Archives for the ‘Blogs’ Category
J-Music Clip of the Week..Double Shot Edition
Come on! You had to have seen this coming! Langdon Alger chooses the hot new “Black Diamond” PV for this week’s clip and includes some nice screencaps too.
Ray • May 11th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs • No Comments
Shay profiles this band, who’s been around for a while but are releasing their first maxi-single this summer. He notes a change in cover design, perhaps as a sign of things to come?
Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments
Single: メリー - Midnight Shangri-la/空っぽな唄~final cut~
Recommended reading. Rockerica reviews this special concert-only single, finding the first track a full-on assault of violent noise and the second a rehash of a previous album track. The closing line of this review is a killer.
Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Recommended, Rock • No Comments
And from myself and everyone…to MILF or otherwise. But especially (as far as this post) to newest H!P moms Nono and Kaori.
I would add Tsunku. But FZ is…close? Whatever, I love that clip. And Tsuji’s take on Furusato will make you cry and/or call your mom at least. But don’t do both at the same time cause she will never let you live it down.
jim • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Well, sure, some female could put on skimpy clothing and platform hells and dance on a floating star in the middle of the sea. But TM Revolution manages to make it SEXY. Perhaps not as sexy as his bespectacled school boy cosplay for abingdon boyss school, but still sexy.
Ray • May 11th, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments
Kimi Hannin Janai yo ne? キミ犯人じゃないよね? Ep2 Screen Shots
Kevin follows his usual formula: synopsis, review, screencaps. He’s finding this show an enjoyable mystery comedy, which is more than enough for me to at least give it a try.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas • No Comments
Orange Range - O2 (Code Geass R2 OP Theme)
Screencaps and lyrics (kanji and romaji) accompany this review: while the reasoning behind pairing the song with the anime is understood, Garten nevertheless finds the two don’t quite work together.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
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Our own pengie has reached a couple milestones: she earned her associate’s degree and is moving on to University of Oklahoma, and she tracked down a long-sought-after album, Sakamoto Miu’s DAWN PINK. She writes well about both, tying them together neatly; so, Congratulations to her on both counts!
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
I’m a Hello!Project Fangirl
Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Reveiw
DJ_MaiMai of Just Another H!P Blog has moved from wordpress over to vox and has started fresh with a new blog titled “H!P Fangirling like Nobody’s Business”. The first post is an introduction for new and old readers alike.
The second post is a review of Buono!’s ‘Kiss!Kiss!Kiss!’. The review on the c/w ‘Minna Daisuki’ is interesting for she did it as she listened to the song. I have to agree and say that I love that “Hop step jump” is in this song too. But really, I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised since it’s the new opening theme for Shugo Chara!
maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
J-pop Obession has a variety of H!P icons - a few Milky Way, some Momusu, Berryz Koubou and C-ute. There are also so AKB48 and miscellanious J-pop icons. I’m really liking these icons (particularly the Berryz and C-ute ones) as they have this pretty glow which surrounds them. They definitely strike my fancy.
maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Utada Hikaru + NYC = Progess on 2nd English Album?
Recommended reading. It looks like the second English album is being worked on. Cross your fingers, hope for the best.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Wota Want To Be Kanna, Or: Possibly TMI Fun In Relation To Kid Idols
Arihara Kanna is the favorite C-ute of two-thirds of Intl Wota’s admin troika, so it’s nice to see a write-up on her and that comment she made a while back about preferring girls. Vulpi recounts some of the negative reactions directed to Kanna’s preference, then looking at her situation as an idol and how that may relate.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Hay guys, since when was Chinami this hot…
Looks like Chinami’s popular today, with Misa also posting some Chinami eyecandy today. In addition to noticing Chinami’s hotness, Misa has also taken note of Chinami’s hot legs and proposes starting a new subgroup of GMC (like the car company) for the Great Maimi and Chinami. This would basically be the hot legs group of H!P. 
Seeing as Misa’s just noticed Chinami’s hot legs, I’m assuming she hasn’t seen Chinami and Yurina’s performance of ‘Nicchoku ~Geinoujin no Kaiwa~’ from Berryz Koubou’s Sakura Mankai concert. Her legs look like the go on for miles there…
maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
hide-chan has 3 photos of Chinami, depicting her through the years (all with the same pose). She’s looking mighty fine in her battle concert t-shirt.
maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Recommended reading. Hocchan reviews the latest Haromoni@ and lo and behold, it’s not a Moutube episode! It looks like they’re doing a 2 parter on memory test battles betwee the girls, and this episode had one half of the group battling it out. From the read, it looks to be an interesting episode to catch, and I particularly want to see it just for the moment that Hocchan describes regarding Risa.
Risa’s card on the fifth round turned out to be the most troublesome one of them all. The name of the vegetable was ‘o-o-ku-ro-gu-wa-i’. Risa got the third syllable wrong and it was deemed incorrect. I absolutely adored her “Huh!?” when the narrator went, “Oh?” after hearing her first answer. It was like, “Huh!? Don’t ask me to repeat myself, punk, or I’ll hurt you!”.
maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
WaT - Toki wo Koete ~Fantastic World~
Lex finds this single a considerable improvement over the last for being “simply not as boring” and also finds the B-side better than the lead track.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Satoshi Ohno’s first starring drama role (Tokyograph)
Toma Ikuta to Star Alongside Satoshi Ohno In A New Drama (Semified)
Recommended reading. Arashi’s year continues to get better and better, as Ohno gets a starring role in the drama Maou. No word on whether or not Nino will be his suitcase pimp. Semified has some reactions as well, focused on Toma Ikuta rather than Leader, and finding this a welcome development in his career.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas, Johnny's, News, Recommended • No Comments
Recommended reading. Never mind a world where apes evolve from men - here’s a world where Bakanishi knows how to play chess! Celestia does a particularly great job on this write-up, as she goes through the intricacies of the lavish new PV from KAT-TUN and even fits in a passing bitch-slap of Koki towards the end.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's, Recommended • No Comments
disc review: dir en grey | “in weal and woe” (fanclub only) (2008)
From Go, some snarky captioned screencaps and a general lack of interest for this release. So really, just some snark. But it’s quality snark.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments
They are the BLACK DIAMOND. (97%)
There’s a review of the Double / Amuro Namie song, then a review of the PV. The word “hot” and “sexy” comes up many times, but I’m thinking it could have been used even more.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs • No Comments
Recommended reading. oroitsme considers how much KAT-TUN fans have to spend to get all the KAT-TUNy goodness they can get their hands on, then focuses on the new song and PV from the group - both of which she considers very good. The different formats the single is coming in - and the PV found on the next album - is definitely a huge wallet-gouge, but I’m sure the fans aren’t complaining.
Ray • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's, Recommended • No Comments
Hocchan continues her series of counting Morning Musume members on screen appearances and has Haromoni@ episodes from March 30 to April 13 tallied up. It was a welcome surprise to see that JunJun was able to be in a 3-way tie for first place in one of the episodes.
However, it looks like she’s running out of steam and this series may not continue for much longer.
maiZe • May 10th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Recommended viewing. Intrigued by celestia’s post on Morning Musume and Disney, Chris discovered this performance of Ayaya doing a Disney medley of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah, Bippity Boppity Boo, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. She shares a dance with the one and only Mickey Mouse, and I had no idea that he could play the drums. 
maiZe • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
Momoko Tsugunaga in B.L.T.U-17
Erika Umeda in B.L.T.U-17
Recommended ogling. Hello C-ute has scans of Momoko and Erika who were featured in a recent issue of B.L.T.U-17. They’re some cute pictures of Momoko, but I have to say that Erika is looking particularly lovely in her shots.
Not to take away from these two girls wonderful photos, but looking at these features, I really want Miya and Maimi features too!!
maiZe • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
Ashita wa Ashita no Kimi ga Umareru
Mail no Namida
Ali reviews the two singles for AKB48’s subunit trio, finding the first considerably stronger than the second. The track by track reviews the solo performances for each of the title songs as well.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Pop Idols • No Comments
How weird is it to say that something is vintage, when the performance Some Boys! links to is from this spring? But seeing as 2 members have since graduated, I guess it’s fitting to refer to them as vintage Ongaku Gatas. The clip is from Ongaku Gatas’ first concert DVD which will be released on May 28.
maiZe • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
Actually, it’s three movies and a drama special: Waters, Backdancers, Secret, and Ao to Shiro no Mizuiro. The first stars Oguri Shun, the second stars hiro, Sonim, and DRM’s Hasebe Yu.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas • No Comments
Recommended reading. I never watched the 8th generation auditions for Morning Musume, but from what I can gather from anna’s article, Ayami Masuda was a fan favourite. Well, for those of you who routed for her, it looks like you’ll be seeing a bit more of her for anna reports that she has signed on with Avex.
anna makes an interesting comparison of Koda Kumi and Goto Maki from the 3rd generation auditions. In a few years, it’d be interesting to take a look at where Aika’s career is in comparison to Ayami’s.
maiZe • May 9th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Hello! Project, Noteworthy, Recommended • No Comments
Shirow is thinking about possibly producing some wota t-shirts. He’s got a few designs, and I’m particularly liking the H!P quotes from the English lesson episode of Hello! Morning. It’s also nice to see that International Wota has made it into his early design ideas. I’d definitely wear an IW shirt!
maiZe • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
“Namida no iro”…a taste of C-ute’s flamenco spice!!
Recommended Reading. MorningBerryz has received his copies of C-ute’s ‘Namida no Iro’ and mostly has only good things to say about the release. The only negative point he sees is the lack of line sharing in the release. However, he has an analysis on the vocals in this release and can see why Airi is given so many lines in C-ute releases.
MorningBerryz also reviews the b-side and the Dance Shot PV with a lot of screenshots from the dance shot. I still can’t get over how amazing the girls look for this release. I don’t think I’ll ever stop gushing over this release of C-ute’s.
maiZe • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Eyecandy, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
Last Friends ラスト・フレンズ Ep4 Screen Shots
Kevin is still dead-set against Nishikido Ryo’s wifebeater character but does concede that the psychological complexities unfolding in this episode are intriguing.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas • No Comments
Megumi does a track-by-track review of this five-song release, finding it vocally strong overall though a couple tracks make some questionable musical choices.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Recommended reading. Ali admits that being a Koha fan helps to enjoy the title track of the Milky Way single, but still prefers the c/w track anyways. As for “Resonant Blue”, it receives high marks while the c/w is enjoyed for LinLin’s voice.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project • No Comments
“HEART STATION” - 818K Sold; iTunes JPN Updates
The latest updates on Hikki’s album has it selling over 800,000 physical copies while doing quite strongly on iTunes Japan as well.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Cliff finds good things about the tracks on this single, but it doesn’t match up to the band’s best offerings.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments
DOUBLE & Namie Amuro - BLACK DIAMOND PV (溝のヒロイン)
DOUBLE Featuring 安室奈美恵 “BLACK DIAMOND” (PV). (生きのいい.)
Recommended viewing. Another solid effort from Amuro, this time for Double’s collaboration album. Our own AnyGroove shares the clip, as does Allen, who also has some comments on the video.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Eyecandy, Recommended • No Comments
[Anniversary] Today, We are One
[Article] UFW to Ongaku Gatas: “Fuck You”
Our own Vee reminds us - rightfully so - that Pink Wota is now celebrating it’s one year anniversary. I’m glad Pink Wota has been able to make a good name for itself, and I wish Vee and her slave writers -ha! - all the best for the future. Good job ^^
Firstly, to get this out of the way, a previous Pink Wota post includes a link to an old post of mine. I had to read my old post, of course, because it’s been never since I read my past works. And, well, it’s evident in the writing really, that the voice I find myself with right now is only ever porno-grade. Have I really settled that much? hmmm…Back to Vee’s post. A review of the recent happenings with Ongaku Gatas and the unit in general. What I like about the read here is that these are clearly worries that are easy to sympathise with - points that go across the board. The read isn’t as heated as the title may suggest either, as the considered writing disarms any possible flurry of swear word upon swear word. Beloved melonhead gets a reaction from Vee, and like most, it’s one of longing. Bring her back! The post is, in a nutshell, Vee pondering over the politics without getting messy with it. A good safe but thoughtful bet then. Recommended reading.
wu-san • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
Tackey & Tsubasa “Premium Live DVD-5th Anniversary Special Package-”…just a peak!
MorningBerryz goes through - very briefly - T&T’s latest live DVD, sharing along the way some screen captures, a poll, and a video clip. A little explanation of the three different DVD editions for this release has me thanking myself that I’m not a T&T fan. For the same reason I rarely buy H!P items, there’s just too f****** much.
wu-san • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's • No Comments
Zac gives some background on the former Under17 singer and current soloist. He forgets to mention her recent appearance in Honolulu where some maniac was forcing his baby to become a wota, but I’ll forgive him that omission.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Rythemzone cancel Himitsu’s order of COLOR’s supposed upcoming album. Himitsu then goes onto share that COLOR have actually gone and cancelled this album release themselves. So there’s lots of cancelling going on, then. Oh well. COLOR fans shouldn’t be too upset however, as they have a new single on the way.
wu-san • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, News • No Comments
Paul talks about the latest issue of UTB magazine, as the original ‘Up to Boy’ format has had a revamp -explained by Paul in an earlier post. Now that Paul has his own copy, he talks in brief about the changes and the content involved, including H!P related screen captures et al.
wu-san • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Pop Idols • No Comments
Our own Celestia lets us in on her song listening habbits. Routine. System. Whatever you wish to call it. Regardless, Celestia has a very brutal, unforgiving streak when it comes to sorting through her music. Still, it’s very telling in that, well, now I know how she catalogues her songs etc. Superb! for the nosey then. Celesta goes onto mention a few songs that didn’t quite cut the mustard at first, but end up having that reprisal factor. Recommended reading.
wu-san • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Johnny's, Recommended • No Comments
erhanz shares this release from the popular Johnny’s group, recommending three of the four tracks available in the different editions.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Johnny's • No Comments
Zettai Kareshi絶対彼氏 Ep.3 Screen Caps
Kevin does a synopsis and brief review of this latest episode of the fun new series, and of course the screencaps give a pretty clear idea of what to expect.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas • No Comments
Arashi does a track-by-track review of the latest best-selling album from Hikki. I found her take on “Prisoner of Love” interesting, considering all the buzz it’s getting.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs • No Comments
Recommended reading. Akiramike is thoroughly charmed by this series, enjoying the dynamic between the two leads and the general premise. He finds episode four the highlight of the series, though this may have to do with switching over to less faithful subbing.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Dramas, Recommended • No Comments
Recommended reading. I’m liking this blog from Wendeh a great deal, mostly because it isn’t taking idols very seriously (most of the time) and has a very snappy writing style. The casual use of profanity in the spirit of gleeful fangrilling also appeals to me here, though in other blogs I find it quite distracting. I’m not sure this would fit everyone’s tastes, though I think it’d help if you don’t have a stick rammed up your ass - or, like me, remember to remove that stick before reading.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Hello! Project, Recommended • No Comments
BoA to release “concept single”
So I’m guessing this is like a concept album but not so long. And I’m also guessing that theme of “Vivid” will not be tied into the famous American adult video company… which is a shame, but wouldn’t THAT be great way to crack the American market?
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs, Kpop • No Comments
Koda Kumi - Ai No Uta [37th Single]
Corny isn’t always a bad thing, as blackmager points out in this track-by-track review of the very traditional ballad from Kuu-chin.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Avex Trax, Blogs • No Comments
Shay profiles this relatively new band from Sapporo and their debut album, noting the wife range of styles covered in their sound.
Ray • May 9th, 2008
Blogs, Rock • No Comments