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HyunAh is off to a Pretty Good Start hide/expand
By solo-kun in Blogs, Kpop on 2010/01/08

[single] Hyun-ah – Change (You’re my Melody;)
Ch-ch-ch-change: Hyuna’s “Change” PV (appears)

Former member of Wonder Girls and current member of the South Korean quintet, 4minuite, HyunAh has made her solo debut and the reviews so far are leaning in the positive, despite criticisms.

You’re my Melody; takes a look at HyunAh’s new release and gives us some feedback on both the music and the accompanying PV. They first point out that the song is “fierce” while carrying a similar vibe to some of 4minute’s works. With that out of the way, they also let us know of some of the disappointment in HyunAh’s vocal presentation.

The PV also receives a blend of ups and downs, as the review makes clear the somewhat awkward “pelvic thrusting” that catches ones’ eye, but contrasts by telling us that HyunAh is generally a good dancer.

Appears goes in a bit deeper on the PV and the lyrics that accompany the song. Anna’s run down through the video is amusing and has some just evaluation and eyecandy to check out. The lyrics are a bit inconsistent as Anna points out, but in the end, the whole thing is an enjoyable experience.

Change seems to have gotten mixed reviews throughout the blogosphere, but overall as a debut, people seem to like it. With a solo album on the horizon, her stand out work within 4minuite combined with this single, it all might give you an idea of where things are heading.

Idol Dedication is Serious Business hide/expand
By solo-kun in Blogs, Noteworthy, Pop Idols on 2010/01/04

How Dedicated Are You? (Selective Hearing)

Greg of Selective Hearing has been thinking a bit, on a repeating topic that has been on his mind as of late. The topic in question is with regards to idol dedication, and the lengths to which “wota” will go to show support for their favorite idol(s). Using wota in a general sense of the term, Greg also frames the piece in the context of the growing popularity with western audiences.

A comparison is made between the idol and wota relationship and with sports fans and their favorite teams. Even someone with limited knowledge of what is being discussed can probably see the parallel, in that there are those who are casual fans, the rare fan who might the more than over the top with their fandom, and a good makeup that represents all the in between.

Greg explores the various extremes of the types of wota and exposes those who have a strong, but perhaps blinding dedication to their idols. It’s an interesting post that might get you thoughts going about your own “wotadom.” It might also get you thinking, yeah, I know somebody like that.

Check it out.

TDY Brings Us Idol Social Theory hide/expand
By solo-kun in Blogs on 2009/12/21

Idol Social Theory, pt. 1 (Tsuyoki de Yukoze!)
Idol Social Theory, pt. 2

Murr of Tsuyoki de Yukoze! is taking a look at idols within the Japanese society. An essay written for her Society of Culture class, the paper plans to help bring to light this Japan fostered phenomenon.

Part one first gives us an introduction to celebrity, briefly comparing the typical American style of respect and adoration, then pointing out Japan’s distinctiveness. The idol is indeed a unique sort of celebrity, and as Murr points out, even within that uniqueness there is variety. A history of the development and evolution of the idol wraps thing up and begins to set the stage for the rest of the piece.

An emphasis on the difference between male and female idols of Japan is brought to us with part two. Beginning with the gravure and the schoolgirl type female idols, not the only sort, but perhaps two of the more known and popular. A contrast is then made with the male idols and the different expectations and presentation placed upon them. That these males are meant to be a females’ fantasy, where as female idols are meant to be a males’ ideal is one point that particularly stands out.

The information is presented in an interesting manner, all the while invoking a myriad of thought as to how each of the ideas could be expanded even more. I encourage you all to give it a read, and stay tuned for the rest of the series. I know I’m looking forward to reading it all.

XXX48 Is Not A New AKB48 Spin Off hide/expand
By solo-kun in AKB48, Blogs, Pop Idols on 2009/12/10

AKB48 won’t be an international idol group (Shabondama Days)

AKB48 has been going a bit global; their trips to Paris and New York stand out. But what is their true motivation for traveling overseas? Well, Nizmo of Shabondama Days has an interesting look at just that.

In a recent television appearance, AKB48 producer Akimoto Yasushi gives an overview of a potential future vision for this particular idol pop brand. Nizmo tells us a bit about it as he outlines a list of 11 criteria required for each of these new “format franchises,” and then proceeds to let us know where the format would essentially fail in the international arena. The idea is to have regional groups (New York, Paris, Moscow, Sidney, &c), with regional talent, each produced by Akimoto, all the while keeping the AKB flavor.

While XXX48 might have an audience, I kind of agree in that, I don’t think the likes of NewYork48 or Paris48 would turn out very well. It’s an interesting concept and in any case, it’s something to think about. Head on over and give it a look.

Misono, It’s The Same Song, Only Different hide/expand
By solo-kun in Avex Trax, Blogs, JPop on 2009/12/05

misono – Watashi Iro/Bokura Style (Kurayami Monogatari)
misono – Watashi Iro / Bokura Style (Beyond the Sea)

Avex seems to be having fun with the reusing of the melody in their artists releases as of late. Misono’s latest single, Watashi Iro/Bokura Style follows this little pattern and meets with some interesting reviews.

Solarblade of Kurayami Monogatari has overall been enjoying misono’s releases during the latter part of this year, and this one’s no exception. Though misono’s trademark “screaming” is found throughout the single, Solarblade believes that the general quality of the songs are on the good side.

Beyond the Sea has perhaps a more positive review of the single, with Lex pointing out that “misono hasn’t been sucking lately.” That’s good right? Bokura Style stands out with its more energetic style, but Lex makes mention that both are unique enough that they might appeal, depending on what you like.

The -same song only different- thing might not be the best formula for misono, but we can hope for the new year, for more looking good and even less sucking.

Don’t Do As Infinity hide/expand
By solo-kun in Avex Trax, Blogs, Rock on 2009/12/02

R.I.P. Do As Infinity (stylejapan)

Nice try Do As Infinity, but your comeback has failed. That’s the sense that I get from stylejapan’s look at the reunited J-Rock band anyway. With their latest single and their newest studio album, to say that Noah is a bit unimpressed with what the band has put together would be much of an understatement. What makes this an interesting read is not only snark and brutal honesty of the given opinion, but the fact that even with that, there is still some hope, no matter how faint, that they can produce something to dig them out of their musical grave. Whether or not you like what Do As Infinity has been releasing as of late, it’s always interesting to see it from a different perspective.

Keeping an Eye on misino’s Covers hide/expand
By solo-kun in Blogs, JPop on 2009/10/06

misono – Urusei Yatsura no Theme ~Lum no Love Song~/”Me” (Kurayami Monogatari)
misono – misono Cover ALBUM (Kurayami Monogatari)
misono – Urusei Yatsura no Theme ~Lum no Love Song~ / “Me” (Beyond the Sea)

misono’s working the cover angle as of late, and from the reviews, she seems to have paid a pretty decent tribute to the original works.

Solarblade of Kurayami Monogatari first takes a look at misono’s cover of Lum no Love Song, pointing out that this song has been covered quite a few times by a variety of other artists. misono’s version of the song, fits her rockin’ musical style, while the acoustic B-side, is finally an acoustic that Solarblade can get behind. In his second post, Solarblade reviews misono’s Cover ALBUM, released concurrently with the single. More good words to say, Solarblade commends misono on a job well done.

Beyond the Sea has good things to say about misono’s cover of Lum no Love Song as well. Lex dives in by taking a look at the cover, of the cover… noting the “evil eye.” It is a bit eerie, isn’t it? Lex moves on to the single itself and makes mention that misono has some decent vocals going on this time around. The A-side is a fun ride, albeit short; and the B-side, while it isn’t the best, Lex says that misono’s improvement is evident.

A Look at V6’s GUILTY hide/expand
By solo-kun in Blogs, JPop, Johnny's on 2009/09/12

V6 – GUILTY [36th Single] (Amai Wana)

A review of GUILTY, V6’s latest single, amaiyume is liking the prettiness of the title track. Described as a mix of “smooth” and “catchy,” the song also brings along some interesting pop and rap styles to round things out. The B side also gave a nice ring to amaiyume’s ears, as she makes note of the great sounding vocals of this slower moving song. The two additional tracks made available with the regular edition however, didn’t really do much for amaiyume. The first is low energy with a distracting instrumental, while the second offers a different mix of sound but not much else; in the end they just aren’t memorable. Overall, amaiyume gives this release a pretty decent grade, but there was nothing about it that really stood out as one may have observed in previous releases.

Ranking Ayumi hide/expand
By solo-kun in Avex Trax, Blogs, JPop on 2009/08/18

(10) years of summer: Ranking Ayumi’s singles (appears)

As Hamasaki Ayumi takes the number one spot on the Oricon charts this week with her latest single, appears takes a look back on ten years of Ayumi’s time in the music biz. In the form of a top ten ranking, appears is specifically focusing on Ayumi’s summer singles, which are noted to be some of the more anticipated releases by her fans.

A short study of Ayumi’s glitter starts things out at number ten and is one that I found particularly interesting to read. Personally, I’m not a fan of Ayumi, haven’t taken the time to listen, but I have read of numerous accounts of her efforts to stay, relevant so to speak. That is, in reference to her fame and popularity; tho she manages to stay at the top of the charts. appears makes mention of this by telling of Ayumi’s attempts to try something new, in both musical style and by branching outside of the Japanese market.

It’s not all negative reviews however, as Ayumi does indeed have a long history of hits to display. The rest of appears’ rankings flow together, touching not only on Ayumi’s music, but the covers, the PVs and all the likes that go along with the pop stars career. Be sure to check it out.

To AKB or Not to AKB hide/expand
By solo-kun in AKB48, Blogs, JPop, Pop Idols on 2009/07/12

On AKB (Bikkuri Project)

There are a few things that are keeping me from jumping in to the AKB48 fandom and it’s not necessarily the music they’re making. This also seems to be the case for Celestia of Bikkuri Project. In this post Celestia takes a look at the pop idol group and makes a few interesting observations.

Noticing the increase in popularity throughout the community and with some free time on her hands, Celestia hunkers down to get to know the girls, the teams and their music. Using a series of pluses and minuses, she steps through the goods and the not so goods of the group, incorporating a few inevitable comparisons to Hello!Project. On the plus side, Celestia acknowledges some good voices, good dancing and good songs to go along with it. Of course there is some hit or miss in all of those areas, but that’s generally to be expected of just about any group one is looking in to. From a negative standpoint, Celestia has found a few issues that just don’t sit well; from copious amounts of lip syncing, to a bit too much on the sexuality side of things to name a few. In the end, Celestia feels that the negatives were just to much to really be able to give in, but has still managed to add some nice music to her collection in the process.

So, what’s stopping you? Or what is it that finally pushed you over the edge? Head over to Bikkuri Project, give it a read and share your opinion on the matter. It’s always interesting to hear from different perspectives.

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