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LiSA ~ LiVE is Smile Always

Friday, August 7, 2015 / No Comments
Hi everyone! Happy August! How has your long weekend been? It's been a few weeks since LiSA's first solo concert in Singapore and I'm still suffering from a little bit of post-concert depression... I really reaaaally like big events like concerts and anime conventions where I get to let loose and enjoy the things I love!

For LiSA's first solo concert, I attended it with Ninetylives as Milkcananime's media representive! We were really counting down the days! On the day itself, we reached the venue early... or so we thought! Throngs of LiSAkkos were already waiting! (LiSAkko's are LiSA's fan's name. Cute, is it not?)


We quickly went to collect our tickets... Before we managed to however, we were mistaken for LiSA fan club members! It was only so when we realised the fan club members were wearing different shirts than the ones being sold.

Fanclub t-shirt
Tour t-shirt

We hung around for a bit, then it was time to go in! LiSA started off with Cosmic Jet Coaster that got us all hyped up! By the way, LiSA's official colour seems to be pink as pink lightsticks were sold and throughout the concert the colour was pink! I did see many enthusiastic fans who brought their own battery operated lightsticks!


Known for some rather memorable anime openings, her next song was Crossing Field from Sword Art Online! LiSA was really bubbly and chatty, telling us it was her fifth time in Singapore, however it's her first solo concert! The crowd (especially the VIP section) was very responsive, which I think encouraged her to continuously interact with everyone, speaking in both English and Japanese!


The most impressive thing about LiSA (other than her amazing energy) is her voice! Not only did she belt out song after song for an almost 2-hour long concert, she sounded great! At one point, she even danced! Not only that, she did an AKB48 cover medley in between, featuring Heavy Rotation and a couple other AKB48 songs, and she sounded just as good as the original!


The energy level was really high and everyone knew the correct "lightstick choreography", waving their lightsticks according to tempo! For slow songs, they switched from pink to blue automatically! Needless to say, I was very impressed!

Speaking of cheorography, one of the highlights of the night was being taught how to dance by LiSA! It was a few simple moves for the chorus of Elect Lyrical and it was extremely fun! Here's a tutorial if you're interested:



And here are more photos!





That's not all as LiSA even grabbed a guitar of her own and jammed alongside her band! Finally, the show ended on a high note... Or did it really end? When LiSA disappeared backstage, we already expected an encore. What we didn't expect was when LiSAkkos suddenly took out a piece of paper! It took a little bit of synchronizing, but eventually it was clear. Everyone was singing Itsuka no Tegami! I think it was a really nice surprise for her as she returned to stage and sang along too! Good job LiSA Singapore Fan Club LiSAkkos!

After that, the whole atmosphere was very emotionally-charged when she also covered Singapore's National Day favourite: Home! I think either someone mentioned it was SG50 to her or else it was her own initiative; she mentioned it's her fifth time performing in Singapore, and it was like her second home!




Oh, did I mention she and her band returned wearing the tour t-shirt? After that was a couple more songs and the night ended on a high note as LiSA requested photos with everyone! We took a big panorama with her and also her band, Ramenz!


Finally, 2 hours later, the concert ended but that was not the end for her VIP fans who stayed on for the fansign and guess what~ Ninetylives and I caught them while they were streaming out of the theatre and a fan let us take a picture of her autographed poster!


Bonus LiSA~
Overall, it was a very fun night! It was my first time attending a Japanese concert and I truly enjoyed myself! Thank you LiSA!
 
Written by Nana


Spring Playlist '15

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 / No Comments
We are now halfway through this season’s airing and to each one of us; we have our own list of anime to watch or maybe plan to watch for those who are waiting patiently for the series to finish airing, having to be wary of spoilers popping up on social media or through conversations with your friends. Lucky for me, I don't have to worry about that, as I don’t have friends… Welp…

Haiz...
Anyways, as this is a thing I have been doing for every season, I decided to make it a regular routine of mine to pick out my favourites and sharing my opinions with you guys, the readers. Maybe we might have similar preferences. Maybe we opposed each other. We all have our own interests, which helps the community to grow as we express and share our opinions. And since I am getting off tangent, I will use this as segue to get back on topic.

I have picked out my top ten songs that I’ve listened to over the weeks from my list of anime that I am watching this season. I have thought long and hard about my choices (or maybe not) and have decided on these ten.

First is the opening song for Etotama, “Retry Rendevous” by Murakawa Rie. The song has a funky beat, which really matches with the anime and the especially the character Nyaa-tan. It’s very fun song to listen to when you’re running or jogging to the rhythm of the song. Well, I blast the song when I was running in an event a few weeks ago. You just WANT to jog to the rhythm of the song.

Next is the opening for the Unlimited Budget Works’ second season, “Brave Shine” by Aimer. 

The Sun... It's too bright!
The song feels very emotional to listen to even though the music is quite heavy. I keep swaying my head to the drums and can’t help but tapping my fingers to the rhythm. The song also kinds of reminds me of One Ok Rock’s “NO SCARED” that was used in Black Rock Shooter The Game.

Following that is Grisaia no Rakuen’s opening, “Setsuna no Kajitsu” by Maon Kurosaki. I fell in love with her voice ever since she sang the ending songs for Highschool of the Dead. I just love how the beat changes pace from the beginning to the chorus and the end. It makes me feel like adrenaline is coursing through my veins. I really like this song.

Next is an anime that reminds me of K-On! Hibike! Euphonium with its ending, “Tutti!” by Tomoyo Kurosawa, Ayaka Asai, Moe Toyota and Chika Anzai. 


Let's go for a ride!
I really like how the trumpets sound in the song. It sort of sounds a bit jazzy to me at some parts. The energy in the song is quite overwhelming as I find myself not being able to catch up with it well. I salute those high-energy individuals!

Next is the second top of my playlist for this season. Kekkai Sensen’s ending, “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN. It starts of quite slow and it eventually picks up speed until it reaches a moderate pace. 


It's party time!
It’s easy on the ears and quite a relaxing song to listen to during bus rides and during rainy weather, the songs makes it feel like you could push those rain clouds far away. But there are parts of the song that makes me remember about the sad scenes in the ending’s visual. Oh, and I really like the visuals for the ending, especially when White steps on the white flowers and blood came out. 


I absolutely love this scene! It's just so beautiful!
It just looks beautiful with its contrasting colours. A must to listen to this season as well as to watch for its colours.

The next song just brings back memories. “Furefure Mirai” by Hokko Bungei-bu Onagokai from Nagato Yuki-chan no Shoushitsu opening. Being able to identify lyrics and parts of songs from Haruhi Suzumiya no Yuutsu two seasons makes it feel like a game. The song is also catchy and the beat of the song makes you want to jump to the rhythm.

Next is Plastic Memories with its opening, “Ring of Fortune”. 

I. CAN. FLY!
The song is slow and its suits a rainy bus ride home, the same with Kekkai Sensen’s. You can feel the emotions portrayed in the song as at times it makes you feel sad and then it brings up your spirits. It’s like bringing you on an adventure. I can maybe sleep listening to the song as it makes me feel quite relaxed.

This song… Really just amaze me… Sung by Shokotan ♥ Denpagumi, the opening for Punchline!, “Punch Line!” 


Ore, Sanjou!
This song is just fun to listen to. The pace changes quickly. The song is upbeat. The lyrics is just amazing… I can’t help but bounce up and down on my seat. It could also act as a good song to jog to. The song feels interactive to the listeners. Just wonderful…

My top song for this season is from an anime that I have been waiting for ever since it was announced in the manga. I present to you, Shokugeki no Soma’s ending, “Spice” by Tokyo Karankoron. The song has a nice pace, it’s easy on the ears, a wonderful singer accompanies it and the tune is just catchy. I mean, Soma and Erina were humming to the tune in the latest episode. I just can’t help but repeat the song again and again and again and again after each episode finishes. 


*Drools at both the food and the plot...
Adding to that, it’s about food! Who doesn’t love food! Now I am just waiting patiently at the edge of my seat for the album to be release. Come on June 10th… I am waiting… Just one more week to go…


COME ON! I DEMAND IT!

The final on my list is a last minute change with Owari no Seraph ending, “X.U.”  by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]: Gemie. From Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. Zoku, “Harumodoki” by Nagi Yanagi. The song has an easygoing pace and is gentle on the ears, even with it being heavy on the drums. I had a hard time choosing between the opening or the ending as both are lovely to listen to but I really prefer Nagi Yanagi’s voice.

And following all that is my recommendations for this season. As usual there are quite a few I’ve chosen. Here it is…

Hello Kiniro Mosaic ED - My Best Friends by Rhodanthe*
Houkago no Pleaides OP - Stella-rium by Kano
Kekkai Sensen OP - Hello, world! by Bump of Chicken
Nisekoi: OP - Rally Go Round by LiSA
Owari no Seraph OP - X.U. by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]: Gemie
Ore Monogatari OP - Miraikei Answer - TRUSTRICK
Re-Kan ED - Kesalan Patharan by every♥ing
Show By Rock! ED - Have a nice MUSIC!! by Plasmagica
Sidonia no Kishi: Daikyuu Wakusei Seneki OP - Kishi Shinkoukyou by angela
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. Zoku ED - Everyday World by Yukino Yukinoshita & Yui Yuigahama
Yamada-kun no 9nin no Majo OP - Kuchizuke Diamond by WEAVER

Yup… That’s my list for this season. It was quite hard to choose the other top eight as this season’s songs were faring a bit… well… meh… And now, to watch Eureka Seven again. Nostalgic moments ahead…

Mata ne~


Written by Zwei

zwei-sig

A ONE

Monday, April 13, 2015 / No Comments
This year marks the 17th anniversary in showbiz for the reigning queen of Japanese pop music, Ayumi Hamasaki! It is a little hard to imagine that many of her fans have grown up listening to her songs - when 'A Song for XX' came out, I was only a high school student (leave that calculator alone please). The album cover was nothing short of mesmerising. In fact, it was all thanks to that I swiftly became acquainted with Ayu's music. Of course, a lot have been said about her career and such. I would say that it is definitely more than just remarkable to have come this far in this industry where idols, heavyweights and everybody else fight like no tomorrow in an intense battlefield mode. This month, the queen has just released her latest album to the eager anticipation of her fans. Naturally, I'm just as excited! In commemoration of her 17th anniversary in showbiz, Ayu has released 'A ONE'.




Information on Ayu's latest album has been widely circulated through social media and such. One particular piece that I was instantaneously drawn to was the heavenly collaboration between Ayu and homegrown singer-songwriter JJ Lin. Both artistes became acquainted through a mutual friend, and JJ Lin couldn't pass up the opportunity to write a song for Ayu. Prior to that, Ayu had made a guest appearance at JJ Lin's concert in Taipei. Both did a special rendition of Ayu's hit song 'Seasons'. In the midst of the fans' loud cheers and applause, Ayu later announced that the title of the song is 'The GIFT'. JJ Lin had also flown over to shoot the music video with Ayu. It is an elaborate piece which brings out the exceptional chemistry between JJ Lin and Ayu. Oh, in the music video they were married! Cute and compatible I would say!


Another surprise in this album is Ayu's rendition of a Utada Hikaru number - Movin' On Without You. Ayu's version has a saccharine punch due to her vocal range, and is more on the groovy end than the original rhythm and blues which is a little slower. Of course, as an Ayu fan I'm definitely more inclined to vote for her efforts. Honestly, I have been putting that song on repeat mode for at least a few hundred times! Anyway, the song has quite a lot of overlapping and back-up vocals which make it not very karaoke friendly. It would be rather fun to sing it nonetheless. "Nothing's gonna stop me. Only you can stop me..." ♪


The second track is an uplifting rock number titled 'WARNING', which sets the mood right after the preceding instrumental-only 'a Bell'. The music video features Ayu's dancers in sexy, revealing outfits but I have to say that those clothing don't necessarily complement everyone. Interested readers may wish to google for that music video and come up with their own verdicts. The themes are pretty daring and suggestive but still safe enough to waltz past the scissors. Hmm, I find it to be more cringeworthy than anything else. Anyway, the song awakens even the deepest slumber with its explosive energy. It is also one of Ayu's better fast numbers.




There are three different album covers for 'A ONE' - CD-only, CD + Blu-ray, CD + DVD. It is quite a sick yet effective way to market merchandise. I'm not sure if Ayu's counterparts have also done something similar, but for many years Ayu has continued to produce aurally and visually pleasing works in extremely fine detail. The breadth is undoubtedly vast! Thanks for all your hard work, Ayu! Happy 17th Anniversary!

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪
  
http://www.milkcananime.com/p/blog-page.html

Seishun Satsubatsu Ron

Monday, March 9, 2015 / No Comments
Recently, I had this strange dream. In the dream, I realised that I was right in the middle of a dense forest which didn't feel realistic. In fact, the only thing that was realistic would be my wavering consciousness. Yet I was still able to carry myself for a considerable distance. It was around this time that a familiar voice called out to me. That voice sounded pleasant, calm, cheeky, embarrassed, pissed off, patronising...Koro-sensei?!!? Before any words could slip out of my mouth, I was whisked away at Mach 20 to Class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Junior High School. Now, this may sound really twisted, but I'm rather fond of Koro-sensei. I mean, just what are the odds of having a gigantic yellow octopus as a teacher? And Koro-sensei is simply the charmer. Anyway, it seemed like there was no homeroom and such for Class 3-E. The desks and chairs were stacked away neatly at the back of the classroom. Koro-sensei's perpetual grin looked over the largely expressionless students. I merely stood beside it feeling quite baffled by the situation. Suddenly, a portable music player appeared from nowhere. The students got into formation, and then...


♪ Seishun Satsubatsu Ron! The largely expressionless students were now smiling and grooving to the opening theme song of Assassination Classroom. The formation then shifted slightly, bringing the spotlight onto Class 3-E Utatan consisting of Nagisa, Kayano (Kaede), Karuma, Isogai and Maehara. The remaining students continued to dance in the background whereas for Koro-sensei its effortless movements around the classroom spruced up an otherwise confined setting for an upbeat number. I watched the performance in sheer awe, for all of that still felt unbelievable. I was supposed to be in a dream. I could sense the strong vibration charging towards my feet. Koro-sensei tapped me on the shoulder and produced a mountainous kakigori from nowhere. Apparently, interacting with Koro-sensei would require mainly a lot of imagination. While I had no official obligation to assassinate it, the idea of perishing alongside many others should Koro-sensei eventually destroy the rest of Earth made me shudder. Anyway, Koro-sensei rattled on about the scheming chairman of Kunugigaoka, calling him a *beep* (I didn't realise that octopuses had their own curse words) and such. I was very close to its face, and I was very certain that it had swiftly turned a shade of black.


"How's the kakigori, Fluffysheep-kun?"
"It was delicious, Koro-sensei!"
"Excellent! I shall make us some hot tea now..."
Barely a second later...
"Excuse me, Fluffysheep-kun, but the staff room is out of tea leaves. Let me go buy some..."
Barely a second later...
"Nuuuwaaa!! Karuma-kun, that's Sensei's wallet!! Hand it over now!!"
Karuma was prancing about happily (?) with the microphone. Oh yeah, I forgot that he was part of the Utatan. Koro-sensei was literally fuming at Karuma with its face all red and steamy. How did it know that Karuma had stolen its wallet?
"If you would excuse me now, Fluffysheep-kun, I have an item to perform as well..."
Eh? Koro-sensei was going to perform too?



♪ NuruNuru Rap by MC-KORO is the coupling song of the Seishun Satsubatsu Ron single. 'Nuru nuru' is an onomatopoeia which means 'slippery'. The lyrics reflect Koro-sensei's interactions with the students of Class 3-E and such. In the rap, Koro-sensei begins homeroom with its usual greeting. The events are mostly comical and straight off the series, making the song a lot more identifiable with fans. Unfortunately, the lyrics aren't included in the booklet for NuruNuru Rap, so it would take a really sharp ear and quick processing of the Japanese language to get Koro-sensei's rendition. Ah yes, so that was why Koro-sensei was fuming over Karuma snatching away its wallet...

I don't quite remember what happened after that. However, I knew that my earphones were plugged in, and both songs played in turn over the music player. Oh, there was also the aftertaste of the strawberry syrup in the kakigori which Koro-sensei had treated me...

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪     

http://www.milkcananime.com/p/blog-page.html

Winter Playlist '14/15

Saturday, February 28, 2015 / No Comments
Hi guys. How’s it going? Okay… Moving on.

I am very sorry for this very very late post. I was extremely busy with my 2nd year project due to the filming and editing that I didn’t really have time to write. Although I said that, I still managed to keep up to date with the releases of the various albums. Still waiting for a few to be out.

My winter playlist selections are finally over. It was a bit tough to decide their rankings, as there was a lot to listen to. Not like they were good or bad. They’re around there, you know? Just kidding... They are some nice songs out of that bunch and I quite enjoyed listening to them and looping each of them in between breaks while shooting. It was a brief moment but it was enjoyable. So it starts with the top ten and then a handful of my recommendations, the usual format.



Let’s start the playlist.



First up is... Drumroll... Drdrdrdrdrdrdrdr...(Not Durarara) Tss... Absolute Duo with its opening theme "Absolute Soul" by Konomi Suzuki. This song is so much fun to listen to. It makes me want to keep moving my body. It has so much energy in the chorus and it also has emotional parts to it about protecting, which relates to the MC's weapon, a shield. I really like Konomi-san's voice as I first heard her voice from Tasogare Otome X Amnesia opening theme, "Choir Jail". The animation for "Absolute Soul" is really nice to watch but it felt different to me when it came to the ice skating/dancing part. Maybe they're performing their own waltz...? Either way, absolutely amazing. Lol...

Next is Aldnoah.Zero 2 with it's opening song "&Z" by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki. This song is nice to listen to on a bus ride. It has a calming part in the beginning accompanied with an electric guitar and when it gets to the chorus you could feel the emotions being put into it. 



A screenshot from the music video...
The music video for it needed time for me to understand it as it struck me as peculiar. Another wonderful piece by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki.

The next song is just brilliant. From DeathParade, we have "Flyers" by Bradio, which is so groovy! 



Just awesome...
I really love this song as it brings back memories of old songs that I've listen to with a similar rhythm. I really like the animation of the opening theme. I can help but stand up and dance along since it looks like so much fun. The actual music video itself is amazing. Ahh... The old days of editing. Oh and their wardrobe is just perfect. The song really is amazingly different than the actual theme of the anime, which I find strange.

Following that is "Miiro" by AKINO from bless 4. The opening theme for Kantai Collection or KanColle is really really nice to listen to. It's one of my top songs with due to its tune. The drums are nice to listen to as well as I'll try to imitate it with my air drums (my vocabulary became limited all of a sudden). I could listen to this over and over again. Then maybe I’ll play “EXTRA MAGIC HOUR” next…

Next I have Koufuku Grafitti with its opening” Shiawase ni Tsuite Watashi ga Shitteiru Itsutsu no Hōhō” by Maaya Sakamoto


I kept repeating the opening animation...
This is song is very pleasant to listen to. It has a wonderful tune, an easy pace and accompanied by a great singer. I don’t really know what else to say. It just helps me feel pleasant inside and maybe hungry shortly after as the anime begins. The food really looks nice.

Next is from Nanatsu no Taizai. The second ending “Season” by Alisa Takigawa. 


Very nice art from the closing animation...
This is a great song to listen to. You can feel the emotions being put into the song. It has a sad vibe to it, which makes you want to cry. I know I’m exaggerating but the song does make me feel that way.

Following that is two songs from the same anime. Taking the next spots are the opening and ending theme of Saenai Heroine Sodate-kata. First is “Kimiiro Signal” by Luna Haruna. This song has an easygoing pace and is easy on the ears. It has a very nice tune as well as a good singer. Well not much can be said for this as I just like listening to it.

The ending theme, “Colourful” by Sawai Miku, is definitely my favourite this season. 


Colors...
It has a very catchy tune, which I can't help but loop. It got me searching up for its lyrics instantly just to sing along with the ending theme when the anime ends. It makes any rainy day so much fun. Imagine a rainy day, where you walk in the streets with your hoodie on. As you pull your hoodie forward, it blocks you field of view in the distant. You start to run so as to get away from the rain and to a shelter. You then see a pair of shoes and you look up. You see a white frilly dress followed by a pink cardigan. Your gaze continues on to meet a pair of eyes looking back at you under a beige umbrella. The sun suddenly appears from behind those dark clouds as the rain lifts. The world around you starts to slow down as yours begin to turn.

Next is the popular Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso with its new ending theme “Orange” by 7!!. 


Chiisana kata wo narabete aruita...
This song is really pleasant to listen to. I don’t really need to explain. Give it a listen and you’ll definitely agree that is very beautiful. I actually listen to it one time when I was going to bed and I started to tear up. You just feel all fuzzy inside and your emotions started to overcome you. Ahh… Adding it to my playlist of wonderful songs to listen to when I go to sleep. Ohh… a teardrop fell.

Last song on the list goes to Tokyo Ghoul Root A. It’s not the opening theme. I couldn’t really take that one in. The ending theme “Kisetsu wa Tsugitsugi Shindeiku” by amazarashi takes the final spot. This song is really nice to listen to. The catchy tune really helps with it getting stuck in my head. I was pleasantly surprised when it was first introduced. “YES! The anime is saved with this!” was my reaction. I didn’t mean it as the anime was bad. Just that the opening was a bit of a let down. Guess I have to get use to it… somehow…  The actual music video for the ending song was really good. It was really nice to watch as it shows a ghoul eating raw meat (I presume). If I am not wrong the girl in the music video is supposed to be Rize. 


Mmm... Delectable...
But it started to disturbing halfway through. I guess I couldn’t really stomach it as I ate at Seoul Garden before I watched it. Ughh… Raw meat…

So there it is. My top ten this season. And finally, onto the recommendations. And as usual a handful may be an understatement.

Kancolle ED - Fubuki by Shiena Nishizawa
Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha OP - Blade of Hope by sweet ARMS
Cross Ange ED 2 - Shuumatsu no Love by Nana Mizuki
Shirobako OP 2 - Takarabako by Masami Okui
Shirobako ED 2 - Platinum Jet by Donuts Quintet
Magic Kaito OP 2 - Ai no Scenario by CHICO with HoneyWorks
Magic Kaito ED 2 - Koi no Jumbo by Galileo Galilei
iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls OP - Star by Cinderella Project
iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls ED - Yuubae Present by Cinderella Project
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu OP - Seishun Satsubatsu-ron by 3-E Utatan
Ansatsu Kyoushitu ED - Hello, Shooting Star by Moumoon
Dog Days 3 ED - Stay With Me by Horie Yui
Juuou Mujin no Fafnir OP - Flying Fafnir by TRUSTRICK
Gundam Build Fighters Try OP - Just Fly Away by Edge of Life
Isuca ED - Somebody to love by TWO-FORMULA

There it is my winter playlist. Really can’t wait for the next season’s songs. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I would like to enjoy all these tracks again. Maybe I’ll marathon Chrome Shelled Regios again after that?

Mata ne~


Written by Zwei

 zwei-sig