This post is mostly for the purpose of bitching and moaning. I feel the need to vent about something.
I hate HATE HATE “Kimi wa Jitensha Watashi wa Densha de Kitaku”. The verses aren’t so bad, but the chorus grates on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. Like nails scratching on my eardrums until they bleed. I don’t think there has ever been a song in h!p that I so actively disliked. Every time I hear “Kimi wa jitenshaaa” I have the urge to sing it back in the most whiny obnoxious tone possible. In short, I cannot understand how anyone likes that song, much less how lots of people seem to like it.
Then comes “Kono Machi”, C-ute’s latest single. While not horribly annoying, it’s just soooooooooo boring. So boring. I actually fell asleep when I tried to watch the PV. This is not hyperbole. I really did.
So here’s the thing. I get that C-ute has the strongest vocal base in h!p for doing ballads right now. Hell, I don’t even hate ballads. There are lots of h!p ballads I really like, but the ones C-ute has been getting lately are just, IMHO, awful. And putting “Kono Machi” so soon after “Kimi wa Jitensha” was just a really bad move, I think.
Oh well, I do like C-ute’s other style of single, intense dance numbers ala “Kiss Me Aishiteru” and “Aitai Aitai Aitai na”. So C-ute is extremely hot and cold for me right now, but following the current pattern, I should like their next single.
And as long as I’m complaining, since I started this blog I’ve gotten 13,106 comments, 12,050 if which are spam. Seriously?
Thank you to all 127 of you who voted in my Top H!p Songs of 2012 poll. (That’s more than last year!). Now, without further ado, the top 25 h!p songs of 2012 as chosen by fans:
And here is the breakdown of results by category and the full list of points.
Overall
Top Single: One Two Three, Morning Musume
2nd Place Single: Wakuteka Take a Chance, Morning Musume
Top B-side: Kanashiki Heaven,C-ute
2nd Place B-side: Loving You Too Much, Berryz Kobo
Top Album Song: What’s Up? Ai wa Dou na no yo, Morning Musume
2nd Place Album Song: Be Alive, Morning Musume
Bottom Single:Cat’s Eye, Cat’s Eye 7
Bottom B-side: (Tie) Yuuki wo Kudasai-Berryz and Seishun Rainbow-Mano Erina,
Bottom Album Song: (Tie) I Have a Dream- Mano Erina, Kiiroi Jitensha to Sandwich- S/mileage, and Believe-Buono
Morning Musume
Top Single: One Two Three
Top B-side: Futsuu no Shoujo A
Top Album Song: What’s Up? Ai wa dou na no yo~
Bottom Single: Pyoko Pyoko Ultra
Bottom B-side: Shinnen Dake wa Tsuranukitoose
Bottom Album Song: Zero Kara Hajimaru Seishun
Berryz Kobo
Top Single: Cha Cha Sing
Top B-side: Loving You Too Much
Top AlbumSong: Shy Boy
Bottom Single: Be Genki Naseba Naru
Bottom B-side: Yuuki wo Kudasai
Bottom Album Song: Atarashii Hibi
C-ute
Top Single: Aitai Aitai Aitai na
Top B-side: Kanashiki Heaven
Top Album Song: Zuntaka March ~Hitorashiku Ikiyou~
Bottom Single: Kimi wa Jitensha Boku wa Densha de Kitaku
Bottom B-side: Saikou Music
Bottom Album Song: Kagayake Houkago
Mano Erina
Top Single: Song For the Date
Top B-side: Aozora ga Watteru
Top Album Song: Glory Days
Bottom Single: Next My Self
Bottom B-side: Seishun Rainbow
Bottom Album Song: I Have a Dream
S/Mileage
Top Single: Suki yo, Junjou Hankouki
Top B-side: Smile Blues
Bottom Single:Dot Bikini
Bottom B-side:Chance Tourai
Buono
Top Single: Hatsukoi Cider
Top Album Song: Never Gonna Stop
Bottom Single: Deep Mind
Bottom Album Song: Believe
Other
Top Single: Chou Happy Song
Bottom Single: Cat’s Eye
FULL RESULTS WITH POINTS
593One Two Three
517ワクテカ Take a chance (Wakuteka Take a Chance)
473恋愛ハンター (Renai Hunter)
387悲しきヘブン (Kanashiki Heaven)
348会いたい 会いたい 会いたいな (Aitai Aitai Aitai na)
308Loving You Too Much
304初恋サイダー (Hatsukoi Cider)
277Cha Cha Sing
274超HAPPY SONG (Chou Happy Song)
255フォレフォレ~Forest For Rest~ (Fore Fore ~Forest For Rest~)
251What’s Up? 愛はどうなのよ～ (What’s Up? Ai wa dou na no yo~)
170好きよ、純情反抗期 (Suki yo, Junjou Hankouki)
168The 摩天楼ショー (The Matenrou Show)
157普通の少女A (Futsuu no Shoujo A)
152Want
148君は自転車 私は電車で帰宅 (Kimi wa Jitensha Watashi wa Densha de Kitaku)
117Deep Mind
107寒いね (Samui ne)
105Be Alive
93Be 元気<成せば成るっ!> (Be Genki (Naseba Naru!))
92悲しき恋のメロディー (Kanashiki Koi no Melody)
85Song For the Date
82チョトマテクダサイ! (Choto Mate Kudasai!)
74アイサレタイノニ・・・ (Aisaretai no ni…)
74ドキドキベイビー (Doki Doki Baby)
67ピョコピョコ ウルトラ (PyocoPyoco Ultra)
61黄昏交差点 (Tasogare Kousaten)
58涙一滴 (Namida Hitoshizuku)
58ドッカ～ン カプリッチオ (Dokka~n Cappricio)
55私の時代! (Watashi no Jidai!)
51ドットビキニ (Dot Bikini)
48Next My Self
46ズンタカマーチ～人らしく生きよう～ (Zuntaka March ~Hitorashiku Ikiyou~)
45笑って！YOU (Waratte! You)
44キャベツ白書 (Cabbage Hakusho)
43Shy Boy
43彼女になりたいっ！！！ (Kanojo ni Naritai!!!)
40ラララのピピピ (Lalala no Pipipi)
39Never Gonna Stop!
34ひとり占めしたかっただけなのに (Hitorijime Shitakatta Dake na no ni)
31青春ど真ん中 (Seishun Domannaka)
31すまいるブルース (Smile Blues)
26「愛はいつもいつも」 (Ai wa Itsumo Itsumo)
26「大好き」の意味を教えて！(”Daisuki” no Imi wo Oshiete)
26Glory Days
25大好き100万点 (Daisuki 100 Manten)
25Boys Be Ambitious!
24私がいて 君がいる (Watashi ga Ite Kimi ga Iru)
24ももち！許してにゃん♡体操 (Momochi! Yurushite Nyan Taisou)
23都会のネオンが驚くくらいの美しさがほしい (Tokai no Neon ga Odoroku Kurai no Utsukushisa ga Hoshii)
23Fever
22バンザイ! ～人生はめっちゃワンダッホーッ！～ (Banzai! ~Jinsei wa Meccha Wonderful~)
21行け! 元気君 (Yuke! Genki-kun)
20世の中薔薇色 (Yononaka Barairo)
19Loveイノベーション (Love Innovation)
19もう、子供じゃない私なのに… (Mou, Kodomojanai Watashi na no ni…)
18信念だけは貫き通せ! (Shinnen Dake wa Tsuranukitoose!)
18GO!GO!ゴーダ (Go! Go! Gouda)
18フォレストタイム (Forest Time)
15地球が泣いている (Chikyuu ga Naiteiru)
14最高ミュージック (Saikou Music)
13恋愛模様 (Renai Moyou)
12未来ドライブ (Mirai Drive)
11幸せの途中 (Shiawase no Tochuu)
10輝け! 放課後 (Kagayake! Houkago)
10熱血先生 (Nekketsu Sensei)
9ゼロから始まる青春 (Zero kara Hajimaru Seishun)
8Mythology～愛のアルバム～ (Mythology ~Ai no Album~)
8あなたがいるから (Anata ga Iru Kara)
8夏の星空 (Natsu no Hoshizora)
7私、ちょいとかわいい裏番長 (Watashi wa Choito Kawaii Urabanchou)
6Because Happiness
6天気予報があたったら (Tenkiyohou ga Atattara)
5純情警察K・I・S・S (Junjou Keisatsu KISS)
4青空が笑ってる (Aozora ga Waratteru)
3チャンス到来! (Chance Tourai!)
2風の薔薇～歩いて地図を作った男のウタ～ (Kaze no Bara ~Aruite Chizu wo Tsukatta Otoko no Uta~)
As previously announced, I am creating a new h!p video of the top songs of 2012, and I need your help! Below is a list of every song released by Hello! Project in 2012. All you need to do is pick your top 10 songs, put them in order, and tell me your list. It should look something like this.
+10 Song Name
+9 Song Name
+8 Song Name
+7 Song Name
+6 Song Name
+5 Song Name
+4 Song Name
+3 Song Name
+2 Song Name
+1 Song Name
Except instead of “Song Name” fill in the song that you’d like to receive those points. The song you mark as +10 (your favorite song) will receive 10 points, the song you mark +9 will receive 9 points, etc. There are four voting options. I’d prefer you choose #1 or #2 to keep the results more of a surprise
1. Comment in this blog post (comments will be hidden)
4. Vote in the comments section of the youtube announcement HERE
PLEASE ONLY VOTE ONE TIME!!! Do not send votes to all four places. Just pick one. I’m counting on you guys to be honest here. Fans from any country are welcome to submit votes. Votes may be submitted in English or Japanese.
Note: I realize we have yet to hear a couple of the new B-sides (The B-sides to “Want”, “Samui ne”, and “Next Myself”). If you would like to change your vote to include any of those songs you may BUT THE ONLY CHANGES ALLOWED ARE TO INCLUDE THESE SONGS. Other than that, once you vote, it is final.
Song Options
Morning Musume
ピョコピョコ ウルトラ (PyocoPyoco Ultra)
悲しき恋のメロディー (Kanashiki Koi no Melody)
恋愛ハンター (Renai Hunter)
私がいて 君がいる (Watashi ga Ite Kimi ga Iru)
One Two Three
The 摩天楼ショー (The Matenrou Show)
私の時代! (Watashi no Jidai!)
アイサレタイノニ・・・ (Aisaretai no ni…)
青春ど真ん中 (Seishun Domannaka)
ワクテカ Take a chance (Wakuteka Take a Chance)
普通の少女A (Futsuu no Shoujo A)
大好き100万点 (Daisuki 100 Manten)
信念だけは貫き通せ! (Shinnen Dake wa Tsuranukitoose!)
Loveイノベーション (Love Innovation)
What’s Up? 愛はどうなのよ～ (What’s Up? Ai wa dou na no yo~)
Be Alive
ラララのピピピ (Lalala no Pipipi)
ドッカ～ン カプリッチオ (Dokka~n Cappricio)
ゼロから始まる青春 (Zero kara Hajimaru Seishun)
地球が泣いている (Chikyuu ga Naiteiru)
涙一滴 (Namida Hitoshizuku)
笑って！YOU (Waratte! You)
Berryz Kobo
Be 元気<成せば成るっ!> (Be Genki (Naseba Naru!))
もう、子供じゃない私なのに… (Mou, Kodomojanai Watashi na no ni…)
Cha Cha Sing
Loving You Too Much
ももち！許してにゃん♡体操 (Momochi! Yurushite Nyan Taisou)
Want!
勇気をください！ (Yuuki wo Kudasai!)
Mythology～愛のアルバム～ (Mythology ~Ai no Album~)
世の中薔薇色 (Yononaka Barairo)
Shy Boy
Because Happiness
恋愛模様 (Renai Moyou)
新しい日々 (Atarashii Hibi)
C-ute
君は自転車 私は電車で帰宅 (Kimi wa Jitensha Watashi wa Densha de Kitaku)
「愛はいつもいつも」 (Ai wa Itsumo Itsumo)
会いたい 会いたい 会いたいな (Aitai Aitai Aitai na)
悲しきヘブン (Kanashiki Heaven)
最高ミュージック (Saikou Music)
ひとり占めしたかっただけなのに (Hitorijime Shitakatta Dake na no ni)
行け! 元気君 (Yuke! Genki-kun)
ズンタカマーチ～人らしく生きよう～ (Zuntaka March ~Hitorashiku Ikiyou~)
都会のネオンが驚くくらいの美しさがほしい (Tokai no Neon ga Odoroku Kurai no Utsukushisa ga Hoshii)
輝け! 放課後 (Kagayake! Houkago)
幸せの途中 (Shiawase no Tochuu)
「大好き」の意味を教えて！(“Daisuki” no Imi wo Oshiete)
Mano Erina
ドキドキベイビー (Doki Doki Baby)
黄昏交差点 (Tasogare Kousaten)
Song for the Date
青空が笑ってる (Aozora ga Waratteru)
Next My Self
青春 レインボウ (Seishun Rainbow)
純情警察K・I・S・S (Junjou Keisatsu KISS)
Glory Days
熱血先生 (Nekketsu Sensei)
I Have a Dream
バンザイ! ～人生はめっちゃワンダッホーッ！～ (Banzai! ~Jinsei wa Meccha Wonderful~)
風の薔薇～歩いて地図を作った男のウタ～ (Kaze no Bara ~Aruite Chizu wo Tsukatta Otoko no Uta~)
あなたがいるから (Anata ga Iru Kara)
天気予報があたったら (Tenkiyohou ga Atattara)
S/mileage
チョトマテクダサイ! (Choto Mate Kudasai!)
チャンス到来! (Chance Tourai!)
ドットビキニ (Dot Bikini)
すまいるブルース (Smile Blues)
好きよ、純情反抗期 (Suki yo, Junjou Hankouki)
寒いね (Samui ne)
私、ちょいとかわいい裏番長 (Watashi wa Choito Kawaii Urabanchou)
黄色い自転車とサンドウィッチ (Kiiroi Jitensha to Sandwich)
Buono
初恋サイダー (Hatsukoi Cider)
Deep Mind
Fever
GO!GO!ゴーダ (Go! Go! Gouda)
未来ドライブ (Mirai Drive)
BELIEVE★★★
夏の星空 (Natsu no Hoshizora)
Never Gonna Stop!
Other
超HAPPY SONG (Chou Happy Song), Berikyuu
キャベツ白書 (Cabbage Hakusho), Peaberry
フォレストタイム (Forest Time), Harvest
フォレフォレ~Forest For Rest~ (Forefore~Forest For Rest~), DIY
Boys Be Ambitious!, Green Fields
彼女になりたいっ！！！ (Kanojo ni Naritai!!!), Hello! Pro Kenshuusei
Cat’s Eye, Cat’s Eye 7
Note: You may not vote for non-h!p songs such as those by Kikkawa Yuu, Kitahara Sayaka, or Nice Girls Project. You may not vote for singles that were first released in 2011 but then re-released on albums in 2012. You may not vote for remixes, covers of previously released h!p songs, or the re-recorded songs on C-ute’s album. “Because Happiness”, “Shiawase no Tochuu”, and “Chou Happy Song” will all count as separate songs.
Please feel free to spread the word! The results will be better the more people vote. The deadline for voting is JANUARY 1ST. I will probably have the results video within a week.
~Celestia~
Here’s last year’s video to give you an idea of what the results will look like.
First, I’d like to give a huge thanks to everyone who participated in the poll! And now, your top 25 songs of 2011, starting with #25 and working our way up to #1! Youtube won’t take it, so here are a couple alternates (they’re the same video)
PLEASE VOTE IN MY TOP H!P SONGS OF 2011 FAN POLL/ VIDEO PROJECT! Response has been pretty good so far (we’re at 30+ people voting in about five days), but I really want to get as many votes as possible (at least 100 would be great) for the most meaningful results. I can say at this point that there are two songs that have been fighting it out for first place with another two being possible contenders. I’m so excited to see which song wins!
I thought I’d publicly post MY top 20 list of 2011, since I won’t be making a video of my personal list this year. Listing from #20 to #1. (this isn’t by points for the poll, in other words. Don’t get confused! When voting, be sure your favorite song is marked +10, second favorite +9, and so on down the list)
20. Kachoii Uta, Mobekimasu- I especially like the C-ute version
19. Hatsukoi Anata e, S/mileage- S/mileage seems to get some pretty good B-sides
18. Jishin Motte, Yume o Motte Tobitatsu kara, Takahashi Ai- Really grew on my after the 10th gen auditions
17. Momoiro Sparkling, C-ute- Great summer song, and I love the dance
16. Natsu Dakara, Buono- Has some lovely harmonizing. Very relaxing song
15. Herione ni Narou ka, Berryz Kobo- Good musical hooks, and my favorite effort by Berryz in what was a disappointing year for them (IMHO)
14. Give Me Love, Morning Musume- Dramatic!
13. Majidesuka Ska, Morning Musume- A very joyful and energetic song, and a good welcome for 9th gen
12. Shortcut, S/mileage- Always gets stuck in my head
11. Motto Aishite Hoshii no, Morning Musume- I think this B-side is way under-rated!
10. Tachiagaaru, S/mileage- Another S/mileage song that always gets stuck in my head
9. 1/3 Junjou na Kanjo, Buono- Love hearing the girls use deeper voices since idol music is often so squeaky
8. Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku, Mobekimasu- Do I just like it because I’ve watched it be performed so many times? I’m not sure, but I do like it quite a bit
7. Ok Yeah!, Morning Musume- Hope this becomes a concert staple (and I suspect it will)
6. Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa.. blah blah blah, Morning Musume- Long title is too long. Song is a nice tribute to classic MM style
5. Kare to Issho ni Omise ga Shitai, Morning Musume- I’m surprised these two ended up so close together, but they did. Finally Sayu gets a chance to shine and MM gets their weirdest PV yet (possibly)
4. Silver no Udedokei, Morning Musume- Riho proves she deserves her new lead spot with her live performance of this song
3. Only You, Morning Musume- Love the chorus so much. Itoshi no kiiimiii eeeee
2. Kiss Me Aishiteru, C-ute- Fantastic dance, and amazing solo lines by Chisato
And my favorite song is…..
1. Uchouten Love, S/mileage- It’s just the most perfect S/mileage song. I could listen to it over and over again (and I did watching the live S/mileage auditions) Cute, catchy, and bitter sweet in that it’s the last for the original S/mileage lineup. Makes me long for the S/mileage that could have been
And that’s it! My top 20 of 2011. Stay tuned for other “favorite” and “least favorites” of 2011 including PVs, albums, dances, and costumes.
An previously announced, I am creating a new h!p video of the top songs of 2011, and I need your help! Below is a list of every song released by Hello! Project in 2011. All you need to do is pick your top 10 songs, put them in order, and tell me your list. It should look something like this.
+10 Song Name
+9 Song Name
+8 Song Name
+7 Song Name
+6 Song Name
+5 Song Name
+4 Song Name
+3 Song Name
+2 Song Name
+1 Song Name
Except instead of “Song Name” fill in the song that you’d like to receive those points. The song you mark as +10 (your favorite song) will receive 10 points, the song you mark +9 will receive 9 points, etc. There are four voting options. I’d prefer you choose #1 or #2 to keep the results more of a surprise
1. Comment in this blog post (comments will be hidden)
4. Vote in the comments section of the youtube announcement
PLEASE ONLY VOTE ONE TIME!!! Do not send votes to all four places. Just pick one. I’m counting on your guys to be honest here. Fans from any country are welcome to submit votes. Votes may be submitted in English or Japanese.
Note: I realize we have yet to hear S/mileage’s new B-side, so I will allow you to change your votes later to include that if you would like to. I do want to get voting started so there’s plenty of time. However, no vote changes will be allowed OTHER than inserting that songs into your list, so choose carefully.
Song Options
Morning Musume
まじですかスカ! (Maji Desu ka Ska!)
もっと愛してほしいの (Motto Aishite Hoshii no)
Only You
やめてよ！シンドバッド (Yamete yo! Sindbad)
この地球の平和を本気で願ってるんだよ! (Kono Chikyuu no Heiwa o Honki de Negatterun da yo!)
彼と一緒にお店がしたい! (Kare to Issho ni Omise ga Shitai!)
自信持って 夢を持って 飛び立つから (Jishin Motte Yume wo Motte Tobidatsu kara)
Give me 愛 (Give Me Love)
シルバーの腕時計 (Silver no Udedokei)
好きだな君が (Suki da na Kimi ga)
怪傑ポジティブA (Kaiketsu Positive A)
この愛を重ねて (Kono Ai wo Kasanete)
My Way ～女子校花道～ (My Way ~Joshikou Hanamichi~)
乙女のタイミング (Otome no Timing)
Ok Yeah!
Berryz Kobo
ヒロインになろうか！(Herione no Narou ka!)
ヒーロー現る！ (Hero Arawaru!)
愛の弾丸 (Ai no Dangan)
思い出 (Omoide)
ああ、夜が明ける (Aa, Yo ga Akeru)
大人にはなりたくない 早く大人になりたい (Otona ni wa Naritakunai, Hayaku Otona ni Naritai)
一丁目ロック! (Icchoumei Rock!)
Bomb Bomb Jump
真っ白いあの雲 (Masshiroi Ano Kumo)
女子会 The Night (Joshikai The Night)
ガールズタイムス (Girls Times)
女のプライド (Onna no Pride)
単純すぎなの私・・・ (Tanjun sugi na no Watashi)
C-ute
Kiss me 愛してる (Kiss Me Aishiteru)
二十歳前の女の子 (Hatachimae no Onna no Ko)
桃色スパークリング (Momoiro Sparkling)
Faraway
世界一ＨＡＰＰＹな女の子 (Sekai Ichi Happy na Onna no Ko)
偉大な力を！ (Idai na Chikara wo!)
超WONDERFUL！ (Chou Wonderful!)
Midnight Temptation
いざ、進め！ Steady go! (Iza, Susume! Steady Go!)
ルルルルル (Rururururu)
別れたくない・・・(Wakaretakunai)
サークル (Circle)
３番ホーム ３両目 (3Ban Homu 3 Ryoumei)
嫌いで嫌いで嫌い (Kirai de Kirai de Kirai)
Mano Erina
青春のセレナーデ (Seishun no Serenade)
21世紀的恋愛事情 (21 Seikiteki Renai Jijou)
My Days for You
0カラットの煌めき (10 Karat Kirameki
S/mileage
ショートカット (Shortcut)
パン屋さんのアルバイト (Panya-san no Arubaito)
恋にBooing ブー! (Koi ni Booing Buu!)
初恋の貴方へ (Hatsukoi no Anata e)
有頂天LOVE (Uchouten Love)
自転車チリリン (Jitensha Chiririn)
タチアガール (Tachiagaaru)
スマイル音丼 (Smile Ondon)
プリーズ ミニスカ ポストウーマン! (Please Miniskirt Post Woman!)
こんにちは, こんばんは (Konnichiwa, Konbanwa)
Buono
雑草のうた (Zassou no Uta)
ラナウェイトレイン (Runaway Train)
Juicy He@rt
夏ダカラ！ (Natsu Dakara!)
Ice Mermaid
Partenza ~Let’s Go!!!~
フランキンセンスΨ (FrankincenseΨ)
My Alright Sky
キアオラ・グラシャス・ありがと (Kia Ora Gracias Arigato)
1/3の純情な感情 (1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou)
Other
ブスにならない哲学 (Busu ni Naranai Tetsugaku), Mobekimasu
もしも・・・ (Moshi mo…)
かっちょ良い歌 (Kacchoii Uta)
負けるな わっしょい!) (Makeruna Wasshoi!), Bekimasu
甘酸っぱい春にサクラサク (Amazuppai Haru ni Sakura Sake), Berikyuu
青春劇場 (Seishun Gekijou), Berikyuu
アサアサンバ (Asaasamba), Kusumi Koharu
Note: You may not vote for non-h!p songs such as those by Kikkawa Yuu or Kitahara Sayaka. You may not vote for singles that were first released in 2010 but then re-released on albums in 2011. You MAY vote for the cover songs on the Buono mini album (new to h!p), but you may not vote for S/mileage covers of previous h!p songs.
Please feel free to spread the word! The results will be better the more people vote. The deadline for voting is JANUARY 1ST. I will probably have the results video within a week.
I’ve finished my most recent video project! I put a lot of work into this one, and I think it came out pretty well (though I still can’t seem to top my Eri/Jun/Lin graduation OPV). This time it’s my Top 20 Current H!p members. I had to get this finished before Ai-chan graduates, or she couldn’t be included. The song is “All for One and One for All” because that HAS to be the song for something like this.
Hope you like it! The old youtube channel surpassed 400,000 views a while ago, and I’m pretty excited about that. Big thanks to everyone who’s watched my videos!
I’ve been watching some footage of the new C-ute and S/mileage collaboration DVD, and I was once again reminded of how much C-ute rocks my socks. Let me take a moment to explain why.
I am the kind of idol fan who values awesome performances over a cute face/personality, perhaps bucking the current trend in idol fandom. That’s not to say that looks and personality aren’t important. I don’t think I could be a fan of an idol I find to be unattractive, but I also have a really hard time getting behind an idol who doesn’t shine on stage. The fact that Sayumi has partially won me over speaks volumes to just how pretty and funny I think she is, but she’s the exception, not the rule.
Anyway, when I think about why I like C-ute so much more than Berryz, it really comes down to their high energy dancing and standout vocalists. As a dancer, I am amazed at the kind of dancing they can pull off while still being able to sing in tune and with such power. It’s been so fun to watch them transform from a group of somewhat awkward little girls, Berryz rejects, into a highly polished, entertaining idol group. Remember how Chisa used to be a bad dancer who looked like a little boy and never got any lines or recognition? Not any more! Remember how Nakky used to be painfully shy and couldn’t sing to save her life? Now she’s a fantastic dancer, full of stage presence, and her singing is…acceptable.
Don’t hate me for saying this, but I honestly believe that losing Kana and Erika made C-ute stronger, because those two were their least popular members and probably their weakest performers. Now the slimmed down 5-nin C-ute has been releasing awesome song after awesome song (Dance de Bakoon!, Aitai Lonely Christmas, Kiss me Aishiteru), their most recent album is one of their best yet, and they’re finally allowing the non-Airi/Maimi members to get their fair share of solo lines and screen time. Not that I don’t approve of lots of solo lines for Airi (one of the best vocalists in h!p, and she will have the highest ranked mixi community after Ai-chan leaves), but it’s nice to see the others getting a chance too. It finally feels like they’re a real team, not just Airi w/Maimi and some background dancers.
There’s another Berryz/C-ute battle concert coming up (YAY!), so are you Team Berryz or Team C-ute? I think you know where I stand.
~Celestia~
Because they’re fun to look at, C-ute “Then and Now” Gallery
It’s summer refreshment time! So please, kick back and enjoy looking at this picture of my refreshment provided by International Wota. I bought ingredients and stuff to make a blueberry crisp with icecream! Here you can see the crisp editing a video. (Fun fact: All my videos are edited by baked goods)
Within the idol sub-genre of the Jpop genre, there are several sub-sub-genres, mostly seasonally based. There’s the “songs about spending (or not spending) Christmas with that special someone” genre (i.e. Aitai Lonely Christmas, Pittari Shitai Xmas). There’s the “it’s spring so we are mandated by Japanese law to sing about sakura” genre (i.e. Sakura Mankai, Sakura Chirari) But perhaps no idol genre is quite as prolific as the “summer song” genre.
So what constitutes a “summer song”? I put forth the following three qualifiers:
1. The song must be released within the time period of May through August.
2. The song must be light, upbeat, and cheerful. Preferably with a “refreshing” feel
3. The word “summer” or “natsu” doesn’t have to be in the title, but the lyrics and/or the PV must contain Japanese “summer” imagery which may include any of the following:
Use of the word “summer” or “natsu”, watermelon, yukata, festivals, fireworks, beaches, bikinis, bright colored beachwear, surfboards, beach balls, squirt guns, excessively sunny outdoor scenes, bubbles, ice cream, and shaved ice. Let me know if you think I missed any important ones.
Using these criteria, we can definitely say that not every song released during the summer is actually a “summer” song. I would also argue that many songs that include the word “summer” are not songs in the “summer” genre. For example, S/mileage’s “Yume Miru 15sai” meets qualification numbers 1and 3 with a May release date, many uses of the word “natsu”, and mention of festivals and fireworks, but I wouldn’t consider it to be a true summer song because it fails qualification number 2. The overall feel is just too dark to really be in the summer genre. Morning Musume’s “Summer Night Town” and Berryz Kobo’s “Natsu Remember You” would be excluded for the same reason.
So, for your refreshment and viewing pleasure, here’s a compilation of some of H!p’s summeriest.
Our next “Name that Song” challenge has songs from Berryz and C-ute (no Buono). In fact, I’ll give you a hint and say that 6 of the songs are Berryz and 6 are C-ute. Again, clips are only 2 seconds long. I think maybe this one is a little easier?
So, how many did you get this time?? Shall I continue making these?
~Celestia~
HIGHLIGHT BELOW FOR ANSWERS:
1. Icchoumei Rock! (7 Berryz Times Album)
2. Soku Dakishimete (C-ute Single)
3. Amai Wana (Everyday Zekkouchou!! B-side, C-ute)
4. Sabori (Dai 2 Seichouki Berryz Album)
5. Every Day Yeah! Kataomoi (Cutie Queen Vol. 1 Album)
6. Tsukiatteru nanoni Kataomoi (Berryz Single)
7. Sono Subete no Ai ni (Dakishimete Dakishimete B-side, Berryz)
8. Faraway (Momoiro Sparkling B-side, C-ute)
9. Berry Fields (Anatanashi de wa Ikite Yukenia B-side, Berryz)
