Magic Disk" is more of the band telling the rest of the world "Hey, we're trying something new, why not take a listen?"
Tracklist:
01. Shinseiki no Love Song
02. Magic Disk
03. Soushiyou
04. Sayonara Lost Generation
05. Maigoinu to Ame no Beat
06. Aozora to Kuroi Neko
07. Kakū Seibutsu no Blues
08. Last Dance wa Kanashimi wo Nosete
09. Microphone
10. Rising Sun
11. Yes
12. Daidai
Bonus track
13. Solanin
Notable tracks:
1) Shinseiki no Love Song
The opening drum beats really set the tone for the entire song. Coupled with the guitar volume swells, delay, complicated rhythm and Goto's half-rapping, this is really one of their most creative songs on the album. It progresses to standard-rock fare halfway into the song and really takes you in, as if you were standing on a cliff facing the new century (ala the PV). Goto's lyrics, deep as usual, speak of adversity and uncertainty, and of humanity's ability to face the darkness with love (no matter how cliche it sounds).
2) Magic Disk
The title track of the album and definitely the most radio-friendly of all the tracks. It shouts AKG all over, with guitar riffs meshing wonderfully with each other and Goto's characteristic vocals given a dash of delay. You get the feeling of being trapped on a spinning CD, with the world rotating in a blur around you.
4) Sayonara Lost Generation
An upbeat, pop/rock flavoured track that gives the lead guitarist pretty much freedom to spice up the song. Goto tries his hand at rapping yet again, giving the song a much needed change of pace right down the middle. Nothing special, yet very friendly to the ears.
5) Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat
Infusing a brass band with rock is no mean feat, and they've done it with this track. Amazingly, it blends in well, providing a touch of grandeur to an otherwise straightforward rock song. The lead guitar riffs are spot on as well, matching the big band feel of the song, unobtrusive (except for the solo) and often complementing the brass instruments.
7) Kaku Seibutsu no Blues
Probably the most mellow track of the album, and for once there isn't a single trace of distortion in the song. The clean feel is enhanced by the inclusion of a strings ensemble playing in the background, giving the track a little class as well as proving that classical can mix with rock. The guitar (and strings) riffs during the verses are downright addictive. A nice chill-out song to slow things down a bit.
13) Solanin
You knew this would be on the list right? Its not the most overplayed song on my player for nothing :P Manga and movie tie-in aside, this song brings out the best of AKG. It starts out slow and mellow, before slowly building up to a climax at the end. Emotional and heartfelt, wonderfully blended guitar riffs, beautifully constructed verses and breaks, uncomplicated and simple. Lyrics, even though not written by Goto (by the mangaka of "Solanin" instead), resonate well with the youth of my generation, speaking of regrets, lost opportunities, goodbyes and starting anew. If you've read the manga or watched the movie "Solanin", this song will touch your heart even more so.
The other songs on the album may not be as memorable as these 6 tracks but are equally good. "Microphone" infuses synth, as does "Rising Sun", while "Daidai" gives a nod to their mini-album "Surf Bungaku Kamakura", surfer rock style.
"Magic Disk" will never be able to replicate the success of "Sol-fa", arguably their most popular album no thanks to Full Metal Alchemist, but its definitely one of their more creative, balanced and varied ones musically. A step in the right direction perhaps?
I'll be looking forward to more the next time.
Amazingly, this will be the first time I'll be doing an AKG album review. I guess it's because I'm having a lot of free time now to just listen to music and allow feelings to develop with the songs. Watch out for more reviews, while the holidays are still ongoing :P
"Magic Disk" is Asian Kung-Fu Generation's sixth studio album, and marks the start of a change in direction for the band's music. Consisting of 13 tracks, including 3 singles previously released (Shinseiki no Love Song, Solanin and Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat), the overall feel is definitely a step in a new direction and a more refreshing change from their previous music.
Its quite evident that AKG have grown over the years, progressing from raw, angsty punk rock in their younger days, to melodic guitar driven rock, and finally to a blend of experimental and mellow rock.
While their previous full-length album "World World World" had the Bleach tie-in "After Dark" and the excellent "Aru Machi no Gunjou" single to boost sales and radio-friendliness, "Magic Disk" is more of the band telling the rest of the world "Hey, we're trying something new, why not take a listen?"
Tracklist:
01. Shinseiki no Love Song
02. Magic Disk
03. Soushiyou
04. Sayonara Lost Generation
05. Maigoinu to Ame no Beat
06. Aozora to Kuroi Neko
07. Kakū Seibutsu no Blues
08. Last Dance wa Kanashimi wo Nosete
09. Microphone
10. Rising Sun
11. Yes
12. Daidai
Bonus track
13. Solanin
Notable tracks:
1) Shinseiki no Love Song
The opening drum beats really set the tone for the entire song. Coupled with the guitar volume swells, delay, complicated rhythm and Goto's half-rapping, this is really one of their most creative songs on the album. It progresses to standard-rock fare halfway into the song and really takes you in, as if you were standing on a cliff facing the new century (ala the PV). Goto's lyrics, deep as usual, speak of adversity and uncertainty, and of humanity's ability to face the darkness with love (no matter how cliche it sounds).
2) Magic Disk
The title track of the album and definitely the most radio-friendly of all the tracks. It shouts AKG all over, with guitar riffs meshing wonderfully with each other and Goto's characteristic vocals given a dash of delay. You get the feeling of being trapped on a spinning CD, with the world rotating in a blur around you.
4) Sayonara Lost Generation
An upbeat, pop/rock flavoured track that gives the lead guitarist pretty much freedom to spice up the song. Goto tries his hand at rapping yet again, giving the song a much needed change of pace right down the middle. Nothing special, yet very friendly to the ears.
5) Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat
Infusing a brass band with rock is no mean feat, and they've done it with this track. Amazingly, it blends in well, providing a touch of grandeur to an otherwise straightforward rock song. The lead guitar riffs are spot on as well, matching the big band feel of the song, unobtrusive (except for the solo) and often complementing the brass instruments.
7) Kaku Seibutsu no Blues
Probably the most mellow track of the album, and for once there isn't a single trace of distortion in the song. The clean feel is enhanced by the inclusion of a strings ensemble playing in the background, giving the track a little class as well as proving that classical can mix with rock. The guitar (and strings) riffs during the verses are downright addictive. A nice chill-out song to slow things down a bit.
13) Solanin
You knew this would be on the list right? Its not the most overplayed song on my player for nothing :P Manga and movie tie-in aside, this song brings out the best of AKG. It starts out slow and mellow, before slowly building up to a climax at the end. Emotional and heartfelt, wonderfully blended guitar riffs, beautifully constructed verses and breaks, uncomplicated and simple. Lyrics, even though not written by Goto (by the mangaka of "Solanin" instead), resonate well with the youth of my generation, speaking of regrets, lost opportunities, goodbyes and starting anew. If you've read the manga or watched the movie "Solanin", this song will touch your heart even more so.
The other songs on the album may not be as memorable as these 6 tracks but are equally good. "Microphone" infuses synth, as does "Rising Sun", while "Daidai" gives a nod to their mini-album "Surf Bungaku Kamakura", surfer rock style.
"Magic Disk" will never be able to replicate the success of "Sol-fa", arguably their most popular album no thanks to Full Metal Alchemist, but its definitely one of their more creative, balanced and varied ones musically. A step in the right direction perhaps?
I'll be looking forward to more the next time.
Monday, February 18, 2008
ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
I was just reading about a forum thread debating the quality of Japanese rock bands out there, when I thought about AKFG. Since I'm kinda bored right now, why not introduce them over here?
Of course with Wikipedia and all that stuff, everything can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Kung-fu_Generation
I'll just give a (biased) personal review of them =)
Right. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, or AKFG, or ajikan (as fans call 'em), is probably one of the more popular indie/alternative rock bands in Japan right now. How did I discover them? Unsurprisingly it was via anime, Full Metal Alchemist to be exact - the song was Rewrite. It wasn't until a few months after hearing that song did I search for more, and discovered 4 albums filled a bunch of alternative, rock, slow-rock and punk rock - styled music. While their style wasn't new, it was a refreshing change from the typical Japanese rock band - low, sexy vocals, fast drum beats, crazy solos, and (most of them) visually appealing.
AKFG has none of those, yet their songs are catchy and unique. Credit goes to songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Gotoh. Compared to other more accomplished vocalists, Gotoh's voice bends towards the raw side, which works well with their high-octave and powerful songs (think Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, though not as screamy). Musically-wise, their star man is drummer Ichiji. Complicated drum patterns dominate their songs, most obviously in Blue Train. Bassist Yamada provides steady, powerful bass-lines, while lead guitarist Kita compliments Gotoh's power chords with rhythmic riffs. While not musically superior compared to other popular bands like L'arc en ciel, they exhibit great chemistry and are great to watch live. Just do a search on YouTube and you'll get what I mean.
I'm just disappointed that I can't get my hands on their CDs and videos in Singapore stores. Which is a pity, considering their album cover arts are bizarre yet stunning.
My favourite playlist of their songs would include these: Rewrite, Kimi to machi Made, Kimi to iu Hana, Loop & Loop, Re:Re, Blue Train, Aru Machi no Junjou, Understand, Powder Snow, Mirai no Kakera and their latest single - Korogaru Iwa, Kimi ni Asa ga Furu.
And I'd like to say one more time - they sound GREAT live.
If I'm feeling bored another day, I'll probably dedicate posts to YUI, chatmonchy and Mika.
Of course with Wikipedia and all that stuff, everything can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Kung-fu_Generation
I'll just give a (biased) personal review of them =)
Right. ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, or AKFG, or ajikan (as fans call 'em), is probably one of the more popular indie/alternative rock bands in Japan right now. How did I discover them? Unsurprisingly it was via anime, Full Metal Alchemist to be exact - the song was Rewrite. It wasn't until a few months after hearing that song did I search for more, and discovered 4 albums filled a bunch of alternative, rock, slow-rock and punk rock - styled music. While their style wasn't new, it was a refreshing change from the typical Japanese rock band - low, sexy vocals, fast drum beats, crazy solos, and (most of them) visually appealing.
AKFG has none of those, yet their songs are catchy and unique. Credit goes to songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Gotoh. Compared to other more accomplished vocalists, Gotoh's voice bends towards the raw side, which works well with their high-octave and powerful songs (think Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, though not as screamy). Musically-wise, their star man is drummer Ichiji. Complicated drum patterns dominate their songs, most obviously in Blue Train. Bassist Yamada provides steady, powerful bass-lines, while lead guitarist Kita compliments Gotoh's power chords with rhythmic riffs. While not musically superior compared to other popular bands like L'arc en ciel, they exhibit great chemistry and are great to watch live. Just do a search on YouTube and you'll get what I mean.
I'm just disappointed that I can't get my hands on their CDs and videos in Singapore stores. Which is a pity, considering their album cover arts are bizarre yet stunning.
My favourite playlist of their songs would include these: Rewrite, Kimi to machi Made, Kimi to iu Hana, Loop & Loop, Re:Re, Blue Train, Aru Machi no Junjou, Understand, Powder Snow, Mirai no Kakera and their latest single - Korogaru Iwa, Kimi ni Asa ga Furu.
And I'd like to say one more time - they sound GREAT live.
If I'm feeling bored another day, I'll probably dedicate posts to YUI, chatmonchy and Mika.
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