music

30-Day Song Challenge Day 27: A Song You Make Fun Of

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I don’t usually make fun of anime music, so IDK, does that make me weird? I mean, I guess there’s this one song . . .

From Strike Witches, “STRIKE WITCHES ~Watashi ni Dekiru Koto~ ” by Yoko Ishida

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID-yqX0hc28

Oh, the Strike Witches ~ What’s to say about these lovely ladies? Well for starters, for combat, they arm their legs (funny, right) with modified plane parts (or they look it?) and fly using their witch powers. Day and night, these troopers soar to new heights, destroying enemy alien craft called the Neuroi. Firing rapid machine gun rounds, pulverizing with rocket launchers, and puncturing large holes with sniper rifles, these girls are indestructible! So besides dealing with jet legs after all that nationwide flying (hah, I’m just so punny today), what else do their uniforms entail? Umm, actually, that’s it. Just legs. I mean, they wear ‘panties’ and some have caps, but yeah . . . feeling a bit breezy in here . . . But JK they actually have shirts, but only when they’re out on patrol 😉 Strike Witches is, like most anime, a very pleasant show if you don’t mind the fan service, having a nice story, awesome characters, and whatever else you can expect from a military magical girl show!

Besides imagining Major Sakamoto barreling “MIIYYAAAFUUUJIII” from the bottom of her gut, whenever I hear this song, there’s only one word that rings in my head:

Plot

Witch is why I giggle and make fun of it like a five year-old )-^-^-(. Hey, it was either this or Vividred, but OH GOD we’re not talking about that show in this cafe. NOPE. Wow, there’s only three days left after today. I better start picking some more ‘striking’ tunes. Get it? Okay, I’ll stop while I’m ahead . . . “Bookmark Ahead.”

And yes. That is the ending theme.

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 26: A Song By Your Favorite Band

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Pretty sure my favorite band is Kalafina. Yep, pretty sure. I’ll just go with it >.<

Hey everyone, day 26 has arrived! What’s so specially about the 26th . . . well, nothing, actually. Why not celebrate just for the heck of it, though, seeing as how celebrating and writing boring reviews is all we do here in the cafe XD Because there are just too many bands that I love listening to to pick as a favorite, I just went with one off the top of my head (or the last song rattlin’ around in me noggin, hehe). This group of three goddesses needs no introduction, I’m sure. They’re always special guest performers here!

From Fate/Zero, “To The Beginning” by Kalafina

How this epic song fills my mind with feels! This is the second opening from the epic retold as an anime, Fate/Zero, a masterpiece in my eyes. I choose this song because it was the first time that made me realize whom Kalafina actually was. I had heard them in Black Butler and surely another show, but I never paid any attention until tuning into this beauty. Wah, then they made “Heavenly Blue” and several others, but those are for another day! I always think of Saber riding her steed  shining, silver motorcycle into the flames of the sunset. Can’t you see the King of Knights?

Here’s an orchestral/vocal/choir arrangement uploaded by Qonell if you need some variation ^.^ Not bad at all. I can totally picture Saber back in her lands slaying deadly foes left and right. Upon the hill appears some horrifying four-legged beast. She reaches her armored gauntlets down to unsheathe her ephemeral blade. A torrent of blue wind sweeps around her, a spiraling gold light shimmers, then . . . “EXXXCCCUUU —- CAAALLIIBAAAHHHHH!!!”

Pardon my fantasies, I suppose we’re keeping it short for today. Until tomorrow everyone!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 25: An Acoustic Song You Love

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Surprise, surprise – Takuto is cheating again! But don’t worry, he has a good excuse for it 😉

Does acoustic in this context mean that the singer is still singing, but the instrumentals are ‘unplugged?’ Yeah, I don’t think I’ve got any of those, but I do know one song that is an acoustic remix. That ought to count, right?

From Evangelion 2.22, “Beautiful World -PLANiTb Acoustica Mix-” by Utada Hikaru

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYaqiKXFpMc

It’s got “acoustic” it the name, so it works for me XD As soon as the solemn guitar chord strokes ushered in the credits, I nearly started sobbing. A rendition of the first ending song just with an acoustic remix (hence the name), I immediately started downloading this song through some sketchy of course legal means 😛 It’s such a fascinating tune, and I think I posted the original sometime during the challenge . . . did I? Muah, I can’t remember. But for now we have the present, and this is the song I choose. I love it so much!

Agh, more Eva fangasms, they can’t be helped! This is such a rich song of feels, and I hope you enjoy listening to it. The non-electric guitar holds up fantastically with this remix, so I think that it works for today’s challenge. Stay tuned tomorrow where I hopefully don’t have to ‘cheat.’ Hope you all had a pleasant Labor Day. Later days!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 24: A Song That Makes You Angry

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Yikes, what song pertaining to anime makes me angry? Hmm, I don’t think anime music has necessarily made me ‘angry’ before, unless it was a bad opening or something. So after much interpretive thinking (and a Kataphrakt space war), I finally settled on one. Please know that my reason for choosing this song is my own personal opinion. Enjoy!

From ALDNOAH.ZERO’s 2nd Season, “&Z” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8jB8YgvLY8

(Sorry, but this pitched version was the only one available. Also, some spoilers for the series ahead)

Okay, so what about this song angers me? Is it that I dislike the music itself? Did I think it wasn’t a good fit for the anime? Hells no, and not at all! Hiroyuki Sawano is a freakin’ genius, and I can’t imagine a better song to match this sci-fi tragedy’s tone. What fuels my hate fire is that whenever I hear this song, all I can think of is the way it ended; specifically, the path Slaine was led down and his inevitable end that follows. My gut pains at the thought: After all of his emotional and physical struggle to save his beloved Hime-sama, Slaine soils in his new-found royal position and ultimately runs the VERS Empire into the ground. Despite his efforts to save everyone, he instead will be remembered as the spark that ignited the war. Not to mention, he didn’t even get a death sentence, but is forced to live with his regretful actions in solitary atonement.

My rage boils at the unfairness of the situation. Does he deserve such cruel punishments? Some would agree, and I do to most extents, but perhaps this is pushing the line. ALDNOAH.ZERO‘s writing is rocky and frankly not the greatest, though I can’t ignore the fact that it appeals to my senses without fail! It’s a tragic beauty, and in that regard, doesn’t need a ‘good’ ending.

But what do you think? Does Slaine’s lonely end just drive you up a wall in angry tears, or do you laugh at the justice served? Let me know in the comments! Until then, I’ll be plugging in my headphones, listening to the hollow melancholy of “&Z” as I bundle up and cry for mah unlucky bud, Slaine.

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 23: Cover Songs That You Like

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Oh boy. It’s gonna be a full house tonight – and I won’t even get into instrumental covers, DARN. Enjoy the selection!

From Guilty Crown, “Euterpe” English Cover by Amanda Lee

It has begun, the AmaLee FAN RAVE! Gosh, this woman is incredible. All of her English lyrics are superbly written, fitting for any original song and show they come from. Not to mention, her voice is very easy on the ears; whenever I search for English covers, the voices tend to be a bit pitchy (whiny, scratchy, poorly recorded, what have you, still glad people try though), but not hers, uh, nope. She’s fantastic, and I love the way she always rhymes the lyrics ^.^ “Euterpe” is one of my all-time favorite insert songs from a show, and AmaLee covers it wonderfully.

From Puella Magi Madoka Magica, “Magia” English Cover by Amanda Lee

Now for the dark side of AmaLee. Dive into Hell itself with Madoka Magica‘s twisted, corrupt ending theme. What I like most about this cover is the way she transfers the lyrics into English. They’re simple, but incredibly powerful; intense and understandable. I used to have her dub memorized at one point, but time stole that from me (perhaps I should frequent this song more often).

From Attack On Titan, “Reluctant Heroes” English Cover by Amanda Lee

I swear to God, I never even noticed how bloody tragic this song was until I listened to this fairly recent cover. Since the original is sung by male Engrish and features loud rock instrumentals, this softer and sweeter feminine contrast shines even brighter. Her harmony is timeless, and the piano – LAWD, the piano! You’re bringing me to tears!

From Fate/stay night: UBW, “Brave Shine” English Cover by Amanda Lee

Sh*t, this is brilliant, like I can’t even. First off, the song is so EPIC, but then you have the English lyrics that make it understandable. I think people can better relate to music sung in their own language, don’t you agree? But it is necessary to give foreign songs a listen, too. Otherwise, you’re not sampling all of the lovely flavors the buffet of song offers, right? 😉 Great dub lyrics, on-point harmony!

From ALDNOAH.ZERO, “Heavenly Blue” English Cover by Amanda Lee

This is one of those songs that giving a new drum to changes the entire meaning of the work. Personally, I still prefer Kalafina’s to this new meter, but these lyrics are so, soo good, fitting for the show’s tone.

From Parasyte -the maxim-, “Let Me Hear” English Cover by Amanda Lee

I love everything that she does with this one. The remixing is intense, but it’s a subtle eeriness. I think it gives the show a whole new beauty, one that I can’t honestly get enough of. Pull the song out of its screamo rock context and you’re left with an emotional ballad about humanity.

From The Heroic Legend of Arslan, “Lapis Lazuli” English Cover by Horiphin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QHHag9JH5M

Sick of AmaLee yet lol? The recording itself may not be the brightest, but oh boy is this a gem of a cover. THESE LYRICS ARE PERFECT!!! It’s already one of my favorite songs, but once you put it in my native tongue, it nearly doubles the value of the entire experience! I hope this cover hits a million views someday, because it definitely deserves a listen. Did I mention that the lyrics were absolutely incredible? Hot damn.

From Negima!?, “1000% Sparking” English Cover by FUNimation 

FIRST ANIME SWAGGG. Part of me wishes that studios still dubbed their songs (maybe as an extra or something), because I really like this cover – In fact, I prefer it tenfold over the original! This song embodies a small warm spot in my heart, and it’ll never leave, so I had to throw this one out there. I hope you like the cover, too (ignore the audio issues, I know, audio skips are the pits)!

From Sword Art Online, “Overfly” English Cover by Amanda Lee

I know, you’re probably all sick of this name (show or singer or both), but before I head onto my number one cover (no, this list is not in order, just best for last), I had to mention that this “Overfly” cover is absolutely brilliant. I can’t even speak about how great this cover’s lyrics are without foaming at the mouth and collapsing. It is Miss Lee’s Magnum Opus in my eyes, and I always feel so alive when I give this a listen. The message transfers so differently in English, but it feels so righteous! This one I do have memorized 😉 and I hope you enjoy her beautiful voice one last time on this list ~

From Neon Genesis Evangelion, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” English Cover by Geeky McGeekstein

Here it is. My favorite English cover to ever exist for a song. These lyrics transcend the song, and the recording itself carries a quality that makes it feel vintage, much like the 1995 anime. I already mentioned this one a couple days ago, but it’s seriously one of the best songs and covers ever. I CANNOT think of another cover that surpasses this masterpiece! Top-notch singing and bloody fantastic English lyrics!!!!! (and no, I don’t care if you dislike it)

If you read all of this, then a high-five for you *slaps hands* Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoy my selection. It’s quite the extensive list, but I couldn’t just leave one or two on this one. Besides, it wouldn’t be like me if I didn’t have you reading a freakin’ 10-paged B-essay every time I posted 😉 See you tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 22: A Song That You Haven’t Listened To In A While

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Hello all, yes I know I’m another day behind (darn homework), but like usual I’ll post day 22 and 23 tonight. Sound good? Great – Let’s get into more music! As soon as I read today’s prompt I immediately had this one figured out. It’s actually the entire soundtrack from a movie which you can probably tell which one by the cover picture, but I used to throw this on in the background during my childhood. It’s sat on my shelf with the dust bunnies since 😥 AH MY INNER CHILD, SEND HELP

From Pokemon: The First Movie, Music From and Inspired by the Motion Picture (aka soundtrack)

Feel free to browse the soundtrack and be reminded of Pokemon’s beginnings, even though most of these songs have nothing to do with the franchise 😛 ***Asteriks will indicate my favorites BTW (we loved the upbeat jams)

  1. ***Pokémon Theme – Billy Crawford
  2. Don’t Say You Love Me – M2M
  3. It Was You – Ashley Ballard and So Plush
  4. We’re a Miracle – Christina Aguilera
  5. ***Soda Pop – Britney Spears
  6. Somewhere Someday – *NSYNC
  7. ***Get Happy – B*Witched
  8. ***(Hey You) Free Up Your Mind – Emma Bunton
  9. Fly With Me – 98 Degrees
  10. ***Lullaby – Mandah
  11. *****Vacation – Vitamin C
  12. Makin’ My Way (Any Way That I Can) – Billie
  13. *****Catch Me if You Can – Angela Via
  14. ***(Have Some) Fun with the Funk – Aaron Carter
  15. If Only Tears Could Bring You Back – Midnight Sons
  16. Brother My Brother – Blessid Union of Souls

Holy crap, the nostalgia is destroying me. Everyday during my pre-teen years, my brother and sister and I would hike up into the top bunk of my bed, which had no mattress. Why? Because it was the “Pokeclub,” a group of us three that met every summer morning, bright ‘n early, to make Pokemon-related paper crafts that I designed. We’d laugh, draw, watch episodes on tape (and DVDs when they later came out) and of course, love POKEMON! But this soundtrack was our morning bell; each day, I’d plug in the disc (or rather just hit play) and the famous anthem would blare down the halls, signaling to everyone that the club activities were about to commence. We’d bring our Pop-Tarts and cereal and start coloring, and that was that. How much I wish I could turn back the stubborn hands of time 😀

And there’s a trip down memory lane! See you in the next post ~

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 21: Songs You Want To Dance To At Your Wedding

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Gosh, how I hope I’ll be just as happy as Asuna and Kirito when I get married. I mean, wouldn’t that just be a dream come true? This picture might come across a bit strong, but, umm, I like it a lot. Look at them, they’re so happy! Wait . . . 

MY WEDDING?? Woah, slow down there, I’m fine with rockin’ the bachelor status for now (the fandom, it’s too strong)! Oh, but celebratory dancing? Yeah, I can do that. Let’s see, I’ve already used the Log Horizon waltz, so that’s a no; I think I’ve mentioned “Continued Story” like five times on this blog because it’s so incredible, so let’s do something new. OOH, I think I’ve got a couple!

From Sword Art Online’s OST, “Dance With Me” by Yuki Kajiura

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYhDUOOApM4

You all know I’m a sucker for a good waltz 😉 In fact, I used this song for an English project because I thought it matched the tone of a poem I once read. Anyway, I think this is one of those sweet waltzes you could dance with your loved one. Just set your arms in theirs, and move – move freely and elegantly together , just like the graceful strings singing to the 3/4 time signature.

From Neon Genesis Evangelion, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Takahashi

CAUTION: Spoilers for the TV series in both videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1r6-p7cGc

I swore to myself before the challenge commenced that I would include this song in somewhere. I think I found a hit.

So you know how wedding parties always seem to have some throwback music playing from the DJ or whatever? C’mon, the “Chicken Dance,” “YMCA,” we’ve all forced ourselves to groove to them, but why not jam out to something that you actually like? That’s why I chose this 1995 baby and decided to put the ring on her! Upbeat, catchy as all hell, and fitting for the style IMO – it’s the ideal party song! Yep, I’m totally playing this at my wedding. It’s official. Call me trash for picking a classic, but I honestly can’t get enough of this song – I never have. The English fandub is, by the way, nearly as phenomenal, so I’ll leave it to you to do the right thing and give it a listen. Trust me, “Geeky McGeekstein” does one of the best covers EVER! Lyrics are absolutely perfect for the show’s story, and her vocal recording has that vintage quality this old song carries 😀

BUUUUUTT, if I for some reason don’t acquire these songs for my wedding, then “Pachelbel’s Canon” will suffice XD There are too many great songs out there, I swear! Until tomorrow everyone (ooh, it’s Friday! *does a little jig), this has been – Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 20: A Song From A New Album You Are Waiting For To Come Out

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I don’t really listen to songs by the album, nor even pay attention to albums in general. So when this uneventful day reared its apathetic head, I was doing the ‘bites thumb’ expression, as I have nothing to show you guys! Hmm, I suppose I could just throw out a few more songs that I often listen to, but wouldn’t that be cheating? I also thought about recommending soundtracks for newer anime, crossing my fingers that it would slide.

What I ended up was . . . researching an album to present to you all. YES, I did it just for you! Without further ado, we’ve got more from Kalafina since that seems to be the only band I listen to 😛 Enjoy!

From Kalafina, Album Title: “Far On The Water”

Release Date: September 16, 2015

Tracklisting:

  1. INTOTHEWATER
  2. MONOCHROME
  3. GOGATSUNOMAHOU
  4. RINGYOURBELL
  5. USUMURASAKI
  6. IDENTIFY
  7. HOKAGE
  8. ONE LIGHT
  9. MUSUNDERHIRAKU
  10. HEAVENLY BLUE
  11. SORAIRONOISU
  12. BELIEVE
  13. FARONTHEWATER

I’ve never researched albums before nor given them much thought, but this was actually kinda fun to write 🙂 And what impeccable timing I have to discover it before the release in two weeks! While my favorite on the list is unarguably “heavenly blue,” I also find “believe,” “ring your bell,” and “far on the water” to be extremely catchy. But what newer song besides the title drop will be considered day 20’s pick?

From The Heroic Legend of Arslan, “One Light” by Kalafina

Hot damn, it’s Arslan Senki, a show that I will satisfy me when it finally ends! I’ve been following it since the first episode was simulcast, and am finding myself a bit . . . frustrated. It’s okay so far, but I wouldn’t hop the fence to reach this one. But that doesn’t stop it from having a near full set of openings and endings! I’ll touch back on that when I do a season review of it, but here is the second and last ending theme for the 25-episode legend about a boy who will become king. 3:30 and on is especially pretty epic!

We learn new things every day, and today’s topic was pretty exciting, wouldn’t you say? Do you track album release dates and concerts for your favorite artists, or do you just enjoy the music when it happens to fall in as an opening, ending, or insert song for an anime? Let’s talk in the comments, and until tomorrow, this has been

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 19: A Song You Are Currently Obsessed With

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Evening all, I have a night full of studying dreadfully planned ahead, so today’s log will have to be a quickie. Thankfully, I know just the song! But first, how long does it take for you to obsess over something – specifically anime? For me, you can recommend and rant all you want about a show, but it I won’t be hooked until I either A) see the artwork, promotional poster or whatnot, or B) hear the opening/music from the anime. I have heard oodles of fans gawk about how pleasant this cute little show is, but it wasn’t until after I heard the opening – bestowed to us by the Goddesses of Kalafina themselves – that I truly met my love ~

From Sound of the Sky, “Hikari no Senritsu” by Kalafina

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-HQcHysI5w

I found this, what two days ago, and I love it so much that the words are literally bubbling and foaming at my mouth! I CANNOT stop listening to this elegant song. Such poise, free spirit, and sense of adventure; apparently, the anime has these elements, so straight after Hyouka you all know what I’ll be chasing after! But yes, what an enchanting melody – definitely one of Kalafina and Kajiura’s finest works to ever grace my ears. All I want to do is lay down under a tree, a breeze fluttering in the air, my knees propped up on one another, arms thrown behind my head, and chill. I just want to take a terminal break from school work and taste the liberation I seek that’s found nowhere near this wretched thing we call an “agenda.” But this’ll have to do for now, and it’s one hell of a substitute 🙂

So what are you currently raving over? Did the fire erupt overnight or has it been a week-long curse to have it stuck in your head 😉 Also, what did you think of Sound of the Sky? Ya’ll need to let me know in the comments! Have a fantastic day, and milk all that you can out of the few seconds of free breath you can manage, because they’ll fly by in an flash. Till tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host

30-Day Song Challenge Day 18: A Song You Have As Your Ringtone/Want To Be Your Ringtone

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So does this mean my ringtone when I call someone, or is this the song that plays when someone calls me? Meh, I’ll give one of each, sound good?

*dials my number, waits* Beeeeep, beeeeep”

*over where I’m at* “so, everything that makes me whole ima kimi ni sasageyou. I’m Yooours ~~~”

Yep, you guessed it. Guilty Crown!!! But the instrumental only!

From Guilty Crown, “My Dearest” by supercell

Alright, this is the typical song that cues when someone for whatever reason is calling me. I absolutely love the piano intro for this song, and it’s supercell, so duh, you can’t go wrong! It doesn’t blare out and scare the sh*t outta me when I’m in public and my phone rings, but it will grow louder if I don’t notice it within the first ten seconds. Also, I wouldn’t sound like some obvious die-hard anime nerd if this song slid out of my phone speakers in my opinion, so that’s always a huge plus (not that there’s anything wrong with being a fan, but like anything for me, expression is great, though the whole supermarket doesn’t need to hear my J-pop/rock preferences). All in all, it’s a pretty solid ringtone, and a fantastic song (so someone call me so I have an excuse to listen to it, please :>)

Ooh, now finding a ringtone for myself took hours of pondering, but I’ve finally settled on . . .

Kiki’s Delivery Service or The Secret World of Arrietty Main Themes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtVlLN0VUnA

I’d be flattered to receive either of these as ringtones people have set on their phones for me o>.<o While the first is laid back, you know, another day warm in the local bakery, the second is adventurous and invigorating, like forest travels – but both have this same aura of home and finding a place where you belong. I think the two Ghibli movies convey these themes, too! It’s obvious that they would make nice ringtones: no annoying vocals, no absurd electric guitars, no fluffy or spunk J-pop – Both just feel natural and free, impressive yet humble, and I think if I heard either of these great songs, I’d think a bit of myself, hehe. Check out both of these movies, as you’d be doing yourself a massive favor 😀

And with that, I conclude day 18. This was a harder day to crack down on, that’s for sure, but I hope you like what I picked! I’m curious, do you have a preferred song that you would like to hear coming from another’s phone? Also, would it be anime-related music, or would you feel a bit “ashamed and embarrassed” to admit it? Let me know in the whatchamajig below. Happy Monday, till tomorrow!

– Takuto, your host