28 posts tagged “artist worship”
I just spent the past 2 and a half minutes trying to stiffle my laughter. I was grinning so big that my cheek muscles hurt that I had to rip this part out of the video and share.
This reminds me of one of the reasons I love SID so much. The guys' sense of humor, sometimes even bizarre wackiness, is charming and absolutely endearing. Strangely, I rarely write about them in this blog despite my following the band closely.
I wonder though, why hasn't SID released any full concert DVD's or PV's on DVD? Instead of packaging their PV's in single/album releases like all other bands do, they put live performances of their songs on the accompanied DVD's instead. Except for "Alibi", DVD versions of their PV's simply don't exist. And even with the live performances that come with the single/album releases, we only get one song at a time. For us overseas fans, there's no way of ever seeing the full concerts.
The concerts themselves are obviously recorded, but the band just won't release the entire things on DVD! While I can understand the rationale of encouraging fans to see the band live because it's the best way to experience SID, but come on... think of us overseas fans! You guys do indeed have an international fanbase who adore you and support you. Pleeeeaase, pleeeaase release full length concert DVD's. We're dying to see them! <3
And while you're at it, come play overseas again!
Man, I've fallen off the face of J-Rock-dom for a while. Real life is seriously sucking my energy dry. I'm flying back to NYC one day next week for more schmoozing. Not to mention there are numerous business-y events in the month of September that I have to attend. At least I don't have to spend a penny for any of them.
But back to J-Rock, instead of writing ultra-belated reviews of recent releases, I'll simply talk about my impressions of the bands I have been keeping an eye on in the past months.
AN CAFE
Even though I normally don't pay attention to AN CAFE, out of morbid curiosity, I just had to see what the band is now like with the two new members.
After watching their latest Kakusei Heroism PV, I have to say the new guitarist is sadly lacking in screen presence. The camera is trained frequently on him, but he always appears rather bland, not a particularly interesting person to watch.
The poor keyboardist, on the other hand, barely gets any camera love. Whenever the camera is on him, however, he kicks up showiness five notches. His stunts are sometimes overkill, but I still much prefer him over the guitarist. At least the keyboardist appears to have a personality and personality, to me, is much more important than looking pretty.
I'm not going to comment on the music. I don't know the band well enough to do so.
alice nine.
Not too much is going on with them, other than the fact that a new single called TSUBASA is out on October 24. And a new as-of-yet untitled album will be released on November 28. I hesitate in pre-ordering the album, since alice nine. has been really inconsistent in terms of quality in the past year. I'll wait to hear the entire album first.
Oh, and Shou, wicked wicked person he is, posted this picture on his blog and caused thousands of fangirls' heads to explode in big, splattering messes. Ah, Saga, what flawless and jealousy-inducing skin you have. Seriously, somebody needs to find out his skin-caring secret. How does he do it?!
Dear Saga-sama,
Your fangirls are dying to know. Please tell us, what IS your secret?
Me
I don't think anything new is happening with them either. They're on tour and will be in Europe soon. I'll be on the watch for live reports when the time comes. I hope there will be many of them since the band'll be stopping by several countries.
Though, I really really wish the band can make make more PV's out of their new album. I wanna see what kind of PV they're going to make for AGONY.
LUNA SEA
Haven't you all heard already? LUNA SEA's reuniting for one night on December 24! Now THIS, is something worth celebrating. Go, along with many other bloggers I'm sure, has already covered this. But damn! *flails arms* LUNA SEA is my legend. This news actually caused me to seriously consider flying to Japan for the event.
I need a lot of self-restraint right now. I can't afford to blow money on this, no matter how much I want to go. But I'm sure, somebody, will be going and will be reporting on it, right? RIGHT?!
O-kay, and this is it for part 1 of catching up. To be continued....
According to the creators, this is a: "Japanese rock riddle site where fans can test not only their problem solving skills, but their knowledge of many different bands."
Out of curiosity to see how much I know about J-Rock
The four of us finally conquered the riddles! In shuu's words: "That was highly enjoyable/made me want to die."
The problem-solving aspect of of the riddles was less difficult. The true challenges, for me at least, laid in how knowledgeable you are about the band featured at the particular levels. I was able to breeze through certain levels because I'm a big fan of that band, but for bands I don't pay as much attention to, my god, what torture!
I really like how the riddles mostly did a good job of taking away the perhaps unfair advantage of people who know Japanese. Knowing Japanese can both help and hinder your progress. So in the end, we're all even. At the risk of spoiling the riddles, I won't go anymore into this.
If any of you guys want to take a crack at this and need help, feel free to ask me. By now, the answers have been carved into my memory.
Oh, and let me show this badge off because I think the hours of suffering I had at the hands of this riddle site entitles me to it! This site is so aptly named. Was I deceived? Yes. Did I get mad? Yes. Was I in pain? YES!
Evidence:
1. The bow should be aligned parallel to the bridge.
2. All of the fingers on the right hand should be curved. Extended index and pinky is a big no-no. Yep, it's sometimes hard to maintain that shape especially if you're double-jointed and tensely grip the bow (I wouldn't be surprised if Aoi really is double-jointed. Have you seen the man bend his back? Jesus Christ!), but the bow in the photo is actually at the upbow position, which is the easiest position to maintain the optimum right hand shape.
Though, Aoi does get points for cradling the violin at the right angle. The scroll is held at the same height as his mouth.
/End of a random post
I should really have titled this post "Despair and Longing" (Hey, sounds like a D'espairsRay song title). I'm in one of those dark moods these days. Feel free to skip this post if you don't wanna read my angsty rants about Kagrra, (ironically, they're actually under Sony's Columbia label and I just wrote about Sony's partnership with Vox a few posts ago).
Don't say I haven't warned you. :D
--------
So, the J-Rock festival, organized by the God of J-Rock himself, will be taking place in Los Angeles in 2 weeks. This is the first-ever event in history that so many top bands of visual kei origins are gathered to perform in one location outside of Japan. The fact that I can't make it to the West Coast for this still guts me.
I just feel bloody raw that Kagrra, will finally, finally set foot on American soil, yet they're still so unreachable because the lives are at the other side of the country. Kagrra, is one of my two favorite bands of all-time. I've worshipped this captivating band since the very beginning of my foray into J-Rock. Their music has the most bewitching effect over me, sometimes even causing me to burst into inexplicable tears. And yes, bloody hell, I've watched every single one of Kagrra, no Su webcasts faithfully since falling in love with them, simply because I feel the need to use the regular webcasts to check up on them, to make sure they're doing well and are safe and healthy. I've become so emotionally invested in the band and its members that sometimes I wonder if my love for them has turned into an incurable sickness.
My god, why else do I feel such devastation when I realized that there's no way that I'll be able to see them when they finally come overseas? This can't possibly be healthy. This is exactly why it's so dangerous to be emotionally attached to a band. The band becomes so important to you that normally trivial things somehow affect you unexpectedly. I mean, yes, I can't attend a Kagrra, live in the US. So what? This really isn't any different from not being able to go to Japan to see them. Yet, yet, I can't help feeling this deep deep regret and pained longing. These days, even looking at images of Akiya makes my heart ache because he's my favorite Kagrra member. (When I saw him on Kagrra, no Su 2 episodes ago [the -shizuku- tour one], I seriously forgot to breathe.)
I worry about the day Kagrra, announces its breakup. I don't know what I'd do if it ever happens. If I'm still as attached to the band as I am now, the news will cripple me badly, I'm already certain. I wish to goodness that I don't love them so much because this love hurts.
I posted about Aoi and Uruha of Gazette getting dolled up in kimonos last year.
Apparently, D is dabbling in this too. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...
Original image scanned by ihearthyde for jrock_scans LJ community. I touched up the scan a bit.
I need to find out Asagi's hair maintenance secret. Look how beautifully thick the individual strands are.
But please don't tell me this is Asagi's outift for the upcoming single. I'll laugh myself to death if he appears in the PV in this getup.
Edit:
Mystery solved! This kimono was worn at the Tafel Anatomie tour final, which is on the live DVD that just came out.
Due to request, I'm going to post a few highlights that particularly amused me or I found interesting from the KISAKI interview in the winter 2007 issue of purple SKY magazine. I definitely encourage you all to subscribe to purple SKY. Support the first major North American English language J-Rock magazine.
I really love the fact that a bit of KISAKI's personality came through the text and am glad to know he has a quirky sense of humor. We all know that KISAKI is by no means without flaws, but this interview made him seem even more real and down to earth. Kudos to Brian "boo" Stewart for conducting an excellent interview. Now without further ado...
On popularity with female fans
If an American band had as much of a female following as you do, it seems like there would be alot of fooling around. How about you guys, are you players?
KISAKI: (without a pause) I am.Riku: (uproarious laughter)
K: Totally.
R: (laughter continues)
On La:Sadies (pre-Dir en grey)
Is Kyo the same man he was then?
K: You mean as a person? No, I think he's changed, but he's always been an individual. He was an intense guy and I can kinda imagaine how he got like he is.
Do you stay in touch with him?
K: Not anymore. I only stay in touch with Kaoru and Die. Kyo and me are (making buzzing noise and raises hands in the form of an X)
Is that right? Did you have a fight?
K: We didn't have a fight really, we just aren't on good terms.
So, why did La:Sadies break up?
K: Why did we break up? It's like I was telling you, yeah, I wanted to get to the top but I didn't want to go to Tokyo. I wanted to keep the band in Osaka.
On fan service
Does Phantasmagoria do fan service?
K: We do our fair share.
Is that to express your love for one another or just for show?
K: No, we do it with love. Well I do. Riku's another story....
R: (giggling)
What does he mean?
K: Riku likes men.
Is that so?
R: Yes, I'm bisexual.
Oh I see. Well how about it then? You two kiss right now, right here.
R: I would be totally OK with that.
K: I, would not. (laughing)
On music vs. sex
If you had to give up one of these things forever, which would you choose: Sex or Music?
K: (small voice) Sex.
Ah, you're a contender!
K: What about you, which one?
(smaller voice) ... sex.
R: Well then put me down for sex too.
That was just a small sample of the interview. There were a lot of other... juicy details I left out (I cut the bit when KISAKI elaborated on the La:Sadies breakup, for example. I was too lazy to type it all). You should go buy the magazine at a Barnes & Noble bookstore if you want more. :D
2. Q.（クエスチョン） (Question) [watch]
3. RED CARPET GOING ON
4. H.A.N.A.B.I.
5. 檸檬 (Lemon)
6. 無限の花 (Mugen no Hana)
7. FANTASY
Drum Solo [watch]
8. ハイカラなる輪舞曲 (High Collar Naru Rondo) [watch]
9. DEAD SCHOOL SCREAMING
10. NUMBER SIX.
11. 平成十七年七月七日 (Heisei Juunananen Shichigatsu Nanoka)
ENCORE
12. 九龍-NINE HEADS RODEO SHOW- (Kowloon-NINE HEADS RODEO SHOW-) [watch]
13. ブループラネット (Blue Planet)
14. 春夏秋冬 (Shunkashuutou)
alice nine. had once again proven to me that I had not chosen wrong when I decided to follow their music. The HELLO, DEAR NUMBERS live at Shibuya Koukaido DVD is out! Given how much I have been looking forward to this release, I'm glad to say that I wasn't disappointed after finally watching the live.
What's great about following a band since its early career is you can see the growth the members undergo. The person who made the most visible (and audible) progress in alice nine. was of course Shou. Over time, I've gained the ability to interpret his little gestures and can detect exactly when he's struggling during a song. A year ago, he had to really push himself to sing satisfactorily. I imagine that he must have been dead exhausted after every live because he had to put so much stress on his voice.
Shou himself is very much aware of his limitations and has expressed many times that he wishes to improve constantly so that his bandmates won't be let down. He has shown amazing dedication to his vocal training and along with the rest of the band, has been regularly attending concerts given by other bands so he can learn from them. (Kagrra, is the senior band that everyone in PS Company looks up to. They seem to be a great inspiration especially for alice nine. and Gazette.) Shou's earnestness and commitment to honing his performance were one of the main factors that had endeared alice nine. to me and led me to follow the band. Now, a year later, I can finally see the fruits of his labor.
I was blown away. Shou's vocal control improved by leaps and bounds. I could hardly believe it. He did it, he really did it. He was able to belt out the notes with tremendous confidence and had firm rein over the songs whereas before, I constantly worried about his passing out from desperately trying to hold on to a difficult note. He now sings with much more ease. It really makes a world of difference. In addition to the vocal improvement, Shou also has gained a nice boost of grace. He used to be rather ungainly and his movement on stage felt forced and not well-coordinated. Now, he seems really comfortable bouncing around the stage and leading the audience with hand choreography. His movements are much more fluid and natural. Everything just comes together and works out perfectly. It's amazing.
This live DVD has great point of view shots with lots of member closeups and well-timed long shots. The footages alternate between smooth panning of stationary cameras and violent jolts of hand-held ones to give viewers an excellent atmospheric feel of the concert. The video is incredibly dynamic and easily captures and retains the viewers' attention. When watching live DVDs, I often find myself gradually spacing out, but not once had this happened with this live. PS Company has pulled out all stops and the result is fantastic.
And now, here are some screencaps from the live DVD. If you haven't seen the concert yet and don't want to be spoiled, please stop reading right now.
As you can see, interaction with the audience and fellow bandmembers is one of alice nine.'s great strengths. I love the fact the members run all over the stage during power songs and rarely stand still. Everyone keeps the crowd engaged with lovely smiles, pointing fingers, and high-spirited yells. And I also appreciate how Nao is not left out of the fun. Even though drummers are always stuck in the back, unable to participate in the interactions, the rest of the members of alice nine. make an effort to include Nao by jumping onto the drum platform and performing right next to him. Everyone looks like they're enjoying themselves and having the time of their lives. This kind of enthusiastic energy is incredibly infectious and makes me grin throughout the concert.
alice nine. has really ascended another level in their evolution as a band. Their HELLO, NEW SUPER VIEW tour was sold out (of which this live DVD is the tour final). I wouldn't be surprised at all if they end up performing in the Budokan sometime this year.
Wonderful job, alice nine.! I'm so proud of you.
I've been talking about alice nine. a lot recently, haven't I?
First of all, the title of their upcoming single in March has been revealed on the official website. It's called "JEWELS". The title track is written by Saga.
Second, and this is the whole point of this post, I ran into a clip of alice nine.'s November performance at the Zy.無礼区 concert on YouTube. This concert was broadcasted live and unfortunately, one must live in Japan to see it. When a clip of their Shunkashuutou (春夏秋冬, the classic alice nine. song that must be played at every single live) performance at this live surfaced, of course I just had to check it out.
alice nine. just shot up another hundred points in my book. I swear, this is one of the band's best performances ever. The guys looked so relaxed and happy. They were overflowing with cheerfulness and genuine enjoyment of what they do. One can actually feel their happiness spilling over and infecting everyone around them. I'm dazzled by their brilliant smiles, bouncy steps, and lively disposition. Shou, especially, was glowing!
If this is any indication of how they've evolved as a band and what their lives are like these days, I cannot wait for that live DVD to come out. I'd like to experience that beautiful energy through a full concert myself.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been staring at Ruki's lips for the past 10 minutes.
This picture recently surfaced on Livejournal, but I have no idea who scanned it originally. Supposedly, it's from an old issue of Cure magazine. This outfit is from Gazette's MADARA era and was worn in the 飼育れた春、変われぬ春 PV. You know, the one shot in a tunnel, with a girl looking like she was in bondage.
*sighs at Ruki's plump lips and that red red tongue*